Considering a way to enhance your figure without visible scarring on the breasts? Breast augmentation transaxillary offers this unique benefit by utilizing incisions hidden in the underarm. Discover how this technique works, who qualifies for it, and what recovery entails, without committing to a full guide just yet. This article introduces what you can expect from choosing a breast augmentation transaxillary approach for your breast enhancement needs.
Key Takeaways
- Transaxillary breast augmentation involves a small incision in the underarm, allowing for breast implant placement without visible scars on the breasts, and utilizes endoscopic visualization for precise implant placement.
- Candidates for transaxillary breast augmentation should be over 18 for saline and 22 for silicone implants, in good health, and have realistic expectations; both saline and silicone implants can be used, with saline offering flexibility in adjustment.
- There are alternative breast augmentation methods such as periareolar and inframammary incisions, each with distinct advantages and potential risks; success of the transaxillary procedure heavily relies on the surgeon’s expertise and experience.
Exploring Transaxillary Breast Augmentation
Transaxillary breast augmentation stands out in the realm of cosmetic procedures due to its innovative approach to breast enhancement. Rather than making incisions on the breast, the transaxillary method involves making a small incision, typically an inch to an inch-and-a-half long, in the underarm.
You might be curious about how the breast implant is placed via an armpit incision. This process leverages the power of endoscopic visualization. The surgeon employs an endoscope to oversee the implant’s placement beneath the pectoral muscles, which guarantees accurate positioning and minimal trauma to the breast tissue.
The leading benefit of this technique is its aesthetic advantage. The incisions are purposely placed within the natural fold of the armpit, making them inconspicuous and preserving the aesthetic appeal of the breast. This unique approach contributes to the popularity of transaxillary breast augmentation among those desiring subtle breast enhancement.
Hidden Scars and Aesthetic Gains: The Appeal of Armpit Incisions
Transaxillary breast augmentation truly shines in its ability to leave no visible scarring on the breast tissue. This is because the incisions are made in the armpit, rather than on the breast itself. With this technique, the incision is strategically placed to blend with the natural creases of the armpit. This allows for aesthetic gains and the ability to wear any type of clothing without the worry of visible scarring.
For those desiring a more discreet breast augmentation, the armpit incision is highly favored for armpit breast augmentation. It ensures that no scars are left on the breast, allowing you to enjoy your enhanced figure without any tell-tale signs of a cosmetic procedure.
The Healing Process
Effective postoperative care is instrumental in ensuring the success of the transaxillary breast augmentation and promoting armpit incision heal. This regimen includes daily cleansing and application of antibiotic ointment, which aids in maintaining cleanliness of the incision and curtailing the risk of infection.
It’s important to tread carefully during the initial days following surgery. Shaving underarms can be resumed with caution after four to five days, considering the raised incision line. With proper care and time, transaxillary breast augmentation scars may fade to near invisibility, further adding to the aesthetic appeal of this procedure.
Suitability for Transaxillary Breast Enhancement
Transaxillary breast augmentation surgery may be a perfect choice for women aiming to enhance their breast size or modify their shape with breast implants without conspicuous scars on the breasts. However, there are specific prerequisites to be fulfilled to qualify for this breast augmentation procedure.
In terms of age qualifications, you need to be 18 years or older for saline implants and 22 years or older for silicone implants. Furthermore, candidates must be in good health with realistic expectations about what the surgery can achieve. It is always advisable to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to ascertain your suitability for the procedure.
Precision and Limitations: Implant Types and Placement
Transaxillary breast augmentation offers the flexibility to place either saline or silicone implants, enhancing bust size and shape without direct breast incisions. Some benefits of transaxillary breast augmentation include:
- No visible scars on the breast
- Less risk of damage to the breast tissue and nerves
- Faster recovery time compared to other breast augmentation techniques
Saline implants are particularly suited for the transaxillary approach as they can be filled during surgery to the desired size, allowing more flexibility in terms of final breast volume.
Nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning that surgeons might have less control over the accurate positioning of implants with the transaxillary technique, potentially complicating placement, particularly under the pectoral muscle. Despite these control limitations, implants placed through transaxillary incisions can be positioned either above or usually below the muscle, offering added benefits like a more natural appearance and less interference with mammogram examinations.
Silicone vs. Saline Implants
Considering breast implant surgery, both saline and silicone breast implants can be inserted through a transaxillary incision for breast augmentation, but there are distinct factors to consider. Saline implants offer surgical flexibility, as they can be filled post-insertion. This enables the surgeon to fine-tune for symmetry and volume, resulting in a more customized outcome with saline and silicone implants.
