Dispelling the myths and misconceptions about transumbilical breast augmentation

Since its invention in 1991, the transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) technique has gained popularity, and it has been proven safe and effective. In addition, the technique has several advantages over other methods of breast augmentation. Nevertheless, the method has often been the subject of a great variety of criticisms. Careful examination of those criticisms reveals that most are, in fact, untrue; they are misconceptions at best and falsehoods at worst. In this article, the author examines the 20 most common misconceptions about this procedure, clarifies or corrects them as appropriate, and suggests possible reasons for their having arisen in the first place. In addition, the actual drawbacks of the technique are reviewed. The author also outlines what he considers to be the criteria necessary for a surgeon to criticize any technique being used successfully by others: the surgeon must have proper plastic surgical training and certification, have completed training in the specific technique, and have a personal experience with performing a minimum number of cases.