Is Breast Augmentation Through Tummy Tuck Incision Possible? Doctor Answers, Tips

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Transabdominal breast augmentation

Transabdominal breast augmentation or (TABA) is exactly what you described. While performing a tummy tuck, breast implants are placed through this incision in a precise manner to also perform a breast augmentation. Although, I am not the first person to do this, I have written this technique up in the plastic surgery journals and have presented it to other plastic surgeons at national meetings. It is for a limited number of patients. If the breasts sag significantly, it would be done in ... more

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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Breast augmentation through a tummy tuck incision?

Hello, Yes, a breast augmentation can be performed through a tummy tuck incision. Although the same result can theoretically be achieved by doing so compared to an incision in the breast fold, areola, or arm pit, the amount of control that the surgeons has is potentially less. If my loved one asked which I would recommend for them I would say to perform the breast augmentation through a standard incision and get the best result possible with the lowest risk for... more

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

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Breast Implants Through a Tummy Tuck Incision

Placing breast implants through the tummy tuck incision is definitely possible, but not recommended. It may sound like a good way to reduce incision scars, but the tradeoffs are not worth it. It is harder to create the implant pockets with the precision breast augmentation deserves. The results from this approach may increase the risk of poor implant motion, malposition, or asymmetry. As plastic surgeons, we are always sensitive to minimizing scars, but not to the... more

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

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Mommy Makeover - with no visible breast scars

You are asking for a Mommy Makeover with no visible breast scars. Although it is done, I do not think it is a great operation. Look at the patient in my video - her breast augmentation was via a periarolar incision. Direct approaches (such as the infra-mammary approach or periareolar approach) give excellent visualization to allow for a lot of finesse in the result of the breast augmentation. With the trans-abdominoplasty approach, either a small tunnel will be... more

Michael A. Bogdan, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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Breast Augmentation thru Abdominoplasty Incision

Possible to do but not recommended. There are many creative ways to perform some of the plastic surgery that we do. But at times those creative ways are not always the best way of doing it and has compromises. So, no it is not recommended. It is a compromise and not optimum. The periareolar incision heals so well and provides an accurate way to place the implant, why do it in a compromised way? Hope that helps and gives you some insight.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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Separation of breast and belly

While the idea of a scarless breast augmentation is appealing, the reality is that techniques which compromise the inframammary fold, (where the breast meets the chest wall), which would need to be done in order to place the implants through the top aspect of the abdominoplasty flap are not freebies. Surgical manipulation of this area can result in "bottoming out" of the breast implant, where the breast slides off the chest into the upper abdomen. Most of the other consultants... more

Lavinia Chong, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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Breast augmentation through a tummy tuck is not recommended

Breast augmentation through an abdominal approach is a fairly old procedure which was also called a TUBA or a trans-umbilical breast augmentation. The advantage was a scar off the breast though we seldom hear much about the technique any longer. The technique required special instruments and was 'blind' in that it was difficult to control the implant placement, and submuscular augmentation was quite difficult. The procedure applied to saline implants inflated in place. Augmentation through... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

+2

Yes But...

Breast augmentation done at the same time as an abdominoplasty using implants is not a new procedure , it would be similar to the dissection of a Tram flap breast reconstruction however without the view from above. It would be harder to get homeostasis and bleeding is more difficult to detect since the breast pocket is in continuity with the abdominal cavity there is a large dead space that can fill up with blood. I know of at least one death from this technique when done by a board... more

Walter D. Gracia, MD
Arlington Plastic Surgeon

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Breast Implants through a tummy tuck incision

Placing breast implants through a tummy tuck incision is possible and the results can be quite impressive in experienced hands. This can be a good option if you are having a tummy tuck and desire "scarless" breast implants and I have incorporated it into my practice. I agree with the previous posters that it is technically more a more difficult than placing the implants through traditional incisions. As always, speak to a board certified plastic surgeon about this if you are interested.... more

Matthew Schulman, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

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Possible, but not popular

Joderbug, It is certainly to place breast implants through an abdominoplasty. Speak to your plastic surgeon regarding this option. The concerns are violating the breast crease to place the implants and working from a more distant site than the breast itself. This might lead to less control in the positioning of the implants. Good luck!

