Q: I want to get breast augmentation, but don’t want any scarring. Also, I am concerned about breast feeding and mammograms? Is there a procedure that will work for me?

Cosmetic breast surgery, as all surgery, is evolving towards minimally invasive techniques because of their many advantages, decreased complications, and improvement in post operative pain and recovery time.

This has led to the development of the TransUmbilical Breast Augmention (TUBA) or breast augmentation through the belly button. I have designed many of the instruments for this technique, and currently, to my knowledge, perform more of these procedures than anyone in the world. Many of the instruments that I use are named after myself.

This technique is an evolution in breast augmentation, much like how gallbladders are now removed through the belly button, tubes are tied through the belly button, and heart catheterization is done through small incisions in the groin. There are many advantages to this technique. The incision is done through a small mark under the hood of the belly button, leaving no scars on the breast. There is no cutting around the nipple and areola. This decreases the chance of permanent loss of nipple sensation, as confirmed in clinical studies. There is no cutting through the breast tissue, gland, or ducts. Thus there is less interference with breast feeding and mammograms. Further, clinical studies have shown a significant decrease in hardening of the breast and a much improved recovery time. Patients with this technique have less pain and typically are back to driving and regular activities within 2 to 3 days. One can resume working out within 2 to 3 weeks.
I perform all the different approaches in breast augmentation, but this is my preferred technique and comprises approximately 85% of my primary breast augmentation practice. This technique can be combined with other techniques through the belly, such as liposuction, umbilicoplasty (tightening of the skin and/or stretch marks round or on top of the belly button) or tummy tuck, and can be combined with breast lifting techniques. I have been performing this technique since 1997 and place approximately 1000 implants per year.

My personal experience with this technique shows a significant decrease in complication rates as compared to other approaches. I have never had an infection on a primary breast augmentation with this approach. Rates of capsule contracture (hardening of the pocket around the implant), hematoma, breast implant deflation from the surgery, and decrease in nipple sensation are much less than other approaches in breast augmentation. Doctors from around the world regularly come to watch me perform this technique and I lecture regularly about this technique at national and international meetings.

This procedure can be performed under or over the muscle, although I strongly recommend going underneath the muscle as it leaves a more natural look and feel and is better for breast feeding and mammograms. I typically use smooth round saline implants, which leave the most natural feel. These implants, when designed with the proper surgical pocket, appear round when the patient is lying on her back and teardrop shaped when standing.

I also perform many other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures on the face and body. For more information, please contact me at 310 575 1500 or www.DrCheski.com