Breast Augmentation Incisions

• The most popular choice with patients.
• Provides the best visibility for the surgeon.
• Any size implant can be inserted.
• Drains are not routinely used.
• Any future revision surgery can be performed through the same scar.

• Leaves a scar in the fold under the breast.  The length of this scar depends on the size of the implant – average is 4.5cm.  Although the scar should hide well in the fold when standing, it is more visible when lying down.
• Not the best option for those with brown or Asian skin because of their tendency to form pigmented scars, or those with a tendency to keloid scarring.

• The breast appearance is not marred by any visible scar.
• Scar is placed in an inconspicuous skin crease within the armpit.
• It offers the best option for those who prefer no ‘tell-tale’ scar.
• Particularly good for brown or Asian skin which has a tendency to form pigmented scars, or those with a tendency to keloid scarring.

• Although any size fillable saline implant can be inserted via this route, the smaller incision limits the size a silicone implant can be inserted.
• Polyurethane Foam-Covered implants cannot be inserted via this route.
• ‘Tear-Drop’ (Anatomical) shaped implants cannot be inserted via this route.
• Drains are always used - these are usually removed on the following day.
• Any future revision surgery would need the infra-mammary route thus leaving a second scar.

Peri-Areolar
(around the nipple)

• Scar is less visible than the infra-mammary approach and is located along the edge of the lower half of the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple).

• The small incision size usually restricts this approach to fillable saline implants but small silicone implants can also be inserted.
• Can sever some of the milk ducts around the nipple and so interfere with future breast-feeding.
• Greater risk of nipple numbness.
• It has been suggested that this route may allow ‘seeding’ of the resident nipple duct bacteria into the implant pocket and thus produce an infection.
• Not suitable for Polyurethane Foam-Covered implants.
• Any future revision surgery would most likely need the infra-mammary route thus leaving a second scar.

Trans-Umbilical
(through the navel)

• Scar is very small and located well away from the breast.

• Not popular or commonly performed in Australia.
• Only suitable for fillable saline implants.
• Difficult to create an aesthetic and refined implant pocket from such a distant entry point.
• Can leave grooves under the abdominal skin from passage of the surgical instrument.
• Any future revision surgery would need to be done through the infra-mammary route thus leaving a second scar.