Glossary: transaxillary terms, defined plainly

The vocabulary of breast augmentation is small but used loosely. These are the definitions as used on this site — each short enough to quote.

Definitions

Transaxillary breast augmentation

Breast augmentation performed through an incision in the armpit crease; also called armpit or axillary breast augmentation. Leaves no scar on the breast.

Endoscopic technique

Use of a slim camera through the armpit incision to dissect the implant pocket under direct vision and release the muscle precisely at the fold.

Dual-plane pocket

Implant position with the upper part under the pectoralis muscle and the lower pole under breast tissue — natural slope above, fullness below.

Subglandular

Implant placed over the muscle, under the breast tissue; less cover, rarely chosen through the armpit.

Submuscular

Implant placed fully under the pectoralis muscle; more cover, more animation with muscle contraction.

Inframammary incision

The incision in the fold under the breast — the reference standard route and the usual route for revisions.

Periareolar incision

An incision along the edge of the areola; passes through breast tissue and ducts.

Keller funnel

A sterile cone through which a silicone implant is delivered into the pocket without hand contact, allowing a smaller incision and lower contamination.

Cohesive gel

Modern silicone gel that holds its shape and does not leak freely if the shell fails; the standard silicone implant fill.

Saline implant

A silicone shell filled with sterile salt water after placement; passes any incision easily; deflates visibly if it fails.

Base width

The implant's diameter, matched to the breast's footprint on the chest — the first sizing constraint.

Projection / profile

How far an implant projects forward at a given base width — moderate, moderate-plus, high; tunes the silhouette.

cc corridor

The range of implant volumes a patient's tissue can carry safely, set by base width, tissue pinch and envelope room.

Capsular contracture

Tightening of the natural scar capsule around an implant, making the breast firm, high or painful; graded Baker I–IV.

Drop and fluff

The settling of implants into the lower pole over 3–6 months as the muscle relaxes and tissue stretches.

High-riding implant

An implant sitting too high because the muscle was not fully released at the fold — the classic blunt-technique complication, prevented by endoscopy.

Lateral displacement

Implant drifting toward the armpit when the pocket is over-dissected laterally; prevented by precise pocket limits and the band.

Intercostobrachial nerve

The sensory nerve of the inner upper arm that passes near the armpit tunnel; temporary numbness is common after transaxillary surgery.

Haematoma

Bleeding into the pocket in the first days — a suddenly larger, painful breast, treated by returning to theatre.

Seroma

Fluid collecting around the implant; usually settles; drained if persistent.

BIA-ALCL

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma — a rare cancer of the capsule associated almost entirely with textured implants.

Nicotine rule

No cigarettes, vapes, patches, gum or pouches for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.

USHAŞ

Turkish Ministry of Health international health-tourism authorisation; Dr. Erdal's number is 2026034015610080000444996.

FACS / FEBOPRAS

Fellow of the American College of Surgeons / Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery — Dr. Erdal's two board credentials.

Questions patients ask