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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Breast implants placed through tummy tuck incision

There are surgeons who will place breast implants through the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) incision. This is basically the same concept as the TUBA (trans umbilical) approach. I do not perform this procedure because I personally feel it takes away too much support of the lower aspect of the breast implant and is basically a "blind" dissection. If you decide this is the way you want your procedure performed I suggest you search and find a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs... more

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

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Breast augmentation through the tummy tuck incision

Performing a breast augmentation through the tummy tuck incision is possible. However, it is very uncommon and technically more difficult than a straightforward tummy tuck and breast augmentation. Additionally it take more time, so you will be under anesthesia for longer and have additionally operating room and anesthesia fees. Also, if your implants need to be adjusted or you decide to have a different size, then you will need the standard incision anyway. I hope this is helpful. Good... more

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+2

Breast augmentation with tummy tuck

Yes this can be done. It is not popular for a few reasons. The placement of the implant in this situation occurs by disrupiting the breast crease which we tytpically pefer to preserve during a traditional breast augmentation procedure. Therefore, we use a smaller approach or have to reconstruct the crease with stitches.This can result in a slightly higher risk of asymmetry and/or incomplete release of the muscle see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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Trans-abdominal breast augmentation/ Trans-umbilical breast augmentation

In the early 1970's, plastic surgeons found a new way for inserting breast implants in conjunction with a tummy tuck. In a tummy tuck, the fat and skin of the abdomen is undermined all the way up to the level of the ribs. It was then a simple matter of making a short tunnel from there to the breast in order to insert the breast implants. Years later, this same idea was expanded to the Trans-Umbilical Breast Augmetation (TUBA) procedure for inserting saline implants... more

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

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Breast implant through the tummy tuck procedure

Although it can likely be done, it is not as easy for the surgeon to perform. I would not say it is commonly done.The reason is that the surgeon would need to suspend all of the abdominal skin in order to gain access for the breast implant and this can be difficult. Also, the retractors that are lighted that are used to illuminate the pocket where the implant will be placed are usually not long enough to use.Tuba, or a transumbilical breast augmentation has some believers but as... more

Julio Garcia, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

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Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Mommy Makeover

It is possible to do a breast augmentation through an abdominoplasty incision, but it is my preference to separate the two operations into two incisional entries. This protects the implants from entering into the abdomen if there were to be migration or displacement. The scars on the breast augmentation remain quite small. The lower fold of the breasts should not be entered as one would have to do in going through the abdomen to complete the augmentation through... more

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

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Safe to do them at the same time but not through the same incision

Trying to put breast implants through an abdominoplasty incision has drawbacks. There is higher chance of getting what is called a "bottomed out" look. This is when the implant has migrated down because you have opened the tissue between the abdomen and the breast pocket. There is a slightly higher chance of infection in the breast pockets. A lot of times when a person has an abdominoplasty it is because she has had children or has lost a lot of weight. For this... more

William Aiello, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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Breast augmentation through an abdominoplasty incision

This can be done in some limited circumstances. If the breast is simple being augmented it is satisfactory. if the breast requires a lift then the placement of the implants should be approached directly through the breast. All the best, Talmage J. Raine MD FACS

Talmage J. Raine, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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Breast augmenation through Tummy Tuck Incision

Yes it can be done but I do not recommend this approach. The exposure is not as good and implant position may be less than optimal. As the augmentation incisions are so small, i do not find the abdominal approach to be indicated.

Richard Linderman, MD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

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Breast Implants through the tummy tuck incision

I do not recommend this. I do not think that this will allow for the best result. I agree that you need direct access to the area and in my opinion, the peri-areolar incision gives you the best access and therefore the best chance for a great result for breast augmentation surgery.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

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Trans abdominoplasty breast augmentation

yes. some surgeons do these procedures commonly. the truth is, the further your incision is from the area you are operating, the more control you lose. that is why most plastic surgeons avoid the TUBA (breast augmentation through the belly button). breast implants can be typically placed through very small incisions on the breast, or even in the armpit. sometimes the sacrifice of a small scar for the offer of improved control is worth it.

