If you are wondering whether transumbilical breast augmentation is the best option for you, you probably have 2 big questions: (1) Are the advantages really that significant? and (2) Are there any downsides I need to know about, that the advocates for this technique don’t talk about?
First, the basics: TUBA uses endoscopic surgical techniques that allow the surgeon to create the implant pocket, insert saline implants, and position and fill them, all though a small incision within the navel, plus a “tunnel”-like internal incision from the navel to the upper body. Most patients who choose TUBA opt for this method because of the scar factor. The only resulting exterior scar in TUBA breast augmentation is hidden in the navel. Aside from the scarring factor, the advantages are virtually the same as with any saline implant procedure, but for some patients this small difference is enough to make TUBA a highly attractive option.
TUBA Augmentation Considerations:
- For me, one of the biggest downside of TUBA is the fact that from my perspective it’s unnecessary. Many years ago, older breast augmentation techniques made external scarring a bigger concern, which is why TUBA used to be so attractive; but these days, up-to-date techniques and proper follow-up care help me ensure that in my (non-TUBA) procedures, any scars are tiny, short, and fade dramatically within about a year. And from a medical perspective, TUBA is not exactly the “no-scarring” approach that some surgeons present it to be. That long, “tunnel” incision from the navel to the breasts still requires healing, and from some less competent surgeons it can occasionally result in puckering of the abdominal skin, or other aesthetic problems that more direct techniques avoid entirely.
- Another downside is the options. TUBA works exclusively with saline implants, so solid or semisolid gel such as “gummy bear” implants just aren’t an option. At the same time, depending on your TUBA surgeon you may have fewer choices in terms of where and how the implant is placed. The fact that many surgeons just don’t offer TUBA can also cut down your choice of surgeon dramatically, so that some patients who put a high priority on this technique might be down to just one or two surgeons in their area, instead of having multiple skilled surgeons to choose from.
While plenty of patients have achieved positive results from TUBA over the years, there are good reasons so many surgeons see this option as unwarranted, less safe, and not the best way to achieve perfect breast symmetry. Every patient is different, and for me, any technique is just not optimal if it drastically limits our options to effectively customize a procedure to match the physical needs and personal goals of our patients.
A good surgeon can minimize scarring very effectively through other methods, such as a transaxillary incision or periareolar incision, so my advice to patients considering TUBA is: look at the big picture. Scarring is a legitimate, understandable concern, and one that I discuss with care and detail with each of my patients. But personalized, skilled surgery and excellent results should be the central goal.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
