Focus on Breast Augmentation Part 2: Periareolar Incision
Today, we continue Inland Empire Cosmetic Surgery Beauty Education Campaign focused on Breast Augmentation, and we will be learning about the Periareolar incision. As we add more posts, just keep in mind that you’ll be able to click on “Focus on Breast Aug” in the category list to see all of the items we have posted.
Part Two of our Focus on Inland Empire Breast Augmentation: The Periarelor Incision
The incision point is where the surgeon will insert your breast implants. Your surgeon will also use this entry point to create pockets for the implants, and we will discuss further about implant placement in the future. We continue our discussion with the Periareolar incision.
Periareolar Incision
Q. What is the Periareolar Incision?
A. A periareolar incision is a cut made by your surgeon, and the incision is located just below the lower half of the areola (the pigmented circle around the nipple). This incision is fairly common for breast augmentation, breast lift or removal and exchange of breast implants. From this method of entry, a surgeon may create a pocket for a breast implant to be placed over or under the pectoral muscle, depending upon the decision for placement arrived at by the patient and cosmetic surgeon.
You can learn more about the areola on Wikipedia.
Q. What is scarring like from the Periareolar Incision?
A. Scarring varies from patient to patient; however, generally speaking the scar from this type of incision usually blends with the edge of the areolar pigment line. This line, which is the border of the areola against the skin tone of the breast, makes a rather natural line for the scar, and as time progresses post-op the scar heals and blends in very well.
Q. What if I decide I want to have a revision surgery down the road — how does choosing this entry method affect me?
A. One plus, or “pro,” about the periareolar incision is that the insicion can be used again. If for whatever reason you decide you want revision surgery in the future, the surgeon will be able to utilize the same location as an entry point.
Q. With the Periareolar Incision, can I get silicone implants or only saline implants?
A. This is entirely dependent upon your personal anatomy. If it is possible to make a large enough incision within the border of your areola, it is possible to insert silicone implants up to a certain size. Saline implants have the added advantage of not needing to be filled until after insertion, so they are ideal no matter your areolar size.
Learn more about Saline and Silicone Implants at the Mayo Clinic.
Pros and Cons: Summary
The periareolar incision is common and gives direct access to the breast. You have a broader range of options regarding size if you use saline implants with this type of entry method; however, if you wish for silicone implants there is variation regarding what is possible depending upon your own anatomy.
The periareolar incision can have complications, but as many potential complications can be anticipated the effects of this can be minimized. Nonetheless, these complications include potential lessening of nipple sensitivity, which is more pronounced for women with smaller areolas; also, there is a slightly elevated risk of infection at the incision site, but this is usually headed off by an antibiotic treatment.
Finally, some patients in studies have reported increased difficulty breastfeeding after this approach, so if you plan on having children in the future you may wish to consider this possibility.
Q. Is the Periareolar Incision for Me?
A. The only way to know for sure, as outlined above, is to have a consultation. Dr. Farzaneh offers complimentary consultations in his Inland Empire cosmetic surgery office. Either send us an email here or call us at (909) 590-2299 and we can see if this approach is the best option for you. Dr. Farzaneh will also discuss other incision options for you, the best implant type, how to select your size, and any other procedures that may be of interest.