Choosing the incision method for your breast augmentation will largely depend on your surgeon, personal preferences, and where the implant will be placed. Some methods that are traditional, allow for nearly any type of augmentation procedure to be performed. While others, like the new TUBA, come with some restrictions but leave remarkably minimal scars.



Following are the four incision placements currently performed by cosmetic surgeons and what you can expect from them.

TUBA

It might sound strange, but one available method for implant insertion is by making an incision by the navel and then pushing the implant through a tunnel created in the body fat, placing the implant either below or under the pectoral muscle. The implant is put into place deflated and attached to the tube. Once in place, saline is pumped into it to create the desired size. Out of all the methods, TUBA, or trans-umbilical breast augmentation, leaves the smallest scar, and some believe it has a shorter recovery period as the incision is so minor. However, it is a difficult procedure and few doctors practice it. If you are greatly disturbed by the scarring and incisions of the other methods, TUBA might be an option if you are willing to put in the effort to find a highly-skilled surgeon.

Areola

The areola incision is becoming one of the most popular and widely used methods for breast enhancement. The cut is placed around the edge of the areola, allowing any scarring to blend in easily with the contrasting colors of the breast skin and the darker nipple area. Usually scarring is minimal, but in some cases it can turn fairly white compared with a darker areola, causing a noticeable contrast. Another concern is its effect on nipple sensitivity. Some people find that it may cause temporary or even permanent numbness or increased sensitivity.

Underarm

This is another popular method because it involves no incision near the breast, but rather under the arm. This placement, also known as transaxillary, allows the scar to blend fairly well with the natural lines and folds that occur in the armpit. Depending on how the scar heals, they might be more visible than the traditional method because there are no contrasting colors for it to blend with. Fortunately, most people would not connect a scar underneath your arm with having had breast augmentation. In fact, most people would not be looking at your armpits period.

Traditional

An incision made beneath the breast, in the crease where it meets with the chest wall, is often referred to as the traditional method. This will generally leave a fairly larger scar than the other methods, but in the hands of a skilled surgeon, it should look like the natural folding of the skin crease. This type of cut allows every type of implant placement to be used and in case a revision is necessary, the same incision site can be employed rather than having to create a new one.

Discuss all options with your surgeon. Just because one type of incision sounds appealing does not mean that it will be the best fit for your goals and expectations. Research well and then come to a conclusion.