Breast Augmentation SurgeryConveniently located to serve Pittsburgh, Bridgeville, and Mt Lebanon
What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery, or breast enhancement surgery, involves placing implants to improve breast size, shape, and proportion. It is ideal for individuals seeking a more balanced figure or wanting to restore lost volume.
At Radiance Plastic Surgery, we offer saline and silicone breast implants in Pittsburg and neighboring areas. You have the freedom to choose the best option for your body goals, and Dr. Cherup will be there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a natural and balanced result.
Breast Augmentation Consultation in Bridgeville
For women with small or deflated breasts, a breast augmentation offers a chance to feel womanly, slightly voluptuous, and have a balanced figure again. For young women who have never developed much breast tissue, an augmentation changes their lives. For women who have lost breast tissue after nursing, it is a means to regain their pre-pregnancy figure. For the massive-weight-loss patient, a mastopexy may be necessary to re-mold their upper torso.
In general, you’re likely a good candidate for breast augmentation if you
- Have asymmetrical breasts
- Want to achieve larger, more sensual-looking breasts
- Are bothered by sagging, deflated breasts>
- Want to restore breast volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or major weight loss
- Want breasts that are more proportionate to your body
Dr. Cherup is considered by her patients the best breast augmentation surgeon in the Pittsburgh and Bridgeville areas. Schedule your consultation using our online form or by calling the office at (412) 220-8181.
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure, never reimbursed by insurance unless the patient has breast cancer. Breast augmentation can boost self-confidence, and you feel more balanced and beautiful. Dr. Cherup will do the breast surgery for you, but she must believe, and you must demonstrate to her that you are doing this for yourself and no one else.
View our before and after galleries of real patients. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Cherup!
Patient Testimonial
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The idea of a breast augmentation of some sort has been on the table for me since I was 17 years old. My breasts grew with a substantial size difference. I was never confident about my breasts and honestly never remember having any positive feelings/emotions towards my breasts. With a nearly 2 cup difference, bras never fit and my main goal was to disguise the issue. I had my first child at 19 and second at 2, which I successfully breastfeed for 14 months.. From that point onward, 2 back to back pregnancies and breastfeeding left me with with what I would refer to as long breasts although the size difference was lessened. Neither breast had volume and after children, one breast even appeared to be square shaped.
I knew that I sought a female plastic surgeon. I work in a field where I see many breast implants. I have come to recognize certain doctors work and began to realize whom to avoid.
I made my consultation with Dr. Cherup. This woman pulls no punches and is not for the person seeking sugar coating. My case, was a bad as I feared and she didn’t try to suggest it wasn’t. She spent a lot of time with me during our first meeting. She emphasized that I was going to require a significant amount of work and skill. That I should not expect perfect symmetrical breasts. That I would need two different sized and shaped implants, in addition I would need a lift. Which I knew and was prepared for. We agreed on a size and actually, I placed all my trust in her–her suggestions meant more to be than any other; I didn’t want large or very large breasts. My number one desire was fullness and shape. I feel that implants that are too large an make a woman look like she has gained weight and can age her. I was beyond relieved when she didn’t push me toward something I knew I didn’t want!
I was fully prepared by Dr. Cherup and her staff. I made the decision to move forward with her. I can honestly say, I felt bad scheduling with her. I have not seen breasts like my own represented in before and afters. I knew if anyone was going to get me as close to a positive result it was going to be Dr. Cherup. She will let you know what is possible and what is not. That you might hurt like hell but that part of this journey.
I am typing this 6 days out from my surgery, a lift and implant. Bruising and swelling etc is personal so I will not comment, however I must say, my expectations have far been exceeded. I still have ways to go in my healing process but I am incredibly confident in Dr. Cherup and her staff. I intend to return for an tummy tuck in 2017.
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Breast Augmentation Consultation in Bridgeville
Dr. Lori Cherup uses a unique evaluation system. It combines her Touch MD instructional video system, the breast evaluation and measurement system of Dr. John Tebbetts and Allergan, and her extensive experience. She will inform you of the surgery’s key events and go over the manageable risks of the implant options. She will measure your breasts and chest wall and determine your breast shape, existing volume, and asymmetries that must be dealt with.
Dr. Cherup or Jennifer, her surgical technician, will then image your breasts in our VECTRA 3-D* imaging system. Your computer image will be “augmented” with implants of a few different sizes and shapes to help you and Dr. Cherup visualize the changes that are possible and that you prefer. See our VECTRA demonstration on our website.
You will then look at photos of other patients similar to you that Dr. Cherup has treated and determine if there is a shape or size you prefer. You will leave the consultation with a full understanding of your anatomy, your best options, a VECTRA image of yourself augmented, and an Inform & Enhance booklet reviewing all risks and providing a price sheet for your specific surgery.
At your second consultation, Dr. Cherup will reexamine you. Now is when you and Dr. Cherup finalize your breast implant choice and rationalize your decision. Any need for mastopexy will be discussed. Photos will be taken to use in this operating room. A history and physical will be done.
You will meet with Kristy or Maureen, our coordinators, sign your consent, and make your deposit. Financing options with CareCredit (see our website information) or payment in full three weeks before the surgery will be planned. Any questions you will have will be answered by Dr. Cherup and our staff.
Choosing An Implant Shape
Your silicone-shelled implant by Allergan or Sientra is filled with saline or silicone. There are also two basic shapes – teardrop (anatomical), or round. Of these four variations, how do you choose? We will help you.
