“You want to get plastic surgery? What are you — a Kardashian?” My sister wasn’t always the most supportive, but from her perspective, I was just a mom now anyway. Why did I need surgery?
After my third child was born, I actually became quite slim in my clothes. Chasing after kids, doing the laundry, and washing the dishes during our pre-dishwasher days all added up and subtracted my pregnancy weight. I was back to being slim … with my clothes on.
But underneath, you could tell I had a baby. You could tell I had three. My skin had always been tight. Even with gaining 60 lbs. during pregnancy, at least my stomach skin was still tight. I no longer recognized myself. I didn’t feel embarrassed necessarily, but I definitely wasn’t happy with what I was seeing.
Yes, my body is strong and allows me to do things that I need to do in life. Yes, I love who I am and I love my life … but I felt like I had been tricked. Was there something I could have done to prevent this?
This centuries-old problem that we mothers have been facing hasn’t really been talked about. We are supposed to apply our chain store creams, hope for the best, and never show our stomachs again.
I love the self-love movements going on in the world right now. I genuinely believe that seeing other women online express their own gratitude for their bodies opened up my heart to love mine more.
However, when I put effort into things, I like to see results. If I am in the gym or eating right, I want to see my body change. And after years of trying my best (keep in mind, I do have three children), I decided I wanted to see the changes in my body, so I made it happen!
I got a tummy tuck with abdominal liposuction and a breast augmentation with a lift. Altogether: a Mommy Makeover!
I found Dr. Donaldson from a mix of word-of-mouth and Google searching, as I imagine most people do. One of my coworkers had met with him for her surgery, and she is the kind of person who would definitely tell me if there were issues with her experience. She, however, gave them a glowing recommendation, which was one of my final deciding factors when choosing this practice.
If you don’t have a go-to trustworthy person to make plastic surgery recommendations, you can trust me in that this is the place you want to go.
The first consultation I had was virtual. I was a bit skeptical at first. How are they actually going to understand what my body is like if they aren’t up close to it or able to touch it? But during the appointment, they totally put my mind at ease. They do this all the time. I was in good hands.
The one major tip I have for preparing for surgery is to remain calm. Maybe it’s the mom in me that makes me search for every possible thing that can go wrong, but as long as you review all the information they give you and ask your questions along the way, everything will go smoothly.
You really don’t have to do extensive research on your own. You don’t have to Google every last detail or dig into every Reddit thread. I spent several hours a week doing research online into what questions to ask. They are the experts, but they didn’t expect me to be on — which I so very much appreciated.
These results from my Mommy Makeover genuinely make me a happier person. If we break down the amount I spent in total and divide it by the number of days left I have on this planet, the cost per day for this extra boost of confidence is 100% worth it. Even if my body is completely covered, I still love knowing how I look underneath. I feel more agile, I feel more comfortable talking to new people. When I walk into a room, I have this new lighter, positive energy that some of my coworkers have pointed out.
I realize how much I had missed how tight my stomach skin was before kids, how my core muscles seemed stronger, I missed how my breasts felt beautiful. Somewhere along the way, they became more of a tool I just carried around at all times.
At the end of the day, I’m so grateful for the surgical team, but I’m mostly just proud of myself for taking the steps to get to where I want to be.
Sarah is a mom of three, a wife, and a 36-year-old from Columbus, OH. While she loves telling everyone about her results, she also knows how weird digital footprints can be and values her personal privacy. She is opting to not reveal her last name or show a picture. She hopes her words resonate with other moms in their thirties — Millennial moms who are expected to love themselves unconditionally but also meet beauty standards online.
Gynecomastia is a condition in which men have overdeveloped or enlarged breast tissue. It can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort, but it can also be treated with simple surgical intervention. Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson is an expert in gynecomastia surgery and is dedicated to providing his patients with the best possible results — from that first consultation to the actual procedure and through the recovery phase.
Today, we’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions about gynecomastia surgery recovery to help you understand what to expect after surgery before you make your decision.
