Weighing The Pros And Cons Of Each Type Of Breast Enhancement Incision

There are three common incision patterns that are used in breast reconstruction, lift (mastopexy) or reduction. These include the anchor, lollipop, peri-areolar, and the crescent. Each one will result in a different type of scar and each makes for a different type of procedure which has its own complications. The anchor incision is made around the bottom portion of the areola and then down to the crease of the breast where a horizontal incision is made. The anchor incision is most often used in breast reduction procedures and second most often in breast lifts. Be aware that this type of incision will produce the most scarring and is most often used in women who have a significant amount of dropping or sagging. The incision lines tend to pucker with this type of incision but this effect can be lessened by wearing surgical tape during recovery.

The lollipop incision is made around the areola and then vertically down to the crease. This type of incision is also known as a keyhole incision and is generally used in breast lift procedures and cannot be used if implants will be inserted during the procedure. This type of incision is often best for women who have a degree of sagging that is too much for the anchor incision and too little for the peri-areolar incision. The peri-areolar incision, also called the donut incision, is an incision made only around the areola. This type of incision is used for breast lifts and/or breast implant procedures. When used in a breast lift procedure, this type of incision produces a result of a rounder breast shape. One drawback of this type of incision is that it can lead to problems with breastfeeding and decrease or eliminate nipple sensitivity.

Lastly, the crescent incision is made along the upper half of the areola and then a crescent shaped portion of skin is removed above the incision line and then reattached to the areola. The crescent incision is used to raise the position of the nipple and areola. Crescent incisions are used when a women has naturally smaller breasts and wants them lifted, with or without implants. This type of incision is least common and typically only used in breast lifts or augmentation when the breast is somewhat sagging.

There are several alternative breast lift and reduction surgeries that do not use any incisions and therefore result in little to no scarring. These include Botox injections and liposuction, be sure to discuss all available options with your doctor and ask any questions about them before deciding on your final procedure.

There are several different types of incisions that can be made for a breast augmentation procedure. These incisions include inframammary, which is along the underside of the breast at the natural crease, transaxillary, which is under the arm and the peri-areolar, which is around the areola, as mentioned above. Many women and their surgeons opt for the inframammary incision because it leaves a less noticeable scar as it is made at the natural breast crease. Surgeons sometimes prefer this method because it is less complicated than the transaxillary which requires that the surgeon insert and endoscope to help guide the implant to its insertion point in the breast area. While the scar is not visible on the breast, the transaxillary incision cannot be used again when the implants need to be adjusted or removed. The inframammary incision can be used again.

Be aware that some surgeons might suggest doing a peri-umbilical approach. This type of procedure involves and incision made in the belly button and then guiding the implant into its final location. This type of procedure is quite risky, as danger increases the farther way from the breast the implant is inserted. The FDA has recently suggested that this type of incision no longer be practiced. If your surgeon suggests this type of procedure you may want to consider getting a second opinion.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/plastic-surgeries-articles/weighing-the-pros-and-cons-of-each-type-of-breast-enhancement-incision-5556548.html