Focus on Breast Augmentation Part 4: Transumbilical Incision
In this last post about incisions, we continue our series on Breast Augmentation in the Inland Empire. Today, we feature an incision about which there is a bit of misinformation and misunderstanding and that, when done properly and for the proper application, is an absolutely wonderful option for many patients.
Part Four of our Focus on Inland Empire Breast Augmentation: The Transumbilical Incision
The Belly Button Breast Augmentation, as this is commonly known, is a most innovative and novel approach in the long history of breast implant surgery. It allows many desirable additions to the breast augmentation procedure without significant drawbacks. As with other approaches, it does have its pros and cons, but for this particular approach the main negative point is only applicable in the case of certain implant selection.
Transumbilical Incision
Q. What is the Transumbilical Incision?
A. The transumbilical incision is a very small entry point made in the depth of the navel for the purpose of inserting a breast implant.
Q. How does the TUBA incision work?
A. A narrow — and quick-healing — guide tunnel is created from the navel to each breast. Dr. Farzaneh inserts an uninflated breast implant through the incision and guides it into proper placement (either above or below the muscle, as determined prior to the procedure) with the aid of an endoscopic telescoping camera. Once in place, the implant is filled.
Q. What kind of scars does this approach create?
A. This procedure creates minimal scarring. In fact, we have found that with our patients, the scarring is often undetectable — leading many of my patients to call this the Inland Empire Scarless Breast Augmentation.
The reason the scar is often undetectable is that it uses the interior of the belly button as an incision point.
Q. What if I have a navel piercing / belly button ring?
A. Navel piercing, if present, is left undisturbed. The navel ring is sterilized and replaced at the conclusion of the surgery.
Q. Aside from minimal scarring, what are other advantages to this procedure?
A. As with most unique and highly specialized surgical techniques, this operation is not offered by many surgeons performing breast aesthetic surgery. However, in skilled hands this approach allows for natural and predictable results through a very small hidden incision.
Recovery is typically quicker and easier with this approach, and the lack of sharp cutting or burning of breast tissue minimizes bleeding and need for drains; this also means less post-procedure numbness and tangibly reduced bruising and swelling.
In short: for the right candidate, this approach often causes less stress on the body and, with the right surgeon, can mean getting exceptional results with less downtime, less pain, fewer concerns about infection to incision areas, minimal scarring and reduced chance of certain types of complications.
Every patient needs to hear about this option from a surgeon who fully understands it, practices it regularly and utilizes the latest technological advances to insure the best possible result.
Q. What are the cons of this approach?
A. For patients who have studied different implant options and have decided that silicone gel is the only option they want to consider, this approach is not appropriate. The saline implants are filled after insertion, an option not available with silicone gel.
Q. Who in particular should consider this approach?
A. Many patients do not scar well for a variety of reasons, whether due to darker skin tone or for other reasons. This approach is very good for obvious reasons.
Q. Is the fact that it’s hard to see the only advantage to the scar that is created?
A. Not at all. Because of the position of the scar, is is not under constant tension and stress — not being pulled apart constantly or under as intense pressure. It does not change the shape of the belly button, and it does not come into contact with fabric, etc., on a regular basis, which improves its healing and reduces irritation.
In conclusion: this incision has many advantages that should be considered by many patients. A skilled and experienced surgeon will work to fully inform you of the many potential advantages of this procedure.
Call out office at (909) 590-2299 or contact us via our contact page and we can discuss with you how this approach may or may not be advantageous.