One of the biggest concerns of women who are considering breast augmentation is the amount of scarring that may result from the incision. There are several different techniques that are available, but the inframammary incision technique is by far the most popular.

What Is an Inframammary Crease Incision?

The incision is made under the breast, in the inframammary crease. This is the point at which the bottom of the breast meets the chest wall. The incision will be between 1.5 cm and 5 cm long. However, the scar is usually hidden underneath the breast, along the lower curve of a bra or bikini top. Once the incision is made, Dr. Paul Pin will create a pocket within the breast tissue. The breast implant will then be properly positioned in this pocket so that it is directly behind the nipple. The implant can be placed either in front (subglandular) or behind (subpectoral) the pectoral chest muscles.

What Are the Advantages of the Inframammary Crease Incision Technique?

The inframammary technique offers a number of benefits, including:

• Direct placement: The inframammary technique allows for direct placement of the implants, unlike the other techniques, which require approaching the breast from areas such as the armpit (transaxillary), nipple (peri-areolar), or belly button (transumbilical). This greatly increases the likelihood that the implants will be placed properly and achieve good symmetry. It also makes it easier to ensure that saline implants are filled to the same volume. Problems with malpositioned breast implants are less likely with the inframammary technique.
• Nipple sensation: Patients are more likely to retain nipple sensation, unlike with the peri-areolar approach.
• Reduced risk of infection and hematoma: The inframammary technique has a relatively low risk for infection or hematoma, as opposed to the transumbilical technique.
• Inconspicuous scarring: The scar from the inframammary technique will be far less visible than those from a transaxillary approach, which may be visible if the woman raises her arms or wears a sleeveless outfit.
• Incision site can be re-used: If there is a need for a revision breast augmentation procedure, such as to correct for implants that have shifted too far either vertically or horizontally on the chest wall, the same inframammary incision site can be used again, eliminating the possibility of a second incision site, and thus another set of scars.
• Versatility: The inframammary technique is the only one that can be used with saline or silicone implants of any size. The other approaches can be done with smaller silicone implants, as well as saline implants, which are filled once they are placed into the breast.

Each patient will have different needs and requests. Some may want saline implants, while others prefer silicone implants. Some patients desire implants of a specific volume or profile. Still others may have a preference for having implants placed either in front or behind the pectoral muscles. Dr. Pin will go over each option with patients at the initial consultation to help them find the best possible solution that both meets their needs and is safe and effective.

To schedule a breast augmentation consultation, contact Dr. Pin's practice.