Imagine enhanced breasts without visible scars on your breast. The transaxillary incision technique has revolutionized breast implant surgery, offering minimally invasive techniques with numerous benefits.
Over 360,000 women in the U.S. alone chose to enhance their breasts in 2021. But not all augmentations are created equal. The transaxillary approach offers a unique blend of aesthetic finesse and surgical innovation. Before and after images of patients show why many patients are thrilled with the results of their transaxillary breast augmentation
Whether you’re just starting your research or you’re close to making a decision, here is why more and more women are opting for this revolutionary technique.
What is a Transaxillary Incision & How Is It Performed?
The transaxillary incision is a sophisticated surgical method that involves creating a small opening in the armpit’s natural fold to insert breast implants.
The procedure begins with the creation of a small armpit incision, typically measuring 1.5 to 2 inches in length, strategically placed within the natural crease to minimize visibility. This location is carefully chosen to ensure the scar will be as inconspicuous as possible. Then, using specialized instruments, a plastic surgeon creates a tunnel from the incision site to the breast area.
Endoscopic breast surgery techniques are frequently employed in transaxillary procedures, utilizing advanced imaging technology to enhance precision and minimize tissue disruption. An endoscope is a tiny camera that allows us to see inside the body on a video monitor. This gives your plastic surgeon an incredibly detailed view of the surgical site, allowing for precise placement of the implant.
After establishing the pathway, the plastic surgeon meticulously performs the breast implant placement, guiding it through the tunnel to its intended position within the breast tissue. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome, the implant is usually placed below the chest muscle or submuscular. The entire procedure typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hoursand is performed under general anesthesia. Here are some things to know when considering and preparing for your breast augmentation surgery with the transaxillary incision.
7 Benefits of Choosing the Transaxillary Incision for Your Breast Implant Surgery
Benefit 1: Nearly Invisible Scarring
When it comes to any kind of cosmetic surgery, scarring is often a top concern for patients. You’re enhancing your appearance, so the last thing you likely want is a visible reminder of the surgery.
The beauty of the transaxillary incision technique lies in its location. The incision is made in the natural fold of your armpit, an area that’s naturally hidden most of the time.
The transaxillary incision, as it heals, typically evolves into a fine, inconspicuous line, making it an attractive option for those concerned about visible scarring, and leaves no scars on the breast.
The transaxillary technique is often referred to as scarless breast augmentation, as it allows patients to wear revealing clothing without concern for visible chest or breast scars. Comparing this to other common incision types, like the inframammary (under the breast fold) or periareolar (around the nipple) approaches, while these techniques have their merits, they leave scars directly on the breast area.
Benefit 2: Implant Placement: Submuscular Placement Positioning.
One of the key advantages of the transaxillary incision technique is submuscular placement of the breast implant.
Submuscular placement means the implant is positioned beneath the chest muscle. This provides additional coverage, which is especially beneficial for women with less natural breast tissue. It often results in a more natural look and feel, and may reduce the risk of certain complications.
Dr. Adrian Lo considers factors like your body type, the amount of natural breast tissue you have, your lifestyle (including physical activities), and of course, your aesthetic goals in his incision recommendation for breast augmentation. It’s a collaborative process, and Dr. Lo will guide you through the decision-making process to help achieve your aesthetic goals.
Benefit 3: Minimal Disruption to Breast Tissue
Because the entire procedure is performed through that small incision in your armpit, your breast tissue lies virtually untouched. This means there’s less trauma to your breast tissue, which can lead to a quicker and more comfortable recovery.
Most patients post-operatively just take Tylenol or acetaminophen.
Additionally, by preserving the integrity of your breast tissue, we’re maintaining its natural structure and function. This can be particularly important if you’re planning to breastfeed in the future. While no breast surgery is guaranteed to preserve breastfeeding ability, the transaxillary approach may offer a benefit in this regard.
