Scarless Breast Augmentation
About “Belly-Button” Breast Augmentation
This procedure, the trans-umbilical breast augmentation known as the TUBA approach, was first developed some 10 years ago. Although more and more surgical procedures are being done through the umbilicus(belly button), only a few surgeons have been trained in this procedure and even fewer have had significant experience in this technique. Fewer yet have gone though the typical learning curve, and subsequent improvement of this relatively new procedure.
Scarless Breast Augmentation
This is the type of breast augmentation that many of the movie stars in Hollywood have had done. Actually, the technique of inserting the breast implants through the belly button is relatively more prevalent in cosmetic surgery meccas, such as California, New York, Florida and large cities like Chicago and Philadelphia. Over the last year or two, the procedure has been aired on TV shows such as Entertainment Tonight (ET) and local news channels.
The Procedure
This technique, which involves no incision or scars on the breast itself, is done through an incision hidden within the belly button. A simple tunnel is then created between the skin and the abdominal muscles from the belly button to the breast. Once the breast is reached, the tunnel is extended to the potential space between the breast tissue and the underlying muscle. Then using instruments, which Dr. Williams helped develop, a pocket is created behind the breast. Then the empty implant (with filler tube attached) is rolled into the shape of a cigar and inserted into the preformed pocket with an inserter (which Dr. Williams developed). Following this, as with other approaches, the implant is filled with saline allowing the implant to fold out like a flower within the pocket.
Benefits of This Technique
- It is the least traumatic, so there is less pain and less recovery time.
- There are no stitches on the breast and, therefore, there is no scar on the breast.
- It gives a very natural result with good symmetry (evenness) and a nice shape.
- Bleeding is essentially nonexistent.
- As with other approaches, with proper sterile technique, infection is also essentially nonexistent.
- Because of the differences in technique, there is essentially no risk of permanent sensation loss to the nipple/areola area.
- With over nine years of experience with this technique, there appears to be essentially no risk of capsular contracture or “hardening of the implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long has Dr. Williams been performing the “belly-button” approach?
A. He has been performing the procedure for over nine years.
Q. Why is Dr. Williams the only cosmetic surgeon in Colorado performing this technique?
A. Most surgeons continue to practice the technique they were taught and with which they are most comfortable. Also, the cost of learning this technique is high, and it is difficult to go through the learning curve of a new technique when you know an old one.
Q. How many scarless breast augmentations has Dr. Williams performed?
A. Somewhere over 500.
Q. How safe is this technique?
A. It is just as safe, or safer, than the other techniques.
Q. Are there any complications?
A. To this point, complications have been rare and very minor, and this procedure has compared very favorably to other techniques.
Before and After
Dr. Williams performed scarless breast augmentations on these patients.
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| Patient before breast augmentation | Patient after breast augmentation
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| Patient before breast augmentation | Patient after breast augmentation
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| Patient before breast augmentation | Patient after breast augmentation
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Williams Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dallas D. Williams, M.D.
Seven Lakes Physician Plaza, 1900 Boise Avenue, Suite 200, Loveland, CO 80538
Telephone (970) 635-0400