Silicone Implants Through an Armpit: Is That Possible And Safe?
For individuals considering breast augmentation, understanding the “transaxillary incision” technique is beneficial. This technique involves inserting silicone implants through an incision made in the armpit. While this method is viable, it’s important to recognize that not all plastic surgeons offer it.
Why?
In general, many surgeons opt for saline implants when utilizing the transaxillary incision method. Saline implants are less rigid than silicone implants and are inserted empty, which reduces potential risks. This ease of maneuvering through the incision makes them particularly suitable for less experienced surgeons.
However, under the expertise of a seasoned plastic surgeon like Dr. Luis Macias, the insertion of silicone implants through an armpit is both safe and efficient. We understand the significance of your upcoming surgery. We are committed to addressing all your concerns with thorough explanations. This ensures that no questions are left unanswered.
Understanding the Procedure: Dr. Macias’ Approach to Transaxillary Breast Augmentation
Surgeons discreetly place the incision for transaxillary breast augmentation within the natural crease of the armpit. This ensures the scar remains hidden and nearly undetectable.
After the incision, Dr. Luis Macias creates the pocket for precise placement.
How Transaxillary Usually Works with Saline Implants?
Surgeons insert the unfilled saline implant through the armpit incision, filling it to the desired volume. Once filled, they check the saline implants for size and position, then remove the fill tube, allowing the implants to seal automatically.
How Can Dr. Macias Do Transaxillary Also with Silicone Implants?
At Aesthetic MdR, you can confidently opt for silicone implants for your transaxillary incision. Dr. Luis Macias, a double-certified plastic surgeon, excels in achieving natural-looking breast augmentation. He uses various methods and materials, including transaxillary placement with silicone implants.
The technique involves making incisions in both armpits and inserting silicone implants without the need for additional equipment. Dr. Macias ensures precise positioning and symmetry before closing the incisions, resulting in minimal scarring. It’s important to discuss the appropriate implant size and material with Dr. Macias based on your body proportions before making a decision. Additionally, you can explore testimonials from satisfied patients who have undergone successful surgeries.
What Are the Advantages of Armpit Incision over Others?
Women who desire natural-looking breasts without visible scars often opt for transaxillary breast augmentation. It’s a popular choice among them. Surgeons make the incisions in the armpits, ensuring no scar lines form around your nipple or under your breast.
Moreover, surgeons make incisions in the vertical folds of your armpit, making them difficult to detect, even if someone knows what to look for. This means you can confidently wear swimsuits and revealing clothes without worrying about visible scars.
Another advantage is the low risk of damaging nerves or milk ducts during the procedure. Since the incisions are made far from your breasts, there is less chance of affecting sensitive tissues. This also means less pain and faster recovery time for patients compared to other methods of breast augmentation.
What Are the Disadvantages of Armpit Incision?
One of the main drawbacks is the limited access to the breast pocket for placing implants. This method can make achieving symmetry and desired results more challenging for surgeons compared to methods with incisions closer to the breasts. In some cases, surgeons may need additional incisions to properly adjust and position the implants.
As mentioned above, smaller incisions are usually made in the armpits, limiting the size of implants that can be used. While this might not be an issue for women seeking smaller-sized implants, those desiring larger and more dramatic results may need to explore other options.
Are You a Good Candidate for Armpit Incision?
At Aesthetic MdR, it’s possible to try on implants before the surgery. A special Vectra 3D simulation technology allows you to see the expected outcome of the procedure, including different implant sizes and placement options.
The 3D cameras take images of your treatment areas (from very different angles); after that, the software processes those images and shows you accurate images of how the final results will look. You can switch between implant sizes, forms, and materials with the software to compare them in real-time.
It’s common for women to hesitate until they have all the necessary information about a procedure before committing to it. That’s why we recommend consulting with Dr. Macias about every detail of the upcoming surgery so you can make an informed decision.
Contact Aesthetic MdR for more.
The Best Method for Natural Results When Inserting Implants Through an Armpit
When surgeons perform breast augmentation in the subfascial plane, placing the implant under a layer of connective tissue that covers the chest muscle, the results tend to look more natural. It gives patients a more aesthetically pleasing and proportionate shape with natural-looking cleavage.
As natural anatomy does not have breast tissues under the muscle, placing an implant above the muscle is the most natural way of implant placement.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
Surgeons usually perform the procedure under general anesthesia, taking 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity. The surgeon makes a small incision in the crease of your armpit and creates a tunnel to insert the implant. After placement, the incision is closed with sutures.
There won’t be a need to remove sutures after some time as they will dissolve on their own.
After the procedure, you will need to wear a surgical bra for a few weeks to support your breasts during healing and maintain proper positioning of the implants.
The surgeon may also recommend wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling and promote healing.
What’s the Recovery Process After Transaxillary Breast Augmentation?
Transaxillary breast augmentation has a shorter recovery time compared to other techniques because it avoids incisions on or near the breasts. However, it’s still important to avoid strenuous activities for at least 1 week after surgery to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
Most women return to full exercise at four weeks, while before that, they can slowly start light everyday activities like pushing and pulling but still avoid heavy lifting.
At four to six weeks post-surgery, you will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to ensure healing is progressing well and address any concerns. That’s the period when you can resume all your normal activities without restrictions, as there is no need for any special care anymore.
It’s important to note that scars from the incisions will fade and become less noticeable over time, usually within 6-12 months.
What Are the Risks of Transaxillary Breast Augmentation?
As with any surgery, transaxillary breast augmentation carries risks. However, you can minimize these risks by choosing an experienced surgeon who regularly performs breast augmentation through the transaxillary incision.
This procedure requires a trained and skilled surgeon who knows the anatomy of the armpit area well. It involves creating a tunnel under the skin to insert the implants. This is done in the area where visibility and incision are minimal.
Especially for those who have darker skin, which means scars may be more noticeable, transaxillary breast augmentation can offer a great alternative to other incision options.
Overall, the risks of transaxillary breast augmentation are similar to other types of breast augmentation surgeries and are considered safe with proper care and monitoring.
These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Complications related to anesthesia
- Allergic reactions to medication or materials used during the procedure
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Asymmetry of the breasts
Implants Via the Armpit: Final Thoughts
Inserting an implant through an armpit is a common method for breast augmentation surgery, involving a vertical incision in the armpit area to place the implants. This method offers several advantages, like less surgical scarring, lower risk of losing nipple sensation, and faster recovery time.