On the other hand, patients desiring silicone implants may face limitations with transaxillary augmentation due to the prefilled nature of silicone implants. Larger sizes might require alternative incision techniques for successful placement. However, the transaxillary approach can accommodate silicone implants up to a certain volume limit. For larger volumes, specialized techniques, such as the ‘no-touch’ funnel technique, are used to insert them through the armpit incision.
Alternative Routes to Breast Enlargement
While the transaxillary method offers its unique benefits, there are alternative options for breast augmentation that could better suit some individuals. These include periareolar and inframammary incisions.
Periareolar incisions blend with the texture and color of the areola for potential camouflage and allow precise control over implant placement. However, they may result in more conspicuous scars if they heal poorly and carry the risk of severing milk ducts and nerves, which could affect breastfeeding and nipple sensation. Despite these risks, periareolar incisions can be reused for future breast surgeries.
The inframammary incision, on the other hand, is made along the crease under the breast. While it provides a discreet location for the incision, it may not reduce complications like capsular contracture. Both these methods offer their unique advantages and potential risks, which should be carefully considered alongside the transaxillary technique when deciding on the best route for breast enlargement.
Post-Procedure: Recovery and Results
Recovery from transaxillary breast augmentation involves certain activity limitations and rest in the initial period post-surgery. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Rest extensively in the first 24 hours
- Minimize strenuous activities for four to six weeks
- Peak discomfort typically occurs around the second or third day
- Avoid sleeping on the chest for six to eight weeks
- Prop up at a 45-degree angle for comfort
Postoperative pain might be mitigated with prescribed pain medication, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and other approved methods discussed prior to surgery recovery. Following their surgeon’s guidelines, patients may be instructed to wear or not wear a bra during recovery, and most are able to return to work after three days, unless the job is physically demanding.
In terms of results and implant longevity, silicone implants may last up to ten years. If issues like rupture occur, removal and replacement are recommended. Persistent discomfort or lymph node enlargement in the armpit area may signify a need for further medical intervention.
Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Transaxillary breast augmentation addresses several common concerns associated with breast augmentation procedures. One such concern is bacterial contamination. Thanks to the underarm incision approach, the risk of bacterial contamination is reduced as it does not come into contact with breast tissue.
In terms of infection risks, they are low with transaxillary incisions, with rates consistent with other breast augmentation methods. Additionally, compared to periareolar and inframammary incision methods, the transaxillary approach is less likely to result in the loss of nipple sensation, preserving one of the key sensory aspects of the breasts.
Patients should consult with their surgeon regarding the potential for future breast surgeries and the viability of using the existing transaxillary incisions for revisions.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon for Your Transaxillary Procedure
The success of a transaxillary breast augmentation procedure hinges significantly on the surgeon’s expertise. Choosing a competent plastic surgeon is vital; the best candidates should be:
- board-certified with specialization in endoscopic or armpit techniques utilizing silicone implants
- experienced in performing transaxillary breast augmentations regularly
- with a history of successful results
Proficiency in utilizing endoscopic camera technology is essential for surgeons performing transaxillary breast augmentation, ensuring precision and patient safety.
Local specialists like Nathan Eberle in Fort Lauderdale can serve as resources for those seeking a transaxillary breast augmentation, emphasizing the value of regional expertise.
Summary
Transaxillary breast augmentation offers a unique approach to breast enhancement, offering the distinct advantage of hidden scarring and aesthetic appeal. With the use of underarm incisions and endoscopic technology, this procedure allows for precise implant placement without leaving visible scars on the breast.
However, like any surgical procedure, it has its unique considerations, including potential limitations in implant positioning and size, and requires careful postoperative care for optimal healing. Therefore, making an informed decision, based on a comprehensive understanding of the procedure and a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon specialized in this technique, is crucial to achieving the desired outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is transaxillary breast augmentation?
Transaxillary breast augmentation involves making incisions in the underarm to place the breast implant, providing the benefit of no visible scarring on the breast. It’s a type of breast enhancement surgery.
Can both saline and silicone implants be used in transaxillary breast augmentation?
Yes, both saline and silicone implants can be used in transaxillary breast augmentation, but larger sizes of silicone implants may require specialized techniques.
What are the alternatives to transaxillary breast augmentation?
Some alternative options for breast augmentation include periareolar and inframammary incisions, each with its own benefits and risks to consider carefully.
What does the recovery process look like after transaxillary breast augmentation?
The recovery process after transaxillary breast augmentation involves resting in the initial post-surgery period, avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks, and following the surgeon’s specific guidelines on sleeping positions and bra usage. It’s important to adhere to these instructions for a smooth recovery.
What are the qualifications to look for in a plastic surgeon for this procedure?
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in endoscopic or armpit techniques with silicone implants, who has a history of performing transaxillary breast augmentations regularly and achieving successful results.
