Transumbilical Vs Conventional Breast 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 belly button.  Since many surgeries are done through such an incision, it is not a scar that is likely to be associated with breast augmentation.

2. Implants can be placed above or below the chest muscle.

3. There is little cutting of tissue involved with this surgery.  I don't even hook up a cautery when I use this approach because there is basically no bleeding involved.  Because there is little cutting of tissue, there is less risk to the sensory nerves to the breast and nipple, less risk of bleeding, and faster recovery time.

 

Cons:

1. Only saline implants can be used with this approach.

2. Because the incision site is more remote from the breast, there is a greater chance of asymmetry with this approach.  It is best to use a doctor with a lot of experience with this approach to minimize this risk.

3. Future surgeries may require using a different incision site.

4. Rarely, a "knot" or a "cord" may be felt along the abdominal tunnel.  In my experience, this always goes away with warm compresses and massages.  I have NEVER seen a permanent one.

As with any procedure, it is best to use a doctor with a lot of experience with this technique and who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  There are many doctors out there who take weekend courses and then proclaim themselves plastic surgeons.  This has been especially true with the TUBA procedure.  Beware!

It does not make sense to put scar tissue on a breast. Armpit incision is a wonderful scar-free option for breast augmentation. Silicone implants can absolutely be inserted through the arm-pit, don't let anyone tell you that is not an option. There are few reasons for an incision under the breast or through the nipple. The scarring under the armpit is minimal, look at the attached video. Don't let doctors not comfortable with the approach talk you out of it. Transaxillary is the standard in Asia and the UK and the results are completely natural. Patients are so happy not having to deal with any types of incision or scarring on the breast.  

TUBA is not a technique that most surgeons perform because it requires special training and higher skill. However, I have performed TUBA for years. It is safe and actually involves a shorter recovery period than other breast augmentation techniques.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.