Breast Implant Surgery, Breast Augmentation
Frequently Asked Questions

What incisions does Dr. Tirre use?
There are three common approaches (incisions): underneath the breast (inframammary), around the nipple (periareolar), and in the armpit (transaxillary).

A more controversial approach is through the belly button (TUBA, trans-umbilical breast augmentation). Dr. Tirre does not perform the TUBA technique due to the high complication rate and Dr. Tirre does not feel this is the best way for a breast augmentation to be performed.

What type of breast implants do you use?
Dr. Tirre uses Mentor Corporation saline and silicone (Memory Gel) breast implants.  He also utilizes the Natrelle Breast Implants (formerly known as Inamed or Allergan) saline and silicone breast implants.

How much does breast implant surgery cost?
Breast augmentation surgery fees range from $6500 to $7500 depending upon where the incision is made, the size and type of implants. Also, the fee is determined by the degree of difficulty (if one breast is significantly larger than the other, etc.). The fee includes the surgery, implants, anesthesia, O.R. supplies (this includes the facility costs, medical and surgical supplies and surgical personnel), and postoperative care following surgery.

Dr. Tirre offers several financing options to make breast augmentation as low as $150 per month!  Many other cosmetic surgery procedures are affordable now with low monthly payments.

Will I look natural after surgery?
Dr. Tirre will review your desired goals for breast enlargement prior to surgery and have a specific implant in mind for you.  He will use "sizers" during surgery to allow him to see exactly what the final implants will look like.  By using these "sizers" during surgery, Dr. Tirre is able to maximize his ability to achieve the best size and shape possible. 

What are the restrictions after breast implant surgery?
The recovery period is about one to two weeks. Limited exercise (walking, stationary bike) can be resumed at 2 weeks with approval from Dr. Tirre; full exercise can be resumed at 5 to 6 weeks. Most patients return to work about 5 to 10 days after the surgery if the job performance requires only light duty, such as office work, or sales, etc.

What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?
Decreased sensation in breast and nipples (this improves over 1-2 years), infections, bleeding, capsular contracture (making the breast feel firm, and leakage, (6%).

Will the breast implant affect the results of a mammogram?
The breast implant could obscure detection of breast cancer on a mammogram therefore, it is important that you tell the mammogram technician that you have implants and whether they are above or below the muscle when having a mammogram.

What determines if I can have the breast implants under the muscle?
If drooping is present, we may not be able to put the breast implants under the muscle unless a breast lift is done.

What are the risks of "rippling" ?
If the breast implants are above the muscle the chances of rippling being visible is greater. Having the implants are below the muscle minimizes rippling, but still may be noticeable between the breast and under the breast.

What is capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture, a condition that causes the naturally-forming scar tissue around a breast implant to contract, occurs in a variable percentage of patients and can make the breast feel firmer than normal. While this condition can be addressed surgically, correction is not always permanent.

Do the breast implants have to be replaced in 10 years?
No, you do not have to replace the implants unless you have a problem with them. Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants.

Can I breast feed after a breast augmentation?
Breast Augmentation does not generally interfere with a woman’s ability to breast feed.