Breast augmentation through the armpit at a glance
- Incision3.5 cm in the armpit
- Scar on the breastNone
- DurationAbout 1 hour
- Hospital stayDay surgery or one night
- Time off work7 to 10 days
- Price€5,000 to €10,000
The endoscopic transaxillary approach makes it possible to place breast implants without any scar on the breast: the incision, about 3.5 cm long, is hidden in the highest crease of the armpit. A camera (endoscope) allows the surgeon to create the implant pocket under direct vision, behind the pectoralis major muscle or in dual plane. It suits patients who want to avoid a scar around the areola or under the breast, provided the breasts are not sagging. The operation lasts about 1 hour at Clinique Oxford in Cannes, as day surgery or with a one-night stay; time off work is 7 to 10 days.
Price: breast augmentation €5,000 to €10,000, implants included, on a written quote after a consultation (€100).
Armpit, areola or fold: which scar should you choose?
| Armpit (endoscopic approach) | Lower edge of the areola | Fold under the breast | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scar | In a crease of the armpit, none on the breast | Along the lower edge of the areola | Short, hidden in the fold |
| Condition | Breasts that are not sagging, firm skin | Areola larger than 3 cm | — |
| Strength | Breast free of any scar | Very good quality scars in 97.5% of cases (Dr Médard de Chardon’s thesis) | Direct access to the pocket |
The choice is made in consultation, according to your anatomy and your preference. See the breast augmentation page.
How does the operation through the armpit work?
- Incision in a crease of the armpitA horizontal incision of about 3.5 cm is made in the most hidden part of the armpit hollow, in the highest crease.
- Access to the pocketAfter the fascia of the armpit is opened, the edge of the pectoralis major muscle is identified; the lymph nodes, the perforating branch of the 2nd intercostal nerve and the branches of the internal thoracic artery are preserved. The dissection passes between the pectoralis minor and pectoralis major muscles.
- Creating the pocket under the endoscopeThe surgeon uses an endoscope (a camera), a video screen and fine instruments. The pocket, behind the pectoralis major muscle or in dual plane, is made to measure and with precision; any bleeding is seen and controlled.
- Inserting the implantsThe silicone gel implants, whose dimensions and volume were chosen in consultation, are inserted through the short armpit incision.
- ClosureA dissolvable stitch under the skin (intradermal running suture) closes the incision; no stitches are visible and none need to be removed.
A horizontal incision of about 3.5 cm (1), hidden in the highest crease of the armpit: the breast remains free of any scar.
- 1Incision in the crease of the armpit
- 2Endoscope (camera)
- 3Implant pocket
- 4Implant in place
Why does Dr Médard de Chardon not perform the “blind” transaxillary approach?
The traditional transaxillary approach is performed blind: instruments free the pocket behind the pectoralis major muscle without the surgeon being able to see or control any bleeding. With the endoscope, the dissection is gentler and more precise, post-operative pain seems better controlled and the position of the implants is better managed. Dr Médard de Chardon therefore performs the transaxillary approach only under endoscopy.
Who is it for?
The endoscopic transaxillary approach is for patients who want breast augmentation with implants without a scar on the breast, around the areola or under the breast. It should be avoided if the breasts are slightly sagging, with loose skin: another incision, or even a breast lift, is then preferable.
What does the patient pathway involve?
The pathway is the same as for any breast augmentation: two consultations at the practice, 101 rue d’Antibes in Cannes (choice of implant, scar and position, trial sizers and a 3D simulation), the statutory 15-day cooling-off period, an anaesthetic consultation, and the operation at Clinique Oxford in Cannes, as day surgery or with a one-night stay. No drain, no compression bandage, no stitches to remove. Details on the breast augmentation page.
What is the recovery like?
- Home the same evening or the next day; first check-up at 6 days.
- Driving at 7 days; work at 10 days.
- Non-wired bra and lower-body exercise at 4 weeks; upper-body exercise at 6 weeks.
- Final volume at 2 months; final shape at 3 months.
- Armpit scar final at 12 months.
- Follow-up: check-ups at 6 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year, then every two years with imaging.
What are the risks?
The risks are those of any breast augmentation (capsular contracture, rippling, double bubble, milk discharge, the very rare BIA-ALCL lymphoma), set out on the breast augmentation page. One risk is specific to the armpit: Mondor’s disease, a cord under the skin running from the scar towards the arm and the chest; it is thought to affect about 10% of breast augmentations through the armpit and disappears in about six weeks, with no after-effects. See: Mondor’s disease.
Choosing a qualified, experienced and reputable surgeon reduces these risks, and can even eliminate some of them.
Dr Médard de Chardon’s experience
- Endoscopic transaxillary approach performed routinely; never the blind transaxillary approach.
- MD thesis on breast augmentation with implants (Nice Faculty of Medicine, 2008).
- Qualified plastic surgeon in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, former Chef de Clinique (university hospital senior registrar), Nice Faculty of Medicine; member of SOFCEP (French Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), SOFCPRE (French Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) and ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).
Before and after photos
270 cc round breast implants, endoscopic transaxillary (armpit) approach, dual plane I
Breast augmentation with breast implants
Breast augmentation with 250 cc moderate-profile round implants, dual plane I, by the endoscopic transaxillary (armpit) approach
Breast augmentation with breast implants
Breast hypoplasia
Breast augmentation with 270 cc round implants inserted by the endoscopic transaxillary (armpit) approach. The implants are low-profile and small in volume.
See all before and after breast augmentation photos
Book an appointment: +33 (0)4 93 68 86 68 or Doctolib.
Frequently asked questions about the endoscopic transaxillary approach
Does breast augmentation through the armpit leave a scar on the breast?
No. The only scar, about 3.5 cm long, is hidden in a crease of the armpit; it reaches its final appearance at 12 months.
What is the endoscope used for in breast augmentation through the armpit?
It is a camera connected to a screen. It allows the implant pocket to be created under direct vision, with precision, and any bleeding to be controlled, which the blind transaxillary approach does not allow.
Can the breast implant be placed in dual plane through the armpit?
Yes. Under the endoscope, the pocket is created behind the pectoralis major muscle or in dual plane, as decided in consultation.
Is breast augmentation through the armpit suitable for everyone?
No. It should be avoided if the breasts are slightly sagging with loose skin; another incision is then preferable.
What is Mondor’s disease after breast augmentation?
A cord under the skin running from the armpit scar, appearing a few weeks after the operation. It is benign and disappears in about six weeks, with anti-inflammatory medication and massage.
How much does breast augmentation through the armpit cost?
€5,000 to €10,000, implants included, on a written quote after the consultation (€100). Cosmetic breast augmentation is not reimbursed.