Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. In 2022, approximately 300,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed on women in the United States alone, according to American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics. Breast augmentation can be tailored in various ways to meet the needs of every patient, including the incision type. This blog will go over the pros and cons of transaxillary breast augmentation to help you decide if this is the right technique for you.
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What Is Transaxillary Breast Augmentation?
Transaxillary breast augmentation is a special technique that uses an armpit incision and an endoscopic system to place saline or silicone implants in the breasts. This technique avoids incisions and scarring on the breasts, making it appealing to patients who desire increased breast volume without obvious scarring. The method is often called “scarless” because, with proper scar care and healing, the armpit incisions are small and nearly invisible.
Pros of Scarless Breast Augmentation
Transaxillary breast augmentation comes with several benefits, including:
Minimal Scarring
No, transaxillary breast augmentation isn’t truly scarless, but the technique offers patients who are concerned about visible scarring a more hidden incision placement. With transaxillary breast implants, a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Adrian Lo will make a small incision in each armpit and use an advanced endoscopic system to accurately place the silicone or saline implants. Since the incision is in your armpits, the scar is hidden within the natural creases of the underarm. This means no visible marks and scars on your breasts. Even better, the scar in the armpit fades over time, making it almost invisible.
Minimized Damage to Mammary Glands
Since the transaxillary breast implant incision is in the armpit, there is little to no damage to the mammary glands. Unlike other incision techniques, such as the inframammary or crease incision, the transaxillary method avoids cutting any breast tissue when creating the pocket for the implant. This reduces the potential risk of issues associated with nipple sensitivity and breastfeeding.
Faster Healing and Recovery
The armpit incision is small, approximately 1 ½ inches long. The scar tends to fade eventually to be almost “invisible,” minimizing concerns related to scar visibility. More importantly, the breast tissue is typically not bruised during the procedure, translating to a quicker and more comfortable recovery. Patients have an easier and faster recovery experience and can usually return to their daily activities sooner than with other breast augmentation methods.
Cons of Transaxillary Breast Augmentation
Slight Limitations on Implant Types
One potential downside for some patients is that it is more suitable for saline implants. Your plastic surgeon can place an empty saline implant in the breast pockets and then fill them once they are inserted. This means that saline implants are easier to place through the armpit incision.
Silicone implants come pre-filled and require more skill in placing through the armpit incision. However, an experienced plastic surgeon can still place a silicone implant using a transaxillary incision. Dr. Lo routinely places silicone implants through the transaxillary incision or armpit approach and uses a special insertion technique with an implant funnel.
Debunking Transaxillary Myths
Here are common misconceptions surrounding the transaxillary breast augmentation procedure.
Loss of Arm Movement
A common misconception is that the armpit incision could impact your arm movement. This is not true, especially if your plastic surgeon is highly trained in this precise technique. The transaxillary incision is made in the natural crease of the armpit, away from crucial muscles. When you choose a properly trained and expert plastic surgeon, there is no risk of this ever happening.
During recovery, it’s important to be gentle when lifting your arms and to avoid stressing the incisions. You might experience slight discomfort in the armpit area, but this is a normal part of healing and will fade over time. You will regain typical arm movement within one week after the procedure.
Overall Safety Concerns
Most patients fear that the transaxillary breast augmentation might cause potential health risks. The truth is that endoscopy-assisted technology enhances accuracy and precision. This reduces the chances of tissue damage or implant asymmetry. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lo, transaxillary breast augmentation is a safe and effective technique that delivers stunning results.
Is Transaxillary Breast Augmentation Safe?
Yes. The transaxillary breast augmentation procedure is safe when performed by a qualified, knowledgeable plastic surgeon. Before your procedure, Dr. Lo will meet with you to hear your concerns and goals and determine whether you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. This consultation is the first step toward achieving the best results and avoiding potential complications.
In addition, transaxillary breast augmentation typically comes with a shorter recovery time for many patients. For instance, most people can return to work three to five days after surgery if they do not have a physically demanding job. You can resume light activity after one week, but heavy lifting and repetitive arm movements should be avoided for about two weeks or until Dr. Lo clears you.
Interested in Scarless Breast Augmentation in New Jersey and Philadelphia?
Are you looking to enhance the size and appearance of your breasts without scarring them? Dr. Lo has extensive experience and has thousands of happy scarless breast augmentation patients. With a personalized approach, he can help you achieve your most desired look. If you are ready to start the journey towards a more confident version of yourself, call (215) 829-6900 or complete our online contact form to request a consultation.