With breast augmentation surgery, patients and surgeons have many options to choose from. Some of these options are related to implant specifics such as type (saline or silicone), shape and size. Another option involves implant positioning above or below muscle. Finally, there are options for where to locate the incision through which the implant is placed. At Miami Plastic Surgery, Dr. Max Polo works personally with every patient to help them make these decisions, so that their breast augmentation meets their goals and often even exceeds their expectations.
There are pros and cons of all incision options and one is not best for every patient. The most common incision locations are beneath the nipple at the edge of the areola, or in the fold at the bottom of the breast. A less common option, but one desirable to many patients, is an incision located in the axilla or armpit. Breast augmentation done through this trans-axillary approach is usually performed endoscopically, requiring advanced surgical skills and equipment, and is offered only by select plastic surgeons. Dr. Max Polo is a board-certified plastic surgeon in his 20th year of private practice here in South Florida. He specializes in aesthetic breast surgery and “mommy makeovers” (TheMaxMakeover). Dr. Polo is proud to offer Trans-axillary Endoscopic Breast Augmentation to appropriate candidates at Miami Plastic Surgery.
The trans-axillary approach is ideal for augmentation patients who simply wish to avoid any scarring on the breast itself. It may also be best for those with a poorly defined inframammary fold and with a small areola. In these patients, it may be more difficult to otherwise create a well-hidden scar. The trans-axillary approach is most often used for primary breast augmentation with saline implants. In the hands of a skilled and experienced surgeon however, it may also be used with silicone implants and for secondary augmentation revisions for patients with an existing axillary scar from their previous surgery.
Patient #1 is a 20-year-old pictured before and 3 weeks after trans-axillary endoscopic breast augmentation with 220-240cc silicone implants.
Patient #2 is a 43-year-old with a left breast capsular contracture pictured before and 2 months after trans-axillary endoscopic breast implant exchange and capsulotomy. Her old silicone implants were removed (280-320cc) and new, highly cohesive (gummy bear) silicone implants were replaced (415-450cc) through existing axillary scars.