Breast Augmentation Incisions

Breast augmentation can be done through several different incisions. There are generally 3 different incisions are utilized.

Breast augmentation with the incision under the breast:

This is by far the most common incision used for breast augmentation. This is most well tolerated by women. Women wish to have minimal scars and the base of the breast as the most minimal of scars. This also gives great access and visualization to the surgeon to be able to see all the anatomic elements under the breast and the muscle to give the best shaped breast and to get the implant into the most optimal position. I found throughout my career that women like this scar the best and have the least problem with the scar. The scar is hidden under the brassiere and is hidden under the bikini wear as well. The incision is not exactly on the base of the breast is slightly up on the breast, so it does not show even if you lift your arm up and do your bra or your bikini rises a little bit. As a result, this does not show much at all on the parts of the breasts that are normally exposed. This is the incision that most women wished.

Breast augmentation with the incision around the nipple:

The incision around the nipple some think is more favorable because it is no incision under the breast or under the arm or any place on the breast at all. However, the incision around the nipple requires a surgeon to go directly through the areolar complex down through the breast tissue and through the muscle. This can cause internal scarring of the breast and causes the breast tissue to be manipulated surgically which causes scarring and future mammograms. This can be done and Dr. Jacobsen is able to perform this and occasionally performs for various anatomic or technical reasons but for the most part Dr. Jacobsen does not recommend this operation for breast augmentation. This incision that is more apparent when the naked breast is observed because it is to central focus point of the observation of the breast around the nipple. Generally, the incision under the breast is not nearly as visible when reviewing the breast straight on.

Breast augmentation with the incision under the arm:

Dr. Jacobsen has done many times the incision under the arm operative breast augmentation. This is called the axillary incision or the underarm incision. Dr Jacobsen has found some women that have had this underarm incision in his experience are not happy with his incision. The scar does show at times even when you are dressed. As a result, when you lift up your arm up there is generally a scar there that can be seen by an observer. Although the advantage is that there is no incision at all on the breast itself there is an incision under the arm. Also the underarm incision requires a surgeon to use various surgical instruments to place the implant under the muscle. As a result, the anatomic elements are not directly visualized for the most part and as a result in Dr. Jacobsen opinion the shape of the breast cannot be tactically manipulated adequately to give an optimal nice shape to the breast. Dr. Jacobsen does not recommend this technique as the incision is not significantly better and at times can be more distracting to an observer and the quality of the shape of the breast is somewhat compromised.

Breast augmentation with the incision around the belly button:

This incision is through the belly button crating a tunnel then from the belly button up to the breast implant and placing then the breast implant through a tubular surgical instrument up under the breast. This was intended to avoid any incision on the breast. Some surgeons are very good at this and do this frequently, but it is an infrequent utilized incision. The downside of this incision is that the belly button now has a significant scar around it. With modern fashionable clothing the belly button is exposed, and this incision sometimes is quite noticeable rather than a small incision on the breast which is normally hidden. This is intended to leave no scar in the breast to allow the breast to look better however this technique does not allow sophisticated placement of the breast implant and dissection of the muscle and soft tissue to give a perfect pocket and idealized shape to the breast. The breast implant is essentially push through a tube up into under the breast and then manipulated by pushing the implant around under the breast until it’s in a favorable position. This does not allow sophisticated favorable positioning of the breast implant. As a result, Dr. Jacobsen does not utilize this technique.

Looking to take the next step in a breast augmentation? Contact us today.

Dr J and his staff look forward to understanding the details of your unique case, desires and aspirations, and to providing you with realistic, safe and attainable results that leave you looking beautiful, and truly feeling like yourself. Take the first step toward your healing or rejuvenating procedure with Dr J by filling out our contact form to request a consultation, or to inquire about any of the services we offer. We look forward to treating you!


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  • Dr. J has an amazing personality and the surgery was quick, painless, and perfect. I didn’t even need to take any painkillers after I woke up. I look and feel so much better. Would highly recommend him to anyone considering surgery. The staff was also incredibly easy to work with. All around great office energy and the medical staff at the surgery center are so sweet.

    Crystal Greer Avatar Crystal Greer
    July 12, 2021
  • I’m 9 days post op and I’m very happy with the results so far (still healing). Dr. J is easy to talk to. I went in for a consult and was able to schedule the procedure for the very next week. All went very well. I was so afraid to remove the bandages - I was expecting a bloody/bruised mess. I was pleasantly surprised to see tiny incisions with no scabbing or bruising. I’m very impressed.

    Olimpia Garner Avatar Olimpia Garner
    April 24, 2021
  • Enjoyed meeting and working with Dr. J. I had an eye lift and it was a pleasant experience from start to finish. Dr. J’s bed side manner is very personable and genuine. He explained everything step by step and made the procedure very painless. Even though I’m from Minnesota - I will be coming to Dr. J for any future cosmetic surgical needs. I cannot recommend Dr. J enough.

    Trudy Hart Petersen Avatar Trudy Hart Petersen
    April 24, 2021
  • What a brilliant human! I’m so thankful for finding this amazing genius. I’ve struggled with skin sagging since my weight loss surgery. My arms were my nemesis, I have other skin removal surgeries to have in the future but my arms were really my starting point and I had went to try to freeze the remaining stubborn fat and skin to hopefully shrink. Yeah that didn’t work. Then I found this guy, he’s awesome, his staff is awesome and professional and I cannot say thank you enough to this life changing leap into the rest of my journey. I truly and blessed to have had the opportunity to be able to experience the joy he has for his craft. He has truly changed my life. Thank you Dr. J.

