By Jeffrey Donaldson, MD |
The Most Frequently Asked Questions of 2025
We Showed Up In 5,914,393 Searches — Here's What You Wanted to Know!
Education is our most important service we offer at Donaldson. Patients from around the world (from Columbus to Tokyo; from Reddit at 2 a.m. to Instagram DMs at midnight) ask questions about health, appearance and even what wellness-focused events they should attend this weekend.
We’re here for them. We’re here for you. With expert answers to very real questions.
Here are the most frequently asked questions of 2025 across the entire Donaldson practice!
Click Ahead to The Topic of Your Choice:
Surgical Procedures
What Are the Tummy Tuck Recovery Must-Haves?
As one of our most popular blog posts ever, this comprehensive checklist showcases everything a patient needs (and most likely wants) to ensure comfort and an optimal recovery before their tummy tuck surgery date:
- 2 compression garments
- Protein supplement
- Lanyard for your drain (if applicable)
- Scar gel
- Arnica gel
- Gauze pads, medicated ointment & medical tape to wrap it
- A wedge pillow
- And more!
What is the Difference Between MAC & General Anesthesia?
MAC (Monitored Anesthesia Care) allows you to stay more responsive while receiving sedation, whereas general anesthesia means you are going under controlled, full anesthesia. The choice depends on the procedure, your health status and your surgeon’s recommendation.
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A dual‑plane breast augmentation positions part of the implant beneath the muscle and part beneath breast tissue, allowing a more natural slope plus improved implant coverage. This is Dr. Donaldson’s preferred method because it offers refined contouring and fewer visible edges in many patients.
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This was an interesting framing of the question, but we hold no judgements here!
The average cost of standalone breast implant surgery in the Columbus area is typically between $6,000 – $10,000 when all aspects of care are considered. This quote should always include consultations, recovery garments, anesthetic fees, operating room fees, follow‑up care and every other aspect of the surgery.
At Donaldson, we always ensure a transparent estimate that covers every facet of your care, leaving zero room for surprises.
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This one made us smile! Our very own Dr. Michelle Sieffert frequently shows up in searches as the top facelift surgeon in our city, noted specifically for her mastery of anatomy, use of the deep‑plane facelift technique, faster recovery times and exceptional bedside manner.
Functional Medicine
How Do I Inject Semaglutide?
This question exploded this year! Many patients began their weight‑management journeys using semaglutide, often including more affordable compounded versions. We informed our patients how to perform the injection safely in their own homes, but then we noticed a large influx of national queries.
The weight loss injection specialists at Donaldson broke it down into multiple clear steps and created a straightforward video follow‑along guidance so you can feel confident in the process.
You deserve the correct, most medically sound information available. No matter where you are.
Does Stress Cause Water Retention?
Yes, chronic stress can lead to hormonal fluctuations (e.g., elevated cortisol) that contribute to water retention. Optimizing stress management is often a key piece of the functional medicine puzzle. Nutrition decisions can be made, and specific movement routines can be adopted to further improve chronic bloating and help you feel more comfortable every day.
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The GI Map is a comprehensive stool‑analysis test that assesses gut microbiome balance, parasites, pathogens and overall digestive‑health markers. It’s a snapshot of what is happening inside the gut, also known as the body’s “second brain.”
While potentially awkward to administer at home, this is one of our most vital tools that allows us to help us target root causes, rather than simply treating symptoms.
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Uneven weight loss can result from differences in muscle mass, fat distribution, metabolic rate, hormonal influences and even individual lifestyle factors. Patients may also have specific genetic predispositions that lead to disproportionate fat loss.
Regional blood flow. Appetite signals. Polymorphisms in key genes. They all play a role in how we lose weight – and from where!
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Patients in our own backyard (literally, sometimes) frequently come to us, not feeling their best. Part of the issue stems from where we live and the dietary trends baked into our culture.
The most common deficiencies we come across include:
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- Omega-3 fatty acids (the right balance is vital)
- B12
- Zinc
Supplement selection should always be tailored to your individual labs and lifestyle. It is best to get these nutrients from foods first, then high-quality supplements second.
Aesthetic Treatments
Can I Drink After Filler?
This is such a peculiarly consistent question! The pattern is like clockwork: radio silence Sunday to Wednesday, then trickles in before going crazy on Friday & Saturday.
The short answer: it’s best to avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours after filler to reduce the mild risks of bruising and swelling. That’s all the more reason for you to do something nice for yourself and come see us on a Tuesday! It will also give that filler a little time to settle before your weekend begins.
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Most providers recommend elevated rest for the night after. That is because sleeping on your side right after filler can increase the chance of asymmetry or focal swelling. If this does happen to you, monitor the area and contact your provider if you notice visual and/or subdermal changes.
