Many women are concerned about whether the scar will visible or will bother them. This will depend on the method you choose for your operation. The incision is usually made in the lower crease of your breast. However, to fit the implant it is also possible to make an opening towards your armpit or underneath your areola.
Breast enlargement surgery is carried out under full anaesthetic. To be able to fit the implant, the surgeon has to make an incision about 3 to 5 cm long. He then inserts the implant through this opening into the pocket of tissue that he has shaped beforehand, ensuring that the implant has enough space to be well positioned.
It is most common for the incision to be made underneath the breast, so that it lies in the crease of the breast. With this method the surgeon can choose whether to place the implant in front of the breast muscle or behind it. During the operation he has a good view of the whole area. Some surgeons also believe that by making the incision here, there is the least risk of infection.
Incisions underneath the breast
It is most common for the incision to be made underneath the breast, so that it lies in the crease of the breast. With this method the surgeon can choose whether to place the implant in front of the breast muscle or behind it. During the operation he has a good view of the whole area. Some surgeons also believe that by making the incision here, there is the least risk of infection.
Incisions around the areola
Incisions around the areola are rarely used and are only suitable for implants that have to be inserted in front of the breast muscle. The scar is most conspicuous with this method as it lies in the centre of the breast as it were. Further disadvantages with this method are that it may causes difficulties with breast feeding and can result in a certain loss of feeling in the nipple.
After the operation, the incision is closed with stitches. These stitches will either be taken out after 7 to 14 days or if dissolvable stitches are used, these will disappear on their own. When the bandaging is removed a few days after the operation, the scars are generally red and will feel a little hard; this will last for a few weeks. For the first 6 months after the operation, the scars will be quite visible but then they will start to fade.
To help this process, you should not expose yourself to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation and if need be you should bind the scars with dressing tape so that they do not widen through any pressure or movement. If you smoke, you should stop because smoking interferes with the healing process. If despite looking after your scars properly, they are still more conspicuous than would be expected, you may need an intervention to correct this.
