Q. Recently, I had a consult with a surgeon for breast augmentation. I asked if he could do it endoscopically through my armpit and he said that he didn't recommend that approach because it could interfere with the detection and treatment of breast cancer. Is that true?

A. Breast augmentation has been done through the armpit since the 1980s. Initially this was done with a traditional surgical approach that blindly created a pocket behind the muscle. In the 1990s, plastic surgeons began using a camera to see the pocket during the procedure. This endoscopic technique made the surgery more precise and less painful while protecting the nerves and ducts going to the nipple.

A recent study published in plastic surgery literature analyzed the effects of endoscopic breast augmentation via the armpit approach on the detection and treatment of breast cancer. There was absolutely no evidence that this approach had any effect whatsoever on the patient's breast cancer status.

Unfortunately, some plastic surgeons who don't perform endoscopic surgery continue to spread the myth. If you are interested in having a breast augmentation through the armpit, don't let this scare you from having your surgery done by someone skilled in the endoscopic technique.

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