What Is the Inframammary Breast Augmentation Incision Technique? By Dr. Suzanne Yee on February 12, 2016

Dr. Suzanne Yee wants all of her breast augmentation patients to feel absolutely satisfied, and hopefully elated, with their results. To help ensure their satisfaction, she guides them through the many options that can influence their final appearance. Some patients are surprised to learn that there is much more to breast augmentation than just the size, shape, and filling material of their breast implants. It can be overwhelming, and Dr. Yee understands this. With her compassionate guidance and expertise, however, patients come out of the process able to make confident, informed decisions.

One of the aspects over which many patients are surprised to learn they have some influence is the type of incision used to place the breast implants. One of the most popular types of incisions is the inframammary breast augmentation incision. At our Little Rock, AR plastic surgery practice, many patients elect to undergo breast augmentation using this incision technique because it offers such benefits as minimally visible scarring.

Are you a good candidate for breast augmentation using the inframammary incision technique? To find out, please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Yee today.

What Is the Inframammary Incision Technique?

The inframammary fold is the natural crease that occurs where the lower part of the breast meets the skin of the chest. It is more prominent in women with larger, heavier breasts, but most women will notice a quite visible line in this area. The inframammary incision technique involves placing the breast augmentation incision in this fold, where it will be inconspicuous for two reasons:

It will blend in with the inframammary fold, being noticeable only upon close inspection.
It will be obscured by the overhanging tissue of the enlarged breast.

Once the incision is made, Dr. Yee creates a pocket. The breast implant is placed into the pocket via the incision.

What Are the Benefits and Risks of the Inframammary Incision Technique?

In addition to the inconspicuous scarring mentioned above, there are many benefits associated with the inframammary incision technique, including:

The scars are easy to conceal behind even the average bikini top.
There is little risk of damage to the delicate tissues of the nipple and areola because these structures are not involved in this incision technique. Patients are unlikely to lose nipple sensation or have problems with breastfeeding after their breast augmentation.
The incision technique is well suited for women who wish to have larger breast implants placed, as Dr. Yee can make a larger incision without having to worry about leaving a long, visible scar.

There are few risks associated with the technique. However, women who have extremely small breasts may not be good candidates for breast augmentation using the inframammary incision technique as they may not have prominent inframammary folds in which to place the incisions. Also, women who anticipate the possibility of further enlarging their breasts in the future may not wish to use this incision technique as doing so could cause the scars to ride up on their breasts and become visible.