Earlier augmentation mammoplasty techniques placed the implants behind the skin or breast parenchyma. Newer techniques are placing it behind the pectoralis major muscle. The anatomy of the axilla or the axillary basin is important to all oncologic surgeons as it represents the principal lymphatic drainage region of the breast. Lymphatic metastasis from a malignant breast lesion will most often occur in this region. For inner quadrant lesions, it can occur in the internal mammary chain.
Lymphatic metastasis can also be present in the supraclavicular nodes.
The surgeon should have an extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the axilla and its contents in order to perform a safe, precise and appropriate axillary dissection. In order to remove these lymph nodes with minimal morbidity, several structures will have to be identified unequivocally.