The inframammary approach to breast augmentation surgery allows your plastic surgeon the greatest visibility while dissecting an implant pocket, and as such, allows greater precision and control of symmetry. The inframammary incision is placed in the fold under the breast, in the breast fold, and tends to be more noticeable for two reasons. It is typically larger than other types of breast incisions. It has a tendency to migrate as the implant settles up or down, and its final resting place is less predictable.
The periareolar incision goes around the nipple. It is less noticeable, smaller than the inframammary incision, and if a lift is required later in time, it may be utilized again. Its disadvantages in breast enlargement surgery are a higher infection rate (because the cut goes through breast tissue), possible difficulty in breastfeeding, and the risk of decreased sensation in breast skin and nipple sensation.
Placing the incision in the axilla (underarm) allows for a smaller incision. It is useful when there is not much breast tissue present to begin with, and thus no prominent breast fold, and when the nipple-areola complex is small. It is not as well concealed as the periareolar incision, gives less control in terms of the ability to feel around the breast pockets in assuring symmetry, and placement of silicone breast implants will necessitate a larger incision which may be less pleasing.
The peri-umbilical incision is placed at the top of the belly-button. Its obvious advantage is a lack of scars on, around, or near the breasts. Its disadvantages are blind dissection, making asymmetry more common, and making the likelihood of one side being submuscular and the other subglandular more likely. If an undesirable result is obtained, a new incision will be needed to correct the problem. It may also damage the breast implants, and cannot be used with pre-filled silicone breast implants.
