Unlike other parts of the body, the female breast lacks any bony or cartilaginous support, relying solely on soft tissues for its suspension. One significant factor that influences its final contour is the inframammary fold, located at the base of the breast.

In cosmetic breast surgery, from augmentations and reductions to lifts, revisions, and reconstructions, the inframammary fold holds the utmost importance as a visual landmark. It is often regarded as critical to be able to control your breast fold in order to control your breast shape and position. Also, it is very important to understand that the inframammary fold is a fixed structure on your chest wall, and often a breast lift should be regarded as a nipple lift as often, your breast fold cannot be moved upwards. It can, however, move downwards if possible in certain situations, such as breast augmentation.

Read on to understand the role, importance, and advantages of inframammary fold incisions in the breast surgeries to ensure optimal results.

What is the Inframammary fold?

The inframammary fold, also known as the inframammary crease or line, marks the boundary where the lower breast meets the chest. Some experts view the inframammary crease as a ligamentous extension originating from the fifth rib and inserted into the dermis, while others classify it as a network of interwoven collagen fibers supported by connective tissue fascia.

Regardless of the anatomical description, the inframammary fold plays a defining role in a woman’s breast shape and structure. It typically emerges during puberty, accentuating the lower aspect of the breasts. Its significance in cosmetic breast surgery is widely acknowledged. It is also interesting to understand that even men have inframammary fold, which is important if you are considering male breast surgery, also known as gynecomastia. 

Role of Inframammary Incision in breast surgeries
Inframammary fold incisions are widely used in the breast surgeries such as

1. Breast Augmentation: Inframammary folds provide a versatile access point for surgeons to insert breast implants. The incision made within the fold allows for the precise placement of larger implants, minimal tissue dissection, faster healing, and concealed scarring. It is the cleanest route to provide access to the space where the breast implant is placed. It also provides the easiest access for division under-section of the muscles. That is why Dr Rory’s preferred method for the breast augmentation is in the inframammary crease.
2. Breast Reduction: Inframammary crease incisions are also used in breast reduction surgeries. The vertical or lollipop technique involves incisions around the areola and a vertical line to the inframammary fold, while the inverted T or Anchor technique uses additional incisions. The inframammary fold allows maximum tissue removal and reshaping, ideal for significant breast reduction.
3. Breast Lift: The inframammary line helps assess breast sagging levels for mastopexy (breast lift) procedures. Grades of ptosis are determined based on the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold. Plastic surgeons like Dr Rory rely on the inframammary fold as a crucial marker for selecting the appropriate breast lift technique. It is critical to understand that both things the best reduction and breast lift there is both horizontal and vertical excess of skin. This vertical excess of skin needs to be removed which is the excess skin that leads to be horizontal or inframammary fold scar.
4. Breast Revision: In breast implant revision surgeries, the inframammary fold plays a vital role. Over-dissection of the fold can lead to implant malposition. Techniques like the popcorn method are used to correct implant pocket size and address complications. The inframammary fold ensures proper positioning of the implants and prevents future malposition.

The inframammary fold is an essential anatomical and surgical landmark in various cosmetic breast surgeries, offering access, guidance, and optimal patient outcomes.

Importance and benefits of inframammary fold incision in breast surgeries.

The inframammary incision, made along or underneath the existing inframammary crease, stands as the most popular choice for breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures. Surveys reveal that a significant majority of plastic surgeons favour this approach.

Benefits of the inframammary incision include:

1. Enhanced visibility of breast tissue and pocket during surgery.
2. Concealment of postoperative scarring within the natural fold.
3. Possibility of utilizing the same incision site for revisional surgery. And much more.

The inframammary incision proves to be a valuable technique, providing numerous advantages in breast surgery. Dr Rory McGoldrick has intense 20+ years of experience in plastic surgery. He commonly performs breast augmentation surgery using an inframammary fold incision that helps insert implants correctly, which maintains a natural look and feel of breasts.Most importantly it provides a reduced risk of capsular contracture and also minimises other complications from breast augmentation surgery.

Also, the incision is very small. Hence you can expect an inframammary fold incision scar to hide in breast creases naturally. For more details on inframammary fold incision surgery, or any other breast surgery, you can have a one-on-one consultation with Dr Rory, and he will be happy to adress your issues.