Plastic Surgery Seattle Blog

What’s commonly known as TUBA, or even “belly button breast augmentation,” is an effective method of breast implant placement that produces attractive results and scars that are literally invisible.

Dr. Gottlieb performs this operation by making an incision in the navel and then creating a “tunnel” through the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen to the breasts.  The implant is then placed symmetrically behind the nipple, above or below the pectoral muscle.  To provide a view of the patient’s underlying tissues, a tiny fiber optic camera called an endoscope is used.

Some have criticized the transumbilical method for its inherently “remote” technique, which doesn’t allow the surgeon direct access to the breasts.  Although this objection seems reasonable, the results achieved with TUBA breast augmentation say otherwise.  If the patient is safe, satisfied, and the aesthetic results are comparable (or superior) to other breast implant placement methods, the objection doesn’t hold any weight.

Jacob Haiavy MD and William A. Brennan MD published a study in 2007 that analyzed 245 patients of transumbilical breast augmentation, and found that the rate of complications was comparable to other breast implant placement methods.  Furthermore, 1 year after transumbilical breast augmentation, 95 percent of the patients were satisfied with the surgery and 86 percent were satisfied with the implant size chosen.

For more information on transumbilical breast augmentation at Plastic Surgery Seattle, contact the office of Jourdan Gottlieb MD.

Our own Dr. Jourdan Gottlieb was featured in the Fall-Winter 2009 edition of NewBeauty magazine, sharing his aesthetic philosophy and some brief information regarding the procedures offered at Plastic Surgery Seattle.

NewBeauty® is the world’s most unique beauty magazine, and is fast becoming a powerhouse beauty brand spanning print, online and retail. NewBeauty magazine is the first publication devoted exclusively to “everything beauty,” converging the medical, spa and mainstream markets to serve as the ultimate aesthetic resource. Since 2005, NewBeauty has continued to revolutionize the way people learn about cosmetic enhancement, educating consumers about the latest advances, inside secrets, “must-have” products and expert advice.

With nearly 10.2 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States during 2008, a 162 percent increase since 1997, NewBeauty fills the void for reliable information on all types of aesthetic procedures in light of the growing interest and surge in cosmetic-enhancing treatments. In doing so, it informs, enlightens and inspires its readers with new-age developments and tried-and-trusted beauty innovations. With a distribution of approximately 500,000 copies per issue, NewBeauty is available for purchase at 40,000+ retailers in the United States, including major bookstores like Borders, Barnes & Noble, as well as airports, supermarkets and newsstands.

To ensure the accuracy of information in NewBeauty’s pages, the publisher established the Editorial Advisory Board, comprised of recognized experts in their respective fields. Each article and advertisement has been carefully reviewed by at least two members of the Advisory Board, assuring readers that the information provided is fair, accurate and reliable.

During consultations, a frequently asked question at our Seattle office is about breast feeding after receiving breast implants.  Is it possible?  Is it safe for the newborn?

Ability to breast-feed

While uncommon, a certain number of patients do experience a disruption in their ability to breast feed.  Choosing a surgical incision that avoids manipulation of the nipple can decrease this risk.  If breast feeding is likely in your future, you may want to investigate incision techniques such as the inframmary fold incision, transaxillary incision, or transumbilical breast augmentation method.

Although breast feeding is not necessarily compromised by sub-glandular (above the muscle) placement, some surgeons maintain that submuscular breast implant placement reduces the risk as well.

Infant Safety

Research studies published in the late 90s regarding infant safety haven’t found any measurable risks associated with breast implants.  In the late 90s, a study was published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery showing that women with silicone breast implants show comparable levels of silicone (silicon) in their breast milk to women without implants.  It is not known what effect could occur if traces of silicone were to pass through to the infant.

Feel free to speak with Dr. Gottlieb or your OB/GYN if you still have questions and concerns about this topic.  Whether you plan to become pregnant or not, it is best to understand all of the possible breast augmentation risks before proceeding with surgery.