Can You Get Breast Implants Without an Incision on the Breast?

When you're considering breast augmentation, you probably have plenty of questions about implant size, shape, recovery, and results.

But there's another question many patients don't think to ask until they begin researching surgery:

Where will my incision be?

Most people assume breast augmentation requires an incision somewhere directly on the breast. While that is a common approach, it's not the only option.

For certain patients, endoscopic transaxillary breast augmentation allows the breast implant to be placed through a small incision hidden within the natural crease of the underarm - meaning there is no surgical incision directly on the breast itself.

It's an option many patients don't even know exists, and Dr. Jeffrey Gross now offers this advanced breast augmentation technique at Mays Plastic Surgery.

What Is Endoscopic Transaxillary Breast Augmentation

Let's break downt he name.

Transaxillary simply means the procedure is performed through the axilla - or underarm/armpit.

During a transaxillary breast augmentation, an incision is made within the natural folds of the armpit. Rather than creating an incision on or beneath the breast, the surgeon creates a pathway from the underarm to the breast and places the implant through that incision.

The endoscopic part refers to the technology Dr. Gross uses during the procedure.

An endoscope is a small camera that allows the surgeon to visualize the internal surgical area while working through the underarm incision. This enhanced visualization helps the surgeon precisely create the implant pocket and position the implant.

Once healed, the goal is for the incision to blend discreetly into the natural crease of the underarm.

The Biggest Benefit: No Incision on the Breast

For many patients, this is the most exciting part.

Traditional breast augmentation commonly involves an incision placed in the crease beneath the breast. Other approaches may place an incision around the areola.

With the transaxillary approach, the incision is located in the underarm instead.

That means there is no surgical scar directly on the breast from the augmentation incision.

For a patient who is particularly concerned about visible breast scarring, that can make the endoscopic transaxillary approach an appealing option.

Why Does the Endoscope Matter?

Operating through an incision in the underarm requires a different surgical approach than accessing the breast directly.

The endoscope provides Dr. Gross with a magnified view of the internal anatomy during surgery, allowing him to visualize the area as he creates the implant pocket and places the implant.

This is an important distinction because modern endoscopic transaxillary augmentation isn't simply about where the incision is placed. It's also about using advanced visualization to perform the procedure through that remote incision with precision.

Is the Result Different From a Traditional Breast Augmentation?

The incision may be different, but the overall goal remains the same: creating a breast augmentation result that complements your anatomy and aligns with your goals.

Patients may pursue breast augmentation for many different reasons, including:

• Increasing breast volume
• Restoring fullness lost after pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Restoring volume after weight loss
• Improving breast symmetry
• Creating greater balance with their overall figure
• Simply feeling more confident in their proportions

The best surgical approach depends on much more than where you'd prefer your incision to be.

Your anatomy, existing breast tissue, implant selection, desired result, and whether you need additional procedures all factor into the decision.

Can Everyone Choose the Transaxillary Approach?

Endoscopic transaxillary breast augmentation isn't the right approach for every patient.

You shouldn't feel like you need to determine your incision type before your consultation, either.

During your appointment, Dr. Gross can evaluate your anatomy, listen to what you'd like to achieve, discuss implant options, and determine whether you're an appropriate candidate for the transaxillary technique.

For some patients, another incision or surgical approach may provide a better or more predictable result.

And if your breasts need more than additional volume - for example, if significant sagging or excess skin is present - a breast lift or another procedure may need to be part of the conversation.

What If I Need a Breast Lift, Too?

This is another reason the consultation matters.

An implant can restore volume, but an implant alone doesn't necessarily correct significant breast sagging or reposition the nipple.

If breast position or excess skin is part of what bothers you, your surgeon may recommend a mastopexy, or breast lift, with or without an implant.

Because a breast lift requires incisions on the breast to remove excess skin and reshape the breast, the appeal of a scar-free breast surface from a transaxillary augmentation may no longer apply in the same way.

The goal isn't to choose the technique with the smallest or most hidden incision at all costs.

The goal is to choose the surgical plan that best addresses your anatomy and creates the result you're looking for.

What About Recovery?

Recovery after any breast augmentation varies from patient to patient, and your individual restrictions will depend on your surgical plan.

Dr. Gross and the Mays Plastic Surgery team will provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions so you know what to expect, how to prepare your home, what activities to avoid, and when you can gradually return to your normal routine.

Your follow-up appointments also allow our surgical team to monitor your healing and answer questions throughout the recovery process.

Another Breast Augmentation Option You May Not Have Known Existed

One of the most exciting things about modern plastic surgery is that there isn't necessarily one way to perform a procedure.

Different patients have different bodies, priorities, and goals - and surgical techniques continue to evolve to give appropriately selected patients more options.

For someone interested in breast augmentation who is particularly concerned about having an incision directly on the breast, endoscopic transaxillary breast augmentation may be worth asking about.

You don't have to know whether you're a candidate.

You don't have to know which implant you need.

And you don't have to decide which incision is best before you arrive.

That's what the consultation is for.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gross  at Mays Plastic Surgery to discuss your breast augmentation goals and learn whether the endoscopic transaxillary approach could be an option for you.