I had a breast augmentation, upper eyelid surgery (Bleph) and other procedures done by Dr Cassileth in the spring of 2010. This was followed by a "free" revision about six months later . It is now nine months since the revision and I am still extremely dissatisfied with the results of the augmentation and other procedures - that I felt I had to speak out and warn other patients to do their homework and make the right decision.
When I met with Lisa several times prior to the procedure, I clearly explained that I wanted a natural looking result. In the pre-op discussions, she stated the incision would be a little over an inch long and placed just above the bra line so it would not be noticeable .
The results of the first surgery were unacceptable (as verified by friends and other surgeons I followed up with). The size, shape and placement of the implant was poorly determined . Additionally, the results of the bleph were so very poor - not only did Dr Cassileth not remove enough tissue, she left a large "dog tag", which I still have following my revision six months later.
As referenced, I had a revision on both procedures six months later and it is now nine months following and I am still so displeased and embarrassed about the results. About six weeks after the revision, I also went through an infection of one of the breast scars, where a stitch worked its way through and was draining. As I was out of the country at the time, I had to deal with the problem on my own.
The revised implants were still placed too far apart. I NOW have DARK, two inch long scars, which are about halfway between the nipple and the bra line - so even looking straight at my breast, they are VERY NOTICEABLE. Additionally, there is a TUCK just above one of the breast scars - which looks like a DENT on my breast. I get sick every time I look at this - obviously, this would not be the result of good technical skills!
I have perfect, though small breasts prior to the operation. I now continue to hide my breasts when I change at the health club. At this point, nine months postop, I am very concerned about taking off my clothes and showing my breasts to a prospective boyfriend. Additionally, the "dog tag" on my eye is very noticeable and upsetting. My dermatologist recently told me to have it revised again - I am not sure that I would allow Dr Cassileth to do this.
Of course, as per your contract, she is obligated to make revisions "at no charge".
So, now let's look at the costs. I visited with three plastic surgeons prior to moving forward - Lisa was the most flexible on price when I it was important for me to have this all done before an important personal event several months away. As the story goes, you do get what you pay for.
On the revisions, per the contract (they want you to be satisfied), you are only obligated to pay for anesthesia ($1000) and facility costs ($1800 for the two proecdures), as well as the implants ($1500). One point is that Cassileth owns the OR facility which is right next tp the office. As it turns out, she received $10, 000 in fees from my insurance company for the bleph revision- which more than paid for her time to re-do the breast augmentation and bleph.
In summary, do your homework - choose wisely. Talk to other patients. I have had multiple procedures done - and I am only pleased with the results of one procedure out of seven. Pretty bad odds if you ask me. And I still have to live with these scars - I wanted the work done - my expectations for the results were far from met.