Umbilical Breast Augmentation
By: David E. Kim, M.D.

Breast enlargement, also known as breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty, can help women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts. For many women, breast size is an important part of feeling good, sexually desirable and normal. Having breast augmentation can greatly improve self esteem in many cases. In 2004, there were approximately 260,000 breast enlargements performed. This made it the third most common cosmetic procedure performed after liposuction and rhinoplasty. And our area ranks as one of the highest areas where this procedure is performed. One of the newer methods of breast augmentation is with the umbilical incision. This is also known as trans - umbilical breast augmentation (TUBA).

In this technique a small incision is placed underneath the tissue at the top of the belly button. When completely healed the scar is very difficult to see. After making the initial incision tunnels are created to the breasts just underneath the skin. All the work is done above the abdominal muscles so the actual abdominal cavity is not entered. Next pockets are created beneath the pectoralis muscles. Placing the implants underneath the muscle gives a more natural result and is also better for capsule prevention and better visualization on mammograms. The breast implants are rolled while empty into a tube shape and inserted into the tunnels while connected to a fill tube. The implants are slid into the pockets and filled. Once filled to the desired size the fill tube is removed and the valve seals automatically.

In the right hands umbilical breast augmentation is a very simple procedure and has the advantage, in my experience, of slightly less pain and quicker healing. However, all the different methods heal relatively quickly. Most patients can return to work after three or four days of rest.

I have been performing breast augmentation in this area for the past seven years. And what I tell my patients is the method you choose for breast enlargement really comes down to where you want the scar. Different doctors have different preferences on which incision they like to use. A doctor who is inexperienced with the umbilical technique or the trans-axillary ( armpit ) technique will say it’s not a good way to do it for any number of reasons. The reality is that they are all good techniques but it comes down to your doctor’s experience and preferences as well as your own preferences.