Is Areolar Breast Augmentation Right for You?

When you undergo breast augmentation with Dr. Henry, she will create an individualized treatment plan. Often, patients focus on choosing the right implant size and material. However, it is also important to select the optimal surgical technique. Dr. Henry can place your implants with several different incision patterns. Areolar breast augmentation, sometimes called periareolar breast augmentation, can be a great choice. Before planning your surgery, Dr. Henry will help you select the right method for you. Whichever one you choose, she will work carefully for beautiful and natural-looking results. To learn more about the areolar breast augmentation incision, contact our San Francisco practice today.

What Is the Areolar Breast Augmentation Incision?

Your areola is the circle of dark-colored skin around your nipple. If you undergo areolar breast augmentation, Dr. Henry will create an incision along the bottom of this area. Through the incision, she will position your implant, either above or below your pectoral muscle. We offer many types of implants, including both saline and silicone options. When explaining the different techniques, Dr. Henry will also help you choose the right type of implant for you. After the implants are in place, she will close up the incisions with sutures.

Benefits of Areolar Breast Augmentation

Areolar breast augmentation is one of the most popular forms of breast enhancement. The benefits of this method include:

• The darker pigmentation and folds of the areola can help to conceal incisions.
• Dr. Henry will be working close to the pectoral muscles. Therefore, she can place the implants with greater precision.
• Remaining scars will be hidden by clothes and swimwear.
• This technique can be used with both saline and larger silicone implants.
• Dr. Henry can use this method in conjunction with a breast lift.
• Areolar placement can keep implants from shifting later on.

Disadvantages of Areolar Breast Augmentation

Although areolar augmentation has many benefits, the approach also has some drawbacks. It is important to be aware of these disadvantages so that you can make an informed decision about your care. The difficulties include:

• There is a slight risk that you will lose some sensation in the nipples.
• Some studies indicate that areolar incision has a higher risk for capsular contracture.
• The incisions may affect your ability to breast feed.

Your Other Options

If you determine that the areolar method is not right for you, Dr. Henry can create incisions in two additional areas. If you select inframammary placement, Dr. Henry will create incisions just under the folds of your breasts. This approach will give your surgeon the most control over your procedure. However, it may not be a good option if you have very small breasts. In some cases, Dr. Henry may recommend transaxillary incisions. With this technique, she will create incisions inside your armpits. Though scars will be virtually undetectable, she cannot use this approach to place silicone implants.

Learn More about Your Breast Augmentation Options

The right surgical process will depend on your cosmetic goals, natural body type, and the kind of implants you have chosen. Contact our office today to learn more about the different incision patterns and find out which one may be most appropriate for you.