Breast Surgery

GW Medical Faculty Associates offers a comprehensive breast surgery program in Washington DC, covering augmentation with saline or silicone implants, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, and microsurgical breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Dr. Michael Olding and Dr. Jerry Chao perform cosmetic breast procedures, while Dr. Bharat Ranganath — a fellowship-trained microsurgeon — specializes in advanced flap reconstruction including DIEP, PAP, TUG, and latissimus techniques. All procedures are performed with access to GW Hospital's Level I Trauma Center infrastructure, making the center suitable for complex oncoplastic cases alongside standard aesthetic surgery.

Breast surgery at the GW Cosmetic Surgery Center and Plastic Surgery department spans the full continuum from cosmetic enhancement to oncological reconstruction, supported by a team of four board-certified or fellowship-trained surgeons with distinct subspecialty expertise. Cosmetic breast augmentation is performed by Dr. Michael Olding and Dr. Jerry Chao using either saline or silicone cohesive gel implants, with implant profile, size, and incision approach selected following a detailed anatomical assessment. Implant placement is typically subpectoral or subfascial depending on tissue coverage, and incision options include inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary approaches. Breast lift (mastopexy) is available as a standalone procedure or in combination with augmentation; technique selection — periareolar, vertical keyhole, or Wise-pattern inverted-T — is based on the degree of ptosis and the volume of redundant skin. Dr. Olding and Dr. Chao also perform breast reduction using vertical and short-scar techniques, addressing macromastia-related back, neck, and shoulder symptoms while creating a breast shape proportionate to the patient's frame; some reduction cases qualify for insurance coverage under medical necessity criteria. For gender-affirming procedures, Dr. Chao provides chest masculinization (top surgery) and cosmetic breast feminization as part of a dedicated gender-affirmation surgery program. The reconstructive breast surgery expertise at GW is led by Dr. Bharat Ranganath, a fellowship-trained microsurgeon specializing in autologous free-flap reconstruction after mastectomy. Dr. Ranganath performs the DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric perforator), PAP flap (profunda artery perforator), and TUG/DUG flaps — advanced procedures that transfer skin and fat from the abdomen or thigh to recreate a natural breast mound using only the patient's own tissue, avoiding implants and preserving the underlying muscle. Latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction is also available for patients requiring muscle-based coverage. Breast implant-based reconstruction, with or without tissue expanders, is performed for patients who prefer a less involved reconstructive course. Lymphedema surgery is additionally offered by Dr. Ranganath for post-mastectomy lymphedema management. All inpatient breast surgical procedures are performed at GW Hospital, a 395-bed academic medical center with full intensive care support.