The transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) technique inserts implants through an incision in the navel, tunnelling up to the breast. It is uncommon, particularly in the UK.
Key limitations
- Only suitable for saline implants, which are filled after insertion — not pre-filled silicone gel.
- Very indirect access, making precise pocket control harder.
- Future revision needs a different incision.
- Few UK surgeons offer it.
Because silicone gel is the usual UK choice and precise pocket control matters, TUBA is rarely recommended here. We include it for completeness; most patients are better served by an inframammary approach.