Data Highlights Safety of Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA)

During your consultation for a breast augmentation, there are several choices you’ll discuss with your surgeon. These include implant size, implant type (saline or silicone) and where your surgeon will make the incision.

The incision can be made in the following places:

• the crease of the lower part of the breast
• along the lower half of the areola
• in the armpit
• through the belly button

When the incision is made through the belly button, it is called a transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA). Because the incisions are hidden in the navel, it is also sometimes referred to as scarless breast augmentation.

According to Cosmetic Surgery Times, a chart review of 3,300 TUBA cases affirms the assertion of Dr. Robert Shumway that TUBA is a “faster, safer and better procedure than other breast augmentation approaches.”

Reporting on his own TUBA procedures at the 27th annual American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery scientific meeting, Dr. Shumway said, “TUBA is about as safe as breast augmentation can get.”

At the meeting he reported on complications, complaints and patient satisfaction ratings from the TUBA procedures he did between 1994 and 2010.

Capsular contracture (69 cases, 2.09 percent) was the most common complication Dr. Shumway identified; he said the rate is lower than the published national average for augmentations performed via other techniques.

He also reported that there was one possible infection (0.03 percent) and only several other types of complications, all with rates equal to or less than 0.18 percent.

Patient satisfaction ratings at two and six months after surgery were eight or higher, with a mean of 9.7, on a scale of one to 10, he said.

Identifying the right candidates for a TUBA procedure is important, according to Dr. Shumway, and the best candidates are those who are “not obese, possess fairly symmetrical breasts, have realistic expectations and are seeking an appropriate augmentation size.”