Transumbilical Breast Augmentation
Beverly Hills Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA)
Breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States. The technique is well-understood by surgeons and, although all surgeries have some risks, the overwhelming majority of women can expect to have a safe, problem-free procedure, especially when they select a premier surgeon like Dr. Mashhadian to perform their augmentation. If women have a single, prominent concern about breast augmentation, it is that possible visible scarring can mar the otherwise outstanding results that they will have after surgery.
However, advances in breast augmentation surgery have made new techniques possible which can avoid breast tissue scarring while still ensuring women have the attractive and refreshed look they desire. A transumbilical breast augmentation, also called a TUBA procedure, uses a unique incision location that means women can enjoy completely scar-free breast enhancement and an extremely discreet and almost invisible scar hidden deep in the folds of the belly-button. This technique has revolutionized breast augmentation, and one of the most experienced surgeons performing the method today is Dr. David Mashhadian of Rodeo Surgical Art.
What is transumbilical breast augmentation?
Transumbilical breast augmentation or TUBA procedure — also commonly referred to as the “belly-button breast augmentation” or “scarless breast augmentation” — places the breast implants in the breast pocket through an incision in the belly-button area. Traditionally, breast augmentation is performed through incisions in the fold under the breast or around the areola, and the implants are inserted there. However, with this significant surgical advancement, women can now have all of the advantages of breast augmentation without the downsides of having an incision and scarring in the breast area.
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Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our highly trained medical staff at Rodeo Surgical Art will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.
The Many Advantages of a TUBA Breast augmentation Procedure
While many women may see no scars in the breast area as a significant enough advantage to consider a TUBA procedure, there are many additional benefits to this technique, including:
- No incision is made on the nipple, breast or armpit
- There is less risk of nerve damage and sensation loss
- There is a decreased risk of infection
- There is less interruption of healthy breast tissue
- The ability to breastfeed is preserved
- There is a faster recovery with less pain
Even if scarring is not a woman’s primary concern, talk to Dr. Mashhadian about these additional advantages of a TUBA procedure, especially if you think you may want to breastfeed in the future.
The Myths Surrounding TUBA Breast Surgeries
There are several baseless myths surround this technique in breast augmentation. For example, many women may think that using a more distant entry point could lead to undesired complications, but the TUBA procedure actually has fewer complications than other methods of breast implant placement. Patients with any concerns whatsoever can also ask any questions you may have about TUBA surgery directly with Dr. Mashhadian during your consultation. He will be happy to share facts about the procedure from his extensive experience with this method, to ensure you’re fully educated about the surgery.
Am I a good candidate for a TUBA Breast Augmentation?
Candidates for a TUBA procedure must be good candidates for surgery in general. They must be in good overall health, not have a history of bleeding or complications from bleeding, and must not smoke for several weeks before and after their procedure if they are smokers. Women should also be over the age of 18 and wish to improve their breast volume — whether their small breast size is due to naturally-small breasts, child-rearing or aging. Women must also be comfortable with having saline implants.
The TUBA technique is specifically intended for women who do not wish to have any scarring in the breast area after their surgery. Women should note that cohesive-gel, or gummy bear, implants cannot be introduced into the breast pocket using the TUBA method since these implants come pre-filled with the gel solution. Women who prefer to have gummy-bear implants can still have a procedure with limited scarring, however; and they can discuss their options with Dr. Mashhadian during their consultation. The possibility of scarring, while an important concern for many women, should not prevent them from having a breast augmentation procedure and enjoying its often transformative benefits.
What will happen during my TUBA Breast Augmentation?
Your TUBA breast augmentation procedure will begin with general anesthesia, providing you with the greatest level of comfort and safety throughout the surgery. After anesthesia is delivered, Dr. Mashhadian will make the navel incision, the only incision that is made throughout the procedure. Next, he will use surgical scissors and carefully begin the tunnel through which the implant will travel to the breast pocket.
The tunnel itself will be created using an obturator (a slender, sharp but non-bladed surgical instrument), and Dr. Mashhadian will carefully cut above the rectus fascia and beneath the subcutaneous layer of tissue. Each pass will extend only four-centimeter increments so that Dr. Mashhadian can visually confirm that each advancement lies directly above the fascia, a method that ensures the highest levels of patient safety.
The obturator, along with a tube, is then inserted into the tunnel, and the obturator is removed and the tunnel is endoscopically checked to confirm its integrity. Afterward, tissue expanders are introduced into the breast pocket through the bare canal and filled with a sterilized saline solution via an intravenous bag. While the tissue expanders are being filled, Dr. Mashhadian can use manual pressure applied externally to perfect the final shape of the breast pocket, ensuring a highly-satisfying result.
Any necessary adjustments are made to the tissue expander volume at this time, and each patient is evaluated in a nearly upright position in order to make the most accurate assessment possible. Finally, the implant itself is introduced into the canal and manually advanced to the desired position where it is filled to the patient’s pre-determined volume, also by an intravenous bag using a sterile saline solution. Any air that may have entered the canal is suctioned away, and the incision is closed with an absorbable suture.
What To Expect During Recovery From Your Transumbilical Breast Augmentation*
After the transumbilical surgery has been completed, the patient’s chest and abdomen are then wrapped with a pressure bandage. The following day, the bandages will be removed by Dr. Mashhadian and the patient will be allowed to shower. Dr. Mashhadian discourages patients from wearing under-wire or push-up bras until the implants have had adequate time to settle. The surgeon advises patients to take it easy for the next few weeks, though most are able to resume normal activity levels within this time.
Through a proprietary technique developed by Dr. Mashhadian and exclusive to Rodeo Surgical Art called RECOVERY EXL, patients can enjoy a significantly more comfortable and speedy recovery when having their breast augmentation surgery performed by Dr. Mashhadian than by any other surgeon. RECOVERY EXL includes a unique combination of medications delivered before surgery and specialized incisions during surgery that assist his clients have a speedier surgery recovery than normal Cosmetic surgery. Clients can only find this technique at Rodeo Surgical Art where they can have it performed by its creator, Dr. David Mashhadian.
You will have many decisions and choices to make when you begin considering having your breast augmentation surgery, whether it is a TUBA procedure or not. Dr. Mashhadian will always take special care in helping you determine crucial factors, such as the right size, shape and implant profile for your physique and your goals, and the surgeon will ensure that the best and most appropriate surgical techniques will be used to realize your personal aesthetic vision.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
*Individual Results May Vary
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Simply fill out the form on this page and one of our medical staff at Rodeo Surgical Art will be in touch with you promptly. You can also call our Beverly Hills office directly to schedule 310-652-4500.
Rodeo Surgical Art serves Beverly Hills and the surrounding area.
*Individual Results May Vary
