Guide:
- What is Endoscopic Breast Augmentation?
- Pros of Endoscopic Breast Augmentation
- Cons of Endoscopic Breast Augmentation
- Am I a Candidate for Endoscopic Breast Enhancement?
What is Endoscopic Breast Augmentation?
Firstly, what is endoscopic breast augmentation, and how is it different from traditional breast enhancement techniques? This method uses a tiny camera called an endoscope and special surgical tools, inserted through a small incision to give the surgeon a clear view inside, making implant placement extremely precise.
With endoscopic transaxillary breast augmentation, implants are placed without any cuts on the breasts themselves. Instead, a small incision is made in the top of the armpit. By using the endoscope, breast surgeons can create the perfect tissue pocket with optimal precision and visibility throughout the procedure.
Once the tissue pocket is ready, saline or silicone gel implants are placed, depending on your choice. The recovery process is similar to other breast augmentation methods but typically slightly shorter and you’ll feel the initial soreness in your armpit rather than around your breasts due to the incision location.
So, what are endoscopic breast augmentation pros and cons?
Pros of Endoscopic Breast Augmentation
The biggest advantages of endoscopic transaxillary breast augmentation and the main reasons Newport Beach breast surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva prefers this approach include:
Less Visible Scars
One of the main reasons women opt for endoscopic breast augmentation is the minimal scarring. Endoscopic techniques significantly reduce visible scarring as they leave chest tissue untouched. Smaller incisions are strategically placed in less visible areas (natural body folds), so scars are hidden and not as easily detectable. Traditional methods, on the other hand, often involve periareolar or inframammary fold incisions, which can leave visible scars.
Less noticeable scars are especially appealing for women who want to enhance their breast size discreetly, without obvious signs of plastic surgery.
Lower Risk of Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture, the hardening of the breast pocket around the implant, is less common with endoscopic breast augmentation. The precise placement of implants with new and advanced surgical techniques and equipment decreases this risk compared to traditional methods.
Shorter Recovery Time
With the endoscopic approach, most patients bounce back quicker. Traditional methods often mean longer bed rest and restrictions on physical activities because of the placement and size of the incisions and more extensive tissue manipulation.
Customizable for Your Individual Goals
Endoscopic breast surgery offers more customization. Plastic surgeons can precisely position the implants under or over the muscle. You can choose from any implant type with this procedure, saline, silicone gel, or the trendy “gummy bear” implants.
Less Damage to the Chest Wall and Muscles
Traditional breast augmentation methods are tougher on the chest wall and major muscles. Endoscopic surgery is gentler, reducing long-term discomfort and allowing for more natural movement after the procedure.
Patient Satisfaction and Better Results
According to numerous studies, patients generally report higher satisfaction with endoscopic breast augmentations. The easier recovery, minimal scarring, and lower risk of complications like capsular contracture all contribute to happier outcomes.
Cost Factor
Endoscopic breast augmentation might cost more upfront because of the specialized equipment and techniques but the reduced risk of complications and the need for revision surgeries can make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Enhanced Precision
Endoscopic breast augmentation lets the surgeon place the implant with pinpoint accuracy. The tiny camera used during surgery projects the image of the inside of the breast pocket onto a screen, giving the surgeon a clear view and allowing for more precise placement. This helps the implants look as natural as possible once settled.
According to an article in the National Library of Medicine, endoscopic-assisted transaxillary breast augmentation greatly improves the surgeon’s control and stability throughout the surgery, avoids various drawbacks associated with traditional methods, and reduces complications.
Close Monitoring
Endoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to closely examine an existing implant to ensure it’s in good condition. If there’s any issue, like a rupture, it can be addressed immediately.
Natural Look
Women who want a larger yet natural-looking breast size appreciate the benefits of endoscopic breast augmentation. Placing the implants through the underarm keeps chest tissue intact, which helps the implants blend seamlessly with the body’s natural shape.
Cons of Endoscopic Breast Augmentation
While there are several advantages of endoscopic techniques over traditional breast augmentation, they do come with a few drawbacks that are outweighed by the benefits in most patients’ eyes.
Possible Scarring Complications
In less experienced hands, it may result in longer or thicker scars that could show in bathing suits or sleeveless tops.
Risk of Numbness
There’s a rare chance you might feel numbness around your underarm and upper arm.
Scar Placement Preferences
The procedure involves a long (but thin) incision from the armpit to the chest. While most women prefer scars in the underarm area rather than their breasts, some might not like this scar placement.
Longer Surgery Time
Endoscopic breast augmentation usually takes about two hours, compared to one to one and a half hours for traditional methods. It’s a bit more time-consuming, but this is to allow for more precision while using the camera during the procedure.
Am I a Candidate for Endoscopic Breast Enhancement?
If you’re a good candidate for endoscopic breast augmentation, the risks of complications or dissatisfaction are minimal. After analyzing endoscopic breast augmentation pros and cons, good candidates find that the pros outweigh the cons. Here’s what makes someone an ideal candidate:
Looking for less invasive options
You want breast enlargement with minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time.
Good physical health
You’re in good overall health and can get clearance for surgery.
Desire to change or restore breast shape
Whether you want to enhance the shape and size of your natural breasts or bring back lost volume, you’ll benefit from endoscopic breast augmentation.
Fixing asymmetry
If you have uneven breasts and want them more symmetrical, you’re a great candidate.
Post-mastectomy reconstruction
You’re considering breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. After recovering from breast cancer, many women opt for this less invasive approach to restore breast volume.
Realistic expectations
You have realistic aesthetic goals and are committed to following post-care instructions for a safe recovery and best results.
Athletic build
Some people have started calling the endoscopic technique “athletic breast augmentation” as many women interested in fitness with toned bodies prefer this approach. This technique may be perfect if you have an athletic body type and want less noticeable scars and more natural-looking results.
After weighing endoscopic breast augmentation pros and cons, are you interested in enhancing your breast shape and size without visible scars? Request a consultation with Newport Beach board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva to determine if endoscopic breast augmentation is best for you!
