What Is the Least Invasive Breast Augmentation?
Posted June 05, 2025 in Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation consistently lands at the top of the list of the most popular cosmetic surgeries every year, with many women seeking enhanced breast volume, better symmetry, and increased body confidence. While the idea of achieving a more balanced and feminine silhouette is appealing, the thought of undergoing surgery can be daunting. Because of this, many women wonder which breast augmentation incisions are the least invasive. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common breast augmentation incision types: periareolar, inframammary, and transaxillary, along with their pros and cons to help you decide which one best aligns with your body and desired results.
Types of Breast Augmentation Incisions
The incision used during breast augmentation plays a role in your recovery, scar visibility, type of implant used, and long-term results. Understandably, most patients want to minimize scarring and reduce recovery time, but the incision type also influences the material and size of your implants.
Every breast augmentation procedure involves placing a silicone or saline implant either above or below your chest muscle. However, the way your surgeon accesses the breast pocket where the implant is placed depends on the incision site. Here are the three most common types of breast implant incisions:
Periareolar Incision
Periareolar incisions are made around the lower half of your areola (the more pigmented skin surrounding your nipple). This technique allows your surgeon direct access to the breast tissue for precise implant placement. The resulting scar blends with the natural color of the areola and surrounding skin, making it virtually invisible. This type of incision is suitable for both saline and silicone implants.
Inframammary Incision
This is the most commonly used incision and is located in the inframammary fold, which is the natural fold underneath your breast. This incision location allows for a well-hidden scar that’s not usually visible unless you lift your breast, and is ideal for all implant types.
Transaxillary Incision
Also called a “scarless breast augmentation,” the transaxillary incision is made in your armpit, through which your surgeon creates a tunnel to place the implant. This method avoids any scars on the breasts themselves, and any incision scars are hidden in the natural creases of the armpit. Because of the narrow channel created, this type of incision is typically only used for saline implants.
Pros and Cons of Each Breast Augmentation Incision
Each breast augmentation incision method comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Below, we list some pros and cons of each to better understand which may be considered the “least invasive” option:
Periareolar Incision
Advantages:
- Scars are easily concealed by the areola
- Direct access to the breast tissue allows for more precise implant positioning
- An excellent incision to choose when combining a breast lift with your augmentation
Disadvantages:
- The proximity of the incision to nerves can impact nipple sensitivity
- This incision may require cutting through milk ducts, which can affect breastfeeding in the future
- Because the incision often goes through breast ducts, the bacteria in those ducts slightly increase your risk of infection
Inframammary Incision
Advantages:
- Offers precise placement and consistent results, and is the most widely used incision type
- Because the incision is under the breasts, it does not interfere with milk ducts or the nipples
- This method is ideal for silicone implants, as they require a larger incision
Disadvantages:
- For women with smaller breasts or low body fat, the scar may not be entirely hidden by the breast crease
Transaxillary Incision
Advantages:
- Zero scarring on or around the breasts
- Does not affect breastfeeding or nipple sensation, as no nerves or ducts are severed
- Good option for saline implants, which are filled after placement and use a smaller incision
Disadvantages:
- This incision type is more complex technically, requiring a surgeon who is experienced in this specific technique
- Because the implant is placed “remotely,” it can make precise positioning more difficult
- Any necessary revisions may require an incision on the breast
How Do I Know Which Breast Augmentation Incision Type Is Right For Me?
The only way to choose the right breast augmentation incision is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in all types of incisions. Your anatomy, goals, implant type, and lifestyle all factor into the decision, which you will discuss with your surgeon during your appointment. Some of the considerations that go into your decision may include:
- Breast size
- Amount of natural breast tissue
- Implant type and size
- Scar concerns
- Impact on nipple sensitivity and breastfeeding ability
So, What Is the Least Invasive Breast Augmentation Incision?
If we define “least invasive” as the method that encompasses concerns like minimal scarring and the least amount of disruption to breast tissue, nerves, and milk ducts, then the transaxillary incision would be considered the least invasive from both an aesthetic and tissue-preservation perspective.
However, it’s essential to understand that this method is also the most complex and requires a surgeon who is specifically skilled and experienced in the technique. It also limits your options when it comes to implant types or sizes. Additionally, any revision surgery will likely require a different, more invasive incision later on.
On the other hand, the inframammary incision, which offers a small cut hidden by the breast, provides excellent control over implant placement, fewer complications, and tends to be considered the “gold standard” when it comes to gorgeous results and low risk of complications. It may be more invasive in terms of cutting through tissue, but it’s often less risky and more reliable, making it a favorite for both safety and aesthetic value.
The bottom line, however, is that the best incision is the one that allows you to meet your specific goals while minimizing risks, which varies according to each individual.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Fresno
When you’re considering breast augmentation and are wondering which incision option will offer the best results in the least invasive way, it’s time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Chin. Dr. Chin’s extensive experience performing breast augmentation means that he will expertly guide you through all of the decisions you’ll make during your breast enhancement journey, from implant type to incision placement. To learn more and schedule an appointment with Dr. Chin, call Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery at (559) 435-9646 or complete the online contact form.