Why Choose the Areolar Breast Augmentation Incision?

Women who feel insecure about the appearance of their breasts may find breast augmentation can help them achieve their goals of shapelier, fuller breasts. Breast augmentation can improve the appearance of the breasts to help women feel more confident. There are different factors to consider, all of which can affect the final results of breast augmentation. The incision type plays an important role in the end result because the incision location determines where scarring may be visible. To find out if the areolar breast augmentation incision is right for you, contact Fairfield, CT plastic surgeon David Passaretti.

Breast Augmentation Using the Areolar Incision

The areolar incision, also called the peri-areolar incision, was created to minimize the appearance of scarring. With this approach, scarring is hidden along the border of the areola, the darker tissue around the nipple, where the breasts are naturally different color.

During breast augmentation using an areolar incision, a small incision is made along the edge of the areola. The breast implant is then inserted through the incision and placed over or under the chest muscle. Once the appropriate placement is achieved, the incision is sutured closed.

Recovery after Breast Augmentation

As with any surgery, patients will require some down time, about a week for most patients, before returning to work or other normal activities. Although many patients feel well enough to return to their normal activities a week after surgery, a full recovery will take longer, about six weeks, so patients should be careful not over exert themselves while they heal.

During the initial recovery, patients can expect some pain, swelling, and bruising. The breast tissue and chest muscles may also feel tender and uncomfortable as the body adjusts to the newly placed breast implants. Pain medication and ice packs can alleviate pain and reduce swelling as the body heals.

The Advantages of the Areolar Incision Technique

The areolar incision technique offers some advantages over other breast augmentation incision types. Many breast augmentation candidates choose the areolar incision for the advantages offered by this technique, including:

• Implants can be placed in any plane: The areolar incision enables surgeons to place breast implants in any plane, whether it's over the chest muscle, partially under the chest muscle, or fully under the chest muscle.
• Scarring is hidden: Areolar incisions help mask breast augmentation scars within the border of the areola.
• Provides greater implant control for placement: The areolar incision enables greater control of implant placement, reducing the risk of breast asymmetry. 

The Disadvantages of the Areolar Incision Technique

Though minor, there are some risks and disadvantages associated with the areolar incision, including:

• Increased risk of infection: There's a slight increased risk of infection with the areolar incision technique. This is because the breast implants are passed through the milk ducts, which naturally harbor bacteria.
• Loss of nipple sensation: Some patients may experience loss of nipple sensation after breast augmentation using an areolar incision. In most cases, loss of sensation is temporary, however, some may experience permanent loss.

Are You a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Many women who are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts make good candidates for breast augmentation. To find out if breast augmentation is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Passaretti.