Breast Augmentation: Q&A

Ask a Question

Breast Augmentation Through the Belly Button?

I have seen this procedure on television, but with the consultations I've had with doctors, no one really seems to want to do it. Is there a reason why? I know the best incision option for me would be through the areola since one of mine is larger than the other and that could be corrected at the same time. But if it wasn't for that, I would want to go through the belly button due to no detectable scarring. Why is this procedure not as popular?

Tags:

Comment on this

23 Doctor Answers | Asked by Shar

Doctor Answers (23)
Community Comments (0)

Popularity of TUBA

I have been doing the TUBA procedure for over twenty years now on patients from all over the world. The results are excellent in the right hands. As you read through the responses to this question, you will see a lot of negative things written about the TUBA procedure. I think these doctors have either never done a TUBA procedure or have never seen one done. I have had many doctors come to observe me do this procedure and they all leave the O.R. shaking their heads at... more

TUBA - not my preferred approach

I have never been that impressed with the transumbilical approach to breast augmenation but I have never performed the surgery myself. In my opinion the accurate dissection of the implant pocket is critical to obtain a nice result. I would find it difficult to be that precise from such a long distance away. In addition you can only use saline filled implants via the TUBA approach. If a patient does not want a scar on the breast then the axillary or under the arm incision is an option.... more

Long run for a short slide

While some doctors use it and swear by it, I think it is what I would call a long run for a short slide especially in lieu of a periareolar incision that statistically heals the best of all scars. The belly button approach is a blind technique from the furthest distance you can get from the palce of action, the breast. It is nearly impossible to correct problems with the implant or pocket from this incision and since a majority of women with implants will come to a second surgery within 10... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

You might also like...

Real Stories

I So Want to Do This...Too Many Concerns - Houston, TX

So I have had the same little boy chest since I was 13 years old. Every fe,ale in my family...

Before + After Photos

View 6858 Breast Augmentation photos

Transumbilical breast augmentation?

I do not think that this is a good operation for the reasons my colleagues have discussed below. I see, in my practice, more patients for revisionary surgery after the TUBA procedure (taking into account the relative numbers of procedures done through different approaches) then after breast augmentation procedures done through the other approaches available. Usually these problems are related to implant positioning. Make sure you seek consultation with well experienced what... more

Breast implants placed through belly button (TUBA): plus and minuses

The only real advantage to the TUBA (Trans-Umbilical Breast Augementation) is the scar and the marketing benefit. Other than that, there are numerous disdavantages: inability to place silicone implants, limited pocket visualization, difficulty in achieving hemostasis, rough handling of the implant, risk of abdominal scarring along dissection path, disruption of infra-mammary fold, lack of utility in breast implant remove and replace procedures, use of blunt dissection and lack of precise... more

Breast augmentation through the belly button

The only real advantage to placing implants through the trans-umbilical approach is the scar. Since most scars heal well, this is not a huge advantage. There are however numerous disadvantages to this approach. First, silicone gel implants cannot be used. Second, revisions are relatively more common. Lastly, it is much more challenging to reliably place the implant in the appropriate position in regards to the muscle. Still, there are a... more

Breast Augmentation Through the Belly Button?- A Stupid Idea!

There are so many reasons why no one wants to do this operation. In my opinion, this is a stupid operation that should never have seen the light of day, period. The main reason is that the results are usually not as good, often lop sided, and in my opinion, generally sub par (if, for example, you compare a series of consecutive cases- sure, you can cherry pick good examples with good results, but what are they like on average?). You always have to use saline... more

Breast augmentation through the belly button: more cons than pros

The reason why it isn't more popular is because there are significant drawbacks to the method: you can only use saline implants the pocket dissection is indirect and prone to asymmetry it is almost always offered only above the muscle when you need them replaced, you have to go back through the crease or areola; now you have more scars than if you had not gone transumbilical in the first place cannot control bleeding well during surgery because of the... more

Requesting Breast Augmentation with belly button incision.....

This is the most infrequently performed method of breast augmentation due to the limitations of the implants and the limitations to the surgeon. Silicone Implants can NOT be used with this procedure technique. Saline filled implants are the only option. The surgeon has a limited amount of control for symmetry and to give the patient optimal results. In my practice I use the areolar incision sites and most frequently use the infra-mammary fold... more

Rod J. Rohrich, MD

10 reviews

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Breast augmentation through the belly button is not very popular.

TUBA is one of 4 main access incisions used for breast augmentation but is by far the most infrequently performed. If you are absolutely decided on TUBA then please seek out a plastic surgeon that performs a high volume of that particular procedure because There is a VERY steep learning curve. If you go to a surgeon that only performs 30-40 a year you will still be one of the patients he/she is learning on. By no means do I want to try to persuade you if you are absolutely convinced... more

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.