Currently, there are a number of options in breast implant surgery in regard to the incision sites. Advances in endoscopic and fiber optic techniques have allowed surgery throughout the body to become progressively done through smaller and smaller incisions. This is commonly referred to as "minimally invasive surgery techniques". This has allowed now surgeons to, for instance, remove the gallbladder through a small incision in the button rather than a large open procedure with a large abdominal incision.

This technology has now expanded to the area of breast implant surgery. With advanced breast surgery techniques, we are able to avoid any incisions on the breasts or chest at all. Currently, we are performing breast implant surgery through the belly button.

The incision for this procedure is made at the top of the belly button or umbilicus. The umbilicus itself is a scar that is a remnant from the umbilical cord. This is a natural scar already that is present from birth. We use this naturally-appearing scar to hide our incision. The surgery is done through the belly button with the aid of endoscopic scopes and cameras. All the surgery is done through a small incision on both sides. Surgery can be done either on top of the large chest muscle, the pectoralis major muscle, or underneath the pectoralis major muscle. The breast implant itself is inserted through the belly button in an uninflated state and positioned properly. After the breast implant is properly positioned and checked, the implant is inflated with saline. This allows a natural and normal-appearing breast without scarring or incisions on the breast or chest, thus minimilizing any evidence of surgery.

Further advantages of this technique are many. No incisions occur through breast tissue or the breast tissue ducts. This tries to minimize any decrease flow for breastfeeding. This also attempts to prevent any calcification in the breasts from incisions through breast tissue which can appear on a mammogram.

Furthermore, no incisions are made around the nipple. Although rare, one of the potential complications of breast implant surgery is a decrease in nipple sensation.

Although this still can occur with the belly button technique, eliminating incisions around the nipple eliminates cutting the nerve and vessel supply in these areas.

The umbilcal breast surgery has been performed for over one year with great succes The implant surgery can occur on top of or underneath the pectoralis major muscle. The procedure tends to have very natural, normal-looking results and there is not increased pain or discomfort associated with the procedure. We often combine the belly button breast technique, with some liposuction of the abdomen and flank region. This is done through the same belly button incision and can be done at the same time.

Follows is a series of pictures with headings detailing the belly button procedure.