Breast augmentation by an umbilical approach.

Augmentation mammaplasty through an umbilical approach is a technique that, since it was first described by Johnson and Christ in 1993, has gathered both supporters and detractors. The possibility of introducing the prosthesis through the umbilicus without visible scars on the breast area has attracted a considerable number of surgeons and patients. The purpose of this paper is to share our experience with 145 patients operated on between 1994 and 1998 in which this technique was used to insert inflatable saline implants. The indications, aesthetic outcome, and complications of this unique technique are discussed. Furthermore, we have modified the technique by utilizing a dismountable prosthesis introducing clamp (PIC) that was designed by us.