Your surgical scars are determined by the incision location or where the breast implant will be inserted. Patients main concerns are around minimizing scar visibility and creating an incision that allows for optimal implant placement. For these reasons, we most commonly perform an inframammary fold, which conceals the scar at the fold at the bottom of the breast. Scar visibility can often be reduced with proper care.

Patients can also opt for an incision along the border of the areola (periareolar) or through the armpit (transaxillary). Most transgender patients we see do not have large enough areolas to insert a silicone implant. Although the scar is hidden, inserting implants through the armpits is associated with higher rates of capsular contraction, bleeding and placement complications.

When it comes to aftercare, each surgeon will give you their own recommendations based on their experience and preferences. Dr. Jacobs (he/him), for example, recommends compression over all other care techniques. Still, patients should follow other care protocols like being careful not to expose their scars to UV rays during the first year after recovery.