The average patient can return to work within a day or two after gynecomastia surgery, but this will depend on the type of work you do, your gynecomastia “level” and how you are feeling. The patient should avoid lifting their arms for 5 – 7 days after surgery. Light physical activity — like taking out the trash or mowing the lawn — can usually be resumed within 2 weeks, but strenuous activity should be avoided for at least four to six weeks.
“I know it can be pretty tough to sit on the sidelines after your surgery but sticking to your plan is crucial to a smooth recovery and optimal results. Just like you can’t expect to get six-pack abs in a week, you have to be patient as your body fully recuperates.”
-Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson
Most gynecomastia surgeries are performed using incisions that are well-hidden within the natural contours of the breast, so scarring is typically minimal but it is permanent. In some cases, the incisions may be placed around the areola, and this usually heals well with minimal scarring. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the location of your incisions with you and explain the best options for optimal scar management.
A few factors can slow down the recovery process after gynecomastia surgery. These can include:
It is important to be prepared for your recovery period so that you can focus on healing. You want this to be a laid-back time so you can get back to normal life faster!
Here are some items you should have at home after your gynecomastia surgery:
The gynecomastia surgery compression vest is vital to reducing the amount of swelling after your surgery and allowing the skin to sculpt to the newer, flatter surface without fluid accumulation. The compression garment should be snug, but also not too tight to avoid any skin irritation or unnecessary discomfort. It should be worn as much as possible for 6 weeks total. If you have issues with the vest after the first several weeks, we can have you switch to an Under Armour shirt or something similar — so long as we can get 6 full weeks of compression.
It is essential to wear loose, comfortable clothing during the recovery period in addition to your compression vest.
You will likely notice some initial improvements but the full results from gynecomastia surgery typically become visible within 2 -3 months after the procedure. It is important to remember that every patient’s recovery process is different, and the timeline for seeing the full results can vary. Generally, it takes around 6 to 12 weeks for swelling to subside, and for the chest to assume its final shape.
Some residual swelling can persist for several months and the final results — in some rare cases — may not be fully apparent for up to a year after the procedure. Higher grades of gynecomastia removal can also see longer recovery periods.
At Donaldson Plastic Surgery, expert plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson takes a comprehensive approach to patient care, putting an emphasis on ensuring a smooth and comfortable recovery for every patient. He has performed hundreds of successful gynecomastia surgeries throughout his tenure. He continues to perfect his surgical technique and educate patients everywhere about various facets of this life-changing procedure.
How do you make your post-op recovery faster, easier, and more comfortable? Well, it all starts with pre-op!
Prioritizing overall wellness is always important, but it especially makes an impact during surgical recovery. Your body needs to have the building blocks required to support your healing process.
Here are six easy ways to improve and speed up plastic surgery post-op recovery!
You don’t have to go on pre-surgery bedrest, but you should begin to take it easy in some areas, including tobacco and alcohol consumption at least 6 weeks prior to surgery. Smoking and drinking reduce blood flow which prevents healing and prolongs the entire post-op recovery timeline.
After surgery, your body is in rebuilding itself and recovering strength. After surgery, your body goes through the catabolic phase, which essentially is your body breaking things down. You need to have protein stores to act as building blocks during the catabolic phase. When you consume protein after surgery, it aids the efficiency of healing. If you are not getting enough protein, try adding additional amino acids to your diet.
Have you been “eating the rainbow” when it comes to fruits and vegetables? If your answer is yes, then perfect- keep going! But if you’re like most people and your answer is no, then invest in a good multivitamin. Our bodies should always be getting the things they need to thrive, but this is especially important when preparing for surgery.
Probiotics have been proven to decrease the risk of GI infections in the colon, but also decrease upper respiratory infections and UTIs in women! This is once again proving how big of an impact our gut health has on our overall health.
Probiotics also decrease two main inflammatory markers, which is huge for surgery recovery. Inflammation is the enemy of healing, so probiotics can help keep inflammation down while promoting overall health.
