You may be surprised to learn there’s a way to enhance your breasts without visible scars: Transumbilical Breast Augmentation, or TUBA.
Dr. Jacob Haiavy is one of the few cosmetic surgeons in the country who performs this highly specialized technique. Here’s what makes TUBA unique—and the top reasons more women are asking for it by name.
What is TUBA?
TUBA is a scar-minimizing breast augmentation technique where implants are inserted into the breast pocket through a tiny incision inside the belly button. Dr. Haiavy uses a specialized endoscope to create a path under the skin to place and then fill saline implants under the chest muscle or breast tissue—all without leaving visible scars on the breasts. Keep reading to learn how TUBA is performed with silicone implants (TUSBA)!
Because it’s a technically advanced procedure, only a handful of surgeons in the U.S. offer it—and Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeon Dr. Haiavy is proud to have performed hundreds of successful TUBA surgeries.
1. No visible breast scars
The biggest appeal of TUBA is right in the name: the incision is made in the belly button, meaning there are no scars on or near the breasts. Traditional breast augmentation techniques place breast implants through incisions made in the natural breast crease (inframammary fold), around the areola, or in the armpit. A skilled cosmetic surgeon knows how to place these incisions so the resulting scars are minimized, but avoiding the scars altogether is impossible.
TUBA is an especially attractive option for patients who are prone to noticeable scarring or simply want the most discreet enhancement possible.
TUBA delivers breast augmentation with zero tell-tale incisions for results that look completely natural.
2. Faster recovery time
TUBA generally has a shorter and more comfortable recovery period than traditional breast augmentation approaches. Because the surgical path of the TUBA technique avoids cutting through breast tissue directly, there’s often less bruising and swelling. This allows patients to return to daily activities faster and with less discomfort.
Most TUBA patients can resume light activity within a few days, with a typical recovery window of about a week. Standard breast augmentation recovery takes about 10-14 days or longer.
3. Lower risk of infection
With fewer incisions near the breasts themselves and no need to open the chest directly, there’s a reduced chance of bacteria entering the surgical site. This can help lower the risk of post-operative complications like infection.
Every surgery carries risks, but TUBA’s minimally invasive approach may offer peace of mind to patients who prioritize safety as much as results.
4. Implants can be placed under the muscle
Some may assume TUBA’s specialized approach limits how the procedure can be personalized, but Dr. Haiavy can place saline implants either over or under the chest muscle using this method to suit either preference. Many patients choose under the muscle placement (sub-muscular) for a more natural look and feel, especially when they have thinner natural breast tissue.
Sub-muscular placement can also help reduce the risk of visible rippling and may allow for more accurate mammogram readings post-surgery.
“After spending months trying to find a place for breast augmentation one of my good friends recommended Dr. Haiavy at Inland Cosmetic. My experience there was absolutely amazing from the friendly staff to amazing surgeons. I am currently 3 weeks post op from the transumbilical breast augmentation and I love my results! I was extremely impressed with my experience here and have already recommended them to several friends. I am so glad I did not go anywhere else & will definitely come back if I want anything else done!”
5. Ideal for saline implants & easy future adjustments
With TUBA, saline implants are inserted through the belly button as empty shells and filled once they’re in place. This allows for precise volume adjustments during surgery to achieve ideal size and symmetry, and in some cases, saline implants can even be adjusted or removed through the same belly button incision in the future.
This advantage makes TUBA an appealing choice for women who value flexibility or who may want to change or remove their implants later on without additional breast incisions.
TUSBA breast augmentation with silicone breast implants
After over 20 years of experience with TUBA using saline-filled implants, Dr. Haiavy now offers “TUSBA,” or transumbilical silicone breast augmentation, a technique for placing silicone breast implants through the belly button. Dr. Haiavy is only the third surgeon worldwide to successfully perform this procedure, and he offers it exclusively at Inland Cosmetic Surgery.
TUSBA with silicone implants offer both a scar-free appearance and a softer, more natural breast feel. Patients often choose silicone implants because they are lightweight and more closely mimic natural breast tissue, moving with your body in a way that feels very natural.
Dr. Haiavy developed a special technique that uses two funnels for easy insertion of the silicone implant into the tunnel and the breast without any touch. The description of his specific technique and results were published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery.
- Learn more about your breast implant options »
Is TUBA right for you?
While TUBA offers compelling benefits, it’s not ideal for everyone. It’s not compatible with certain anatomy types (like tubular breasts) or aesthetic goals may be better suited to other breast augmentation techniques (such as a breast lift with augmentation to firm and reshape the breasts). It’s important to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Haiavy, who can help you understand all of your options.
Curious about scarless breast augmentation? Let’s talk.If you’re considering breast augmentation and love the idea of natural-looking results with no visible breast scars, TUBA may be a great option for you. Renowned TUBA/TUSBA surgeon Dr. Jacob Haiavy is one of the most experienced TUBA surgeons in the nation and has helped hundreds of women enhance their curves with this advanced technique.
Call Inland Cosmetic Surgery at 909-987-0899 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. We have offices located in Rancho Cucamonga and Victorville for your convenience.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
