Transumbilical Silicone Breast Augmentation: A Practical Review of an Innovative Technique

Transumbilical silicone breast augmentation (TUSBA) is a fairly new and rapidly growing technique of endoscopically assisted placement of silicone breast implants. In comparison, the well-known transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) with saline has been described in the literature since 1993 (Planas J. Introduction of breast implants through the abdominal route. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1976;57:431-437). The TUBA procedure has proven to be safe, efficient, and cosmetically sound over the last 29 years (Shiffman MA, Caleel RT, Shumway R, et al. Survey of transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA). Am J Cosmet Surg. 2011;28:5-11). Augmentation with silicone through the umbilicus is becoming more popular due to several factors: first, because the acceptance of TUBA with saline has been good with positive outcomes and, second, because patients prefer the discrete location and small size of the umbilical scar left behind. Endoscopic guidance is a critical tool for learning and visualization and for reducing complications such as hematoma or misplacement of the implant.Breast augmentation continues to grow in popularity and acceptance, alongside cosmetic procedures in general. This author expects that, as the TUSBA technique becomes more widespread in use, surgeons will benefit from having a practical clinical publication from which to modify their own technique. This publication will present the authors' TUSBA technique and chart review of practice data from May 2021 through November 2022, wherein the TUSBA procedure was performed.Forty women aged 21 to 61 years (mean, 35.13 years) underwent endoscopically assisted TUSBA. All patients had the implants placed in the submuscular pocket. Patient surveys and postoperative visit data were used in the generation of follow-up information. Upon inspection of the chart data at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, there were no reports of capsular contracture. Transumbilical silicone breast augmentation is a safe and efficient method for silicone implant placement in select patients.