For women who are unhappy with the size of their breasts, breast augmentation has always been popular. Although breast augmentation can help improve self-confidence, the scarring caused by traditional breast implant surgery can deter many women from having the procedure. Now, there is even a solution to breast augmentation scars: TUBA and transaxillary breast augmentation.
TUBA (transumbilical breast augmentation) is a process by which a small incision is made in the naval rim (inner belly button) and an endoscope (lighted camera) is inserted to make a track to the implant location. At this point, a rolled up implant is worked from the incision site to the breast implant location. Once in place, sterile saline solution is pumped into the implant until the desired size and shape is achieved.
Pros of the TUBA Procedure
§ The scarring is minimal and may be completely invisible within the belly button.
§ As any scars that are visible are not located near the breast, the implant looks more natural.
§ The procedure is less invasive than traditional breast augmentation.
§ It is less likely to experience loss of feeling in the nipple because less of the breast is disturbed during the procedure.
§ The procedure is performed quickly (less than an hour) and there is minimal blood loss
Cons of the TUBA Procedure
§ It is harder to find a trained and well-qualified cosmetic surgeon who is trained to perform TUBA.
§ There is a potential for “tracking scars” on the abdomen caused by the tunneling to the implant location. Most of the time these scars are temporary, but occasionally, they can be permanent.
§ The implant must be saline, there is no option to use a silicone implant.
§ If there are complications from the surgery, the implant will need to be fixed using a periareolar or inframammary fold incision.
Transaxillary breast augmentation is a similar process to TUBA, except that a small incision is made in the natural folds of tissue in the armpit. A tunnel is then created from the incision site to the breast where an endoscope can be inserted (although an endoscope is not required for this procedure). The implant is then inserted and moved into position behind the nipple.
Pros of Transaxillary Breast Augmentation
§ There is minimal scarring with this procedure and any scarring is not located on the breast so the procedure is less obvious.
§ This procedure allows for the use of either a silicone or a saline implant.
§ The surgeon is working closer to the breast than during the TUBA procedure.
§ There are more surgeons that are trained in this procedure than in TUBA.
§ The procedure is less invasive and less traumatic than traditional breast augmentation.
Cons of Transaxillary Breast Augmentation
§ Requires two incisions, rather than the one required of TUBA.
§ Complications generally need to be fixed using a periareolar or inframammary fold incision so that the surgeon may be closer to the breast.
§ If the implant is placed without an endoscope, it is harder to have the implants appear equal and therefore may be asymmetrical.
§ Scars are more visible than that of TUBA.
As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, it is necessary to find a qualified and experienced surgeon for your endoscopic breast augmentation procedure. During your initial consultation with your surgeon, you should discuss the benefits and risks of each type of breast augmentation procedure, so as to find the procedure that works best for you.
