TransUmbilical Breast Augmentation
What is Transumbilical Breast Augmentation?
Transumbilical Breast Augmentation – also referred to as TUBA - is a procedure that was developed in the early 1990′s by Dr. Gerald Johnson as a means to insert breast implants with out leaving any visible scars on or around the actual breast,. He discovered through his experience of inserting breast implants through tummy tuck incisions (abdominoplasty) that he could use an endoscope to tunnel to the breast from a small incision located in the upper fold the belly button. This method also allowed the procedure to be completed with just one incision.
Transumbilical Breast Augmentation breast implants initially were placed under the breast tissue but above the chest muscle. As doctor’s experience with Transumbilical Breast Augmentation became more frequent, doctors realized that they could also place the implants under the chest muscle, which is sometimes a desirable alternative for women who are thin, and have somewhat little breast tissue present to cover the implant.
How is Transumbilical Breast Augmentation Performed?
The Transumbilical Breast Augmentation procedure is performed under general anesthesia. First a small incision is made in the fold of skin overlying the belly button, thereby hiding any left over scar that may otherwise be visible. A surgical instrument known as an obturator is then used to tunnel under the skin up to the breast crease level (this obturator will keep the tunnel path open that the endoscope will need to take.)
In cases where the breast implant will be placed under the breast tissue, the dissection is made in the loose connective tissue on top of the muscle between the muscle and breast tissue. If the breast implant is to be placed under the breast muscle, then the dissection is made in the loose connective tissue area under the chest muscle.
The endoscope is then inserted so as to confirm the correct plane of dissection. This is then followed by a breast implant sizer (shaped in a “taco” type roll form) and guided up the tunnel into the dissection (pocket) created. Normal sterile saline solution then inflates the implant sizer to a size slightly larger than the final implant to be placed, thereby allowing for refinement of the breast pocket.
The same Transumbilical Breast Augmentation procedure is then performed on the opposite breast, noting any asymmetries. The implant sizers are then deflated and removed, however the small tubes are left exiting from the belly button incision so that small adjustments can be made to equalize the breast size by varying the amount of saline placed in each implant. Once at their desirable size, the tubes are gently pulled out of the self-sealing implnat valves and the valve covers seat over the valves to ensure proper closure. The single belly button incision is then closed up with dis-solvable sutures, and a light compression dressing is placed over the suture.
What is the Recovery Time for Transumbilical Breast Augmentation?
Recovery time needed to return to normal daily activities after having Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation is typically 2-7 days for implants placed over the breast muscle, and typically 4-7 days for implants placed under the breast muscle. Total healing time is typically six to twelve months, however the patient may return to normal exercise typically within two to three weeks.
Are There any Risks with Transumbilical Breast Augmentation?
While saline breast implants have a documented safety record, you need to be aware that all breast implants are not permanent. Over extended time, the breast implant wall or valve will “tire out” and potentially leak. Being as they are filled with sterile saline solution however, which is similar to one’s own natural body fluids, the saline will be reabsorbed by the body with no adverse affects.
You will be happy to know that all breast implant manufacturers currently offer lifetime warranties for their breast implants and will replace any deflated breast implant that fails as a result of normal “wear and tear.” As well, if the breast implant fails within the first five year period, most manufacturers will typically pay anywhere between $1,000.00 to 1,200.00 towards your replacement breast implant. And you can replace the breast implant using the Transumbilical Breast Augmentation approach.
