You’ve likely heard that there’s more than one way to take care of a cat, and similarly, there’s more than one way to insert a breast implant. However, the most common technique is the inframammary incision, where an incision is made at the base of the breast, under the inframammary fold, or the crease between the breast and rib cage. This technique is used in the majority of breast augmentations in the United States, whether with saline or silicone implants. As the implant settles and the breast skin expands, the incision scar typically moves up the breast by an inch or two. Although breast scars tend to heal and fade well, most patients find them manageable. However, there’s a technique called the transaxillary approach that offers fuller, augmented breasts without any visible scars on the breast at all.
Dr. Petersen is renowned for his expertise in this technique, known as secret scar breast augmentation, which patients across the country seek out. With the transaxillary approach, an incision is made in the underarm, and a tunnel is created down through the top of the breast to insert the implant into a pocket. While the majority of these procedures use saline implants, a small range of silicone implants can also be placed using this method. Dr. Petersen places the implant under the chest muscle, reducing the risk of capsular contracture compared to above the muscle placement. Most importantly, the scar from this surgery fades into the natural creases of the underarm, blending seamlessly into the skin folds and appearing natural within a year post-surgery. Even if noticed, the scar is unlikely to be associated with a breast augmentation procedure, making this approach truly secret.
Although the transaxillary approach has been around for a long time, it is less commonly practiced by surgeons who prefer other techniques for speed and convenience. Dr. Petersen’s expertise in this approach makes his practice unique, as the majority of his patients prefer the secret scar method. Whether you decide to keep your surgery a secret or not, with the transaxillary approach, you can keep the scars a secret and keep them guessing.