    Sholeena Gable Avatar Sholeena Gable
    January 8, 2021
  • I, Theresa Buschbacher, prepared this review and submitted it on my husband,s account. Superb, Excellent, Caring, Compassionate, Knowledgeable, Experienced, these are all descriptive terms that one must earn. Dr.J has completely filled the requirements of each and every of these terms and they can all equally be applied to him. His knowledge immediately puts you at ease (and when what he says will happen does actually happen, you get a big smile inside and you know you have a relationship with an excellent doctor)! Now for the support staff, they relate to you and express a genuine concern for what you are going through. They work with you and put you at ease while accomplishing what is needed for the “business end” of the doctor’s office. This is a WINNER!!

    Mike Buschbacher Avatar Mike Buschbacher
    December 16, 2020
  • Dr. Jacobsen and his staff did such an amazing job taking care of me. Went in for my consultation on Tuesday and they were able to get me in surgery by Thursday. By far the best prices in the valley after searching everywhere! Incredible care! I have referred all my friends to Dr. Jacobsen!

    C D Avatar C D
    November 13, 2020
  • I got in right away. I felt very reassured that I was in very professional caring hands. I highly recommend Dr. Jacobsen. The staff was very friendly. The office was very nice and comfortable. My experience was beautiful. I’m very thankful to have been his patient today. ❤️

    Aimee Beth Avatar Aimee Beth
    November 6, 2020
  • This will be a long review but worth the read! I'm beyond impressed with the overall quality, cleanliness, prices, customer service and results. First impressions, their branding of their classy theme provided an elegance that I felt right at home. I felt like a king who was going to get the best treatment! Secondly, very clean... I mean this place was immaculate! You can tell these folks worked hard to build their business and put in the work to upkeep it! As a business owner myself I applaud the way they conduct their business and never loose their family values, that caring, compassionate, family oriented value that most businesses start off with but loose over time. I can tell that money is not their passion. Their customers results are, the smiles and cries one has when they see their results. I was terrified of anesthesia, and when I expressed my concerns about my PTSD the surgeon, anesthesiologist and staff all took the time to sit with me and listen to me then proceed with a break down of how well they were going to take care of me and make sure I have the best experience possible. In which I certainly did! And best part I didn't wake up out of it, scared, panicking or anything like that. I was a little tired of course, but I went live for my fans soon as I got in the car. I felt comfortable the entire time I was waiting and when my nerves were really high I was honest and told them. They put in the extra love to make sure I was ok. When I went back and they gave me whatever magical cocktail, I felt as my procedure was 4 seconds. I didn't wake up during surgery, didn't hear anything nor wake up in pain! Everything they could have possibly done right they absolutely did! I felt safe too. And when I had questions after they were great about responding and following up. The cleanliness was great, and they took all precautions during this time of COVID-19. I knew the day I met Dr. Jacobson during my consultation that he had to be my surgeon! I hope this review helps viewers make that final decision on choosing Dr. Jacobson as their surgeon and if anyone has questions you are more then welcome to ask and I will answer to the best of my abilities? Thank you Dr. Jacobson and your staff?? my results are incredible! And I'm not even fully healed yet and I can't stop staring at my chest! It's a dream come true and it wouldn't have be possible without you and your staff. God bless!

    Darian Terrell Avatar Darian Terrell
    October 12, 2020
  • Got my breast augmentation and lift done here so amazed and pleased with the results hands down a wonderful surgeon and gentleman 5stars all the way around

    Jessica Shipman Avatar Jessica Shipman
    October 3, 2020
  • Dr J is absolutely brilliant. His office and staff are out of this world and his demeanor is so friendly and up beat. He makes you feel like you are in the best possible hands... And you are! The Surgeon I met with before I saw Dr J told me I would need a general anesthetic for my surgery and likely a skin graft. I was terrified. Went to Dr J for a second opinion and he was totally nonchalant about what needed to be done. He did it a week later in his office with just some local freezing and it was amazing! No problems at all. I would never see another Dr for surgery. Dr J is truly above the rest! Even his peers give him awards. His office is full of them! Big hugs to him and his staff for turning this in a happy ending from a scary start.

    Michelle Suzuki Avatar Michelle Suzuki
    October 2, 2020

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Dr J and his staff are committed to providing you with exceptional and compassionate care. On behalf of our entire team, we invite you to request a consultation to talk to Dr J about your goals, expectations and aspirations. We can’t wait to find out how our 20-plus years of experience in cosmetic and functional plastic surgery can help change your life, and make you a happier, healthier person.

Dr. William Jacobsen
Plastic Surgery
2525 East Arizona
​Biltmore Circle, Suite C236
Phoenix, AZ  85016

Phone: 602-212-0100
Fax: 602.279.1701
[email protected]

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Dr J considers every surgery an opportunity to express his vision with his patients, and believes in natural, beautiful results that leave you feeling confident and beautiful, but most importantly, feeling like yourself. From extremely rare and complex surgical cases, to cosmetic surgery, Dr J has the experience, compassion and understanding to help you achieve your surgical goals.

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