Breast Surgery

Trans-AxillaryBreast Augmentation

Virtually scar-free breast augmentation through the armpit. Natural results with no visible scars on the breast.

Overview

Arm Pit Breast Augmentation (Trans-Axillary)

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.

Benefits

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

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

Candidacy

Who Is a Good Candidate?

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.

The Procedure

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.

Scarring

How Noticeable Are the Scars?

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.

Breastfeeding

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.

Age Requirements

Are There Age Qualifications?

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.

Next Steps

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. at the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery today for your consultation.

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