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Botox after microblading is preferred — especially with a 2-week window after your treatment to allow your Botox to fully integrate. This sequence can even potentially improve long-term microblading results, as it can be tailored to relax muscles in the eye area and reduce sweating.
While getting microblading after Botox is technically safe, it can result in negative outcomes. Botox can temporarily change the eyebrow placement in some cases. We tell our patients that they really should want their brows to sit exactly where they’re going to naturally site before moving forward with microblading!
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This year we saw a big uptick in interest around ultrasound‑guided fillers, especially on TikTok and Instagram. Using ultrasound allows precise visualization of tissues and vessels, making filler placement even safer, more precise and hyper-tailored for unique anatomy.
We actually made a social media post about this technique because more patients were asking about it and we wanted to clearly state the benefits of using ultrasound for filler injections!
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After a MOXI laser, gentle care is crucial: typically, you’ll wait 3–5 days before exfoliating, and only use gentle, non‑acid exfoliants until the skin barrier fully recovers. Your provider will guide you based on how your skin responds.
Medspa Treatments
Can I Shower After Microneedling?
Absolutely, but timing and care matter. Showering after a microneedling treatment is fine once the initial redness subsides (usually later the same day or the next morning). Avoid hot water, heavy scrubbing or active steam for at least 24 hours to support a comfortable recovery.
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Yes! And we’re incredibly proud to say that Andie Schroeder, LME, is one of the best in the region at performing scar‑camouflage tattooing. She approaches each case with deep compassion and skill, curating custom colors to help patients reclaim their skin confidence.
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The “vampire facial” typically combines microneedling with platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood, while standard microneedling uses the device alone. The addition of PRP is designed to elevate healing and profoundly enhance results (especially when it comes to acne scar removal), but your provider will help decide if it’s right for you.
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No, eyebrow tinting is a semi‑permanent treatment that enhances color for weeks to months, but the pigment gradually fades and requires maintenance. If you’re looking for long‑term definition, microblading or permanent eyebrow tattooing may be suitable alternatives for you.
What are the Differences Between Eyebrow Tinting & Microblading?
Eyebrow tinting uses dye applied to the surface hair and skin to enhance color, whereas microblading uses small pigment‑filled strokes beneath the skin to simulate hair. Tinting is less invasive and shorter‑term; microblading offers longer‑lasting results but requires healing and precise technique.
The Interesting Ones...
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This one made us laugh because, yes, women go to Donaldson — obviously! But yes. On a serious note, our team is deeply rooted in supporting the health and wellness goals of women and men. We’re honored to be that trusted choice.
Our providers are here to advocate for your well-being, helping you to find the best solutions that elevate your appearance and confidence at every stage of life. That’s why we do it!
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You can walk. You can dance. And you may even double‑check your Google search to ensure you didn’t accidentally type “walk” instead of “talk”!
Most people can resume regular movement immediately but avoid heavy exercises or direct pressure on the treated area for 24–48 hours.
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Yes, and there are some excellent options out there, including PRP (platelet‑rich plasma) therapy to stimulate hair regrowth in appropriate cases. And if you’re looking the opposite direction, note: we also offer laser hair removal.
Your goals, your body, your choice — so long as you’re looking to regrow your own hair!
Carrie Esposito?
OH! You mean the host of the hit podcast series Asking For A Friend — the one that covers women’s health questions people may be too nervous to ask out loud or online? Yep, we totally know her (and we love her work).
“I Prefer High-End Skincare Brands & Shop Based on Ingredient Quality, Clinical Results…”
and brand reputation — price isn’t my biggest concern. What essential factors should you evaluate when assessing where to buy eye serums products?”
If you prefer premium skincare and judge by ingredient quality, clinical results and brand reputation, here are a few of the most essential evaluation factors we recommend looking for:
- Both active ingredients & the amount of those ingredients
- Clinical studies to ensure they match claims
- Transparency of formulation
- Whether a credentialed provider backs the brand
This question likely came in as a “prompt” using ChatGPT.
We’re excited to know that patients everywhere are asking deeper, more thoughtful questions about their aesthetic needs. We are honored to show up in the search results and we’ll continue showing up for our patients everywhere!
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers!
In our ongoing effort to help patients everywhere make the best‑informed decisions about their personal wellbeing and confidence, we are always answering the very real questions we hear in our offices and the ones folks search for on Google, Reddit, TikTok and Instagram.
About The Data
Data & Methodology
We compiled these questions using anonymous data pulled from Google organic search, Google advertising data, Bing Webmaster tools, Yandex search, Google Analytics and YouTube Studio analytics for both our primary channel & the Asking For A Friend podcast. We specifically subtracted brand‑specific queries (such as “when is Donaldson Plastic Surgery open”) to focus on broader questions patients everywhere have about their health, post‑op care, wellness, appearance and more!
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