Saline-filled
- Fills the implant with salt water, the same solution we put in your IV fluid
- If an implant ruptures, the saline is absorbed by your body
- Least costly
- Often gives a more augmented look
- Better if you have enough breast tissue to cover the implants
Silicone-filled
- Filled with a cohesive gel that will never travel outside the breast capsule if the implant is ruptured
- Most advanced technology to date
- Better for thinner patients with little breast tissue
- Lighter in weight – feels most natural
- More costly
Round-shape
- Available in saline and silicone (as of four years ago)
- Provides a rounder, fuller upper breast
- Good if you have a depleted upper pole or you want more cleavage
Anatomical or teardrop-shape
- Available in saline and silicone (since 2013)
- Provides a more natural breast shape with the most projection in the bottom half of the breast
- Good for tuberous breasts and poorly developed breasts
Using your exam and VECTRA imaging and surveying photos of other patients, you and Dr. Cherup will decide which shape and implant fill will give you your desired result, given your anatomy. If she recommends a mastopexy, whether it is a periareolar or full mastopexy, you will see the benefits of performing or not performing it.
John Tebbetts, M.D., has written extensively about the negative effects of very large implants on breast tissues. Essentially, the larger the implant, the heavier it is, and the less likely your tissues will be able to support the implant’s weight.
What happens is your skin and muscle pockets will stretch. If it stretches inferiorly, the implants will bottom out. If it stretches laterally, the implants will migrate to underneath your armpits. If the pocket stretches anteriorly, your nipple-areola complex will stretch in size.
Dr. Cherup does not like to use very large implants because she believes it only makes the patient look matronly, like a grandmother. Very, very large breasts do not make most people look youthful; they make them look older. Dr. Cherup’s goal is to make your figure look beautiful by augmenting your breasts to the point where your breasts match the circumference of your hips. Usually, this can be done with an implant that is less than 500 cc in volume.
Breast Augmentation Surgical Procedure
A breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 1-1.5 hours. Dr. Cherup employs an inframammary incision through which she will dissect a perfectly sized pocket under your pectoralis major muscle for the implants. Saline implants are filled by a sterile closed system once placed inside the body; silicone implants are introduced with the Keller® Funnel.
Dr. Cherup sits you up by elevating the back of the OR table and checking that the symmetry of the right versus left is as good as possible. Sometimes, this involves using different volumes in each breast. If a mastopexy is to be performed, it is done just before all the incisions are closed with buried sutures. Dr. Cherup injects your incisions and chest wall with Marcaine to decrease your immediate postop pain.
Post-operative Care
Dr. Cherup will see you two days after your breast augmentation surgery to remove your tape and Steri-Strips. You can bring a sports bra by Nike, Champion, or Under Armour that zips in the front, or you can buy one of ours that is supportive and pushes you together for cleavage.
During the second week, Dr. Cherup will see you and check for symmetry and any other problems. You will be taught massaging exercises to decrease capsular contracture. At two weeks, the sutures will be removed. Here are some brief post-operative breast augmentation care reminders.
Position
During your first week after breast augmentation surgery, attempt to sleep on your back instead of on your side. We want your breast implants to stay in position during the initial healing process. It is not a life or death issue, however. If you cannot sleep on your back, sleep in another comfortable position.
Activities
Avoid heavy lifting and straining for a minimum of two weeks. You may, however, do normal activities at any time if they cause no pain or discomfort. Let your body tell you what you can or cannot do.
Dressings
You will have Steri-Strips on your inframammary incision that will stay on for two weeks. They will stay on even in the shower. The bra acts as a dressing, holding the breasts and implants in a perfect position. Try to keep the bra evenly positioned on your chest. If the bra feels too tight or uncomfortable, switch immediately to any bra that feels comfortable. We want you to wear a bra at all times for two weeks.
After two weeks, you may sleep without the bra. You should not go braless during the day for four to six weeks after breast augmentation surgery. It is probably more comfortable not to wear an underwire bra.
Showering and bathing
You may shower the day that Dr. Cherup sees you for the first time after the surgery. If you prefer to bathe in a bathtub, do not allow the incision lines to soak in the bath water for more than a few seconds. Leave the Steri-Strips on your skin. If you have any questions about your breast augmentation, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Cherup and her staff.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced aesthetics – Achieve fuller, more proportionate breasts
- Improved symmetry – Correct asymmetrical breasts for a balanced look
- Restored volume – Regain breast fullness lost due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations
Natural-looking results – With options like natural breast augmentation, we focus on achieving results that complement your body
Price for Breast Augmentation in Bridgeville
The cost of breast augmentation in Bridgeville can vary on several different factors. During your consultation, Dr. Cherup will review her recommendations and pricing with you.
| Surgery | Surgeons Fee Range | Operating Room Fee Range $ |
Anesthesia Fee Range | Misc Fees | Appx Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Augmentation | 4000.00 – 6000.00 | 1150.00 – 1800.00 | 950.00 – 1050.00 | Implant – 1200.00 – 1800.00 |
6100.00 – 8850.00 |
Why Choose Radiance Plastic Surgery for Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Lori Cherup brings extensive experience to Radiance Plastic Surgery, having performed numerous breast augmentation surgeries in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. She has undergone aesthetic procedures herself, giving her a unique understanding of patient concerns.
Our team includes highly skilled professionals like Cynthia Brown, RN, with 26 years of experience in critical care and PACU nursing, and Susan Mowry, RN, an aesthetician specializing in facial aesthetics for over 24 years. This collective expertise ensures exceptional care throughout your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re considering breast augmentation in Pittsburgh, Bridgeville, or Mt. Lebanon, PA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lori Cherup. We’ll discuss your goals, answer questions, and develop a personalized plan. Contact Radiance Plastic Surgery at (412) 220-8181 or visit our website to book your appointment.
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From Our Patients…
“I had an amazing experience with Dr.Cherup. She listened to exactly what I wanted and treated me with kindness and respect. I felt completely comfortable from the first consultation. I will never regret my choice to go to Radiance.”
