Trans-Ax Incision can only be used 1x?

[KiiMB0616]

Hi Dr. Mele

I chose to ask you this question because you seem really well informed and you give more than single-sentence answers!

I heard the Transaxillary Incision can only be used once. Why would people get it done in the first place if this was true? Because when you get them replaced, you'd just have another scar!

Thanks in advance =]
-Kim

[Dr. Mele]

Dear KiiMB0616:

Thank you for your excellent question. I have used the transaxillary incision for breast augmentation, but it is not my preferred approach. I prefer the periareolar and inframammary incisions. These approaches normally leave a discrete scar, and just about anything that can go wrong with a breast implant, can be fixed through these two incisions.

I have used the transaxillary incision to replace deflated implants and to adjust mildly malpositioned implants. This approach seems to cause a little more pain, but it is possible to use a transaxillary incision more than once for some simple procedures. However, I always inform my patients that if I can't get the result we are looking for with the transaxillary incision, I would make a new incision in the periareolar or inframammay location to get the job done.

For problems with capsular contracture and more severe malposition it is simpler, safer and more predictable to use a periareolar or inframammary incisions. The view and exposure via the transaxillary incision are just not sufficient to get the job done. This is even more problematic with the transumbilical (TUBA) approach.

[KiiMB0616]

That definately cleared up a lot. Thanks so much Dr. Mele!