Breast Implants through the Navel

Undergoing a surgical procedure which places breast implants through the navel is a terrific option for women who desire breast augmentation, but fear the potential scars which are common in many surgical approaches. The name for this innovative operation is transumbilical breast augmentation, but it is also affectionately known as TUBA or Endo Bam.

Breast Implants through the Navel / Surgeons

The TUBA procedure is a veritable miracle of modern art and science. A gifted cosmetic surgeon is truly a sculptor, as well as a doctor of medicine. Performing transumbilical breast enlargement requires a considerable investment of time and patience to learn the techniques necessary to achieve excellent post-surgical results. Doctors who perform this procedure must be specially trained in the processes used during the operation. Although the surgical techniques are basic, the complexity of the operation is often created by the variety of unforeseen issues dealing with individual patient anatomy, as well as the challenge of working in the body cavity with restricted visibility. To assist the surgeon in performing the procedure, they will often employ an endoscope, which is a small lighted optical camera used to see inside the body. Use of this device increases the chances of achieving a positive result with fewer complications, better placement and an overall aesthetic appearance.

Breast Implants through the Belly Button

The belly button is the perfect place to hide a surgical scar. This was exactly the thought of Dr. Gerald W. Johnson, when he invented the TUBA procedure. The path from the navel to the breast is direct and easy to visualize with a combination of endoscope and touch. Access to the breast is possible for placing implants in any of the standard pockets, including subglandular position, complete submuscular placement or even the subpectoral approach. Once the implants are in place, they can be filled to the right size and the symmetry and placement perfected prior to closing the surgical wound.

Breast Implants through the Navel Advice

The major drawback to this procedure is the inability to use silicone implants due to incision size requirements. For women who desire saline implants to begin with, this is a non-issue. Women who are strongly inclined towards silicone or cohesive silicone gel implants are advised to look into other options to enlarge their breasts. The transaxillary approach is a good choice since the surgical scar is concealed in the natural fold of the underarm and is still barely visible. Someday in the future, the technology might exist to perform TUBA using silicone prostheses, but until then, at least there is a procedure which will accommodate the preferences and expectations of every patient.

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12/10/07 Revised 3/1/08