Why I don’t recommend the TUBA (transumbilical breast augmentation) to my patients
- A reoperation, or revision, typically involves making another incision (the one you should have made in the first place).
- It is a less precise operation because you are operating far away from your operative field. Less precise means compromised results.
- It is not a “mainstream” operative procedure. Few Board Certified plastic surgeons offer this to their patients because they know that it’s somewhat of a “circus stunt.”
- I have seen many patients who have had the procedure and are not pleased, or have had complications directly related to the procedure.
- The incision in the crease below the breast is the accepted “gold standard.”
- TUBA approach is not recommended by the implant manufacturers.
- Silicone implants are not an option.
- A “V” shaped track along the upper abdomen is a possible complication.
- The incision in the breast crease is only a finger breathe wide, and it heals almost imperceptibly, so why go far away to the belly button?
- If you were a golfer, would you rather make a 2 foot putt, or a 10 foot putt?
- TUBA insertion of saline implants is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
- The transumbilical approaches produce far more lawsuits than the submammary, periareolar, or transaxillary approach.