Transumbilical Vs Conventional Breast Augmentation

What is the difference between transumbilical Breast augmentation and conventional Breast augmentation?

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breasts bigger breast size transumbilical (TUBA)

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by thinkinggirl in New Jersey

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There are many differences

When you use the word " conventional" for an incision site on a breast augmentation, I infer that you believe trans umbilical breast augmentation or TUBA to be " unconventional." If this is what you mean then I agree with you %100. There are few if any advantages for using the belly button as access to you breasts. Keep in mind that in the US approximately 1% of augmentations are done with the TUBA technique. There are many reasons for this. The procedure is done... more

It's a different incision with definite limitations

Transumbilical augmentation has been popularized by the idea that the scar and incision is placed in the belly button area and therefore "hidden" from the breast area. Only saline implants can be placed with this method as the "track" from the belly button to the breast has to accomodate a small object (the folded implant) that is then expanded. I have seen some very nice results from this technique, but I have seen some disasters. First, the belly button is not the... more

Difference between Trans-umbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA) and conventional augmentation

There are four basic incision sites: in the crease under the breast, under the areola, in the armpit, and in the belly button. There are pros and cons to each of them which you should discuss in detail with your doctor. I have done over 5000 TUBA procedures, above and below the chest muscle, over the past twenty years. I consider the following to be the pros and cons of this approach: Pros: 1. There is only a single small scar hidden under the upper fold of the... more

Transumbilical vs 'Conventional' Breast Augmentation

After reviewing the answers to this question I thought I would offer an alternative viewpoint. In my practice I have performed breast augmentation through every approach, periareolar, perithelial, inframammary, axillary and transumbilical. The transumbilical approach has virtually eliminated the axillary approach in my practice. It is true that the transumbilical approach has a significant disadvantage in that one cannot place silicone implants using this small incision and revisional... more

Transumbilical breast augmentation is fraught with problems

Transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) is a form of breast augmentation which places the skin incision in the area of the belly button. Although it seems attractive to use one small incision, the biggest potential problem is placing the implants into the wrong position creating asymmetry, etc. I personally do not use this approach. A “conventional” breast augmentation places the incisions into one of three locations: the armpit (transaxillary), around the nipple-areola... more

Breast Implant Placement via Belly Button

Hi there- Placement of breast implants via an incision around your belly button, in the TUBA technique is, in my opinion, a poorly conceived operation you would be better off avoiding. To understand why, it's best to get a firm perspective.... I think it would be safe to assume that your interest in breast augmentation is the result of your desire for a breast shape and size that is as beautiful as possible, yes? The reality is that attempting to place implants through a peripheral location like more

Transumbilical vs Conventional Breast Augmentation

I'll state right up front that I think the TUBA, transumbilical breast augmentation, has few to any indications. As the saying goes "it's a long run for a short slide." The TUBA uses an incision in the belly button, a very long tunnel up to the breasts, and only saline implants can be used. My response to people is that who is going to see the areolar or inframammaryincision? What's more who's going to care? Frankly a standard breast augmentation using the inframammary or... more

TUBA vs BAM

I am not a proponent of the TUBA as I have seen at least 10 patients with complications due to uneven placement of the implants with this procedure. I would generally advise you to avoid the use of this technique. Many of the other excellent physicians around here seem to agree as well. What does that tell you? Why would they not perform the procedure if it had a high satisfaction rate?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

TUBA vs. conventional implant approaches and TABA

I am not a big fan of the TUBA approach for breast augmentation. FIrst, you can not have silicone gel implants placed that way. Second, it is difficult to dissect the pocket precisely and take care of bleeding. I have performed TABA( transabdominal breast augmentation) for women that want a tummy tuck as well. From this approach you can place silicone gel implants as well as treat bleeding sources. It is not performed with a special introducing device but performed under direct vision.... more

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Transumbilical breast augmentation is not a good idea.

Hi! With transumbilical breast augmentation, the idea is that there is no scar because the operation is done through the belly button. The reality is that the small scars of "conventional" breast augmentation are hardly ever an issue. If a breast augmentation patient is not happy, it is almost always because of poor shape or symmetry. And problems with shape and symmetry are much more common with the belly button approach. Also the transumbilical approach damages the implants,... more

Marketing is the difference between TUBA and "conventional" augmentation

TUBA or transumbilical breast augmentation is an acceptable technique to augment the breasts. A very small number of surgeons use this and market it as not leaving a scar on the breasts. The breast scars are 3-4cm (11/4-11/2in) and placed that when healed, the untrained eye would not see them. The TUBA surgeons do not advertise the negative sides to the procedure (hopefully these are discussed with you in the consultation). First of all, it can be used with saline implants only, the implant... more

With breast implants, it's easier 'to hit a target' when you're closer to it

Breast implants can be placed through an incision under the nipple, under the breast, through the armpit, or through the 'belly button' (transumbilical). There are pros and cons to each scar. The transumbilical scar is not easily seen, but placing the implants in the right place can be harder than with the incisions around the breast. I think the nipple scar heals the best and is only seen by a few people.