One of the most common requests we get from our patients is that they would like to have fuller, more shapely breasts, but don’t want to risk any scars on the breasts themselves. For patients who would like an undetectable breast augmentation, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Salman Ashruf achieves ideal results with Transaxillary Breast Augmentation, a minimally-invasive breast augmentation technique. This type of breast implant surgery is performed by making incisions in the patient’s underarm area, allowing Dr. Ashruf to place the implant without making a single incision in the breast.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of a transaxillary breast augmentation? Call the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland today.

What is Transaxillary Breast Augmentation?

Transaxillary Breast Augmentation, also known as an armpit breast augmentation is a minimally-invasive breast augmentation performed by making a small incision in the crease of the patients’ underarm. Dr. Ashruf uses this incision to insert and guide the patient’s chosen implant into the breast. This incision method leaves minimal scarring, which is often only visible if the patient raises their arm. Thanks to Dr. Ashruf’s years of training and experience, he expertly uses this method to place patient’s implants at the ideal depth and position. An endoscope may be used to help Dr. Ashruf have ideal visibility of the implant.

Benefits of Transaxillary Breast Augmentation

Dr. Ashruf achieves beautiful, natural-looking results with transaxillary breast augmentation. Transaxillary breast augmentation, or the armpit breast augmentation is an ideal surgical method for a variety of reasons:

  • The incision is made in the armpit. Scars, if they form, will only be visible if the patient lifts their arms.
  • Can be used for both submuscular and subglandular implant placement.
  • Less likely to damage the mammary gland than an inframammary or periareolar incision.

Thanks to Dr. Ashruf’s high level of skill, both saline and silicone implants can be successfully placed with this method.

Your Breast Implant Options

Dr. Ashruf customizes every breast augmentation to the unique physiology and aesthetic goals of each patient. The details of a patient’s breast augmentation will be determined during their private consultation.

In order to achieve every patient’s ideal results, we offer a variety of breast implants options:

Size

Most patients are familiar with bra sizing, but these measurements are not a reliable metric for surgery. One bra manufacturer’s 34C is not always the same as a 34C released by another brand, for example. Implant size is measured in cubic centimeters, guaranteeing accuracy and consistency. In order to help each patient choose their ideal implant size, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland offers the Mentor Breast Implant Sizing System.

The Mentor system offers 18 different volume sizers.

Patients can try the sizers individually, or combine them. Mentor gives our patients an accurate sense of what a particular implant size will look and feel like on their body. Mentor also gives patients the option to take photographs for reference and to share if they wish with friends or family.

Composition

We offer our patients FDA-approved saline and silicone implants.

Silicone implants are filled with a semi-solid silicone gel. Saline implants are empty shells which are inserted into the breast pocket and then filled with saline. Silicone implants replicate the feel of a natural breast, while saline implants have a firmer feel and projection than silicone. Over 75% of breast implants today are performed with silicone implants, but saline is still highly popular in the United States.

Type

We are proud to offer our patients Allergan, Mentor, Natrelle, and Sientra implants. The mentor sizing system allows our patients to see what each implant will look and feel like on their body.

Shape

Patients have the option of teardrop or round implants. The teardrop shape replicates the appearance of a natural breast, creating an anatomically-appropriate curvature. Round implants will create a rounder, fuller bust, and well as create more cleavage. Every patient has a different preference for the shape of their breast.

Surface

Patients who are interested in silicone implants have the option of a smooth or textured-feeling implant. Both teardrop and round implants can have textured surfaces, but round implants are the only option for patients who would like a smooth implant. The textured implant is especially helpful for encouraging teardrop implants to adhere successfully within the breast tissue.

Profile

The profile of a breast implant refers to the degree of outward projection that the implant achieves in the bust. Implants can achieve a low, moderate, or high profile, depending on the implant and placement type. The profile of a patient’s implant will depend on patient preference, as well as what Dr. Ashruf advises will be best for your unique anatomy.

Placement

Patients have the option of subglandular or submuscular placement of their implant. Subglandular placement is made in front of the pectoral muscle. Patients who have a lot of natural breast tissue to cover the edges of their implant are good candidates for this option. The submuscular technique is ideal for women who have less breast tissue and will benefit from the muscle covering the edges of their implant.

