Transaxillary Breast Augmentation Seattle

Transaxillary breast augmentation is a surgical breast enlargement procedure in which the implant is placed through a small incision in the armpit. Plastic surgeons like Dr. Javad Sajan use this augmentation procedure to avoid scars on the breast or cutting through breast tissue to place the implants.

A plastic surgeon basically has four incision points through which to implant breast can be placed: transaxillary, inframammary, transumbilical, or periareolar. The choice of approach depends on the body type (including breast size and shape), the patient's aesthetic goals, and whether the patient is planning to breastfeed children at some point in the future.

The transaxillary approach offers a number of benefits, including:

• No breast scar on or under the breast
• Transaxillary scarring is usually the least visible of augmentation scars
• No muscle is cut in order to access and place the implant
• No breast tissue is injured so there will be no impact on breastfeeding
• Reduced "bottoming out" effect (a downward shifting of the implant)
• Less risk of injury to the nerves of skin or nipples, or breast ducts
• Less implant rippling or wrinkling
• Reduced risk of capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue capsule that surrounds the implant)
• Less difficulty in reading mammograms (the implant is placed under the chest muscle, not directly behind breast tissue)
• A natural contour, even with a substantial increase in breast size
• Can be used as an adjunct to treating breast asymmetry (adjusting the shape, size, and volume of breasts of uneven size)
• Can be used in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction
• Recovery time may be somewhat reduced

Accessing the pocket underneath the muscle via a transaxillary approach to place the implant is the most common way Dr. Sajan performs his Seattle breast augmentation. Determining whether this approach is a good option for you may be assessed during your consultation.

Your surgical procedure will take place on an outpatient basis in our state-licensed surgery center. An overnight hospital stay is not typically required. The anesthesiologist will administer either a general (deep sleep) anesthesia or a combination of intravenous sedation and anesthesia. You will be carefully monitored through the entire surgery and recovery periods for your safety and comfort.

Dr. Sajan will make a small incision (approximately one inch long) in the armpit and create a "tunnel" underneath the chest muscle/pectoralis major to access the space underneath the breast referred to as the "breast pocket." The implants are placed in the breast pocket, and the axillary incision is closed and bandaged. You may be asked to wear a compression garment for a period of time to facilitate healing.

The results of your augmentation surgery will be immediately noticeable and will continue to refine during the weeks and months following surgery. Dr. Sajan will provide detailed instructions for you to follow during your recovery period, including how to care for the incisions, topical and oral medications, and follow-up appointments. Carefully follow all instructions, including those about bathing, using deodorants, and activity levels to optimize your recovery and results.

Transaxillary breast augmentation can refine and enhance your body shape for a more natural and balanced appearance with minimal scarring. Contact Dr. Sajan's office for a consultation appointment and learn about your breast augmentation options.