If you’re seeking roundness, fullness, perkiness and cleavage without a specially-padded bra, then you might be a great candidate for breast augmentation. Whether you have always had small breasts or you lost volume during childbirth or weight loss, the most current breast implants provide enhancement while maintaining a natural look and feel.
Different ages, sizes, shapes, body types, careers, romantic dynamics and parental roles are represented among Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert’s happy clientele. The most important requirement is that you are physically and emotionally healthy, and if you suffer from certain medical conditions, they should be optimized in advance.
We will review your medical records and may even communicate with your primary care physician to decide whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. You may simply have to stop taking certain medications for a period before and after the surgery. Each individual is different, so it’s vital that you go over your medical history with your surgeon to ensure that surgery is planned safely.
Augmentation surgery yields beautiful results for adult women of all ages; however, Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert generally insist upon waiting until after a patient has reached 18 years of age unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Undergoing breast surgery before the breasts are fully matured can impair the long-term results. Similarly, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are not candidates for surgery until after the delivery and lactation phase have ended.
Realistic expectations are important for all plastic surgical patients. The breast augmentation procedure amplifies the natural anatomy by bringing each feature forward, but patients should not expect total perfection. If you already have some asymmetry, a wide or narrow cleavage area, widespread nipples, stretch marks, or a caved-in or barrel-shaped chest, these features will most likely persist even after surgery. Thoroughly discuss your goals with Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert during your surgical consultation, and he will help assess whether breast augmentation is right for you.
Our consultation process is typically made up of two stages. The first stage is a virtual consultation where we discuss your goals, review your medical history, go over your individualized plan and offer financing options. The second stage involves an in-person meeting with our team where we finalize the details of your procedure and set your surgery date.
Breast augmentation surgery in Columbus, Ohio is an incredibly popular option and we definitely understand that you likely have additional questions. Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert are happy to answer any questions you have about surgery, complications, medical issues and how your specific circumstances may impact your procedure.
Be sure to ask about likely results to make sure you have realistic expectations. The surgeon and patient need to be aligned to achieve ultimate success. As he outlines the surgical options and limitations, and you can interject at any time until you are completely comfortable with the plan.
If you are planning on having children in the future, ask Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert how breast surgery will affect your ability to breastfeed. The answer will depend on many factors, including the type of surgery you choose.
At Donaldson Plastic Surgery, we strongly value privacy and realistic aesthetic expectations. This is why you won’t see naked bodies here. We believe that there is little to no value in comparing your desired results based on the progress of another patient because there are simply too many factors at play. However, after your first consultation, our surgeons will provide an array of before and after photos for your review – tailored to your goals and initial shape.
Every photo on this page and our website is an undoctored reflection of our work. These are our real patients, in their full glow – and they aren’t shy about sharing their incredible results!
There are two breast implant materials widely available today: saline and silicone. Drs. Donaldson and Sieffert offer both, and they will help you to understand the pros and cons. A large majority of patients at our practice choose silicone breast implants because they tend to look and feel more natural, have less chance of rippling and are more durable. Some patients still prefer saline breast implants because if the implant ruptures, the saline (which is just salt water) will simply be absorbed by the body.
These implants employ a strong silicone shell filled with denser silicone gel in an effort to hold a better shape. Not only do Gummy Bear implants provide a natural softness, but they also retain the majority of their structural integrity in the event of a rupture. This option may require an increased incision size to adjust for the more cohesive materials. Our surgeons will give you greater insight to help you decide if Gummy Bear implants are right for you and your goals.
There are also several different implant shapes and sizes to choose from, as well as four different profiles for breast implants. “Profile” refers to the projection of the implant from the chest. Drs. Donaldson and Sieffert prefer round, smooth implants in either moderate or high profile because the results seem to be the most natural and consistent. During your personal breast augmentation consultation, you can touch sample implants to feel the difference and even try them on!
We do not offer textured breast implants as they have been linked to an increased risk of implant-related illnesses.
Our preferred implant manufacturers (Natrelle and MENTOR) offer a complimentary 10-year warranty with their products – but that doesn’t mean that these implants last only 10 years or that they must be replaced. Many of our patients have enjoyed their implants for more than a decade. Barring a rupture or cosmetic concern, high-quality implants can potentially last beyond 20 years.
Implants may be placed above, below or partially above and below the chest muscles (the “dual-plane” technique). You will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each technique during your visit to the office.
On the day of your procedure, you should arrive at the surgical center about an hour before your start time. The anesthesia team will place an IV and give you medications to help prevent pain and nausea. They will also give antibiotics to prevent infection, and low-dose heparin to prevent blood clots.
Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert will perform the breast augmentation in approximately 60 to 75 minutes while you are fully asleep under general anesthesia. They always inject numbing medicine even though you are asleep so that the nerves remain soothed throughout the procedure. Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert are known for being perfectionists, and they are absolutely meticulous in their surgical techniques. Both insist upon efficiency so you are not asleep longer than necessary, they are gentle with tissue to minimize bruising and swelling, and they are the only person in the operating room who touches the implants.
More pain medication is given during and after the operation to maximize your comfort. You will be in the recovery area for an hour or so, until you are fully awake, and then you will go home the same day! Recovery nurse experts will give you detailed instructions before you leave the center, and Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert’s staff will answer any remaining questions.
Incisions may be made in several locations, including:
The underarm, armpit or “transaxillary” approach is performed with endoscopic equipment designed by one of Dr. Donaldson’s mentors, and it is often appealing because it leaves no scars on the breast – “scarless.” Dr. Donaldson will examine your potential for each type of incision, mark the options if you like and listen to your preference regarding the final location.
Scarring will depend on your incision site and length. Dr. Donaldson works to minimize incisions within three to five centimeters, and to keep them out of sight, so scars aren’t obvious or prominent once they heal. Scars will fade over time according to your skin type, activity level, immune status, medications and whether you use scar treatments or massage. Some scars will become nearly imperceptible over the years, while others will remain more visible. Dr. Donaldson can give you more specific information at your consultation.
Every surgical procedure presents some measure of risk. The most common possibilities of breast augmentation risk include pain, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, capsular contracture, changes in nipple sensation, inability to breastfeed and need for revision in the future.
A strong nutrition plan will help expedite the healing process. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet, while avoiding tobacco products and nicotine. Smoking can be particularly detrimental to the healing process, so it’s vital that you quit smoking for at least two weeks before the operation and for the duration of your recovery.
Make sure you are off of all medications and supplements that can thin your blood. Our office can provide you with a list of the most common substances.
Prior to your procedure, be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgical center and to stay with you in the first few days of your recovery. Organize your home so you do not need to lift heavy objects or hassle with unnecessary chores.
Purchase supportive recovery bras that snap or zip in front. Pick up your pain prescription, antibiotic and homeopathic products to help minimize bruising and swelling.
After the operation, you will need assistance from a friend or family member – or our office can arrange for personnel to support you instead. It’s best to make these arrangements well in advance in order to optimize your safety and comfort during recovery.
While pain should be expected, it is generally not severe. Most patients describe “tightness” or a stretched sensation due to the pressure of the implants on the skin and chest muscles over the first few days. Most patients require a long weekend of relaxation, or three or four days away from normal activities and less physical work.
Light activities and work can be resumed as tolerated; more stressful exercises and athletic activities must wait for three to six weeks depending upon the healing process.
Two weeks after the operation, Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert recommend vigorous implant massage and displacement exercises. Massaging the implants within the breast pockets encourage a more natural shape, position and feel.
Dr. Donaldson, Dr. Sieffert, and the Donaldson Plastic Surgery staff have created several easy-to-follow video tutorials for your breast augmentation postoperative care:
Breast surgery requires artistry, precision, taste and clear communication between surgeon and patient to achieve optimal results. Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert are both board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive training and experience with many types of breast augmentation. Dr. Donaldson is one of the only surgeons in Columbus to offer a minimally invasive option through the armpit.
Our breast augmentation surgeons are especially known for personalized results ranging from subtle to dramatic. They listen well and try to understand each patient’s unique set of goals and expectations. After surgery, many of our patients describe a certain versatility in their look, so they can “dress up or dress down,” whether it is Friday night or Monday morning. This sought-after combination makes Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert two of the busiest and best breast surgeons in the Columbus, Ohio area – and throughout the entire Midwest.
Techniques are always advancing, implants are always improving and personal tastes can always change. For this reason, we proudly offer breast augmentation revisions and have successfully performed this procedure on a multitude of satisfied patients.
Over the years, Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert have mastered the nuances of this procedure so that they consistently produce beautiful, natural-looking results. Our patients appreciate their artistry and attention to detail, and rave about their expertise in blogs and testimonials. Our staff works hard to make sure that patients are comfortable in the office and are fully confident in their choices, and both Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert bring a kind bedside manner to every patient encounter.
Schedule your breast augmentation Columbus, Ohio consultation today to learn more about our patient-focused experience. Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert will walk you through the entire process and address all of your concerns. One visit and you’ll see why many patients insist this is the premier practice!
