Breast Surgery
How much does a breast augmentation cost?
Will I ever have to have my implants replaced?
Which is better/safer: saline or gel implants?
What is the difference between saline and gel implants?
Is over or under the muscle better for implant placement?
I’ve heard of breast implants becoming ‘hard’. Can that occur?
What incision site does Dr. Love use for breast augmentation?
How long should I plan to take off work from breast augmentation surgery?
I’ve always wanted breast reduction surgery. Do you do it?
Cosmetic Procedures
How do I determine what type of liposuction is best & safe for me?
I think I need Botox for my wrinkles! What is it – and what are fillers?
What could Fraxel II Laser do to improve my signs of facial aging?
I’ve had bariatric surgery and have lost a lot of weight. Now I have lots of extra skin that I’d love to get rid of. What’s next?
What is fat grafting I keep hearing about?
Other FAQ's
Skincare products confuse me. What basics should I look for?
Is it important for my surgeon to be “board-certified”?
When are my fees due prior to surgery?
Do you have a payment plan?
How do I hold a surgery date?
Is there a waiting period between my consultation & surgery date?
Where does Dr. Love perform his surgeries?
What can I do to help my post-surgery scars?
Q: How much does a breast augmentation cost?
A: Breast augmentation surgery using saline-filled implants: $4125. Breast augmentation surgery using gel-filled implants: $5125
This includes Dr. Love’s fee, implants, outpatient surgery center fee & board-certified M.D. anesthesiologist’s fee.
Q: Will I ever have to have my implants replaced?
A: Yes. All breast implants will eventually fail and need to be removed & replaced. With a saline-filled implant, a deflation will be noted immediately because the patient will loose volume on the effected breast. The released saline will simply be excreted from the body. A gel implant deflation, however, will be detected by either mammogram or MRI as the gel filler stays in place. Typically there is no noticeable change in appearance. Implants are warrantied by the manufacturer to help off-set the cost of the total remove/replace procedure.
Q: Which is better/safer: saline or gel implants?
A: Both saline and gel-filled implant are safe, FDA-approved and provide excellent results. Implant choice is a patient choice once advised by her plastic surgeon. Implant type may also be driven by the patient’s anatomy.
Q: What is the difference between saline and gel implants?
A: Saline is simply salt water. A saline-filled implant can provide excellent results and is very easily monitored. A saline-filled implant has the characteristics of a water balloon. Patients can sometimes experience rippling and show-through with this implant if they are slender or don’t have a lot of existing breast tissue to begin with. Silicone gel-filled implants are more natural looking and feeling than saline-filled implants. They are more ‘forgiving’ in terms of adding volume to a patient who doesn’t start with a lot of her own breast tissue.
Q: Is over or under the muscle better for implant placement?
A: Dr. Love believes under the muscle is preferable. This allows for the patient’s own tissue to better cover the implant, thus helping prevent rippling and show-through of the implant’s edge. Also, placement under the muscle allows for clearer mammograms and more natural aging of the breasts.
Q: I’ve heard of breast implants becoming ‘hard’. Can that occur?
A: A condition known as capsular contracture can occur when the scar tissue surrounding a breast implant becomes tight. The implant itself hasn’t become hard, only restricted by the scar that surrounds it. To help avoid this condition, patients should have the implant placed under the muscle and practice daily implant massage to help break up the scar tissue which can limit implant softness.
Q: What incision site does Dr. Love use for breast augmentation?
A: Dr. Love prefers the inframammary fold (crease below breast). This is the least conspicuous site for any potential scar to be visible either in a social circumstance or to you personally. Also, when implants eventually need to be removed & replaced, this is the site which will be used.
Q: How long should I plan to take off work from breast augmentation surgery?
A: Depending upon what type of work you do, usually a few days are adequate. It is best to restrict any lifting for about a week. Breast augmentation is typically an uneventful procedure which allows a patient to resume normal activities in a relatively short time.
Q: I’ve always wanted breast reduction surgery. Do you do it?
A: Yes. Dr. Love performs breast reduction surgery. It is considered ‘private pay’ in nature so our office does not file insurance for it.
Back to top
Q: How do I determine what type of liposuction is best & safe for me?
A: With so many forms of liposuction in Oklahoma City being marketed today, the best approach is to first consult with a plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It is important to understand that any form of liposuction uses a cannula to suction fat from the body. This process is invasive in nature therefore is considered surgery. Surgery should be performed in an accredited surgery center by a credentialed plastic surgeon. Your consultation will help you make a wise choice in terms of areas, quantities and technique best suited for you.
Q: I think I need Botox for my wrinkles! What is it – and what are fillers?
