TUBA (Trans-Umbilical Incision)

First time I ever heard and saw and a TUBA incision was on the TV show Dr. 90210. I try to be unbiased when writing these blogs; however, I must say that I’m amazed find to see how far women are willing to go for beauty. Anyways, the incision in this procedure is made along the rim of the patient’s navel. Then a small scope is tunneled to the breasts, and the implants are inserted through the incision and moved into the breast pockets. Once inside, the implants are filled with a pre-determined amount of implant solution.

The biggest advantage over the other incisions: TUBA procedure requires only one small incision for both breasts; thus, there will be only a single and smaller surgical scar once the procedure is completed. Moreover, TUBA involves a shorter recovery period and less postoperative discomfort that other types of breast implant incisions.
(http://docshop.com/education/cosmetic/breast/implats/navel-incision/ )

Submuscular and Subpectoral Position

Depending on how small the patients’ cup is and their amount of breast tissue, some opt to go with submuscular breast augmentation. This procedure involves positions the implant beneath the muscle, but not total behind the pectoral muscles. In most cases the pectoral muscle will cover about 2/3 of the implant; however, there are even some who choose to go for a complete submuscular placement--which can be achieved via the transaxillary, periareolar, or inframammary breast incision (I'll talk more about the types of incision on future entries).

http://www.implantinfo.com/inforesources/placement.htm

Image 1. Subpectoral Position
Image 2. Submuscular Position

Altough submuscular augmentation results in less cleavage, less natural breast movement, and longer recovery, I believe it’d still be the best breast positioning placement for I can live better with its cons.

Subglandular Implant Placements

Subglandular, also known as submammary or over-the-muscle breast position involves the placement of the breast implant under the breast tissue but above pectoral muscles. Since the muscles are left intact and only skin and fat are cut, subglandular implant positioning presents numerous advantages:

1. It leads to less complicated surgery and quicker recovery
2. It provides easier access to the implant in case of reoperation
3. It presents less postoperative pain and discomfort
4. Cleavage is more easily created
(http://www.docshop.com/education/cosmetic/breast/implants/subglandular-implant/ )

Generally subglandular placement does not provide good results in women with small amount of breast tissue for the implant is easily notice. Other big disadvantages of subglandular implant placements are the high likelihood to interfere with mammography during breast cancer screening; visible rippling for the implant is covered only by skin; and capsular contracture.

Also, I read somewhere that some surgeons believe that over-the-muscle may deflate more due to less protection by the muscle, and that they actually do drop a lot faster .

Single Lumen and Double Lumen Implants

Single lumen (shell) implant that is prefilled by the manufacturer with a set amount of silicone gel. There are no valves with this type of implant and the volume of silicone cannot be adjusted.

Double lumen implant that is composed of two shells. The inner lumen is prefilled by the manufacturer with a set amount of silicone gel. The outer lumen contains a valve that is filled with saline through a valve during surgery. Adjustments to the volume of saline in the outer shell cannot be made following completion of surgery.

Double lumen with an outer shell that is prefilled by the manufacturer with a set amount of silicone gel. The inner shell is filled with saline during surgery through a valve. This type of implant allows for adjustment of the amount of saline in the inner shell after surgery.

What to Know Before Undergoing the Surgery

I identify are four phases related to breast augmentation that a woman must be aware of:

1. Making the decision: consists in making informed decision as to whether or not to undergo the procedure. That is, the woman must be aware of the choices of implants she has, as well as their potential risk factors (see previous entries).
2. Know the procedure: Go over important considerations such as implant placement, incision, and size.
3. Find a Doctor: Know everything there is to know about the surgeon: How many years has he/she performed breast augmentation? Is he/she board certified? What is the most common type of operation and reoperation he/she performs? Costs before and after the operation.
4. The surgery: What happens during the procedure? How long does it last?
5. Recovery: How long is recovery after the operation? What will be the degree of discomfort?

Also, remember, breast augmentation procedures are not ‘100%-satisfaction- guarantee.’ You may not be fully content with the results, and this often means undergoing another surgery.