Awakening Beauty: Awake Breast Augmentation
When many think of breast augmentation, they envision a major surgery under general anesthesia, hospital stays, and long, uncomfortable recoveries. But Dr. Alan Greenberg and his team in the Frisco / Plano area offer a game-changing alternative: awake (tumescent) breast augmentation. This method gives patients many of the benefits of augmentation while minimizing some of the risks and downtime traditionally associated with the procedure.
Here’s a deeper look at what makes Dr. Greenberg’s approach unique, what you can expect before, during, and after surgery, and how to decide if it’s right for you.
Who is Dr. Alan Greenberg?
Dr. Alan Greenberg, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon practicing in Frisco and Plano, Texas.
He has a background in obstetrics & gynecology, and over time has refined his practice to include cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation, lifts, liposuction, and other body contouring procedures.
One signature feature of his practice is offering “awake” surgeries using tumescent (local) anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. This method enables many patients to avoid hospital admissions, have less risk associated with anesthesia, and enjoy faster recovery periods.
Given his reputation, Dr. Greenberg is recognized frequently in the community for patient satisfaction and surgical skill.
What Is Awake (Tumescent) Breast Augmentation?
Tumescent anesthesia involves infiltrating diluted local anesthetic solution into the tissues. In the awake breast augmentation context, Dr. Greenberg uses this method to numb the surgical area without putting the patient fully to sleep.
The main ideas and advantages include:
Less systemic risk: Because patients are not exposed to general anesthesia, risks of nausea, anesthesia complications, and longer post-op monitoring are reduced.
Reduced downtime: Many patients recover faster and return to light activity sooner.
No hospital stay: The surgery is done in an outpatient accredited surgical center.
Comfort and communication: Patients may remain lightly sedated and comfortable, but can respond and communicate with the team during the procedure.
Of course, this method is not suitable for everyone. Some patients may still require or prefer general anesthesia due to medical history, anxiety, very high implant sizes, or anatomical considerations. The choice is made case by case.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Before proceeding, a detailed consultation is essential. Some typical candidate criteria include:
Good overall health with no contraindications to surgery or local anesthesia.
Realistic expectations regarding the outcomes, limitations, and recovery.
Desire for natural, proportionate enhancement, rather than dramatic, out-of-proportion changes.
Mild to moderate augmentation goals (extreme size increases may push toward traditional methods).
Acceptance of the awake technique — some patients prefer being fully asleep; this method requires a calm, cooperative mindset.
Dr. Greenberg and his team will review your medical history, anatomy, desired size, breast shape, skin quality, and lifestyles (e.g. activity level) to decide if awake augmentation is possible.
Preoperative Planning
In the weeks leading up to surgery, here’s what typically happens:
Consultation & Measurement
Dr. Greenberg will take precise measurements of your chest, breast base width, skin envelope, and review your preferred size and shape goals.Implant Choice
Options include silicone gel or saline, shapes (round vs anatomical), profiles (low, moderate, high), and surface types (textured vs smooth). Compatibility with your anatomy will be key.Medical Evaluation
Baseline labs, medical clearance, and optimizing health (e.g. quitting smoking, managing chronic conditions).Pre-op Instructions
Guidance on foods, medications to avoid (e.g. certain supplements, blood thinners), fasting if sedation is used, and arranging for someone to drive you home.Prepping Mentally
Because you’ll be awake, Dr. Greenberg’s team will explain what sensations to expect, confirm your comfort level, and outline communication during surgery.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Though details vary per patient, the general steps are:
Sedation / Anxiety Control
A mild sedative or calming agent may be administered to keep the patient relaxed.Tumescent Infiltration
The anesthetic solution is injected into targeted areas to numb tissues.Incision & Pocket Creation
Dr. Greenberg makes a small incision (commonly inframammary) and creates the pocket—either beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular), beneath the fascia, or above the muscle (subglandular), according to what’s best for your anatomy.Implant Placement
The properly sized implant is inserted and positioned. Dr. Greenberg will carefully check symmetry, alignment, and aesthetic balance.Closure & Dressing
Sutures and appropriate bandaging or compression garments.
Throughout, Dr. Greenberg monitors patient comfort, vital signs, and ensures adjustments are made for ideal result.
Recovery & Aftercare
One key advantage of awake augmentation is a smoother, often faster recovery period. Typical aftercare path:
First 24–48 hours: Some soreness, tightness, swelling, and mild discomfort are expected. Oral pain meds are prescribed. Rest and limited arm/upper-body movement.
First week: Most patients can resume light, non-strenuous activities (walking, office work). Avoid lifting, pushing, or heavy upper-body use.
Weeks 2–4: Swelling gradually subsides. Continue avoiding heavy lifting. Follow scar care instructions, wear support bras as directed.
Weeks 4–6 and beyond: Many patients begin more active movements; most non-strenuous workouts return around 6 weeks (pending approval). Final settling and aesthetic maturation occur over 3–6 months.
Dr. Greenberg’s team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing, address concerns, and ensure results align with expectations.
Benefits & Considerations
✅ Benefits
Lower risk profile vs general anesthesia
Quicker recovery and less downtime
No need for overnight stay
More natural-feeling experience
Personalized, careful surgical planning
Highly rated patient satisfaction in his practice
Considerations & Limitations
Not everyone is a candidate (anatomy, desired size, anxiety)
Some discomfort during procedure, even if minimal
For very large volume increases, general anesthesia might still be preferable
As with all implants, follow-up is necessary (monitoring, potential revisions)
The awake method is more technically demanding and requires a skilled surgeon familiar with the technique
Real Patient Feedback
Many patients in the Frisco / Plano area have shared positive experiences. One review noted:
“I recently had a breast augmentation performed by Dr Greenberg … I felt supported from start to finish … The results have exceeded my expectations.”
Another stated:
“Dr. Greenberg completely changed that for me … my results are exactly what I hoped for.”
Is Awake Breast Augmentation Right for You?
If you’re considering breast augmentation and want:
A more minimally invasive option
Shorter downtime
To avoid general anesthesia
A more comfortable, interactive surgical experience
…then Dr. Greenberg’s awake augmentation method is worth exploring.
However, the decision should only be made after a detailed, in-office consultation and breast implant sizing. Dr. Greenberg and his team will help you understand risks, benefits, practical expectations, and whether your unique anatomy and goals make you a suitable candidate.