When someone decides to get breast implants, they need to choose how the surgeon will make the incision, or cut, to place the implant. One option is called the periareolar incision. This type of incision is done around the edge of the areola, which is the dark circle around the nipple. Many people choose this incision because it can heal with very little visible scarring since it follows the natural color change between the areola and the rest of the skin.
To perform the surgery, the surgeon cuts along the lower part of the areola and then creates a space inside the breast to put the implant. This space can be under the chest muscle or just above it, depending on what the person and the surgeon think will look best. Once the implant is in the right spot, the surgeon stitches up the cut.
One of the biggest benefits of a periareolar incision is that it leaves very little scarring. Since the cut is right along the edge of the areola, the scar often blends in, making it hard to see. Another advantage is that the surgeon can place the implant with more control since the incision is close to the middle of the breast. This means it’s easier to make the breasts look even and natural. If the person getting surgery also wants their nipples moved or resized, this incision gives the surgeon easy access to make those changes.
However, there are some things to think about before choosing this type of incision. In some cases, it might affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed, although this is not very common. Some women might also notice changes in how their nipples feel after surgery, but this doesn’t happen to everyone and often goes away after some time. Like with any surgery, there’s also a risk of infection, but this can be avoided by carefully following the surgeon’s instructions.
This type of incision works best for people who have larger or clearly defined areolas because the scar blends in better. It also works well for people who want their implants placed with a lot of precision or need adjustments to their nipples. However, if someone has small areolas, this incision might not be the best choice because the surgeon might have trouble fitting larger implants through a small cut.
In short, the periareolar incision is a great option for people who want very little visible scarring and precise placement of their breast implants. It’s important to talk to a surgeon about whether this is the right option based on the person’s body and their goals.
