FAQs Regarding
Breast Augmentation through the Belly Button (T.U.B.A.)

What is the implant made of?
Breast implants have a shell which is made of a medical grade silicone. The filling material is sterile salt water (saline) taken from an intravenous saline bag.

How long will breast implants last?
Implants do not need to be changed unless there is a deflation. Currently there is about a 3-5% deflation in the first 10 years depending on the implant. At this time there are two implant companies and they will replace the implants during your lifetime. The details of these warranties can be found on the Mentor or Inamed websites.

Can the implant be removed or exchange through the belly button?
Simple replacement can be done through the original incision. More extensive surgery such as enlarging the pocket and using a bigger implant can require an additional incision.

Can a woman breast feed after breast augmentation?
Particularly with the belly-button approach, the breast tissue and ducts are not disturbed, cut or affected. The procedure literally takes place under all of the breast tissue, not going through it. There is no evidence that silicone from the implant shell enters the milk.

Can implants achieve some lifting of sagging breasts?
Breast implants do not lift up a sagging breast. However, they do help mildly sagging breasts to appear less saggy by filling out the loose skin and breast tissue. When the nipple/areola is below the breast fold, a lift or mastopexy is required.

Do breasts with implants experience sagging over time?
Breasts with or without implants will tend to sag with aging and the effects of gravity. The additional weight of implants may make this occur sooner unless care is taken to wear a well-constructed support Bra at all times.

Can the implant be placed behind the pectoralis muscle?
The implant can be placed in front or behind the muscle depending upon the women’s anatomy and personal needs. Equally good results can be obtained with either placement and appropriate patient selection.

Other names for this procedure include:TUBA, belly-button breast augmentation, band-aid breast augmentation, scarless breast augmentation, naval breast augmentation, transumbilical breast augmentation, belly button breast surgery, band aid breast surgery, scarless breast surgery, transumbilical breast surgery, naval breast surgery.