Breast Augmentation
(Columbus Ohio)

Breast augmentation is performed with the insertion of breast implants to increase the size of the breast or replace volume lost following pregnancy or weight loss. Dr. Houser inserts breast implants through an incision under the breast or around the edge of the areola. By placing the breast implant under the muscle, the risk of capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the breast implant) is minimized as well as producing less interference with mammograms.

Both silicone gel and saline filled (salt water) breast implants are now available for women seeking breast enlargement through breast augmentation. The popularity of breast augmentation in the last few years is really amazing and is associated with many misconceptions. The average breast augmentation patient is between the ages of 25 and 40 and is looking for a one cup increase in size. Breast implants are meant to be a lifetime device; however breast implants have a known failure rate of about 1% per year. If a saline implant leaks, it deflates and would need to be replaced. If the breast implant is still intact and looks okay, it does not need to be replaced on a regular basis. Breast Implant placement sometimes needs to be combined with a breast lift and would be determined during your consultation.
Recovery following breast augmentation is about 1 to 2 weeks.

Faqs on Breast Augmentation / Breast Implants

Does Dr. Houser perform many breast augmentations?

Yes, breast augmentation is a common procedure for Dr. Houser. He is experienced and skilled in the latest breast augmentation techniques. Dr. Houser is also active in resident education in Columbus, Ohio both at Ohio State University in the plastic surgery program as well as in the general surgery program at Mount Carmel Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.

I am considering breast augmentation. What types of implants are currently being used?

Dr. Houser currently uses both saline and silicone (sometimes called “gel”) breast implants.

Are silicone breast implants safe? I heard that they were taken off the market.

After extensive scientific clinical studies silicone breast implants were determined to be safe and are approved by the FDA for use in breast augmentation. For more information on the safety of silicone please see www.breastimplantsafety.org.

How do I decide on breast implant size?

When considering breast augmentation, you should consider the type of changes that you would like to see in your breasts. Some breast augmentation patients are looking to increase a cup size or more while other women only want to improve the shape of their breasts and to restore lost volume without much of an increase in breast size. During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Houser will take measurements and talk with you about your desired results. He will also show you breast implants and discuss your choices with you.

I have read that breast implants come in different profiles. What does this mean?

Dr. Houser uses MemoryGel silicone implants and saline implants, both by Mentor. These implants come in three profiles, Moderate Profile, Moderate Plus Profile, and High Profile. The profile of the implant refers to the implant’s width at its base and to the implant’s outward projection. For your breast augmentation, your breast implant profile should be chosen based on your anatomy (width of chest and breasts) as well as your preference in terms of desired appearance. For the same cc breast implant, Moderate profile implants will have a wider base and not project out as far as Moderate Plus or High Profile implants. High profile implants may be desired by patient with a narrower chest who wants larger cc implants. Dr. Houser can help you with this decision. The graphic below is intended to illustrate the profile difference for 3 implants that are the same cc’s.

After having two children my breasts are sagging. Will breast augmentation lift my breasts?

Breast augmentation can sometimes create the appearance of lift in sagging breasts by filling in lost volume in the upper portion of the breasts. If your breasts are only slightly sagging due to lost volume, the correct breast implant size and placement should create a bit of lift in your breasts. However, in breasts with true breast ptosis (breast sag), breast augmentation alone will not lift your breasts and a breast lift (with or without implants) may be needed. Dr. Houser frequently performs breast augmentation and breast lift and will be happy to discuss this with you during your consultation.

After having children my breasts have changed shape and lost fullness. I would like to improve the size and shape of my breasts, but I still want them to look natural—not fake. Is this possible through breast augmentation/ breast implants?

At Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery of Columbus, Ohio we see many women who share your same concerns. Breasts often change in size and shape after pregnancies and many women seek breast augmentation to restore their breast to their former shape.

During your private consultation, Dr. Houser will answer any questions you have about breast implants, breast augmentation surgery and recovery and he will carefully listen to your desired results and concerns. This is the best way to ensure patient satisfaction.

Dr. Houser does not believe in a “one size fits all” approach to plastic surgery and understands that no two patients are just alike. At Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery of Columbus Ohio, natural looking results are completely possible through breast augmentation.

I am considering breast augmentation surgery, but I am not certain that I am finished having children. Do breast implants interfere with breastfeeding?

Many women with breast implants are able to breastfeed. Occasionally complications occur with breast augmentation which can interfere with breast feeding.

