Bay Area Plastic Surgeon Candidly Responds to Common Breast Implant Questions

Posted on August 25, 2014

Dr. Lauren Greenberg discusses the popularity of various breast implant types and examines studies into capsular contracture to guide women seeking breast enhancement.

Palo Alto, CA—An advocate for helping patients become well-informed about breast augmentation options, Dr. Lauren Greenberg, a plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, says she uses accessible, honest explanations to help patients select the most ideal breast implants for their cosmetic goals. In a pair of recent blog posts, she discusses two popular implant topics that have recently been studied: the popularity of particular breast implant types and the causes of capsular contracture.

In her post titled, “Which Implants Are Used More Often For Breast Augmentation: Silicone Gel or Saline?,” Dr. Greenberg reveals a statistic released by the ASPS 2013 National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery stating 72 percent of breast augmentations are performed using silicone gel implants and 28 percent with saline. Noting these numbers mirror what she sees in her own practice, she goes on to state the choice is generally a personal one influenced by several considerations, all of which are discussed in detail at the time of the consultation.

In a subsequent blog post titled, “Biofilm And Implants: Does A Textured Or Smooth Implant Do Worse?,” Dr. Greenberg investigates an article’s findings in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal. The study explored a possible link between implant texture and the development of capsular contracture—a potential post-surgical condition that affects the firmness of augmented breasts as a result of scar tissue tightening around the implant.

The study did not determine either implant type, smooth or textured, contributed more dramatically to the condition; however, Dr. Greenberg says it suggests textured implants tend to develop higher rates of biofilm—the bacteria typically associated with capsular contracture. Whether she is using smooth or textured implants at her practice, the Palo Alto plastic surgeon says she does everything she can to avoid bacterial contamination in order to reduce the risk for capsular contracture. Some techniques include soaking the implant in antibiotics, using preps on the skin, administering oral and IV antibiotics, and utilizing Keller funnels.

Ultimately, Dr. Greenberg states many patients seek in-depth details about breast augmentation. Providing straightforward and reliable answers not only respects patient intelligence, she says, it allows patients to make informed decisions about their procedure and implant options, which typically leads to greater post-operative satisfaction.

About Lauren Greenberg, MD

Dr. Greenberg earned her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and her medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School. She went on to complete residencies in general surgery and plastic surgery at Stanford University, and a fellowship in Breast and Cosmetic Surgery in Nashville, TN. Dr. Greenberg is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has contributed to multiple medical publications, including a chapter on “Revising the Unsatisfactory Breast Reconstruction.” She is the recipient of numerous accolades and a member of the American Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, the Santa Clara County Medical Association, and the California Medical Association. Dr. Greenberg is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Dr. Greenberg’s plastic surgery practice, please visit laurengreenbergmd.com and facebook.com/laurengreenbergmd.

Contact:

Lauren Greenberg, MD
750 Welch Rd. Ste. 117
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 617-9907

Rosemont Media
[email protected]
(858) 200-0044
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