Questions About Scarless Breast Augmentation

What is a scarless breast augmentation?

Scarless breast augmentation is when an incision is made in the belly button and a tube inserted through the incision and up to the breast. The physician inserts a deflated, saline breast implant into the tunnel, places it in the desired location, inflates the implant, checks for symmetry and closes the incision.

What is TUBA?

TUBA, or Trans-umbilical Breast Augmentation, is the same thing as a scarless breast augmentation/secret scar approach.

Does Dr. Otto Placik perform scarless breast augmentations?

No, Dr. Placik no longer offers Trans-umbilical Breast Augmentations. While he initially provided this service, he has since corrected numerous TUBA surgeries and no longer offers his patients this option.

Why has Dr. Placik stopped performing TUBA surgeries?

Once the initial enthusiasm regarding scarless breast augmentations subsided, it was revealed that the hype may have been unwarranted and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons withdrew their recommendation for the procedure.

While Trans-umbilical Breast Augmentations require less recovery time, are not as invasive, and privatize your surgery by leaving no visible scars, disadvantages exist, such as:

• Implants must be placed above the muscles, which decreases the likelihood of successful mammograms after breast augmentation surgery. If attempting, placement under the muscle, accurate placement is difficult to achieve because placement is essentially "blind"
• Only saline implants can be used
• The implant manufacturers tend not to warranty implants placed in this fashion.
• Secondary procedures will eventually be necessary and new incision will have to be placed on the breast

What other incision options minimize scar visibility?

Outside of Trans-umbilical Breast Augmentations, the best incision option for women seeking to minimize scar visibility is through a crease in the armpit. However, scars may still be visible in a bathing suit or tanktop. Furthermore, recovery tends to be uncomfortable and silicone breast implants are difficult to insert through this incision.

Dr. Placik also makes incision lines around the nipple's lower border. Generally, this incision method results in minimal scarring.

The most common incision option is an inframammary incision, or in the fold under the breast. While this approach results in the most visible scar, inframammary incisions result in the fewest post-surgery complications.

If you are interested in learning more about scarless breast augmentations, or are interested in cosmetically enhancing your breasts, please contact our plastic surgery office to schedule a consultation with Chicago, Illinois plastic surgeon, Dr. Otto Placik.