Breast Augmentation Columbus, Ohio

There is no such thing as a “typical” breast augmentation patient.

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. Be sure to announce any health concerns during your consultation.

Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert 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 can yield 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.

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. Most 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 saltwater) will simply be absorbed by the body.

There are also several different implant shapes and sizes to choose from, as well as four different “profiles” and two different surface textures for breast implants. Drs. Donaldson and Sieffert prefer round, smooth implants in either moderate or high profile because the results seem to be most natural and consistent. During your personal consultation, you can touch sample implants to feel the difference and even try them on!

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.

Diet:

Nutrition 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.

Medications:

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.

At-Home Assistance:

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.

Supportive Clothing:

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.

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 Dr. Donaldson’s individualized plan for you 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.

Learn More About Our Consultation Process Here!

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.

Patient Instructions for Postoperative Care

Dr. Donaldson, Dr. Sieffert, and the Donaldson Plastic Surgery staff have created several easy-to-follow video tutorials for your breast augmentation postoperative care:

• How To Use a Breast Displacement Strap After Breast Augmentation
• How To Apply Scar Gel or Cream
• How To Apply Arnica Gel to Bruises and Swelling
• Breast Implant Displacement Exercises After Breast Augmentation

You Can Explore More Video Tutorials Here.

Breast Augmentation is a plastic surgical procedure that is designed to enhance the size, shape and feel of the breasts. It is intensely personal and should be considered with great care. Drs. Donaldson and Sieffert are known for customizing their surgical approach to each individual patient, in order to ensure the most natural and beautiful results. After undergoing this procedure, patients often feel more positive, feminine and “sexy.” These improvements can improve self-confidence and body image.

We Have The Best Breast Augmentation Surgeons in Ohio

Breast surgery requires artistry, precision, taste and clear communication between surgeon and patient to achieve optimal results. Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert have extensive training and experience with many types of breast augmentation. Dr. Donaldson is a board-certified plastic surgeon, and he is one of the only surgeons in Columbus to offer a minimally invasive option through the armpit.

Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert are happy to answer any question about surgery, complications, medical issues and how your specific circumstances may impact your breast augmentation procedure.

Be sure to ask Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert 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.

Frequently asked questions include:

• When can I go back to work?
• How many follow-up visits will I need?
• What are the risks?
• Are there any activities I won’t be able to do after breast augmentation?
• When can I resume exercise?
• What if I get pregnant?
• How long do the results last?
• How do implants affect breast cancer screening?

Ask Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert what they specifically recommend for your body regarding size, shape and implant style. The staff can also help you make these decisions because they are sizing experts, too!

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.

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.

Incisions may be made in one of several locations:

• In the crease beneath the breast
• Around the edge of the dark areola surrounding the nipple
• Through the underarm

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.

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 ever 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 questions that remain.

As board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert are expert breast surgeons 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 breast surgeons in the Columbus, Ohio area and in the entire Midwest. 

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.