Consumer Guide to Breast Implant Incisions

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

Implants are inserted behind the breast tissue or above the breast muscle, through carefully placed incisions. Since breast augmentation is performed for cosmetic reasons, you and your surgeon will select an incision location that will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Incision location is also based on individual anatomy, your desired outcome, and the size and shape of the breast implants.

Four main types of incisions are used during breast augmentation:

• Inframammary Incision (crease or fold incision)
• Periareolar Incision (nipple incision)
• Transaxillary Incision (transax or armpit incision)
• TUBA Incision (belly button, navel, or transumbilical incision)

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision (crease or fold incision) is placed near the crease where the breast and chest come together.
Learn more about inframammary incisions.

Periareolar Incision

The periareolar incision (nipple incision) is placed along the outline of the areola, or the brown or pink pigmented region surrounding the nipple.
Learn more about periareolar incisions.

Transaxillary Incision

The transaxillary incision (transax or armpit incision) is placed in the natural folds of the skin of the armpit.
Learn more about transaxillary incisions.

TUBA Incision

The TUBA incision (belly button, navel, or transumbilical incision) is made within the navel.
Learn more about TUBA incisions.

After you have throroughly researched breast augmentation on this website, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to decide which incision is best for you.

[page updated May 2008]