Friday, March 29, 2013

Breast Augmentation - A Simple Guide to Incision Options

Choosing from the variety of breast augmentation incision options is one of the toughest decisions a woman will face prior to surgery. Finding the right placement site deals with more than just scaring; rather, the right placement can affect everything from reduced pain and recovery time to more long term issues such as breastfeeding problems and nipple sensation.


For this reason, a woman must educate herself on breast augmentation placement options prior to surgery. The following article will outline some of the various locations as well as the pros and cons surrounding that choice.


1. Inframammary Incision-The location of this scar remains hidden under the fold at the bottom of the breast.


Pros:


* Does not interfere with breastfeeding


* Scar is completely hidden naturally by the breast


* This particular site gives the doctor extra control in the actual placement of the implant.


Cons:


* Wearing a bra can cause irritation to the scar as it rubs up against the breast. This can be painful at first and itchy as the wound start to heal.


* Might not be the best option for previously flat chested women that don't have extra tissue to create that hidden crease.


2. Peri-Areolar Incision-This site goes around the nipple or on the outer edge of the areola.


Pros:


* This incision gives the surgeon more control in making sure the nipples are placed evenly.


* The scar eventually fades to a color close to the areola for minimal visibility.


* A good choice for people undergoing a breast lift at the same time, as a cut must be made around the nipple anyway.


Cons:


* 20% of patients report difficulty breastfeeding with this incision


* There is a small risk of losing sensation in the nipple.


* Chance of nerve damage.


3. Transaxillary Incision-This cut is actually placed in one of the crease lines of the armpit.


Pros:


* The scar remains hidden under the arm.


* Less interference with a bra and clothing during the healing process.


Cons:


* This incision carries a greater risk of uneven placement of the breasts.


* If there is a problem in the future, an addition cut may required.


* Limited to saline implants only. Silicon implants are prefilled and cannot be moved from the armpit incision area to the chest.


4. Trans-umbilical breast augmentation (TUBA)-This site is located at the navel, better known as the belly-button.


Pros:


* No scarring or chance of nerve damage in the breast.


* Patients report less recovery time with this option.


Cons:


* Limited to saline only as silicone implants are unable to move from the incision site to the chest.


* Greater chance of asymmetry as the doctor has less control of placement working from a tube inserted through the belly button.


Clearly, there are a variety of choices when it comes to breast augmentation incision options-each with valid pros and cons behind the particular technique. Therefore, to ensure a woman is making the right decision, she should speak with her doctor about her concerns and plans for her body.


Does she wish to breast feed? Is she concerned about sensation loss? Will she be undergoing additional surgeries at the same time? These are all extremely important questions that can help a woman and her surgeon decide between the breast augmentation options listed above.

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