TUBA (Transumbilical Breast Augmentation)

[bullman]

1. What is the difference between a TUBA and a traditional breast augmentation? What does "TUBA" stand for?
2. I have heard that the TUBA procedure is scarless, it this true?
3. Is there much pain involved with a TUBA?
4. Can I have implants placed behind (under) the pectoral muscle with TUBA?
5. I have heard that visible "tracks" can be seen after this procedure. Is this true?
6. Is asymmetry common with the trans-umbilical approach?
7. Is there usually a milder healing phase associated with TUBA than with traditional methods?
8. Is it true that having a trans-umbilical breast augmentation voids the warranty issued by breast implant manufacturers?
9. I have my navel pierced, will I need to remove it before surgery? Will I have to let it close up afterwards?
10. Is TUBA usually more expensive than traditional incision placements?
11. If I have a rupture, can I have my implants replaced through the navel as well?
12. Can I have a breast lift AND TUBA?
13. Can I get silicone gel or cohesive silicone gel implants with TUBA?
14. I have heard the chance of infection is lessened with TUBA. Is this true?
15. Why don't more surgeons perform TUBA?
16. Someone told me that TUBA is not FDA -approved, is this true?
17. My surgeon told me that TUBA is dangerous and not a good procedure and that only uncertified surgeons perform it.
18. I was told that TUBA can cause internal bleeding and that I can die from having an artery cut during this "blind" procedure. This scares me, is it true?
19. Can I get very large implants with TUBA?
20. Where can I view photos and read journals of real TUBA patients?

[Lovebird]

What is the difference between a TUBA and a traditional breast augmentation? What does "TUBA" stand for?

"TUBA" stands for Transumbilical Breast Augmentation. TUBA is an endoscopic breast implantation procedure through the belly button (navel). Traditional breast aumentation will be bone on the breast itself. THe TUBA is also called as Endo Bam.

[beautyparlour]

1. What is the difference between a TUBA and a traditional breast augmentation? What does "TUBA" stand for?

With traditional breast augmentation techniques, scarring is more pronounced as the incisions are made either in the area underneath the breast, called the Infra-mammary, slightly above the natural crease, where the breast and body meet, Peri-areolar (around the areola, the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple, or in the axilla (armpit).

With TUBA (Trans-umbilical Breast Augmentation) a J or C-shaped incision is made within the navel (belly button) and the procedure is performed endoscopically. The milk ducts are never disturbed with a TUBA and recovery time is often half the time than in traditional methods. This procedure is virtually "bloodless" in the sense that normally only half a teaspoon of blood is lost, resulting from the initial incision.

[beautyparlour]

2. I have heard that the TUBA procedure is scarless, it this true?

The TUBA technique is considered scarless" as the incision is hidden within the navel (belly button), camouflaged by the natural creases. With traditional techniques, the the tell-tale scars are often very visible underneath the breasts, around the areola (the dark pink or brown skin) or underneath the arms. Although some patients' scars from the peri-areolar and trans-axillary techniques are practically invisible 3 years post operatively. It would be better defined as endoscopic.

[beautyparlour]

3. Is there much pain involved with a TUBA?

Although the presence of post-operative pain varies with the individual, the degree of pain associated with TUBA is reported by many patients as far less on a scale of 1 to 10. With traditional incision placement, the recovery and discomfort is greater as the tissue that is cut through and during healing your body must replace damaged nerve endings. Scar formation and incision site infections may also be a problem.

However, when the placement is sub-muscular (either one), the healing times and discomfort are lengthened regardless due to the disturbance and incisions of the muscle. This is generally a very sore feeling and slight muscle weakness in the weeks following a sub-muscular placement breast augmentation.

[beautyparlour]

4. Can I have implants placed behind (under) the pectoral muscle with TUBA?

Yes, you have the option of having your implants placed partially underneath the pectoralis major muscle with the TUBA technique. Although some doctors may say that it can't be done because they, themselves, have not trained nor have perfected the technique. We know many, many patients who have received sub-pectoral placement with the TUBA approach. The fact of the matter may be the implant placement is more difficult with the TUBA and many surgeons may be unwilling to learn a new technique.

[surjeryboard]

5. I have heard that visible tracks can be seen after this procedure. Is this true?

This is a temporary issue. The tissues have been dissected for placement of the implants. The tissues will usually adhere again. In the unlikely and rare event that this proves permanent it is more than likely a connective-tissue failure to adhere to the fascia of the abdomen muscles and not technique-specific. In the event that you may notice tracks post-operatively, remember that it is usually very temporary until the tissue adheres again from the dissection.

[surjeryboard]

6. Is asymmetry common with the trans-umbilical approach?

This is yet another fallacy regarding TUBA -- asymmetry is almost always present preoperatively in the patient. The skill of the surgeon plays a significant part in correctly determining the appropriate implant size and placing this implant in the proper fashion. Asymmetry is just as common in traditional incision placements as TUBA.

[surjeryboard]

7. Is there usually a milder healing phase associated with TUBA than with traditional methods?

There are no incisions on the breasts and no significant amount of sutures to deal with during the healing phase after TUBA. Hence no tension on the suture lines as with non-endoscopic approaches (areolar, infra-mammary). Although many patients report less pain and need less pain relievers after TUBA. even when compared to trans-axillary which is endoscopic. Although, everyone's pain threshold is different. However, the sub-pectoral placement will always have a certain degree of discomfort associated with it considering that the pectoral muscles are dissected from the chest wall to accommodate a breast prosthesis.

[surjeryboard]

8. Is it true that having a trans-umbilical breast augmentation voids the warranty issued by breast implant manufacturers?

This is one of the top misconceptions regarding TUBA The implant is rolled up no more than with the trans-axillary (under arm) and areolar incisions. Only blunt objects ever touch the breast prosthesis. The implant is never put under any stress or damaged in any way during implantation or during the filling process. The warranty is NOT voided. You may contact either Mentor Corporation or Inamed (McGhan) for more information or have your own surgeon request this information.