What is Transumbilical Breast Augmentation?
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.
