Understanding the Benefits and Considerations of Breast Augmentation Transaxillary

Transaxillary breast augmentation places implants through small underarm incisions, helping avoid visible scars on the breasts while using endoscopic guidance for precise placement. Candidates are typically healthy adults over 18 for saline implants and 22 for silicone implants with realistic expectations. Both saline and silicone implants can be used, with saline offering easier adjustment options. Recovery and results depend greatly on the surgeon’s skill and experience. Other techniques, including periareolar and inframammary incisions, are also available, each with its own benefits and risks.

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.

How Does Transaxillary Breast Augmentation Work?

The surgeon makes a small cut in your armpit. It is usually about 1 to 1.5 inches long. That is roughly the length of a paper clip. Through this tiny opening, the surgeon creates a path down to your breast area.

Here is the cool part: the surgeon uses a thin camera called an endoscope. This camera shows exactly what is happening inside, on a screen, so the surgeon can see where the implant goes. This helps prevent mistakes and reduces damage to nearby tissue.

Once the path is ready, the implant is carefully guided through the tunnel and placed either above or below the chest muscle (called the pectoral muscle). Most surgeons prefer under the muscle because it looks more natural and causes fewer issues with mammogram scans later on.

How to Choose the Right Surgeon 

This part matters more than most people realize. Transaxillary augmentation is more technically demanding than standard breast augmentation. The surgeon’s skill with an endoscope is just as important as their general plastic surgery training.

Here are the real questions to ask at your consultation:

• How many transaxillary procedures have you performed specifically? (Look for 50+ regularly, not just a few)
• Have you ever had to switch to a different incision type mid-surgery? If so, why? (A good surgeon will answer honestly)
• What is your plan if you need to revise my results? (Get this in writing)
• Can I see before-and-after photos specifically from transaxillary patients? (Not just breast augmentation generally)

Why Do Women Choose This Technique?

The number one reason is simple: no scars on your breasts. For a lot of women, this is a big deal. Whether you want to wear a bikini, go braless, or simply feel confident without clothes, the idea of having no marks on your breast is very appealing.

The armpit scar hides in the natural crease of your underarm. When your arms are at your sides, it is almost invisible. Even in sleeveless tops, most people would never notice it.

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.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Not everyone is a perfect fit for this method. And that is okay  there are other great options. But here is how to know if transaxillary augmentation might work for you.

You May Be a Good Fit If You:

• Are 18 or older (for saline implants) or 22 or older (for silicone)
• Are in good overall health with no major medical conditions
• Want a modest to moderate increase in size
• Have realistic expectations about results
• Have not had previous armpit surgeries or lymph node removal
• Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding

Suitability for Transaxillary Breast Enhancement

The transaxillary breast augmentation might be ideal for ladies who want to increase their bust size or change its shape using breast implants, without any noticeable scar marks on their breast areas. But, there are certain requirements that must be met before one can undergo this breast augmentation procedure.

When it comes to age requirements, you have to be at least 18 years old if you plan to use saline breast implants, while those aged 22 or above are qualified to use silicone breast implants. Besides, you should be in good health and with reasonable expectations concerning what the surgery will do.

Precision and Limitations: Implant Types and Placement

The procedure of transaxillary breast augmentation provides patients with an option to use either saline or silicone implants to enhance their breast size and appearance by avoiding breast incisions. The advantages associated with transaxillary breast augmentation are as follows:

• No scarring on the breasts
• Reduced possibility of damaging the tissue and nerves
• Quicker recovery than other forms of breast enhancement surgery

Among the different types of breast implants, saline implants tend to fit well into the procedure as they can be filled to the desired size after the surgery is performed.

Despite the advantages, one should still note that surgeons are unable to precisely control the implant placement process, which may make the implant placement process challenging, especially for under-the-muscle implants. Even though it is difficult for the surgeon to control implant positioning, the transaxillary incision allows for placing implants both under and over the muscle, which provides additional benefits such as

Silicone vs. Saline Implants

With regard to breast implant surgery, either saline or silicone breast implants can be inserted into the body through the transaxillary method for breast augmentation purposes; yet, various issues should be taken into account. The benefit of using saline breast implants is that they can be inflated during the process of surgery, and thus allow surgeons to tailor their appearance to achieve better symmetry and a better fit.

For patients who need silicone breast implants, it may pose some difficulties with the transaxillary augmentation due to the pre-filled nature of silicone implants. It may be necessary to use another type of incision in order to insert larger-sized silicone implants. However, the transaxillary approach can accommodate silicone implants up to a specific maximum volume. As far as larger volumes are concerned, ‘no touch’ funnel technique is required to be used when inserting these implants.

Alternative Routes to Breast Enlargement

Although the transaxillary method has its own advantages, there are other breast augmentation techniques that can work better for some patients. They include periareolar and inframammary incisions.

As the name suggests, the periareolar incisions follow the skin and color of the areola for possible camouflage, and implant positioning is controlled precisely. However, this method might produce more visible scars in case of poor healing and involves the risk of damaging milk ducts and nerves, interfering with breastfeeding or affecting nipple sensitivity. Nevertheless, it can be used again in any further operations on the breast.

In turn, the inframammary incision refers to the operation done in the line between the fold below the breast and the chest wall. Although it has an invisible point of access, it does not eliminate the possibility of capsular contracture.

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

There are a number of advantages of transaxillary breast augmentation procedure that are aimed at dealing with the disadvantages connected with this operation. For example, there is a problem of bacterial contamination. However, because of transaxillary incision technique, there is no risk of bacterial contamination since the operation does not touch the breast tissue itself.

As for infections that may occur during this type of surgery, the level is rather low, similar to breast augmentations performed through any other incisions. Besides, it is less possible to face the problem of nipple sensation loss during transaxillary procedure than during periareolar and inframammary technique of breast augmentation.

It is essential to discuss the possibility of further breast procedures with the surgeon.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon for Your Transaxillary Procedure

The effectiveness of a transaxillary breast augmentation surgery largely depends on the skills of the surgeon. Selecting a skilled cosmetic surgeon becomes extremely important. The most qualified plastic surgeons are those who:

• are board certified in doing surgery with endoscopy or with incisions made in the armpit that involve using silicone implants
• have the experience of conducting transaxillary breast augmentation surgeries frequently
• have a good track record

Being skillful in using endoscopy cameras becomes a necessity for plastic surgeons who conduct transaxillary breast augmentations. Local experts such as Nathan Eberle in Fort Lauderdale are helpful resources for people seeking to undergo transaxillary breast augmentation.

Overview

The transaxillary approach to breast augmentation provides a unique way of augmenting breasts, providing the unique benefit of having no scar marks and being aesthetically appealing. This procedure enables accurate placement of implants using only incisions under the armpit, utilizing endoscopy to facilitate the process.

There are, however, some things to consider when undergoing this surgery, such as the possible restriction in the placement of implants and their sizes, among others. It is important to have a complete knowledge of the entire process and discuss all these aspects with a certified plastic surgeon specializing in this procedure before making your final decision. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.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.

2.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.

3.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.

4.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.

5.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.

References

Endoscopic Transaxillary Subpectoral Breast Augmentation – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7938283/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration –  https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-know-about-breast-implants

American Society of Plastic Surgeons –  https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation