Ennis Plastic Surgery · Beautiful Medicine™
Transaxillary Breast Augmentation in Florida
Consider breast augmentation through the underarm, with an implant plan tailored to your proportions.
View Actual Patient ResultsDr. L. Scott Ennis · Credentials & practice recognition
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Castle Connolly
American Institute of Plastic Surgeons
National Academy of Plastic Surgeons
Palm Beach Illustrated
America’s Most Honored Doctors
RealSelf
Dr. Ennis · Your consultation
The incision is in the underarm.
Transaxillary breast augmentation places implants through a natural crease in the armpit. It avoids an incision on the breast itself, while leaving a small underarm scar.
Dr. Ennis uses endoscopic guidance to see the internal anatomy and prepare the pocket through this route. The approach can be considered for silicone or saline implants when the implant, tissues and treatment plan are suitable.
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Personal experiences.
In their own words.
Individual experiences and results vary.
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Breast augmentation with Dr. Ennis.
Watch patient experiencePatient of Dr. Ennis
Her breast augmentation experience.
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Patients share their perspectives on breast augmentation.
Actual patients of Dr. Scott Ennis
Breast augmentation.
Before & after.
Breast augmentation · Case 01
Sientra implants. Original patient comparison from Dr. Ennis’s underarm augmentation gallery.
Actual patient of Dr. Scott Ennis
Breast augmentation · Case 02
Mentor implants. Original patient comparison from Dr. Ennis’s underarm augmentation gallery.
Actual patient of Dr. Scott Ennis
Breast augmentation · Case 03
Sientra implants. Original patient comparison from Dr. Ennis’s underarm augmentation gallery.
Actual patient of Dr. Scott Ennis
Breast augmentation · Case 04
Silicone implants. Original patient comparison from Dr. Ennis’s underarm augmentation gallery.
Actual patient of Dr. Scott Ennis
A closer look
Is an underarm approach appropriate?
Patients may consider the approach when they want augmentation while avoiding an incision directly on the breast. Your natural breast volume, skin quality, nipple position, implant choice, health and goals all influence the plan.
If sagging or a low nipple position calls for a breast lift, that operation creates breast incisions and may offer a route for implant placement. A lift alone can sometimes meet shape goals when enough volume is already present.
Future pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter breast volume and skin support. Discuss timing, scar behavior and sensation rather than assuming one incision will produce the same result for every complexion or body.
A closer look
A consultation built around your proportions.
Bring the changes you hope to make, your medical and surgical history, questions about implants and any photographs that help explain your preferences. Dr. Ennis evaluates chest width, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, nipple position and symmetry before discussing a plan.
The practice uses Vectra 3D imaging to help patients compare sizes and proportions. A simulation supports the conversation; it cannot predict or guarantee a surgical result. Discuss how implant volume, base width and projection fit your frame and activity level.
In-office and virtual consultations are available with Dr. Ennis. An in-person assessment is part of final surgical planning. If you are traveling to Boca Raton, allow time for examination, surgery, recovery support and follow-up.
A closer look
How the underarm approach is performed.
An incision is made along a natural fold in the underarm. A narrow endoscope allows Dr. Ennis to view the tissues on a monitor while he works toward the planned breast pocket.
The implant pocket is prepared according to the plan, often with muscle coverage in the practice’s established technique. The chosen implant is passed through the underarm incision and positioned in the pocket.
Dr. Ennis evaluates contour, position and symmetry before closing the incision. The route avoids cutting directly through the breast for the implant incision; it does not make surgery scarless or remove the possibility of altered sensation.
The underarm incision leaves a scar in a natural crease. Review the full transaxillary result gallery and discuss patients with anatomy similar to yours.
A closer look
Where will the incision be?
The incision is chosen around your anatomy, implant and any accompanying procedure. Each route leaves a scar, although its location differs.
Transaxillary — in the underarm
An incision in an underarm crease gives access to the implant pocket using endoscopic guidance. It avoids an incision on the breast itself, while leaving an underarm scar. Read the transaxillary breast augmentation guide.
Inframammary — in the breast fold
An incision at the fold beneath the breast provides direct access to the pocket. The scar follows the crease; how visible it is depends on anatomy, healing and position.
Periareolar — at the areola border
An incision along the lower border of the areola gives access through breast tissue. The scar lies where pigmented areola skin meets surrounding skin. Discuss sensation, breastfeeding and scar tradeoffs for each approach.
Watch film
A closer look
Over or under the muscle.
The implant pocket may be above the chest muscle, beneath the muscle or in a planned combination of tissue planes. Incision location and pocket location are separate decisions.
Above the muscle — subglandular
The implant sits beneath breast tissue and above the pectoral muscle. Existing tissue must provide enough coverage; thin tissue can make implant edges or rippling more apparent. Discuss recovery, tissue support and imaging implications.
Below the muscle — submuscular
Muscle coverage can be useful when natural breast tissue is limited. Dr. Ennis often considers this approach when additional tissue coverage is useful. It also has tradeoffs, including recovery discomfort and possible movement of the implant when the muscle contracts.
The pocket should suit your anatomy and implant, rather than be chosen from a general promise of a safer or longer-lasting result. Preservé with Motiva implants has its own tissue and pocket-planning considerations.
A closer look
Understand the implant choices.
Dr. Ennis offers Mentor and Motiva implant options. Dr. Ennis helps compare the specific device, gel or saline filling, base width, projection, surface, labeling and fit for your tissues.
Mentor
Mentor’s product designs include saline-filled implants, MemoryGel silicone gel implants and form-stable MemoryShape implants. Saline and silicone implants both have a silicone outer shell; the filling, feel, available dimensions and behavior after rupture differ.
Motiva
Motiva SmoothSilk Round and SmoothSilk Round Ergonomix silicone gel-filled implants are listed in FDA-approved patient labeling. The Ergonomix design is intended to respond to movement and posture. Ask Dr. Ennis which device and placement are appropriate for your goals.
Gel cohesiveness, shell surface and barrier technology are additional considerations. These are device characteristics, not a guarantee against rupture, capsular contracture or other complications. Confirm the exact model and its current patient labeling rather than assuming all products from one brand are interchangeable.
Explore the full breast implant guide for shape, profile, size, material and long-term care, or learn about Preservé breast augmentation.
A closer look
Your breast augmentation recovery.
Breasts may be supported with dressings and a surgical bra after surgery. Temporary drains are used when the surgical plan calls for them. Many patients return home the same day after a period of observation, with an adult to drive them and help during early recovery.
Swelling, tightness, bruising and discomfort are expected initially. Dr. Ennis will explain medicines, incision care, sleeping position, support garments and follow-up. Breast shape and softness continue to change as swelling resolves and the tissues settle.
Many patients plan approximately one week before returning to desk work or light household activity, with four to six weeks before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. These are planning estimates, not a fixed clearance date; your procedure, work demands and healing determine the schedule.
Contact the surgical team promptly about an unexpected change or worsening symptoms, and follow your discharge instructions. Keep follow-up appointments even when you feel well.
Watch filmA closer look
Implants require long-term care.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Complications can require further surgery, and the chance of needing another operation increases over time. Review the specific implant’s patient labeling and decision checklist with Dr. Ennis before deciding.
Risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, pain, changes in sensation, asymmetry, implant displacement, rippling, rupture and capsular contracture. Surgery can affect breastfeeding and breast imaging. Discuss your health, medicines, smoking, future pregnancy and previous breast procedures during consultation.
The FDA identifies breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which occurs more often with textured implants, and reports of other cancers in the capsule. Some patients report systemic symptoms such as fatigue and joint pain. Ask how these considerations relate to your implant choice and follow-up plan.
Silicone implant rupture can be silent. Follow the implant labeling and your clinician’s imaging recommendations; routine breast cancer screening remains a separate responsibility. New swelling, pain, firmness, a lump or a change in shape warrants medical evaluation.
Read the FDA’s breast implant safety information and approved patient labeling. You can also learn about breast implant screening with Dr. Riccelli.
Meet your surgeon
Dr. L. Scott Ennis, MD, FACS.
Dr. Ennis is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Ennis Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton. Breast augmentation through the underarm is a particular focus of his practice.
His approach considers proportion, the patient’s existing anatomy and the changes she wants to make. Discuss experience with your proposed procedure, review comparable patient photographs and ask about the limitations of each option.
Meet Dr. Ennis and review his credentials and selected recognition.
Meet the SurgeonQuestions worth asking
Breast augmentation questions.
Does underarm augmentation leave a scar?
Yes. Transaxillary augmentation leaves a scar in an underarm crease while avoiding an incision on the breast itself. Scar visibility varies with healing.
Do I need a breast lift as well?
Implants add volume; a lift addresses skin excess and nipple position. Your examination determines whether one procedure or a combined plan fits your anatomy.
Can I have a virtual consultation?
Dr. Ennis offers in-office and virtual consultations. An in-person assessment is needed for final surgical planning.
How do I choose the best breast augmentation surgeon for me?
Review relevant board certification, experience with the proposed approach, comparable patient photographs and the plan for follow-up. Ask about risks and alternatives, including choosing not to have surgery.
Learn with Dr. Ennis
More detail.
At your own pace.
Watch the discussionKeep exploring
Understand your options.
