When performing breast augmentation surgery, a small incision is made for inserting the breast implant. At the end of the procedure, the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches that are placed under the skin. A permanent scar will remain where the incision was made. Typically, the scar will be red in colour for several months and then fade to a thin, pale line.  Usually the scar is very well hidden.

Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

There are three options for the placement of the incision:

In the fold (inframammary)

Photo, right: scar in the breast fold 1 year after surgery

A small incision is made in the natural fold under the breast. The incision is 3cm long when inserting a saline implant and 4.5-5cm long when inserting a cohesive gel implant. This approach leaves the actual breast tissue completely undisturbed. This minimizes any effect on breastfeeding and on nipple sensation.

It is the most direct access to the breast implant pocket, making symmetrical placement of the implants quite predictable.

Around the areola (periareolar)

An incision is made along the pigmented border of the lower half of the areola. The total length of the incision is usually 3-4cm although it will depend on the size of the areola.

Saline implants can easily be inserted through this incision, but unless the areola is quite large, it is difficult to insert cohesive gel implants through this approach.     

This incision is excellent for women with a poorly defined fold under the breast and a darkly pigmented areola. Because of the proximity to the nipple, this approach is more likely to affect breastfeeding and nipple sensation.

In the armpit (transaxillary)

A 3cm incision is made within the hair-bearing skin of the armpit. This approach works well for saline implants, but it is not possible to insert cohesive gel implants through this incision. Implants can only be placed under the muscle from this approach and it may take several months for the implants to settle into a natural-looking position.

Although a scar is avoided on the breast itself, it is important to remember that there will be a scar in the armpit, which may become an issue when wearing certain clothing styles.