TUBA Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses many common myths and frequently asked questions about transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA).

Is TUBA breast augmentation truly scarless?
TUBA is frequently referred to as a scarless procedure because no scars are present in the breasts area. A tiny scar will occur when breast implants are inserted at the umbilicus, though it will be hidden within the bellybutton.

Can TUBA be used to insert silicone gel breast implants?
No. Breast implants placed using an endoscope are rolled up, moved into place and then filled with a sterile saline solution to add fullness to the breasts. Since silicone gel implants are pre-filled, they must be inserted using the inframammary fold (crease beneath the breast) or peri-areolar (perimeter of the nipple) breast augmentation incisions.

Can breast implants be placed under the pectoral muscle with TUBA breast augmentation?
Yes. Man patients feel that breast implants placed "under the muscle" create a very natural shape to the enhanced breasts. This placement is often recommended for women with less breast tissue. Subpectoral breast implant placement is commonly performed using the TUBA procedure.

Is the recovery usually easier with TUBA than with other breast augmentation methods?
Yes. The TUBA procedure involves no incisions at the breasts and is considered less invasive than when the breast augmentation incision is made under the breast (inframammary fold), around the nipple (peri-areolar) or in the armpit (transaxillary). Because less tissue is disrupted, the recovery is usually easier for patients who undergo breast augmentation using the transumbilical method.

Does TUBA void the breast implant warranty?
No. Breast implants inserted using transumbilical breast augmentation are not subjected to any more stress than with the peri-areolar (nipple incision) and transaxillary (underarm incision) techniques. TUBA does not void the warranty on breast implants.

Can TUBA cause visible tracks on the abdominal skin?
Rarely, TUBA can cause visible tracks on the skin where the endoscope was used to tunnel the breast implants to the placement site. This is usually temporary and abates as the dissected tissue heals. A compression garment may be worn to prevent this unusual complication.

Can TUBA be performed in conjunction with a breast lift?
No. Transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) is not performed at the same time as a breast lift because the breast lift incisions are adequate to facilitate placement of the breast implant.