Scarless Breast Augmentation: How It Works and Who's a Candidate

Understanding how transaxillary breast augmentation hides the incision away from the breast while creating fuller, natural-looking results for the right candidate.

Scarless breast augmentation, more accurately called transaxillary augmentation, places implants through a small incision hidden in the armpit rather than on the breast itself. It works best for patients without prior breast surgery or significant sagging, and it's not the right fit for every patient or every implant preference.

Scarless breast augmentation is one of the more requested terms patients search for, and while no incision-free surgery truly exists, the transaxillary technique comes close by placing the incision somewhere the eye doesn't naturally go.

How the Transaxillary Technique Actually Works

The incision isn't eliminated; it's simply hidden where it's least likely to be noticed.

Instead of an incision on the breast itself, the transaxillary approach places a small incision in the natural crease of the armpit, through which the surgeon uses an endoscope to precisely guide implant placement while minimizing disruption to breast tissue. Because the incision heals within the armpit's natural folds, resulting scarring tends to be far less noticeable than incisions made directly on breast tissue.

Who Tends to Be a Good Candidate

Good candidates for this technique are generally in excellent overall health, have smaller to moderate-sized breasts with minimal sagging, and have not had prior breast augmentation surgery. Patients who place a high priority on minimizing visible scarring on the breast itself are often drawn specifically to this approach.

Who This Technique Isn't Right For

The transaxillary technique isn't suitable for every patient. It generally can't be performed on patients with existing breast ptosis, or sagging, and isn't typically an option for revision surgery on patients who've already had breast augmentation through a different technique. Implant type and size preferences can also affect whether this approach is technically appropriate.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from transaxillary breast augmentation follows a similar overall timeline to traditional breast augmentation techniques, with initial swelling and discomfort improving over the first couple of weeks. Smokers are strongly advised to quit before surgery, since smoking can meaningfully impair healing regardless of which incision technique is used.

Weighing the Technique Against Your Goals

Choosing between transaxillary and other incision approaches depends on your specific anatomy, implant goals, and how much priority you place on minimizing visible scarring versus other surgical considerations. An honest, detailed conversation during your consultation is the best way to determine whether this technique fits your situation.

If minimizing visible scarring is a priority for your breast augmentation, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Siamak Agha can evaluate whether the transaxillary technique is right for you in Newport Beach.

Ready to find out if scarless breast augmentation is right for you? Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Siamak Agha at The One Plastic Surgery Center in Newport Beach to discuss your goals and options.

Schedule Your Consultation

Results and candidacy vary by patient. A consultation is required to determine your individual suitability for any procedure discussed in this article.

FAQ

Is scarless breast augmentation truly scar-free? No, the transaxillary technique still involves an incision, but it's placed in the armpit's natural crease, making resulting scarring far less noticeable than incisions on the breast itself.

Who is a good candidate for the transaxillary technique? Patients in good overall health with smaller to moderate-sized breasts, minimal sagging, and no prior breast augmentation surgery are generally good candidates.

Can the transaxillary technique be used for revision breast augmentation? Generally no, it's typically not an option for patients who've already had breast augmentation through a different incision technique.

Does the transaxillary technique work for patients with sagging breasts? No, it's generally not suitable for patients with existing breast ptosis, or sagging.

Is recovery different for scarless breast augmentation compared to other techniques? Recovery follows a similar overall timeline to traditional breast augmentation, with initial swelling and discomfort improving over the first couple of weeks.