Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA) Procedure

TUBA is an innovative breast enhancement technique that leaves no scars on the breasts and is considered to be less invasive surgery than traditional methods of breast augmentation. During the TUBA procedure, breast implants are delivered to the placement site through a small incision at the umbilicus (bellybutton) and tunneled beneath the skin with an endoscope. Less tissue is disrupted because the abdominal skin is more elastic than the skin around the breasts. Most patients have a faster recovery and less pain after TUBA breast augmentation than when breast implants are inserted through traditional incisions in the breast crease (inframammary fold incision) or around the nipple (peri-areolar incision).

During TUBA breast augmentation, most patients are given local anesthesia along with IV sedation for comfort during surgery. The local anesthesia is used to numb the area and ensure that you will not feel pain during the procedure. The IV sedation renders sedation to the point of a light sleep.

The incision for transumbilical breast augmentation is made at the upper perimeter of the bellybutton, leaving only a tiny scar hidden within the upper rim of the navel. The surgeon then uses an endoscope (a tubular instrument with a lighted optical device) to form a tunnel to each breast. Then, tissue expanders are inserted through the tunnel to the breast implant placement sites in the subglandular (over the muscle) or subpectoral (under the muscle) positions. Through long fill tubes, the tissue expanders are filled with saline solution or air to create breast pockets sufficiently large enough to accommodate the breast implants. The expanders are than deflated and removed.

Next, the breast implants are rolled up, inserted though the incision and delivered to the breast pockets with the endoscope. Once in place, the implants are filled with sterile saline solution using a fill tube or syringe. The endoscope is then used to examine the breast implants and surrounding tissue prior to closing the incision. The incision is protected with a small bandage, which can usually be removed the next day.

Following the transumbilical breast augmentation procedure, patients typically spend a short time in recovery before returning to the comforts of home. Complications are rare, but can occur as with any surgical procedure.

Board-certified plastic surgeon William J. Hedden performs TUBA breast augmentation and many other cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures at our outpatient surgery center in Birmingham, Alabama. Please contact Hedden Plastic Surgery to make an appointment today.