If you’re considering breast augmentation, you may be curious about the trans-umbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) procedure for placing breast implants. With this procedure, breast implants are placed through an incision made around the naval, rather than at the chest area. Read on to learn more about the TUBA incision.
Developed in the early 1990s, this minimally-invasive procedure uses an endoscope, or lighted tube, to place breast implants through one small incision made in the naval.
With the TUBA procedure, once the implants are placed, they are filled to the desired size with saline solution. Because silicone implants are prefilled, those types of implants are not used in this procedure.
Not only is this procedure desirable because the scar is in an inconspicuous location within the belly button, but there is only one incision instead of the two used in traditional implant surgery. In addition, TUBA carries a lower risk of infection, a shorter surgery, and a faster recovery compared with traditional breast augmentation. Though this procedure was once only used to place implants over the pectoral muscles, advances have made it possible to place implants under the muscles for a more natural look and feel.
As with all surgical procedures, if you are considering TUBA, find a highly-recommended cosmetic surgeon who is experienced in performing this surgery.