Other Incision Methods

In addition to the transaxillary incision method, a breast augmentation can be performed with a periareolar incision, which is made in the lower border of the areola. Another option is the inframammary crease incision, which is made in the natural fold at the base of the breast. Dr. Ashruf will determine which incision method is right for a patient’s body and goals on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates

Good candidates for a transaxillary breast augmentation are those who do not want any signs of scarring in their breast after receiving their implant. This minimally-invasive breast augmentation technique is also an excellent option for patients with smaller areola, a minimal amount of breast tissue, or higher-sitting breasts. However, thanks to Dr. Ashruf’s training and experience, he is able to achieve desired outcomes for most patients with a transaxillary incision method, making it an ideal option for women who are seeking undetectable breast augmentation.

If you wish you had larger breasts, have breasts that are two different sizes, have trouble fitting clothing the way that you would like, or have experienced a change in the shape or size of your breast after pregnancy or breastfeeding, you are a good candidate for breast augmentation at the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland.

Candidates for breast augmentation will be in overall good health and have positive but realistic expectations for the results of a cosmetic procedure. Candidates are advised to quit smoking at least three weeks before their surgery in order to guarantee quick, healthy recovery.

Consultation

During your private consultation at the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland, your doctor will discuss your goals for your breast augmentation with you. After assessing your medical history and medication use, your doctor will perform a physical examination. You will have the opportunity to use the Mentor Breast Implant Sizing System to explore what different sizes and types of implants will look like on your body. Every step and detail of your breast augmentation will be discussed with you so that you feel confident in your individualized treatment plan. We invite you to ask any questions you may have!

While the transaxillary incision is Dr. Ashruf’s preferred technique, the details of your augmentation will depend on your unique physiology and goals. If you would like to learn more about how a transaxillary breast augmentation will achieve your ideal, beautiful results, call the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland to schedule your private consultation today.

Transaxillary Breast Augmentation: Your Procedure

Patients will receive their breast augmentation under general anesthesia. During a transaxillary breast augmentation, Dr. Ashruf makes an incision in the crease of the armpit, where any scarring will only be visible if the patient lifts their arms. Through this incision, Dr. Ashruf will insert patients’ chosen implant. Silicone implants will be guided into the breast through the channel created in the underarm. Saline implants will be inserted empty and inflated once in the breast. Whether the implant is placed in the subglandular or submuscular depth of the breast will depend upon the details you agreed upon during your consultation. With the help of an endoscope, Dr. Ashruf will ensure the implant is in the desired position. The incisions will be closed with sutures or surgical tape.

A transaxillary breast augmentation is usually completed in one hour.

Recovery

Most patients will experience swelling and bruising in and around their surgical site following their transaxillary breast augmentation. These conditions will greatly improve a few days after surgery. Patients usually need to take between one to two weeks off their usual schedules in order to rest and heal. Approved methods of relieving any discomfort will be discussed with you before you begin your recovery. You will also receive instructions about when you will be allowed to return to heavy lifting and other strenuous activities. Your body will be fully recovered within six weeks.

We invite our out-of-town patients to take advantage of our local hotel accommodations.

Dr. Ashruf or one of our registered nurses will be happy to visit to monitor and assist with your comfortable recovery.

Results

A transaxillary breast augmentation is an excellent way to add volume and shape to the breasts, without leaving any telltale marks on the breasts themselves. Your breasts will be fuller, firmer, and more symmetrical.

With a transaxillary breast augmentation, patients achieve their ideal and attractive breast shape without any scars forming on the breast. On average, saline and silicone implants will last up to ten years. Patients who receive silicone implants will want to schedule periodic check-ups to guarantee the health of their implant, as silicone leaks are usually undetectable. Although silicone has shown to not be harmful in these instances, the protocol for silicone leaks is to remove all silicone from patients’ bodies and to replace the leaking implant with a fully intact one.

Cost

The price of a transaxillary breast augmentation procedure will depend on your unique surgical plan. Once you have completed a private consultation with Dr. Ashruf, you will receive a cost breakdown that reflects the treatment details you and Dr. Ashruf approved.

Want to feel more confident in your body, in and out of clothes? A transaxillary breast augmentation a minimally-invasive breast augmentation that achieves natural-looking results to help you look and feel your best for years to come.

Call the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland today to learn more about transaxillary breast augmentation.