Decisions:
Implant Placement and Type of Incisions

If you've made the decision to get breast implants, there are several things you have to consider. Beyond finding the right surgeon and deciding on the type of implant you want, careful planning has to be given to breast incision and placement of your implant. Numerous incision and placement options are available, and it's important to understand each choice fully.

Breast Implant Placement

The two major types of breast implant placement are subglandular enlargement and submuscular enlargement. With subglandular implant placement, the implants are placed under the breast glands. One of the main benefits from this surgery is that recovery time is considerably shorter than with submuscular. Additionally, the procedure is less painful than submuscular enlargement. However, this procedure isn't without its risks. Subglandular placement has a higher risk of capsular contracture than submuscular enlargement.

As its name implies, submuscular implant placement is put underneath the pectoralis major muscle. While the surgery and recovery may last longer, the benefits include less palpable implants, lower capsular contracture risks, and improved imaging for mammography.

Breast Implant Incisions

The three most common breast implant incisions include axillary, periareolar, and inframammary. With axillary incisions, the incision is made under the arm. The main benefit is that it doesn't cause any potential complications with breast feeding. On the other hand, the under arm scar is very visible, and precise placement can be difficult since the incision is so far from the breast.

Periareolar incisions are the easiest to conceal since they're around the nipple. However, they do have the highest risk of breast feeding complications. But since the incision is so close to the breast, the surgeon is able to place the implant with extreme precision.

Lastly, inframammary incisions are made underneath the breast. Since the scar is hidden is the breast fold, it can be fairly easy to conceal. Furthermore, this incision has few complications with breast feeding, making it a highly favorable treatment.

Are you considering breast implants? The key to ensuring satisfactory results is spending the time educating yourself on the procedure. The more you know, the likelier it is that you'll make the decision best for your needs.