Give yourself a boost by introducing new vitamins into your regimen. Vitamin C and calcium are great in the beginning stages of healing. The final stages of healing end at around 6 months or so, and zinc and magnesium are excellent for that final stage.
And we can’t stress this enough: across the entirety of your healing journey, protein is going to be your best friend!
This is when we heal and rebuild. Can’t quite get those 8+ hours of restful sleep? Try melatonin! Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally released by our bodies as a response to darkness. Using this supplement helps to encourage sleep, establishes an optimal circadian rhythm and works as a strong antioxidant.
The entire Donaldson Plastic Surgery team is here to make sure you feel taken care of post-operatively. While the above tips are generally universal for easing your recovery, you are still an individual! You have unique responses to different foods, supplements and lifestyle decisions. By getting to know you a little better, we can make sure every aspect of your experience is customized for optimal results – from your initial surgical prep all the way to your overall wellness plan.
With more than 17 years in family practice and sports medicine, Dr. Marguerite Weston has become one of Ohio’s leading functional wellness experts. She uses her wealth of experience to create customized pre- and post-operative plans for Donaldson Plastic Surgery patients in an effort to help each individual recover faster and fully – while preserving their incredible results.
When thinking about plastic surgery, some patients become anxious about general anesthesia. That is ok! There’s a whole host of surgical options that use only local anesthesia, which can help you reach your goals without going under completely. We even offer a number of non-surgical solutions that skip the sedation conversation altogether!
Today, we’re looking at five surprising cosmetic surgery procedures we perform that do not involve going under general anesthesia.
Local anesthesia involves numbing a specific area of the body to be operated on. It is an effective countermeasure for any pain or discomfort, and is usually performed by injection. The use of a local anesthetic means you will be completely awake and comfortable during your procedure.
General anesthesia is the use of medication that puts the patient in a temporarily unconscious state — or, “going under” — before their operation. It is usually administered intravenously in an operating room, and it means you will not feel any pain during your procedure. Using a general anesthetic means you will be comfortably asleep during your procedure.
There are benefits to both kinds of anesthesia, but it’s best left up to your surgeon to decide which one is right for your procedure — your surgical team will discuss the options with you to help you figure out your best path forward.
Defined by excess glandular tissue in the male breast, gynecomastia can be quite uncomfortable for the men who suffer from it. Puffy nipples can hide all the hard work a person has put in the gym, and even prevent him from taking off his shirt at the beach. Gynecomastia surgery is a straightforward procedure that removes this extra tissue and leaves you with a flat chest. The downtime for gynecomastia surgery is short and it often only requires local anesthesia to achieve great results.
Sexual rejuvenation has become increasingly popular in recent years — and for good reason! The technology and techniques behind these procedures have drastically improved, giving our patients incredible outcomes with a breezy experience. Labiaplasty is one such minimally-invasive procedure that can improve the function and appearance of the female genitals without the need to go under.
In fact, labiaplasty is only one in the collection of sexual wellness procedures we perform that don’t require going under! With the combined powers of the O-Shot and diVa laser, your most intimate areas can feel completely restored in one quick trip.
Now, we want to preface this one by saying that receiving liposuction awake isn’t a solution for everyone. However, if a candidate has a small area of fat they’re looking to address, some liposuction procedures can be performed under local anesthesia. This also means they could forgo the fasting period required for general anesthesia and have their procedure with only the necessary numbing.
If a patient has a smaller amount of fat they’re looking to remove and are anxious about anesthesia, we will often point them to non-surgical, in-office treatments! The first is Kybella, a fat-dissolving injection that can help spot-treat & reduce fat under the chin and in the armpit areas. Another incredible option is CoolSculpting — a revolutionary “fat freezing” technique that can target the abdomen, flanks, thighs, upper arms, back, “bra bulge” areas, beneath the buttocks, and even under the chin.
