Plastic Surgery Articles

Implants Through Belly Button Gain Popularity

November 13, 2006 -

Transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) - that is, breast enhancement through the belly button — has been available for a decade. However, it hasn’t been until recently that the procedure has really started to gain popularity.

Advocates for the procedure say it offers two primary benefits over traditional breast augmentation techniques: It minimizes the size of the incision as well as the recovery time.

“The benefit is no scar under the breast, around the breast, or near the breast,” said plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schusterman.

The Procedure

A small incision, typically less than an inch in length, is made in the belly button. The surgeon inserts a small tube that extends to the breast through the incision. The deflated implants are inserted through the tube and then filled with saline.

The procedure usually takes about 30-45 minutes to perform and costs about $4,600.

What Patients Are Saying

Mother of three, Pam Viereck, says she loves the results and would do it again. Plastic surgery patient Panda Weiser, who recovered from the procedure in less than a week, agreed.

“I was up and running around with my kids that night,” Weiser said. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Considering breast implants? Please contact us today to learn more about your options or to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

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