Is it possible to have a TUBA explant done?

Question

Hello, I had a TUBA done 12 years ago and I am wanting the implants removed. I have saline implants above the muscle. I am African American and I am at risk for keloids. Is it possible to do a TUBA explant procedure or will it have to be done under the armpit? Thank you!

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Breast implants can be easily removed under local anesthesia in the doctors office without having to undergo surgery.  This is possible as long as the implants are not textured.  Do not complicate a very simple, straight-forward surgery by placing the incision further away than necessary.  I would not suggest the incision under the armpit because a keloid in that area could be extremely painful.  Your plastic surgeon should be familiar with ways to help minimize the likelihood of keloid scarring.

Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS · Answer

Implant placement via TUBA isn't a preferred approach for most plastic surgeons due to many reasons. It's not done much any longer and became more of a fad. You will probably find it hard to find a surgeon that would be willing to do this for you. I don't recommend making the removal any harder than it should be and just have it removed via IMF. Even if you have a history of keloids (which most likely is hypertrophic scarring and not a true keloiding), it doesn't mean that you will have any scarring issues with a breast fold incision.

Phillip Dauwe, MD · Answer

I would not recommend any revision breast surgery through an umbilical incision. If you are worried about scars, I would recommend asking your surgeon to make a very small (

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is possible to remove implants through an umbilical incision, but it is not typical.  You may want to visit with the surgeon who placed your implants to talk about your wishes.  Implants that are removed via an imframmary fold incision typically heal very well.  The incision can sometimes be hard to visualize once fully healed.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, the implants can be removed, but most doctors will not use the umbilical site due to increased risks. The capsule cannot be completely removed with this incision. Most surgeons would suggest the periareolar incision or below the breasts to avoid the scar being seen. There are things that can be done to minimize the risk of a keloid forming.

David S. Motoki, MD · Answer

I have never done a TUBA so you should ask the original surgeon if breast implant removal is possible through the umbilicus. I think this would be very difficult and some of the implant could be left behind. If you are concerned about keloids I would perform the explant using an infra-mammary incision as a keloid in this area is easier to cover up than an armpit keloid. The armpit keloid would be visible in sleeveless tops, bras, swim wear, etc.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

Oh goodness please don't let anyone do that to you. I would pull it out from the armpit before that. You could have it removed that way if need be. You can not take them out from the belly button.

Is it possible to have a TUBA explant done?

Answers (7)

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