What You Need to Know About Transaxillary Incisions

Reviewed by Scott R. Miller, MD, FACS and by Michael Olding, MD, FACS

A transaxillary incision (transax or armpit incision) is one type of incision used in the placement of implants for breast augmentation.

The transaxillary incision is placed in the natural folds of the skin in the armpit.

Breast Area Anatomy Relative to the Transaxillary Incision

The breast comprises a complex group of tissues, including glandular, fatty, and fibrous tissues. The breast is positioned over the pectoral muscles of the chest wall and is attached to the chest wall by fibrous strands called Cooper's ligaments.

The breast extends as high as the collarbone, as far in the middle of the chest area as the breastbone, and as far toward to outside of the chest area as the armpit. When lying down, the armpit is immediately below the breast.

How is the Transaxillary Incision Performed?

To perform the transaxillary incision, the incision is made in the natural folds of the armpit tissue, then a channel is created up to the breast. This procedure is sometimes performed with an endoscope, or a small tube with a surgical light and camera embedded in the end, to provide visibility through the channel. The implant is inserted and moved through the channel, then positioned and centered behind the nipple.

Advantages of the Transaxillary Incision

The biggest advantage with the transaxillary incision is that the scar is not on the breast. This incision can be used to place the implant in any of the three positions:

• Subglandular
• Partial submuscular
• Complete submuscular

Consult a Surgeon

Each individual's situation is unique, and this incision may or may not be the best one for you. Be sure to discuss the advantages of each incision option with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

[page updated June 2008]