Eric Chang, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.columbiaaesthetic.com

+1

Yes it is possible

I have done this procedure on a select few patients with some very nice results. The operation is done through an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck approach and the implants are placed into a pocket in the chest area both silicone and saline implants can be used as well. The issue later becomes ten years down the road or in the case of saline implants when they need to be replaced if they should rupture. The pocket is more easily created near an incision nearer to the... more

Kimberly A. Henry, MD
Greenbrae Plastic Surgeon

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Breast Augmentation is Probably Best Kept Separate from a Tummy Tuck

Disadvantages outweigh Benefits for using Tummy Tuck scar to place Breast Implants Mommy Makeover procedures combining a Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck are highly satisfying for both patients and surgeon. While it is possible to place breast implants through the Tummy Tuck incision, the disadvantages would seem to outweigh the benefits: Benefit Admittedly, not placing separate incisions for Breast Augmentation is a benefit, and conceptually I like this idea.... more

Nick Slenkovich, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

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Breast augmentation through abdominoplasty incision?

Sure, it's possible, and few plastic surgeons want to admit they haven't done something others claim to have done. If a plastic surgeon has done pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstructions, abdominal tissue is separated from its native position, but left attached to the rectus muscle for blood supply. This tissue is then transposed through the upper abdominal area to the breast or breasts after mastectomy. Placing implants via this approach is indeed possible in similar fashion,... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

+1

Combining abdominoplasty and breast augmentation

It is possible to undergo breast augmentation through a tummy tuck incision, but I favor a separate incision through the areola to acheive uniform results with good cosmesis.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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Procedures can be combined

Procedures can be combined. the breast part has a higher risk of contamination due to the inability of betadine to completely prep and open abdomen.have a detailed discusssion with your surgeon . have done several that way and so far ok

Cap Lesesne, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

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Breast augmentation through abdominoplasty incision

Yes, it is definitely possible. In fact, you could get a wonderful outcome without additional scars. The problem is there is a certain degree of inaccuracy in pocket creation. If augmentation was a unilateral operation, this may not be as big of a deal. However, one of the most, if not THE most important aspects of a successful breast augmentation is symmetry. The scars from a well executed routine breast augmentation are rarely a problem. Just because you... more

York Jay Yates, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

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An option

I have done it this way but prefer not to.as it is not as precise. I suggest that you speak with your surgeons regarding their experiences and preferrences. If I were you I would only want the best exposure and precise placement.

Grant Stevens, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

+1

Augmentation via abdominoplasty route

I would be conservative and play to the strengths of each operation. Trying to make a precise implant pocket from the upper abdomen dissection field seems like an invitation to inaccuracy. While buying an external scar for the augmentation is a drawback, the profit is a quicker operation with greater accuracy and symmetry.

Dan Downey, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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Breast augmentation via tummy tuck

Insertion of breast implants may be possible by using the surgical exposure afforded by a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty. Depending on the specific physical characteristics of the patient and requirements for the breast augmentation, a satisfactory result may be obtained. However, sometimes the fold at the inferior aspect of the breast may be disrupted, resulting in a suboptimal appearance.

Olivia Hutchinson, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

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Breast augmentation through tummy tuck incision

Breast implants can be inserted through the abdominal incision used for a tummy tuck but this is not the standard or ideal approach. Visualization is limited and it is difficult to properly place the implant in a subpectoral (unde the muscle) location. Furthermore, there is communication between the abdominal space and the breast implant space which could create a potential increased risk of infection. Although this approach is possible, most plastic surgeons would not... more

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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Breast augmentation at the time of a tummy tuck

The performance of a breast augmentation at the time of a tummy tuck is not at all common these days. In the past, when breast augmentation was performed above the muscle on the chest wall, a small incision could be made at the top of the tummy tuck dissection and a relatively accurate and good pocket could be made for a reliably good breast augmentation result. With the improved long term results from the sub muscular augmentation, I would only recommend this approach and it... more

John K. Long, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

+1

Trans-abdominoplasty breast augmentation

This is not a common procedure, and I suspect most plastic surgeons have never done it. I occasionally do it, if someone is having a silicone augmentation at the same time as an abdominoplasty. Contrary to the suggestion of other posts, this is NOT the same thing as a transumbilical augmentation. I agree with others though, that this approach does go through the inframammary fold of the breast and thus risks altering this structure. I put internal stitches in to... more

Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

www.pacificplasticsurgery.com

+1

Breast augmentation through Tummy Tuck incision

You heard correctly! It is possible to perform a breast augmentation through tummy Tuck incision. However not all patients are candidates for this procedure. At this stage, it is best to be evaluated by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon so that he or she may evaluate your breast and how much tissue needs to be elevated. If you do not need a breast lift it is possible to place implants into the breast tummy tuck incision. Keep in mind, however, that this procedure carries risks... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

+1

TUBA procedure through Tummy Tuck

This is basically a TUBA procedure done through a tummy tuck incision. Any surgeon that does the trans-umbilical augmentation can do the trans-abdominal route. It is technically easier to do anyway. The real question is why. Since silicone implants are available to everyone over 22 for augmentation the TUBA procedure has lost interest as it is best for saline implants. The trade-off of the small breast incision for the benefits of a sub-muscular silicone implant is well worth it. The... more

William Alan Dulin, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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Stealth implants through the tummy tuck

What you are asking about isn't really the same thing as the TUBA (Trans-Umbilical Breast Augmentation) which is where saline implants are place using a large endoscope pushed up from a belly button incision. This is not a common procedure. I have placed implants from the tummy tuck incision, but it is also not commonly done. It's a longer reach to get there than it seems, and it is usually better to have more direct access so the implants can be placed with greater precision. more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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I wouldn't recommend placing breast implants through a tummy tuck incision

Hi there- The answer to your question is that yes this can be done.... As with so many questions in plastic surgery though, the real question is whether or not this is in your best interest... And, having tried this technique, I would say it's not such a good idea... The reason is that the fold under the breast (the inframammary fold, or IMF) is a very important anatomic landmark- in almost every case I have ever seen where this important structure was manipulated surgically, the fold (and... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

+1

Just because it's possible doesn't mean it's a good idea

Yes, it is possible to place your implants via the abdominoplasty approach. This, however, is not the best idea as you have limited visibility and will be disrupting a portion of your inframammary fold and potentially affecting the shape of your result. One smaller, but potentially disasterous complication could occur if you were to develop an infection from your abdominoplasty that would now be in direct communication with your new foreign body/implants. Additionally, the scars from the... more

Sanjay Grover MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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Breast Augmentation through Tummy Tuck can certainly be done

While not a common procedure, the placement of breast implants can certainly be done through a tummy tuck incision. In the TUBA (trans umbilical breast augmentation) approach, a tunnel is made from the belly button to the breast area and a pocket is made and the implant is placed. So the same thing could certainly be done when the tummy tuck flap is lifted. However, only certain patients are candidates for this procedure and no lifting is done. A more precise placement of the implant and... more

Shain A. Cuber, MD
Marlboro Plastic Surgeon

+1

Breast Augmentation through Tummy Tuck incision is possible

Yes. Basically, it requires the same instruments and skills as in a TUBA -- trans umbilical breast augmentation -- and suffers from the same potential complications. Once the tummy skin and fat are undermined and lifted to the level of the ribs, the surgeon uses a blunt stick dissector to reach the arm pit. There he lifts the pectoral is major muscle and gets underneath it. With back and forth movements the muscle is lifted from the underlying ribs and the lower aspect of the muscle... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

+1

Possible

It is possible to to the BAM via tummy tuck incision, though it is not as common as traditional breast incision. If done by an experienced surgeon, it should be OK, but it is harder, and I suspect less accurate. I have never done it this way.

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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Two for one

Placing breast implants though tummy tuck incision is not a new idea. Even earlier than the development of the TUBA(belly button incision), surgeons were able to perform this combination of procedures. The basic TUBA approach through the tummy tuck is less traumatic than a traditional surgical technique from the tummy tuck. This procedure should only be performed by a surgeon skilled in the TUBA technique. You must recognize what the limitations of a TUBA are and possible risks. You cannot... more

Richard L. Dolsky, MD
Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon

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Breast aug through a tummy tuck

While this is technically possible, it is not generally considered a good idea. That is because much more disruption of tissue planes and nerves and blood vessels is required through this pathway than keeping the 2 surgeries separate. It sounds cute but there are good reasons that it is rarely done...

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

+1

Breast augmentation throught tummy tuck incision can be done

Hello, While this can be done, I am not always so crazy about the results. I prefer to make another small incision on the breast and produce better breasts.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

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Is Breast Augmentation Through Tummy Tuck Incision Possible?