Learn About Breast Surgery Incision Sites: Inframammary Fold, Areola, and Armpit

One of the things many people considering breast augmentation are curious about is how to choose the incision site.

In breast augmentation, the incision site can affect not only the surgical result, but also

the recovery process, scarring, and satisfaction,

so 충분한 information and consultation before surgery are necessary.

In this post, based on an actual interview with the medical team at Globi Plastic Surgery Clinic,

we will take a detailed look at the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of the three representative incision sites for breast surgery: the inframammary fold, areola, and armpit.

Q1. Is there a preferred incision site for breast augmentation?

● Doctor A: “I prefer the inframammary fold incision”

Doctor A said that personally, he prefers the inframammary fold incision.

As for the reason,

he explained, “Recently, implant sizes have been getting larger, and because there is a trend that emphasizes lower pole volume,

the inframammary fold incision is more advantageous for creating a beautiful shape.”

He also added that

although the inframammary fold incision can be relatively stable in shape immediately after surgery,

for younger patients, having a scar under the breast may be burdensome,

so it is better to decide that part after 충분한 consultation.

● Doctor B: “The inframammary fold incision is excellent, but I prefer the areola incision”

From an anatomical and physiological standpoint,

Doctor B explained that the inframammary fold incision is the least damaging and the most surgically advantageous approach.

However, he said that in practice he prefers the areola incision more.

The reason is that the areola incision provides a clear field of view

and makes upward dissection easier, especially in revision surgery.

Another major advantage is

that the position of the inframammary fold can be adjusted flexibly during surgery.

He added that the burden of having to accurately predict and decide the inframammary fold position before surgery is reduced,

and that the ability to respond flexibly during surgery is a strength of the areola incision.

Doctor A also agreed, saying, “The ability to adjust the inframammary fold is one of the major advantages of the areola incision.”

Q2. Then what about the armpit incision among breast surgery incision sites?

Doctor A said the armpit incision is also “a very good surgical method.”

Especially for young, unmarried women,

the scar on the breast itself can feel burdensome,

so the armpit incision is a way to minimize scar concerns,

and he explained that the hospital currently has two high-resolution endoscopic devices,

making endoscopic armpit incisions very precise and safe.

In other words, each of the inframammary fold, areola, and armpit incisions has advantages depending on the situation,

and he summarized that “for today’s generation, all three methods can be good surgical options.”

Q3. Does the breast shape change depending on the incision site?

● Doctor B: “The final result is almost the same”

He said that there may be slight differences in the initial appearance after surgery depending on the incision site,

but the final result can be made to look similar regardless of the incision site.

In other words, although the surgical access route or method may differ, skilled medical staff can

create the desired shape without a major difference in the end.

● Doctor A: “The process is different, but the result is the same”

Doctor A also agreed, saying, “Whether the approach is through the armpit or the inframammary fold,

the goal is the same direction, so the result itself can be considered the same.”

However, because each incision site has differences in surgical access and visibility during the procedure,

the surgical process is slightly different, and as a result there may be differences in recovery and scar location.

Q4. What is the most important standard when choosing an incision site?

Lastly, both doctors said they consider the patient’s opinion the most important.

● Doctor B said

“While the incision site should first and foremost reflect the patient’s request,

if there are impossible or limited situations, such as when the areola is too small or the inframammary fold is too short,

we suggest a different incision.”

● Doctor A emphasized,

“The difference in incision lines ultimately determines where the scar will remain,

so a sufficient explanation and consent for that is important.”

When deciding on the incision site in breast augmentation,

various factors such as implant size, skin condition, body shape, sensitivity to scarring, and whether it is a revision surgery all play a role.

The inframammary fold, areola, and armpit incisions each have clear advantages and disadvantages,

and the result of surgery is influenced more by the surgeon’s skill and the accuracy of the consultation than by the incision site itself.

If you are considering surgery, after fully understanding the various pieces of information,

please decide on the method most suitable for your body together with a specialist medical team.

Glovi Plastic Surgery Clinic is located a 1-minute walk from Exit 4 of Apgujeong Station on Subway Line 3,

at 5F and 6F, EGI Building, 843 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Consultation reservations are available on both weekdays and weekends.

All consultations are conducted privately, one-on-one.

For detailed inquiries and reservations, please leave a message through the channel below.