Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation provides an opportunity for women to achieve a feeling of self-confidence, that comes with achieving their desired breast size in a safe effective way.  Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures that Dr. Green offers and it is a very gratifying procedure, since patients are so very pleased with the results.  The operation is well tolerated and usually takes two hours under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.  Most patients take two to three days or as much as a a week off work depending on the nature of their job.  Dr. Green makes it a priority to make his patients feel comfortable with their experience and a female assistant will always accompany him at the time of any examination.  Dr. Green has extensive experience in breast augmentation and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.

At the time of consultation Dr. Green will discuss the procedure in detail and explain the various aspects.  A physical examination will be provided to ensure that the procedure is appropriate and safe for you.  There are many details that will be discussed and assessed including:

Type of incisions:
Dr. Green prefers the transaxillary approach which means that the incision is placed in the armpit (axilla) and is very inconspicuous when fully healed.  He has been using this approach for several years and this has now become the first choice.  In contrast to other surgeons Dr. Green has found that there are no increased risks with this approach and he can very easily place the implant exactly where he wants using an endoscopic technique with special instrumentation.  Under certain circumstances other approaches may be preferable, such as if the breast augmentation is being done together with a breast lift in which case the incisions for the breast lift can be used instead of the axilla.

Location of implant:
Dr. Green prefers the sub pectoral placement of the implant especially in women with very little breast tissue so that there is more coverage of the implant and less likelihood of an unnatural appearance or feel to the augmented breasts.  Sometimes however it may be advantageous to place the implant directly behind the breast tissue providing there is sufficient breast tissue to camouflage the implant.  Even in weightlifters Dr. Green prefers to place the implants under the muscles.

Type of implants:
Dr. Green prefers the smooth round implants manufactured by the Mentor company.  These currently have the best track record for longevity and the lowest rupture rates.  Smooth implants remain unattached to the surrounding tissue and do not have the problem of tethering and puckering that the textured implants sometimes have.  Smooth implants have to be round since they are somewhat mobile and a specifically shaped implant is unlikely to stay in a particular orientation.

Complications and risks of the procedure:
Any surgical procedure has some risk.  The risk however, in the case of breast augmentation, is very small and Dr. Green will explain the various potential risks at the time of consultation and put these in perspective for you.

The size of the implants:
This is a very personal thing.  Different patients have different goals.  Usually patients don't know exactly how much volume they would like to add to their naturally endowed breast size.  Dr. Green uses a very precise sizing technique that allows him to tell very accurately what your optimal implant size will be.  This also is part of the initial consultation.  This allows Dr. Green to come as close as possible to achieving exactly your wishes in terms of ideal breast size.  In addition at the time of surgery special sizing implants are used to assess the appearance of the desired volume and slight modification may be necessary to achieve the optimal result.  A range of breast sizes is agreed on before the procedure is undertaken.

Financial information:
A very precise estimate of the costs of the procedure will be provided including the implants and postoperative garments.  Alternatives for financing will be discussed.

What to expect with the surgery:
All your questions will be answered.  In general Dr. Green will meet with his patients on the day before surgery to make final arrangements and to make preoperative markings that will be used as a guide in surgery.  Prescriptions will be provided before surgery including a sedative for the night before surgery if necessary.  You will need to arrange to have someone bring you to the Surgery Center on the day of surgery, usually about one half hours before surgery.  The staff there will prepare you and you'll meet the board certified anesthesiologist and other staff.  At the appropriate time you will be taken to the operating room and the operation will be performed personally by Dr. Green.

After the operation a postoperative garments, i.e. a special bra will be applied, usually with a special elastic strap which is placed above the implants.  Medication will be given to keep you comfortable and usually the initial postoperative period is not that painful because long acting local anesthetic is placed with in the implant cavity at the time of the operation.

When you are ready you will be able to go home and recover in the comfort of your home.  Instructions will be given.  Dr. Green will give you his personal cell phone number so that you can call if you have any concerns.

Dr. Green likes to examine his patients postoperatively within two to three days in the office.  This allows him to detect any potential problems early so that complications can be avoided. Bathing and getting the incisions wet, is usually permitted after this visit. The next visit will be about a week later at which time the stitches from the armpit (axilla) will be removed.  Further follow-up will be arranged as necessary over the next weeks and months.  Usually Dr. Green will see his patients annually.

Our guarantee:
Dr. Green will always do whatever it takes to make sure that you are satisfied with your results.  If there is any reasonable imperfection that needs to be corrected he never charges any further fee to take care of this within a reasonable period of time.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Green, contact the office today.