Breast Augmentation Through the Belly Button?

Insertion
of breast implants through the belly button, which is referred to as trans-umbilical
breast augmentation (TUBA), is a controversial procedure and carries with it a
high-risk profile and many trade-offs; such as solely being able to use saline
implants. Additionally, the surgeon
needs to dissect the pocket blindly, which makes the procedure less
precise. Pocket dissection is a critical
step in order to position the implant correctly. Therefore, because this step
in TUBA is done blindly, it leads to higher rates of complications.



As
a plastic surgeon I understand the appeal of minimizing visible scarring.



My
professional ideology and how I approach all my patients is to deliver
excellent reproducible results, which are done safely, with minimal
postoperative issues. I can achieve
these results with a minimal visible scar using an infra-mammary incision. Therefore,
I do not perform nor recommend breast augmentation through the belly button to
my patients.

If you desire a truly scar-less Breast Augmentation that leaves virtually no scars on the chest, then you may wish to consider Trans-Umbilical-Breast-Augmentation (TUBA). The implant is placed via an incision hidden in the belly button. This leaves no visible scar anywhere near the breast. (Even the armpit incision can sometimes be very visible in a bathing suit or strapless top or dress.)Recent advances in instrumentation make it possible to perform the operation placing the implant either above or below the muscle. As there is no cutting of tissue over the ribs, patients experience much less pain and quicker recovery – even with placement under the muscle. The TUBA procedure requires a higher level of skill and training, which is why most plastic surgeons do not perform it.