Augmentation in a constricted breast is the last step of a longer operation rather than the operation itself. The breast has a narrow base and a tight ring at the fold, so an implant placed without release is confined by the same constriction that shaped the breast in the first place. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons publishes an average cost of breast augmentation with implants of $4,875, a surgeon fee that excludes anesthesia, operating room facilities and other related expenses, and publishes nothing separate for the tuberous case.
Ask providers for a written price
Base width sets the implant, not the cup size
Implants are chosen to fit the width of the chest and the breast base, and a tuberous breast has an abnormally narrow base. Once the constricting ring is released the base widens, which is what allows an implant of appropriate diameter to sit correctly. Choosing an implant by desired cup size in a breast that has not been released is how a double bubble is created, and it is the commonest avoidable error in this operation.
Plane, and why it is discussed more here
ASPS describes the implant being inserted either under the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue. In a constricted breast with little tissue to cover an implant, submuscular placement is often preferred for coverage, while release of the lower pole still has to be done within the breast itself. The plane is a clinical decision, and a quote that does not state which plane is planned has left out something material.
Fat grafting as an alternative or an addition
Fat transferred into the lower pole can soften the edge of an implant and add volume where release has left the tissue thin. ASPS publishes an average cost of breast augmentation with fat grafting of $5,719. Fat requires a donor site and a proportion of it does not survive, so it is rarely the whole answer in a tuberous breast, but it is frequently part of one and should appear on the quote if it is planned.
Questions people ask about tuberous breast augmentation
Is this the same as a normal breast augmentation?
No. The implant is the last step after release of the constricting ring and reshaping of the fold, which a routine augmentation does not include.
What is the published cost?
ASPS gives $4,875 for augmentation with implants and $5,719 with fat grafting, both surgeon fees only. Neither is specific to tuberous breasts.
How is the implant size chosen?
By the width of the chest and breast base once released, not by a target cup size. Sizing to cup size here causes a double bubble.
Above or below the muscle?
ASPS describes both planes. Submuscular placement is often preferred where there is little tissue to cover the implant, but it is a clinical decision.