Can I Have Breast Implants Put In Through My Bellybutton?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was interested in having breast implants done via TUBA. Do you perform those? Is What is the cost of this surgery? My daughter is getting married in June and I really want to have this done before that. I have attached 2 photos. One is with my normal bra and the other is what I would like my breasts to look like (I used several bras to accomplish this). I look forward to hearing from you.

A:Trying to place breast implants via the umbilical approach (TUBA) is a very poor way to do the operation. It is fraught with problems such as the inability to use silicone implants, difficulty in getting into the proper submuscular plane and persistent problems of after surgery upper abdominal pain. If you are looking for a scarless method of breast augmentation, the transaxillary approach is far more successful with less potential complications. Using saline implants through the armpit would also be the most economical approach to breast augmentation. It is hard to know exactly the size (volume) of implants you would need just based on how the change in the upper pole of your breasts. (as shown in your pictures) A volumetric sizing method is the best way to pick the proper size for you.