It isn’t just about appearance when it comes to nipple procedures. While some patients may be embarrassed about the size, shape or position of their nipples, these anomalies can also cause chronic chafing and other forms of unnecessary pain. We offer two different, general anesthesia-free options — inverted nipple surgery and nipple reduction — to help patients get the look they’ve always wanted and minimize daily discomfort.
As we get older, the skin around our eyes ages with us. But as we at Donaldson Plastic Surgery like to say: getting older is a good thing! We want to help our patients see it that way. Our surgical experts offer an upper eyelid lift designed to remove the excess skin that causes that “tired” look, resulting in a more refreshed and youthful appearance. In some circumstances, blepharoplasty can actually improve eyesight, as well.
Your comfort is paramount to our team. If you don’t feel 100% confident about your path forward, we cannot expect you to feel 100% confident with your results!
Remember: it’s perfectly OK to be nervous about a surgical procedure. We can walk you through each step of the process to help bolster your understanding of any option you’re considering. If the idea of going under still feels daunting, we will work with you directly to create a non-surgical path forward that can help you reach your confidence goals.
We invite you to get in touch with one of our experts if you have any questions about any of the procedures listed here, our safe anesthesia practices, or any of our other cosmetic offerings.
With more than 20 years of experience under his belt, Jeffrey Donaldson, MD is a leading expert when it comes to surgical procedures that do not require general anesthesia. He is constantly on the lookout for new and innovative techniques that best help patients feel comfortable about their procedures and their long-term results.
No surgical operation is without risk. While breast augmentation risks are low and complications are rare, they are real and should be discussed with your board-certified plastic surgeon in advance.
Bleeding and infection are complications intrinsic to any surgical procedure, and the risk is less than 3% in breast augmentation. Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert almost always avoid both through meticulous surgical techniques, but it still may happen. Infection is usually prevented with antibiotics but could lead to implant removal in extreme cases.
Minor bleeding may be simply monitored, or released if necessary. Major bleeding could require a second operation.
Measurable breast asymmetry is present in the vast majority of adult women, and this will likely persist even after augmentation. This is due to a number of factors including:
Massage and displacement exercises will often improve symmetry, but if the difference is too obvious, then a revision may be considered.
Capsular contracture is a scar tissue phenomenon in which the body interprets the implant like a splinter and attempts to surround it with a thick, firm capsule. The risk is decreased with modern implant materials and skilled techniques, but it still exists. Treatment may include a second operation to relax or remove the capsule.
Nipple sensation may increase, decrease, become entirely numb or fluctuate – but most commonly, it returns to normal after several months.
Breastfeeding is a challenge for many young mothers, but breast augmentation can make it even more difficult. Implants are likely to cause more back-pressure on the milk glands and ducts, which limits milk production and prevents full engorgement. Infants with augmented mothers can usually suckle and bond, but they often require supplements with synthetic formula to achieve full nutrition.
Breast implants are very durable, but additional operations may be necessary over the course of a lifetime. The most common reason for reoperation is to increase size. Other reasons include changes in shape or position, the desire for subsequent lifting, or the desire to downsize later in life. If you experience deflation, rippling, shifting or other side effects, you may need to replace your breast implants. It’s important to follow up with your surgeon if you suspect a problem or dislike something about the look or feel.
Although they are rare, it’s important that you educate yourself on all of the possible risks of surgery. Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert can explain the extensive measures that are taken to prevent these issues, and we can share various approaches should they arise.
Do you have additional questions about the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery?
Jeffery Donaldson, MD is one of the nation’s most esteemed breast augmentation surgeons. He remains at the forefront of advanced techniques and uses his profound expertise to minimize any potential risk associated with any surgery he performs.
The initial breast augmentation consultation is a truly collaborative process and a vital stage when it comes to determining if surgery is the right decision for you!
Our breast augmentation specialists will work with you directly to understand your background, solidify your goals, address your concerns and set expectations. Then, they will give you the tools that are necessary to become a savvy, sophisticated consumer who is knowledgeable about the important aspects of this procedure. Our team will explain the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative phases of surgery and answer all of your questions in detail.
