There are many misconceptions regarding trans-umbilical breast augmentation.  Unfortunately, many of these erroneous beliefs are spread by surgeons who are not trained to perform this particular technique.  The most common myths and frequently asked questions are covered in the section below.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact Dr, Leonard Grossman at any time.

1. It is impossible to have placement under the pectoral muscle with the trans-umbilical approach.
   False.  Dr. Grossman often recommends the sub-pectoral placement in patients who have little or no natural breast tissue.  The sub-pectoral placement procedure takes only slightly longer than the sub-glandular, and is widely preferred by many women.
2. The trans-umbilical approach is a scarless procedure.
   True & False.  This approach is considered scarless because no scar is usually visible, but there is a scar hidden within the umbilicus, or navel.
3. Sometimes visible tracks on the abdomen can be seen after this procedure.
   Dr. Grossman has never personally experienced a case in which this has happened to a patient of his.  In the unlikely event that this were to occur, it is more than likely a connective-tissue failure to adhere to the fascia of the abdomen muscles and not technique-specific.  If in the event that you may notice tracks post-operatively, it is usually very temporary until the tissue adheres again from the dissection.  Wearing a compression garment, such as an abdomen wrap, can help prohibit this from happening.
4. Asymmetry is common with the trans-umbilical approach.
   False.  This is yet another fallacy regarding T.U.B.A.  Asymmetry is almost always present preoperatively in the patient.  The skill of the surgeon plays a significant part in correctly determining the appropriate implant size and placing this implant in the proper position.  Asymmetry is just as common in traditional incision placements as it is with T.U.B.A. and depends upon the skill and experience of the surgeon.  
5. There is usually a milder healing phase associated with T.U.B.A. than with traditional methods.
   True.  There are no incisions on the breasts and no significant amount of sutures to deal with during the healing phase after T.U.B.A.  Hence no tension on the suture lines as with non-endoscopic approaches (areolar, infra-mammary).  Although many patients report less pain and need less pain medication after T.U.B.A., each patient's pain threshold is different.  However, the subpectoral placement will always have a certain degree of discomfort associated with it because the pectoral muscles are separated from the chest wall to accommodate the breast implants.
6. Having a trans-umbilical breast augmentation voids the warranty issued by breast implant manufacturers.
   False.  This is one of the top misconceptions regarding T.U.B.A.  The implant is rolled up no more than with the trans-axillary (under arm) and areolar incisions.  Only blunt objects ever touch the breast implant.  The implant is never put under any stress or damaged in any way during implantation or during the filling process.  The warranty is not voided.
7. I have my navel pierced, will you need to remove it before surgery?  Will I have to let it close up afterwards?
   Not at all.  You will be allowed to keep a simple, stainless steel navel ring or barbell intact before surgery.  Although you will need to scrub the area gently, but thoroughly, the night before surgery with an antibacterial soap to lessen the chance of infection.  During your surgery prep we will also sterilize this area.  We may remove it during your surgery and replace it afterwards if necessary.  However, if this is a newer piercing and there is an infection present (oozing or pus) you may be asked to remove it and let it heal before your surgery can be carried out.
8. T.U.B.A. is usually more expensive than traditional incision placements.
   False.  Although some surgeons like to tell you this, T.U.B.A. usually takes less time and less surgical materials (less sutures, surgical sponges, surgical tape, gauze) than traditional methods. You are in the Operating Room and under anesthesia for less time than a traditional procedure.  Why would it raise the costs?  Undoubtedly this may be use as a gimmick since we all want as less scarring as possible, we'd pay more for it.  It is less invasive and traumatic for the patient.  Therefore Dr. Grossman does not charge more for TUBA and prefers it if you are a candidate. 
9. If I have a rupture, can you replace my implant(s) through the navel as well?
   Absolutely!  There is no reason to have additional scars for a simple ruptured saline implant replacement surgery.  The incision will be made where your original incision was placed, the implant removed and replaced.  In fact,  the replacement operation usually involves less pain than the primary surgery.  This is because most of the pain is due to the dissection of the implant pocket and tissue expansion -- this goes for both sub-glandular and sub-pectoral placement.
10. Can I have a breast lift AND T.U.B.A.?
    No.  There is no need for an additional scar in the navel when the breast lift incisions are large enough for implant placement.  Your breast lift incisions, depending upon the technique which will be determined by the degree of ptosis (sag), are more than enough room for sub-glandular and sub-pectoral implant placement.
11. Can I get silicone gel or cohesive silicone gel implants with T.U.B.A.
    No.  The silicone gel and cohesive silicone gel implants are pre-filled and must be implanted via the mammary fold or peri-areolar incisions.  Pre-filled breast implants are too large to fit through the navel.  An areolar or infra-mammary incision is usually necessary.
12. The chance of infection is lessened with TUBA. 
    True.  Although there is always the chance of infection due to unforeseen problems such as improper wound care post-operatively, or the rare chance of bacteria on the surface of the breast implant, chances of infections are usually lessened due to the placement of the incision and the lack of implant-breast tissue exposure.  The incision is not near the breast tissue nor is the breast implant ever passed through the actual skin where staph naturally lives on the surface of our skin.  Plus the ducts within the breast are never cut or disturbed which would release this bacteria nor is the implant passed through this ductwork where bacteria naturally lives.  The implant is passed through a sterile endotube which is inserted into your navel so that it has an untainted passageway into your body.