The goal of transumbilical breast augmentation surgery is to increase the volume of the patient’s breasts with minimal visible scarring. An incision is made in the navel, and then the surgeon inserts inflatable breast implants through this hole. The surgery cannot be done with pre-filled implants because the implants must fit into the patient’s navel. Though this method of achieving more cleavage is popular, it can result in badly placed implants and sometimes requires more invasive surgery.
Once the incision is made to the navel, the surgeon uses a small tool to tunnel his or her way to the patient’s breast, working just under the skin. An endoscope, a tiny camera attached to a tube, is used to ensure correct placement of the breast implant. The surgeon rolls up the implant before sliding it into the tube and guiding it through the tunnel until it reaches the chest. Then the implant is pumped with saline to a size the patient decided upon before the surgery. The surgeon can now make adjustments to ensure each breast is about the same size.
When the implants are filled and both breasts are determined even, the cosmetic surgeon can withdraw the tube, and the implants automatically seal themselves. The navel is stitched closed with dissolvable stitches, and the patient can usually return to work or school within a week. It normally takes six months to one year for the body to completely recover from a transumbilical breast augmentation surgery that did not have any complications.
After the transumbilical breast augmentation surgery, the patient may develop an infection at the incision site or become unsatisfied with the size or placement with the implants, which are two common transumbilical breast augmentation issues. An infection is usually easily cured with antibiotics and proper dressing and is rarely a pressing problem. Moving the implants is sometimes possible by reopening the incision and adjusting accordingly. In some cases, the cosmetic surgeon might suggest making an incision under the breast or aerola to better ensure the correct placement.
Before the surgery, a cosmetic surgeon can go over specific risks and costs and give his or her recommendations on the exact size, shape, and location that might be most appealing for the patient. The costs of a transumbilical breast augmentation surgery varies depending on the surgeon and the implants chosen. In some countries, such as the United States, breast implants come with a lifetime warranty in case they deflate due to natural wear. This warranty rarely covers the full cost of replacing the implants, but can cover a significant percentage.