After you have reached out to our team through the website or via a phone call, we will work together to determine the best date and time for your initial consultation. Note: All of our initial consultations are now virtual, which helps to maximize your time and schedule flexibility.
Your initial interaction with our team will last about 30 minutes and it will be all about you! You will meet with our virtual concierge Kelly Sobieski. She will connect you with two vital members of our team: Carrie Esposito who specializes in scheduling your procedure and breaking down the costs associated and Angie Scala, an experienced Nurse Practioner who specializes in helping patients smoothly navigate the highly-personal breast augmentation process. These two were hand-picked by Dr. Donaldson to handle this phase because of their pertinent expertise and rich experience.
Together, they will talk to you about everything you want to discuss surrounding the procedure. They will review your photos and take an in-depth look at the custom plan that Dr. Donaldson has created for you! This is also the time when we show you relevant before and after photos that are based on you, your age, your body type and your unique desired outcomes.
Before making final decisions, we will review your medical history to confirm your candidacy and to establish a plan for optimizing your medical conditions and overall health status. If you have reached 40 years of age, our team will most likely recommend having a baseline mammogram. Safety is paramount, and Drs. Donaldson and Seiffert often rely on referrals and follow-up appointments with other medical specialists to ensure the best possible outcome.
The final part of your initial consultation includes a detailed cost estimate and a discussion of scheduling dates and times. Carrie can help arrange for flexible financing options and payment plans. She will be happy to walk you through the payment steps and make sure you’re fully educated about the financial aspects of surgery, including manufacturer warranties. Remember: Even if you already have the cash ready, you don’t have to put it all down at once if that makes you uncomfortable!
By this time, you will know that you’re in the best hands for your procedure. Now, we get to shake hands, introduce you to our team and perfect the upcoming process.
When you come into our office, Angie or another trusted member of our clinical staff will help you choose the perfect implant size at your in-person fitting. After considering your natural shape, your goals and your measurements, we will help you try on sample implants using a specialized sizing bra. Once the appropriate “size spectrum” is determined, you get to choose what you like best! You can look in the mirror, try on different outfits, take selfies and gather opinions from friends and family, although many patients prefer to make a private, personal choice.
The friendly staff at Donaldson Plastic Surgery makes sure that patients feel comfortable and appreciated during each appointment. We are incredibly experienced when it comes to breast implants and can give you sound, expert advice. Dr. Donaldson, Dr. Sieffert and their team will also go over the different types of implants available to you and the pros and cons of each. They will let you know what you can expect from your breast surgery, including size, shape and texture.
Once you have finalized your decision, that’s when we get to set your surgery date!
We invite you to get in touch with our compassionate team of breast surgery specialists. We are on standby to help you further understand what to expect during this experience. Do you feel comfortable with the process and ready to schedule your first consultation?
Dr. Michelle Sieffert is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Donaldson Plastic Surgery with a specialization in breast augmentation surgery. Throughout her 10+ years of experience, she has helped hundreds of women feel more confident in their own skin with this life-changing procedure. She is always researching the latest breast surgery techniques in an effort to hone her craft and best educate individuals across the country.
Nurse Practitioner, Angie Scala, and Registered Nurse, Shruti Lemus, participated in the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons conference in San Diego this year where they met plastic surgeons and aesthetic providers from across the nation. Presented by the industry’s top thought leaders, the seminars focused on opportunities for improvement in the art of plastic surgery.
At the conference, Angie attended Opioid-Free: A Better Way to Recovery presented by Dr. Lawrence Iteld. Dr. Iteld discussed alternative ways to achieve patient comfort and create an effective healing experience without the intensity of opioids. Her experience – combined with this new insight – inspired her to apply her advanced clinical knowledge to her Nurse Practitioner duties.
Angie has witnessed the negative effects that opioids can cause patients to endure. Symptoms like constipation, drowsiness, nausea, and decreased activity can all be caused by opioid use and create setbacks in a surgical patient’s recovery. Medical professionals across fields are transitioning to new care plans that don’t include opioids. There are other ways to minimize pain and make a patient feel at ease without the downsides.
