Placing the Incision in the Underarm Area
Breasts are typically the most prominent feature on a woman’s torso. The underarm area, on the other hand, is one of the least looked at parts of anyone’s body. Dr. Varkony takes advantage of the proximity of these two body parts by placing his incision in a crease in the armpit, where it is much less likely to be noticed by the patient or anyone else. Since no incision is made on the actual breast, there is no scar on the breast at all.
Hiding in Plain Site
Underarms are not only naturally inconspicuous; they also have many natural creases similar to those in the palm of your hands. When an incision that is placed in a natural crease heals, it simply looks like part of the crease! Procedures like those where the incision is made in the areola always create scars that are visible to some degree, sometimes for years after the procedure.
Many of Dr. Varkony’s patients have reported that others are unable to distinguish between their naturally occurring creases and their postoperative scars, even if they know where to look.
How are Hidden Scar Breast Enlargements Performed?
Performing a hidden scar breast enlargement means that there is no incision or scar on the breast itself because the only incision is in the underarm area. The procedure is usually performed in one of two ways:
- Subglandular, in which the implant is placed behind the breast gland but in front of the breast muscle, the pectoralis major. Dr. Varkony may select this procedure when the patient’s ribs are very prominent, the pectoralis major is particularly thick, or if the mammary gland is much lower than the chest muscle. In this case, putting the implant underneath the muscle may create a large bulge in the upper area of the breast, so better outcomes are achieved by putting it behind the breast itself.
- Subpectoral, in which the implant goes underneath the pectoralis major muscle. This approach is usually best for smaller patients with less breast tissue. Putting the implant under the muscle conceals it from the eye and to the touch. The natural position of the breast is over the muscle so Dr. Varkony tries to recreate that as much as possible. The doctor also prefers a subglandular approach for patients with more prominent anterior (front) ribs so as not to increase their prominence by lifting the muscle. The goal is to avoid creating the appearance of a large bulge in the upper pole area of the breast. Breasts are naturally bottom heavy so a top-heavy appearance looks notably less natural.
