Saline and silicone fillers are still the most widely-used implants for breast augmentation. Women who are not satisfied with the size or the shape of their breasts may undergo different cosmetic procedures to improve that appearance of their chest area.
Different advances in technology have provided ways to create almost invisible incisions for these procedures. Techniques include using smaller incisions than the usual or placing them in strategic places like below the breasts or at the edge of the areolas.
Introduction to Breast Augmentation with Implants
Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the country. There are usually four incisions used for breast surgery procedures.
The placement and the size of these incisions depend on the effect that the patients want to achieve. Being one of the most aesthetically conscious countries, patients have been asking for a type of procedure that causes minimal, almost invisible, scarring.
For this reason, doctors have started to dabble with different surgical techniques and have found a way to achieve the effects of a normal breast augmentation surgery minus the unsightly scars that usually come with them.
What Is Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA)?
A trans umbilical breast augmentation procedure uses a c-shaped incision inside your navel to position the breast implants inside your body.
Instead of making cuts below the breasts or around the areola, the empty saline implant is guided from your belly button to your chest using an endoscope.
When it has reached its designated place, it is filled with sterile saline, depending on the size and shape that you desire.
Benefits of Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA)
One of the major advantages of TUBA breast augmentation is the dramatically reduced risk of visible scarring.
Since the incision is hidden inside the belly button, patients can confidently wear bikinis, low-cut tops, and lingerie without worrying about surgery marks.
Additionally, because TUBA uses a minimally invasive technique, recovery times are often faster compared to traditional breast implant surgeries. Many patients report less post-operative pain and bruising, allowing them to resume light activities within a few days after surgery.
How TUBA Works: Scarless Breast Implant Placement Through the Navel
The TUBA procedure uses a scarless breast augmentation technique that hides the possibly visible scar inside your navel. Two tunnels are used to guide the saline implants to your breasts.
Ideally, the tissues surrounding the tunnels will stick to the rest of your body when it heals. When this happens, absolutely no visible tracks will be seen on your abdominal area.
On the unfortunate event that the tissues do not properly heal, your surgeon can perform another surgery to smooth out the area and to make the tracks invisible.
Different cosmetic surgeons can easily perform trans umbilical breast augmentation procedures in Dallas and in Texas. Just access your local surgeon database and look for the cosmetic clinic nearest you. Be sure to verify your surgeons credentials and certification before undergoing any surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Scarless Breast Augmentation?
Ideal candidates for transumbilical breast augmentation are generally healthy individuals who desire saline breast implants and who have not undergone previous breast surgeries.
Women seeking moderate size increases and natural-looking results often benefit most from TUBA procedures.
However, patients requiring significant breast reshaping, correction of severe asymmetry, or those specifically preferring silicone implants may be better suited for traditional breast augmentation methods.
Consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in TUBA is critical to ensure optimal outcomes.
Limitations of TUBA: Why Silicone Implants Are Not an Option
Unfortunately, patients who would rather use silicone implants cannot go through this type of breast augmentation procedure. TUBA cosmetic surgery can only use saline implants and never silicone implants.
The implants need to be filled after they are properly positioned in the body. It is impossible to pass silicone implants through the tunnels because they already come pre-filled.
Patients who prefer silicone implants to saline implants need to get surgeries that involve more traditional incisions around the breasts.
Saline vs Silicone: Choosing the Right Implant for You
Although TUBA offers the unique benefit of scarless breast implants, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of saline vs silicone breast implants.
Saline implants, used exclusively in TUBA, are filled after insertion, offering smaller incision options and the ability to fine-tune the size.
Silicone implants, however, tend to feel more natural and are less prone to rippling, but require traditional incisions for placement.
Understanding the differences between saline and silicone implants can help patients make informed choices that align with both their aesthetic goals and surgical preferences.