After plastic surgery, pain relief through medication is often necessary. However, the strength of opioids can sometimes be excessive. Alternatives to opioids during post-op recovery include combinations of:
Like Dr. Iteld, Angie is an advocate for early activity and moving with purpose post-operatively to assist in a quicker and more pain-free recovery. She is also a firm supporter of homeopathic supplements and believes they should be incorporated into all patients’ post-op medication regimens.
At Donaldson Plastic Surgery, we want everyone to be the best versions of themselves, and we apply that same principle to our entire practice. Our entire surgical team is continuously educated on the newest ideas in the surgical field. We aim to provide our patients with the best experience possible through the constant improvement of our processes.
We tailor post-operative regimens to each patient depending on their unique needs. We discuss the post-operative plan with patients, so they are aware of what to expect in terms of instructions and medication. If a patient requires additional pain relief during recovery, then their plan can be altered.
Every patient’s post-op experience is different. Our patient care team will prescribe opioids only if necessary – we want to ensure you are taken care of. However, many patients have reported not needing medication after 1-3 days due to low pain levels. This is due to how meticulous Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert are during surgery. When surgeons take their time, then recovery is quicker and more easily managed.
Our surgical teams already encourage non-opioid treatments. For example, we use TAP blocks during tummy tuck surgery; this safe, local anesthetic is injected during surgery and acts as a long-lasting pain reliever. We also recommend homeopathic supplements like Arnica Montana or Bromelain tablets to help with swelling, bruising, and pain.
Your pain medication regimen is just one aspect of your customized experience at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. Your surgical journey begins with a personal consultation!
Plastic surgery is a journey that takes planning, so starting sooner rather than later is a great way to ensure your experience goes smoothly. By embarking now, you can get a head start learning more about your options when it comes to timing, financing, and recovery!
Specific surgeries will have slight differences in terms of exact recovery time expectations, but all surgeries have periods that are specific to downtime along with their own activity restrictions. Every recovery timeline will also be dependent on you. You may naturally be quicker or slower to heal than others. Our Patient Care Team is trained to understand and assist you no matter your recovery timeline!
At about one week, you will feel almost back to normal, but you must continue to adhere by activity restrictions set by your medical team.
Similar to breast surgeries, the remainder of the month is spent getting back to feeling normal with established activity restrictions.
Downtime is coupled with activity restrictions that are specific to the kind of facial surgery. The main consideration is that facial surgeries often come with swelling and bruising for the first week or two. During this time, you may want to stay at home regardless of feeling better.
Oftentimes, arm and leg surgeries will have more activity restrictions than other kinds of surgeries.
*Note: For the purpose of this article, “downtime” is time designated specifically for resting. This is the time when you would be taking prescribed pain medication. “Activity restrictions” refers to the time spent after downtime. This is when you would feel more able to complete everyday activities.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons recommend you heal in the comfort of your own home after surgery. Occasionally, they may recommend staying in a hotel or in a surgery recovery center (often if the patient lives far away), but that is rare.
Our team will prepare you to understand your post-operative care instructions and expectations, so you feel comfortable during your recovery period.
Your recovery experience is directly correlated to what happens in the operating room. In general terms, when a surgeon takes their time and is very meticulous and detail-oriented during the surgery, then recovery can be easier and quicker.
The timeline for returning to work depends on the kind of surgery and what you do at work. Some recovery times only require a long weekend, whereas some may require several weeks.
How Can I Take Time Off Work For Recovery?
Your plastic surgery clinic can submit documentation to your employer to ask for time off work:
Beginning your surgical process now is the best way to secure your specific timeline. You can book your surgery as far out as you’d like but having your consultation sooner rather than later will ensure that you have options.
To learn more about how our surgical consultation experience looks like, click here.
We invite you to call (614)-442-7610 to get on Dr. Donaldson’s or Dr. Sieffert’s schedule!
With more than 20 years of experience in his field, Jeffrey Donaldson, MD is a leading mind when it comes to plastic surgery planning and recovery. He has helped countless patients feel their absolute best with his advanced surgical expertise and he continues to research the best methods to ensure a safer, more comfortable experience.
The choice to undergo breast augmentation surgery isn’t one to be taken lightly, and we admire that you’re taking the time out to do your own research! There are a lot of questions that the Internet can answer for you, but there are certain facets – such as your mindset, your unique body, your individual goals – that aren’t addressed with a simple search or even hours of digging online.
Let’s take a closer look at a few criteria to ensure you’re a good candidate for this procedure and you have full confidence before you make that next move forward. This self-reflection will help prepare you for that first call with your breast augmentation expert!
Is your confidence deflated by the feeling that your breasts are sagging, flattened or just smaller than you prefer? If so, you’re likely a strong candidate for breast augmentation surgery. This procedure can also help you readjust for weight loss, life as a mom or other lifestyle changes.
Do you feel self-conscious because one breast is smaller than the other? Is bra shopping tougher than you think it should be? Breast augmentation can help directly address the symmetry issues you are facing.
Breast augmentations are designed to magnify your natural anatomy and highlight your features. And Drs. Donaldson and Sieffert? They’re two of the best in the world at what they do. However, perfection is hard to come by, and if you already have some structural imperfections, they may still show post-surgery. Widespread nipples, stretch marks, a barrel-shaped chest – these are all features that can persist.
Individuals should be at least 18 years old before undergoing a breast augmentation. Getting this procedure done before the breast muscles have fully matured can damage long-term results. Because we look at an overall picture of health, we do not have a specific age ceiling for our patients!
“Good health” means that you have no active infections, untreated cancer or other serious medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait a bit longer before going through with a breast augmentation. Ideally, you are not a smoker or someone who drinks heavily.
We also work with you directly to ensure you’re in a proper mental state to make your final decision.
This is our ultimate goal: to help you become your most confident self! It is all about how you feel. Once you have fully recovered, we want you to be proud of who are and how you look in your skin. We routinely follow up to make sure you’re satisfied with your results.
We carry elements of this philosophy with us not just when discussing your goals, but also when it comes to our before and after photos philosophy. Browsing pictures of naked bodies that look nothing like yours won’t do this artistic surgical procedure justice. During your consultation, we will find before and after pictures that look closer to your body type and your desired figure!
A good breast augmentation practice will never push you down a path or pressure you to make a decision you’re not 100% comfortable with. The surgeon should discuss your personal goals with you, one-on-one, before offering a solution that will get you to where you want to be!
One of the most common compliments we get from patients is our uniquely personable approach. From the first phone call to post-op follow-ups, we truly listen to you, the individual. Your goals. Your needs. Your job. Your relationship dynamics. Your fears and your dreams.
Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert are both board-certified plastic surgeons that are at the top of the industry and at the top of their game. They get your procedure done right and have the accolades to back up their work!
Jeffrey Donaldson, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast augmentation surgery. Throughout his 20+ years of experience, he has helped an incredible amount of amazing women feel comfortable in their decision to move forward with this life-changing procedure. He continues to hone his craft and learn more about every aspect of this surgery to help his patients make more informed decisions.
Columbus, OH board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey H. Donaldson answers your most personal and practical questions about the mommy makeover procedure.
A mommy makeover is an umbrella term we use for any combination of surgeries that address the parts of the body most affected by pregnancy and childbirth. A typical mommy makeover may include any combination of:
Any patient who is healthy, and has those typical anatomic changes that are associated with pregnancy. Those changes might include abdominal muscle separation, extra subcutaneous fat that may have lingered after childbirth, stretched skin, stretch marks, or a deformity or overlap at the point of their c-section scar.
