In this months Doctor808 BeautyGram, we will discuss my opinion about TUBA breast augmentation, which has been popularized by a plastic surgery television show. Additionally, at the end of this newsletter are some of the discounts we are offering for the next month.

What is TUBA Breast Augmentation?

TUBA stands for Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation. In other words the cut or incision to place the breast implants is in or near the belly button. This is touted and hyped as "scarless" since there is no surgical scar on the breast from the cut. However, there is a scar around the belly button, along the path used to place the implant and inside the breast itself. So it's simply wrong to claim this surgery is scarless which is the main "sales" point. All surgery produces scar tissue.

The concept of scarless surgery is always appealing to the public, and TUBA is a great marketing tool at best. Yet as a plastic surgeon my job is not to try to sell a procedure or approach, but to do what I believe is in the best interest of my patients. Marketing in plastic surgery sometimes goes too far in my opinion.

The TUBA procedure is NEW NEW NEW but one thing I have learned over the years is new is not always better. Take for example when silicone breast augmentation was essentially outlawed by the FDA, in their zeal to find an alternative the brilliant idea came out to fill implants with peanut oil. Great idea, it's organic and feels like silicone. Yet that was until it leaked rancid oil. Stupid idea, but very innovative and NEW ! So my point is new is not always better.

In terms of "scarless", below is a picture of a TUBA breast augmentation patient who came to my practice for a breast revision. Please note the scars on the breast and the belly button by this supposed "scarless" procedure. Yet if you believe this surgery is scarless please see the photos below. > Picture1 > Picture2

I truly looked at all the objective data about the TUBA procedure and like most plastic surgeons do not feel this approach is a good one.

Disadvantages of TUBA

1. Placement of the breast implant from a foot away (the naval) is difficult, like trying to sculpt a statue from 20 feet away.
2. The metal tube they use to travel the implant over this distance can leave scar tracks along the way that one can feel and see.
3. Pushing the implant through a metal tube most likely will damage the implant which can cause early deflation.
4. Creating two symmetrical breast pockets from the belly button instead of up close (axillary, periareolar, perithelial, infra mammary) is absurd. It is extremely difficult to create a proper pocket without seeing the tissue you are working on.
5. Postoperative complications requiring further surgery (capsular contracture, infection, hematoma, seroma, asymmetrical breasts) all require conversion to an open surgical technique with a standard breast incision (periareolar, infra mammary, axillary incision).

Advantages of TUBA

1. Possibly less visible scar.

Well all in all according to my count there are more disadvantages than advantages. In fact the one advantage is not so great. A well done periareola or axillary incision is not noticeable either. So in sum there are NO advantages - but only more risk. That is why I do not perform this procedure. I should also say that the marketing advantage is not what I think is an ethical consideration for your Doctor to consider.

That is my opinion and I am sure there are those who are happy with their TUBA procedure. There are probably surgeons who do not share my opinion as well. Yet as a surgeon I can't base my recommendations on a few positive testimonies. I have to think a problem through and ask - if my wife wanted this, would I want her to use the TUBA approach. The answer is definitely NO. So if that is the case why would I offer it to my patients. I have considered the TUBA approach for a few years and after researching this out, I have decided NOT to perform this procedure.

Mother's Day Plastic Surgery Specials

Now that the educational portion is over let me tell you about this months special pricing just in time for Mothers Day.

Restylane

Restylane is an excellent filler for the frown lines and fine lines around the mouth or to plump up the lips. We are providing 10% off any patient who has this done before the end of the month by bringing in a copy of this news letter. To redeem this offer, print this page and present it to the receptionist or your assigned patient coordinator at your appointment.

Armpit (axillary) Hair Removal

This requires a minimum of 5 treatments for permanent hair removal. If you sign up for the 5 treatment package we will provide you with one free treatment so you get the 5th treatment free (buy 4 and get one free). To redeem this offer, print this page and present it to the receptionist or your assigned patient coordinator at your appointment.

We hope you will continue to refer your friends and family. Our most substantial growth comes from word of mouth. We thank you for that. As always, if you have any ideas on how we can improve our practice or this beautygram, or if there is any topic you would like us to include...please let us know.

Thank You and Aloha - Doctor808
> Email us with your questions, comments or inquiries.

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The offers listed are subject to change without notice. Limit one per customer - non transferable. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotional offer nor can it be applied to previous purchases. Discounts will only be applied to qualifying products and services.

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Aloha Plastic Surgery LLC. All rights reserved.