Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA), or more commonly known as Belly Button  procedure, is the most innovative and novel approach in the long history of breast implant surgery. It has been a long time since a new approach has allowed multitude of desirable additions without significant drawbacks. Endoscopic surgery has revolutionized medicine and surgery allowing operations to be performed through smaller incisions. Breast augmentation following this trend over the past years is  complemented immensely by introduction of TUBA technique.

Using a very small incision through the depth of the naval and along a very narrow guide tunnel just under the skin your implants can be placed and their position accurately verified using a telescopic camera.

As knowledge is power, I feel that educating interested patients of details of this option can alleviate misinformation surrounding this valuable practice.

The obvious advantage is the minimal scar. As we progress in the field of cosmetic surgery and as the option is more available to the masses, we lean more to surgeries with less scarring and down time. The naval scar is placed deep in the belly button and as it is tension free, does not change the shape of the naval and allows for a virtually undetectable scar even in patients with darker skin tone. This alleviates the need for any incision on the breast. The incision is so minimal that some nick named the procedure as band aid breast augmentation.

The highly unique instruments specially manufactured for this technique allows me to implement my artistic vision to produce a natural breast shape, acceptable symmetry and create the desirable cleavage. The use of telescopic camera allows for absolute precision in positioning of the implant. The correct dissection plane leaves the natural breast tissue minimally affected, which reduces the risk of breast feeding issues in the future. The implants are then skillfully and gently directed just under the skin along a safe plane and then positioned predictably under or above the muscle behind your natural breast. Your Implants are very accurately filled to the desired size.

The path for placement shortly heals without visible tracts providing a  quick return to normal activity. There is also no need for sharp cutting or burning of the breast tissue which minimizes bleeding and need for drains, post procedure numbness and more tangibly reduces bruising, swelling and allows for shorter and easier recovery.

Naval piercing if present, is left undisturbed and the naval ring is sterilized and replaced  at the conclusion of the surgery.

In skilled hands this approach allows for a natural and predictable results through a very small hidden incision. As most unique and highly specialized surgical techniques, this operation is not offered by most surgeons performing breast aesthetic surgery.

Although I perform implant surgery through all available incision options, I believe that patients, as part of their consultation should be offered accurate information on this highly successful option.

TUBA is limited to saline implants which allows for volume adjustment for better symmetry.

Thousands of patients who are appropriate candidates have taken advantage of this highly effective technique to achieve their natural and beautiful cosmetic results.

Babak Farzaneh, MD., is a cosmetic surgeon at Woodglen Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery center in Glendora, Ca.

Woodglen Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery; 541 S. Pasadena Av,#201, Glendora,Ca 91741

Phone: (626)852-0599; WoodglenAesthetics.com