How the procedure
is performed
The endoscope is a miniature camera which, when inserted through
a small opening, enables surgery to be performed through a tiny
passage – eliminating the need for large incisions.
In performing breast augmentations the endoscope is inserted through
the umbilicus (belly button). A small, undetectable incision is
made in the belly button, from which point tunnels are created up
to and underneath the breast, through which the implant is passed.
A pocket is made for the implant using a balloon dissector (a specialised
instrument) while ensuring, via the endoscope, that work is being
carried out in the appropriate plane.
The saline implant, attached to a long filling tube, is then passed
from the belly button through these channels to underneath the breast
and placed in the pocket. Once in the pocket, the implant can be
inflated to its appropriate size and sealed.
Who is a candidate?
Endoscopic breast augmentation does require special skills and
experience on the part of the surgeon. In experienced hands, this
procedure can lead to very nice results for patients who do not
wish to have too large a breast size or who do not need a silicone
implant. Only saline implants can be used for endoscopic augmentation
mammaplasty.
The type of patient who often prefers a belly button approach using
the endoscope may be a model, a woman who is a dancer or one who
has a particular desire for no visible scarring.
Conclusion
As seen in the results shown, the belly button incision is totally
imperceptible. This represents the most significant advantage as
there is no scarring except in the umbilicus (belly button), which
can be viewed as a “scar” or imperfection anyway.
The endoscope can also be used to assist in creating a pocket when
the armpit incision is preferred. This, however, stills leaves a
small scar in the armpit, as in the more traditional approach.
It is important to note that the endoscopic procedure cannot correct
breast sagging in patients and one must be careful not to use too
large a breast implant in an attempt to improve sagging.
I also use many other surgical techniques associated with augmentation
mammaplasty with various incisions, using a wide range of breast
implants.
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