Peri-areolar: This procedure requires an incision to be made near the outer edge of the areola. In this manner, the scar is somewhat hidden by the natural pigmentation progression of the areola and the rest of the breast. This is the preferred technique for cosmetic surgeons to use if they are also performing a small to moderate breast lift during the same procedure.
Transumbilical: An incision is made above the navel and the implants are inserted through this incision and then moved up to the breast. The transumbilical technique leaves a single small scar and no scars on the breasts themselves.
Trans-axillary: A small incision is made under the armpit. The breast implant will be inserted in this opening by the surgeon using special surgical instruments and a camera to ensure proper placement. The procedure does leave a small scar at the point of incision but the breast itself remains scar-free.
Inframammary: In this procedure, a small incision is made in the fold underneath the breast (called the inframammary fold). The advantages of this technique is that the incision allows the surgeon to have a wider access point to insert the implant with greater precision. In addition, the remaining scar (generally about 1 to 2 inches long) can be concealed under the crease.