The armpit approach to breast augmentation, known as the Trans-Axillary Breast Augmentation, is a method for breast enlargement used by Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. at the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery, which serves women in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. It is a technique that allows him to precisely and beautifully position a breast implant under a woman’s chest muscle without causing much disturbance to her breast.
When the body has fully healed from the Trans-Auxiliary Breast Augmentation procedure, scars are almost invisible to the naked eye. The patient might find them if looking close enough, but other people will not likely be able to detect the scars. No one, but the patient and Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S., will have to know that breast augmentation has taken place. The Trans-Auxiliary Breast Augmentation procedure is perfect for those who want to have natural feminine contours along with a scar-less body. The small and slight scars from the procedure blend naturally into the patient’s armpit, into the creases, and out of sight.
BENEFITS OF TRANS-AXILLARY BREAST AUGMENTATION
Scars fade into armpit creases and are not on the breast.
Scars are difficult to detect, for the patient and for anyone looking at the patient’s body.
This procedure has the least visible scars of all augmentation methods.
Muscle is not cut. Natural tissue planes are simply opened up to insert the implant.
Breast tissue is not injured, so there is no effect for women who want to breastfeed.
Implants can be placed under the chest muscle (sub-pectoral or sub-muscular).
Breast implants have less chance of bottoming out (undesirable downward movement of the implant).
The risk of Capsular Contracture (undesirable implant hardening) is reduced.
Implants have less chance of visible wrinkling or rippling.
Patient’s mammograms are read more easily (the implant is not placed directly behind the breast tissue).
PREPARATION FOR TRANSAXILLARY BREAST AUGMENTATION
Patients should follow these pre-operative steps to prepare for Transaxillary surgery.
Shave both armpits the morning of the surgery.
Thoroughly cleanse your body with soap and water. Antibacterial soap is not necessary, but any soap you choose to use should be fine.
Do not apply any sprays, antiperspirant sticks or deodorants, lotions, or creams to your body.
Allow your skin to dry and keep it clean prior to the procedure to minimize the risk of infection during surgery.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY VIA THE ARMPIT?
Women who want to enlarge the size or change the shape of their breasts without the risk of scars are the best candidates for transaxillary breast augmentation. Women who desire a more symmetrical look to their breasts or simply want to reverse the aesthetic changes in their breasts due to massive weight loss or pregnancy are also good candidates for this procedure. Transaxillary breast augmentation surgery can also be performed to correct congenital abnormalities of the breast, such as polymastia or aplasia.
HOW TRANS-AXILLARY BREAST AUGMENTATION WORKS?
Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. administers a mild sedative prior to the surgery to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. The patient is then guided to the operating room to relax while the surgical team prepares for the surgery. At the start of the procedure, the doctor makes a one-inch transaxillary incision in the depth of the armpit, which allows him to create a pocket under the pectoral muscles without damaging any nearby nerve fibers and lymph nodes. After examining the pectoral muscles for any growths or obstructions, the doctor then manually feeds the implant through the transaxillary incision and places it under the pectoral muscle. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures. After surgery, patients are placed in a recovery room where they will be monitored for several hours before being allowed to go home. Transaxillary breast augmentation is a relatively short procedure, so it’s often performed under mild sedatives and local anesthesia. Patients may feel a bit dizzy or groggy following the procedure, so they should make arrangements to have a friend or family member take them home.
HOW NOTICEABLE ARE THE SCARS UNDER THE ARMPITS AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
This surgery produces very small scars that are barely noticeable once they’ve fully healed. Additionally, since the incisions are made in the depth of the armpit, there are no noticeable scars near the breast that will show.
WHEN HAVING BREAST IMPLANTS PLACED, CAN I STILL GET PREGNANT AND BREASTFEED?
Yes, absolutely. Transaxillary breast augmentation does not involve any cutting or incisions near the nerves or milk ducts in the breast, so the procedure does not affect the production or quality of breast milk.
ARE THERE AGE QUALIFICATIONS FOR TRANS-AXILLARY BREAST AUGMENTATION?
There are age qualifications for this procedure depending on the type of implants used to augment the breasts. The FDA requires that patients be at least 18 years of age for breast augmentation with saline implants and at least 22 years of age for breast augmentation with silicone implants.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?
If you are a woman who lives in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County and are looking to enhance the size of your breasts but is looking for an alternative to traditional breast augmentation, contact double board-certified plastic surgeon Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S.. today for your consultation for trans-axillary breast augmentation at the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery.