How is transumbilical breast augmentation performed?
During transumbilical Breast augmentation in Orange County, a small incision is made longitudinally in the navel, or belly button, where the scar will not be visible. An instrument called an obturator is used to make a tunnel under the soft tissue of the abdomen until it reaches the breasts. The obturator is then used to access the plane under the mammary gland tissue or the pectoralis muscle. Once this has been completed, an endoscope, a lighted instrument that allows sight within the body, is used to confirm the correct location of the tunnel and plane of dissection.
In order to prepare the breasts for their enlarged size, a breast expander is guided through the tunnel into the dissection plane of the breasts. The specialized breast expander is filled with a sterile saline solution. As the breast expander inflates with the saline, the breast is molded into the desired shape. Then the expander is deflated and removed.
The actual saline breast implants that will be used are inserted into the tunnel and moved through to the breast pocket that was created. These implants are then filled with sterile saline solution using a closed fill system. The tube that was used to fill the implant is then removed so that the self-sealing valve of each breast implant can close. The sole incision in the navel is sewn closed with absorbable sutures, a type of suture that the body dissolves. A lightweight, waist-compression dressing is placed on the abdomen to help the tunnel that was created collapse and heal without any external impressions.
What are the advantages of transumbilical breast augmentation surgery?
One of the biggest advantages to having Breast augmentation in Orange County done via the transumbilical method is a sole scar that is located deep within the belly button. Because there is only one incision, it is less invasive and traumatic to the breasts and the body. There is also minimal bleeding and less risk of damage to the nipple and breasts nerves. The TUBA method has a shorter operating time compared to other breast augmentation methods and thus uses less anesthesia. Recovery time is much faster as a result.
Are there any misconceptions or myths about transumbilical breast surgery?
To help dissipate misconceptions and myths surrounding transumbilical Breast augmentation in Orange County, or TUBA, the July 2000 issue of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Journal (vol.106:1) published an article “Dispelling the Myths and Misconceptions about Transumbilical breast augmentation.” The following is a summary:
- Myth: Creating the pocket for the breast implant is too difficult from such a far away location as the belly button.
Truth: The pocket for the breast implant is created by expansion, not from using sharp instruments. - Myth: The rate of complications for transumbilical breast augmentation is higher compared to other traditional methods.
Truth: With a trained plastic surgeon, the complication rate of TUBA is 1/8 of the traditional breast augmentation. - Myth: Bleeding can not be contained from so far away.
Truth: Bleeding is rare with the TUBA procedure. Bleeding occurs less than 0.5 percent of the time, according to published articles. - Myth: The breast implants can not be positioned properly.
Truth: Due to the expansion phase, the shape of the breast and the position of the breast implant are modified and manipulated for the end result. - Myth: Belly button rings prevent getting the TUBA procedure.
Truth: Before surgery, the ring is removed and after surgery, the ring is put back on. - Myth: The implants can be damaged from being pushed through an endotube.
Truth: The implants do not get pushed through an endotube or through any tube. The implants are guided through the tunnel by external pressure so they do not come into contact with any instruments. - Myth: Visible track deformities on the abdomen occur.
Truth: Visible track deformities have not been reported, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Journal and have never accord in our practice. - Myth: The breast implant is used as the expander and can become damaged.
Truth: The breast implant is not used as the expander. An actual breast expander is used to create the pocket for the implant. - Myth: The breast implant warranty becomes void due to the TUBA procedure.
Truth: The warranty remains the same as it does for the traditional methods. - Myth: Performing a TUBA procedure requires going in blind.
Truth: A TUBA procedure uses an endoscope to visually confirm the tunnel and breast pocket in order to place the implant properly. - Myth: The only placement option available with the TUBA method is subglandular placement.
Truth: Either subglandular or submuscular placement is available with the TUBA procedure. Most of our patients have had submuscular implant placement. - Myth: Implants can not be removed through an incision in the navel area.
Truth: Implants can be removed using the same incision, if needed. - Myth: The TUBA procedure results in abdominal pain from trauma and disruption to the abdominal muscles.
Truth: The TUBA procedure does not disrupt the abdominal muscles since the surgery is performed over the muscles. The procedure is less painful than more traditional procedures and has a more rapid recovery time. - Myth: The TUBA procedure can not be performed if there is an umbilical hernia.
Truth: An umbilical hernia can be repaired during a TUBA procedure. - Myth: The TUBA procedure is not viable option if there have been other abdominal operations.
Truth: As an alternative entry point, old abdominal scars can be used. - Myth: Organs or lungs can be perforated or damaged during the TUBA procedure.
Truth: The procedure is performed through the fat underneath the skin, away from any organs.