A: Botox Cosmetic is a remarkable injectable product which relaxes muscles in the face which create our wrinkles. Consistent use of Botox can reduce frown lines, crows feet and forehead wrinkles. The product works by temporarily relaxing the muscles & is usually repeated every 4 months or so. Some wrinkles are deep enough that they benefit from being injected with a dermal filler. Prevelle, Juvederm and Radiesse are a few of the effective fillers on the market today. Each provides improvement for various lengths of time before needing to be repeated. Botox and these fillers may all be done in your plastic surgeon’s office.
Q: What could Fraxel II Laser do to improve my signs of facial aging?
A: Dr. Love was the first in Oklahoma City to introduce the Fraxel Laser In 2005. It is a very effective non-invasive Erbium laser which improves wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (age spots, sun spots) and acne scars. Patients benefit from the Fraxel Laser for their face, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs. The initial treatment package includes 4 treatments spaced every two to three weeks apart. After the first 4 treatments, some patients opt to have follow-up treatments to maintain their improved complexion.
Q: I’ve had bariatric surgery and have lost a lot of weight. Now I have lots of extra skin that I’d love to get rid of. What’s next?
A: Congratulations! The next important step is to ensure your continued health & safety. A patient who has undergone surgery for weight loss may have nutritional issues to manage before being surgery-worth for future improvements. A complete lab work-up and detailed consultation is necessary before planning any plastic surgery. Patient safety is of paramount importance. The ability to consume, digest and absorb nutrients is altered with many weight loss surgeries. Careful perioperative management helps to ensure rapid, complete wound healing after cosmetic surgery. Contact us for a consultation.
Q: What is fat grafting I keep hearing about?
A: Fat grafting is an effective technique Dr. Love uses to help improve the outcome of several types of plastic surgery for his patients. It is used not only to improve the results for breast cancer reconstruction patients, but also for other breast surgeries and facial rejuvenations patients desiring extra fullness in specific areas. The advantage of this technique is that is uses one’s own harvested fat to inject into the desired areas. The patient benefits from liposuction of areas of his/her own unwanted fat while using their own fat for permanent improvement elsewhere.
Back to top
Q: Skincare products confuse me. What basics should I look for?
A: At minimum, a person should always use a good sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection. From there, there are many good lines from which to choose which provide simple but important basics:
- Topical Vitamin C for antioxidant protection
- Retinol (Vitamin A) for exfoliation
- Hydroquinone for bleaching of hyperpigmentation
Consulting with your plastic surgeon’s office will help you formulate a skin care plan best suited for your skin type. Consistent use of such products will both protect and improve the condition of one’s skin and help hold back the signs of aging.
Q: Is it important for my surgeon to be “board-certified”?
A: Absolutely. Many healthcare providers are now performing plastic surgery procedures, but that doesn’t mean they’re all qualified to perform plastic surgery. Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons By choosing an ASPS Member Surgeon, like Tim R. Love, M.D., you know your provider:
- Has at least 6 years of surgical training & experience with a minimum of 3 years of plastic surgery
- Is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Operates in only accredited medical facilities
- Adheres to a strict code of ethics
- Fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards & innovations in patient safety
- Will be your partner, working to achieve your goals
Only plastic surgeons with these qualifications have earned the right to display the ASPS Member Surgeon symbol.
Go to www.plasticsurgery.org to learn more about qualifications.
Q: When are my fees due prior to surgery?
A: Dr. Love’s portion of the surgery total is due one week in advance of the surgery. Fees may be paid by cash, cashier’s check, VISA, Master Card, Discover or CareCredit.
Q: Do you have a payment plan?
A: Yes. We offer our patients CareCredit, a nationally-recognized finance company owned by General Electric. CareCredit offers various plans to fit individual needs. Patients may apply on-line at www.carecredit.com.
Q: How do I hold a surgery date?
A: After a consultation, a patient signs a contract with Dr. Love and makes a $500 non-refundable deposit to hold a surgery date. This deposit is deducted from the total surgery fee.
Q: Is there a waiting period between my consultation & surgery date?
A: No. Our practice makes every effort to accommodate your schedule needs.
Q: Where does Dr. Love perform his surgeries?
A: Dr. Love takes his patients to OKLAHOMA SURGICARE at 4317 W. Memorial Road in Oklahoma City. It is located just North of Mercy Health Center. It is a fully-credentialed outpatient surgery center with an excellent staff. Dr. Love uses only board-certified M.D. anesthesiologists to ensure patient safety.
Q: What can I do to help my post-surgery scars?
A: We offer an effective product called ScarGuard which help improve the appearance of scars.
Back to top