A Complete Guide to Breast Augmentation Surgery Methods: Incision Sites, Scars, and Recovery Time Differences

Breast Augmentation Surgery Methods: Incision Sites

A Complete Guide to Scars and Recovery Time Differences

Many people consider breast augmentation surgery

for a confident silhouette and fuller curves.

Unlike in the past, more people these days

are considering natural-looking results

and balanced body lines.

In other words, the key goal is not simply to increase volume,

but to create harmony with the overall silhouette,

so it is important to choose the surgical approach

according to each person’s anatomical conditions.

Today, we have organized information on the incision locations,

scars, and recovery process for breast augmentation surgery methods

that are useful to know for satisfying breast surgery results.

Types of breast augmentation surgery methods

Breast augmentation implants can be broadly divided into

the implant insertion method and the autologous fat grafting method.

When using implants,

it is a preferred method because it can provide a clear change in volume.

Since an implant is placed inside the body,

the body may recognize it as a foreign substance and show an excessive defense response,

or side effects such as implant rupture may occur.

On the other hand, autologous fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat,

so there is less foreign-body sensation.

It involves harvesting fat from areas such as the thighs or abdomen

and grafting it into the breasts, so the incision site is relatively small.

However, there is a limit to the volume that can be achieved in a single procedure,

so additional procedures may be needed,

and results can vary depending on the fat survival rate.

Because each method has clear characteristics and limitations,

rather than saying one surgery is simply better than another,

the breast augmentation method should be chosen according to your body type,

skin elasticity, and desired image.

Before surgery, it is important to have thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon

to establish a personalized plan.

Surgical methods according to breast augmentation incision site

If you choose implant insertion,

the process of considering the breast augmentation incision method is important.

It can be divided into three types:

underarm, inframammary fold, and areola.

👉 Underarm incision

The underarm incision method involves making an incision along the inner fold of the armpit

and inserting the implant.

Because the incision is made along the underarm crease,

the scar becomes less noticeable over time,

which is an advantage.

However, because the dissection range passes through the pectoralis major muscle,

arm use is restricted, which can cause significant discomfort,

and pain may occur.

A downside is that the recovery period is long, about 2 to 3 weeks.

👉 Inframammary fold incision

The inframammary fold incision method involves making an incision along the fold under the breast

to insert the implant.

With accurate dissection, even complex surgeries such as dual-plane techniques

can be performed safely.

Because there is less muscle damage, pain is relatively minimal,

arm use is unrestricted,

and it is a good incision method for people with asymmetry in the inframammary fold.

As for scars, when standing or facing forward,

the fold is hidden and not easily visible,

but when lying down or viewed from below,

they can be more noticeable.

👉 Areola incision

The areola incision method involves making an incision around part of the areola

to insert the implant.

It has the advantage that the scar is not very visible because the incision follows the border between the areola and the skin.

Since the incision path is the same in all directions—up, down, left, and right— the space for the implant can be dissected precisely,

resulting in shorter surgery time, relatively less pain,

and faster recovery. However, there may be limitations if the areola diameter is small.

The areola incision is a good option for people who are sensitive about scars,

but many people hesitate because they worry about infection,

damage to glandular tissue, breastfeeding, and reduced nipple sensation.

Director Oh Doo-young at Bliss

uses years of clinical experience

and know-how to preserve the upper breast area while also improving breast sagging,

leading to the highest level of satisfaction.

Recovery period after breast augmentation surgery

To maintain satisfying results for a long time after breast augmentation surgery,

postoperative care such as pain management, swelling reduction, and scar care

is important from right after surgery until the stable phase.

✔️ Immediately after surgery to 3 days

This is the period when swelling is at its worst

and a tight, sore pain occurs.

✔️ 1 week

This is a turning point in the recovery period,

when sutures are removed, swelling and pain decrease,

and daily activities become possible.

✔️ 1 to 3 months

This is the period when the implant settles into place stably,

and strenuous exercise or lifting heavy objects becomes possible.

However, it is recommended only after at least one month.

✔️ 6 months or more

The tissue becomes softer, the feel becomes more natural,

and the final line is completed.

Please note that the recovery speed may vary depending on the extent of surgery,

the placement of the implant,

and individual constitution.

When planning breast augmentation surgery

Rather than focusing only on scars and recovery time,

it is important to have sufficient consultation with the medical team

to determine which incision method is suitable for your breast structure and condition.

The incision site for breast augmentation surgery

is only one of several options,

and the key technique that determines a satisfying result is

the surgical plan and the surgeon’s skill.

Please keep this in mind.

At our clinic, through thorough preoperative consultation and precise diagnosis,

we closely analyze the breast structure and skin condition

and establish a surgical plan that matches them,

so you can expect firmness, line, and balance as well.

If you have any further questions

or would like to create your own breast surgery plan,

we recommend visiting us for a detailed consultation.