Some women’s breasts may have been deflated through breastfeeding, which is characterized by a lack of fullness in the upper pole of the breast, or by a lack of cleavage line. A breast augmentation can provide roundness for someone whose breast tissue has fallen lower on their chest, or they may even benefit from a breast lift. There are also patients whose breast tissue tends to grow and enlarge after pregnancy, in which case a breast reduction with a lift might be necessary.
Patients who may have enlarged labia minora or the inner lips of their vaginal area may require tightening or reduction, which is commonly referred to as a labiaplasty.
Not necessarily! The “mommy makeover” moniker is given because these changes are typical through pregnancy and childbirth, but similar changes can occur through massive weight change or weight loss, or just through our own genetics.
I recommend waiting at least 6 months from the time you finish breastfeeding to pursue any form of breast procedure. Your breasts continue to change over time, and you can see residual deflation in months and years after. It is possible to have an operation that might have been different had the breast tissue been given time to settle back into its normal state after pregnancy.
Yes — that’s a part of a routine abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, which is a procedure usually part of a mommy makeover.
Often times during pregnancy, the rectus muscles of the abdomen (or the “six pack”) tend to spread apart. There’s a small tendon called the linea alba that brings those muscles together; during pregnancy that can stretch to the point where what used to be a flat floor is now rounded or somewhat soft, causing your abdominal muscles to separate and weaken. During a tummy tuck, sutures are used to bring the outer covering of those muscles back together and reconstruct that tendon down the middle, so those abdominal muscles are brought back side by side. Repairing this diastasis recti makes it possible to get back that nice flat core that existed before pregnancy.
It certainly depends on what kind of combination of procedures are chosen. Typically, if there is both a breast procedure and a tummy tuck, it’s usually anywhere from a week to two weeks away from ordinary responsibilities, and closer to a month to six weeks before any strenuous exercise.
Generally, it’s best for patients to be within 15 to 20 pounds of their natural realistic weight. Most people are, so as long as they’re within that zone, then it would be safe. Other than that, it’s a matter of good nutrition, good rest, exercise, and being physically and emotionally prepared for surgery.
Implant selection is a highly customized process where we discuss proportions, anatomy, goals, and desires. Most often, we use a round, smooth silicone implant of moderate or high profile. The size is generally determined by the patient’s measurements and their own goals in terms of size and shape.
It depends on what procedures are selected, but for a breast augmentation, there will be a very small fine scar, approximately one inch long that is hidden within the fold under the breast. A tummy tuck would be similarly smooth, and would run right below the bikini line above pubic area from hip to hip across the front of the abdomen. Generally tummy tuck scars are not carried out to the sides of the flanks.
Any liposuction would be done through very small, quarter-inch incisions that are well concealed. And then, of course, labiaplasty would be very minimal scarring, often completely free of any scar tissue.
Yes. However, if a patient is actively planning on having more kids, we generally counsel them to wait until they are finished. In the event that a patient would become pregnant after a mommy makeover, there may be some sort of touch up procedure necessary.
Mommy makeovers are outpatient procedures that we perform in an outpatient surgical center in the Columbus, Ohio area. No overnight is required, but for someone who lives out of state or has more complex medical concerns, overnights could always be arranged.
If a patient knows that they want to have multiple procedures, then typically we will combine anything that can be done within a six-hour time frame. That is the point at which the risk curve tends to increase with more anesthesia. There is also an advantage in terms of only having a single recovery period, and it offers small financial advantages to combine multiple procedures.
There is no right age for a mommy makeover! Anyone over the age of 18 who has had children is usually a good candidate for a mommy makeover procedure. Genetics, health history, and background all play a role.
The mommy makeover is what we are quite well-known for. A lot of patients trust us to do multiple procedures for them at the same time, and we have excellent outcomes. We consistently have patients rave about our staff, about our process, and about our results, and they tend to heal very well.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Jeffrey Donaldson, MD has helped countless women throughout Columbus, Ohio and beyond decide if Mommy Makeover surgery was the right move forward for them. He uses his 20+ years of hands-on experience to help guide patients through the decision-making process before performing their successful set of cosmetic surgeries.
