Comparing Nipple and Areola Sensory Outcomes and Nerve-Related Complications Using Different Incision Types in Breast Augmentation: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND: Changes in nipple-areola complex sensation are a major concern after breast augmentation. Multiple incision options exist such as inframammary, periareolar, transareolar, transaxillary, and transumbilical, but their sensory impact remains unclear. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on incision type, nipple-areola outcomes, and nerve-related complications. METHODS: Following PRISMA-ScR, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched to July 2025. Eligible studies reported sensory outcomes by incision type. Both subjective and objective measures were included. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies were included, encompassing over 13,000 patients across primary clinical cohorts, with several large meta-analyses contributing additional pooled data. Most studies evaluated inframammary and periareolar incisions. Persistent nipple sensory change was generally low (