Benefit 4: Reduced Risk of Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a condition where the scar tissue that naturally forms around a breast implant becomes unusually hard and tight. This can cause the breast to feel firm, look distorted, and, in some cases, become painful. It’s one of the most common complications of breast implant surgery, occurring in about 8-18% of cases.
Some studies suggest that the transaxillary technique may be associated with a lower risk of capsular contracture compared to other incision types.
Partial under the muscle implant placement results in an 8-12% lifetime risk of capsular contracture, as opposed to a 12-18% lifetime risk of capsular contracture with over the muscle implant placement. Furthermore, implants that are placed completely under the muscle are associated with just a 4-8% lifetime risk of capsular contracture.
One theory is that by avoiding cutting through breast tissue, less bacteria is introduced into the implant pocket. Bacteria are thought to play a role in the development of capsular contracture, so minimizing their presence could potentially reduce the risk.
Another theory relates to the use of endoscopic techniques in transaxillary surgery. The enhanced visualization provided by the endoscope allows for more precise creation of the implant pocket, which may lead to less irritation and a lower likelihood of contracture.
It’s important to remember that no surgical technique can completely eliminate the risk of complications.
Benefit 5: Quicker Recovery Time
One of the major advantages of the transaxillary technique is that it often leads to a quicker and more comfortable recovery period compared to other breast augmentation approaches.
Since your plastic surgeon is not cutting through breast tissue or disturbing the chest muscles as much, there’s typically less post-operative pain and swelling.
Most patients who undergo transaxillary breast augmentation are able to return to light activities within a few days. However, heavy lifting or strenuous exercise is to be avoided for about 3-4 weeks.
Benefit 6: Suitable for Various Implant Types: Saline & Silicone Implants
The transaxillary technique is versatile enough to accommodate both saline and silicone implants. This means you have options! Let’s explain what this means for you.
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They’re inserted empty and then filled once they’re in place. This is particularly advantageous for the transaxillary approach because it allows for a smaller incision. Once the empty implant is in position, the saline implant is filled to the desired size.
Silicone implants, on the other hand, come pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Many women prefer these because they tend to look and feel more like natural breast tissue. While inserting pre-filled silicone implants through the armpit requires a bit more finesse, it’s absolutely doable with the right technique and experience.
Each type of implant has its own set of pros and cons, and the choice between saline and silicone is a personal one. For example, if you’re looking for a very natural feel , silicone might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer the peace of mind of knowing that a saline implant would simply deflate and be absorbed by your body in the rare event of a rupture, then saline implants would be the better choice.
Benefit 7: Enhanced Precision with Endoscopic Techniques
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about a key aspect of the breast augmentation transaxillary incision – the use of endoscopic techniques.
An endoscope, as mentioned earlier, is a tiny camera that allows us to see inside the body on a video monitor. This enhanced visualization allows for incredibly precise implant placement.
We can see exactly where we’re creating the implant pocket, ensuring it’s the perfect size and shape. This precision can lead to more symmetrical results and can help reduce the risk of complications.
Because your plastic surgeon can see more clearly, they can often use smaller instruments and make more precise movements. This means less trauma to the surrounding tissues, which can lead to a quicker recovery and potentially less post-operative discomfort.
It’s worth noting that not all plastic surgeons use endoscopic techniques for transaxillary breast augmentation. It requires specialized training and equipment. However, we find that most patients in our practice request this approach as the endoscope can attain the most accurate results and does not leave scars on the breast..
Dr. Adrian Lo’s Expertise in Transaxillary Breast Augmentation
Dr. Lo takes a highly personalized approach to each breast implant case. No two patients are alike, and our team believes that customized treatment plans are key to achieving the best results, whether through an axillary approach or another incision. During your consultation, you will have all your questions answered for your breast implant surgery so that you can achieve the result you desire.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule your consultation today at our New Jersey and Philadelphia plastic surgery offices – your transformation awaits!