When women are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts, the best treatment option is breast augmentation surgery. Breast augmentation surgery can improve the size and shape of flat, asymmetrical, and small breasts, producing a look that just about every patient desires. While many women know they want to undergo breast augmentation surgery, what some women don't understand is that there are various breast augmentation techniques that can be performed. The technique that is best for each individual varies, depending on her body type and cosmetic preferences. In this blog post, we provide general information about the transaxillary breast augmentation technique.

What Is the Transaxillary Breast Augmentation Incision?

Transaxillary breast augmentation is one of the breast augmentation incision techniques through which the breast implant is placed. During a transaxillary breast augmentation, the incision is placed in the armpit. The incision is generally small and hidden well in the armpit. In fact, the incision site is usually only one inch long.

During the procedure, the incision is made in the armpits. A tunnel is created from the armpit to the breast pocket. The breast implants (either saline or silicone) are then placed into the body through the incision, and moved into the breast pocket through the tunnel that was created. Plastic surgeons are able to ensure precision by using a small camera to guide the implant. This helps the surgeon to see exactly where the implant should be placed.

Why Do Patients Choose Transaxillary Breast Augmentation?

With the transaxillary incision, there is absolutely no scarring on the breasts. After the surgery is complete and the incision heals, it is barely noticeable. For women who are interested in only leaving incision marks in the less visible armpit area, transaxillary breast augmentation is the way to go.

Is This Procedure Difficult?

The second question many patients have is whether or not this procedure is more difficult than the typical techniques that involve the placement of incisions on the breast tissue itself. For less experienced surgeons, it is easier to create the breast implant pocket when the incisions are made on the breast (with the inframammary or areolar techniques). The breast incisions provide excellent visibility for the surgeon when creating the implant pocket. Most surgeons are able to more precisely place implants when the breast incisions are used.

That said, experienced plastic surgeons that have performed many surgeries using the transaxillary incision achieve comparable results to the breast incision procedures. The use of the endoscope camera provides the surgeon with good visibility when placing the implant.

Is it Painful?

Many patients wonder if the transaxillary technique is a more painful approach to breast augmentation. The answer to this question is no. The discomfort is similar to other breast augmentation techniques, but can be quickly eliminated with the use of a pain medication for about a week.

For more information about the transaxillary breast augmentation technique, and to find out which approach is best suited to your needs, contact Paul Pin, MD, today.