Because there are many physical changes that come with pregnancy, some women prefer to postpone breast enhancement surgery until they have finished having children. As the breasts enlarge during pregnancy and breastfeeding and then reduce in size, some of the results of breast augmentation surgery may be compromised.

What kind of scars will I have from breast augmentation?

Generally, the scars from breast augmentation are thin and flat. Sutures are dissolvable and under the skin, so there are none to remove. Smoking can certainly affect a person’s healing, so smoking cessation is recommended for all procedures. The location of the scars will depend on where the implants are inserted. This depends on patient preference as well as the size and shape of implants and will be discussed during your breast augmentation consultation.

Because there are many physical changes that come with pregnancy, some women prefer to postpone breast enhancement surgery until they have finished having children. As the breasts enlarge during pregnancy and breastfeeding and then reduce in size, some of the results of breast augmentation surgery may be compromised.

Will I need general anesthesia during my breast augmentation?

Most breast augmentations performed by Dr. Houser utilize twilight sedation in our AAAASF accredited private surgical suite. This form of anesthesia allows for a very quick recovery and has been shown to result in less postoperative nausea and vomiting when compared to general anesthesia. There is often much less pain in the recovery period as well. If a patient requires general anesthesia for other reasons, then that can certainly be arranged.

How long is recovery following breast augmentation?

Many patients are able to resume light activity within a day or two following breast augmentation surgery. Wound healing usually takes 5-10 days after which you may return to work. Additional healing will continue over the next 3 months. As no two patients are alike, Dr. Houser will inform you of your expected recovery time during your consultation and post- op appointments.

My breasts are two different cup sizes. Can this be fixed through breast augmentation?

Yes. Breast augmentation is frequently and effectively used to achieve symmetry of the breasts.

Is it safe to have breast augmentation surgery during the same setting when I am having another cosmetic surgery?

Generally yes, but it depends on the individual patient and the length and difficulty of the planned operations. Dr. Houser will be happy to discuss this with you. Many women like to combine plastic surgical procedures in order to take less time off from work or to reduce the amount of time that they will need help with childcare.

Common procedures performed in conjunction with breast augmentation include tummy-tuck and liposuction. Breast augmentation performed with a tummy tuck is commonly referred to as a “mommy makeover.”

How much does breast augmentation cost in Columbus Ohio?

Although some procedures have relatively routine fees, each person’s individual situation needs to be considered after a thorough examination and review of goals and expectations. Quotes are given either on the day of the consultation or will be mailed in a timely manner. Fees for cosmetic surgery are expected to be paid in full 2 weeks prior to surgery. For information on financing your breast augmentation, please see the “financing” section our contact page.

It is important to consider factors other than cost when searching for a doctor to perform your breast augmentation. Surgical techniques and experience vary greatly from doctor to doctor. When searching for a doctor to perform your breast augmentation, you should look for a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (not all surgeons performing breast augmentation are) and to find a surgeon who will spend time with you to find out your goals for your surgery. It is important to find a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and with whom you able to communicate well. Dr. Houser spends a great amount of time consulting with each patient. He understands that breast augmentation is a big decision, and he works hard to ensure that you will be happy with your results.

Will my breast augmentation be performed in a hospital or in your office?

Dr. Houser performs most breast augmentation procedures in our (AAAASF) fully accredited surgical suite on an outpatient basis. Accreditation by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities is only awarded to surgical facilities which maintain the highest level of patient care, safety, cleanliness and emergency response procedures. In addition, we are located adjacent to, and only steps away from, Mt. Carmel / St. Ann’s Hospital, on the north side of Columbus, in Westerville, Ohio.

Why are there no before and after photos of breast augmentations on this website?

Out of concern for patient privacy, Dr. Houser does not publish patient photos on the internet. In addition, because patients come in all shapes and sizes, posting photographs may lead to unrealistic expectations. Duringyour breast augmentation consultation at our Columbus, Ohio office, Dr. Houser can show you photos of patients with your physical characteristics, so that similarities and differences may be addressed.

I do not live in the Columbus Ohio area. Can Dr. Houser still perform my breast augmentation?

Dr. Houser has many patients who travel from outside the Columbus Ohio area to have breast augmentation surgery as well as other plastic surgery procedures. Because of this we have partnered with a post-surgical care facility located in a luxury hotel in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Theprofessionals at Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Suites provide discrete and attentive care following plastic surgical procedures. For more information see www.cosmeticsurgeryrecoverysuites.com. Other options are available as well to meet individual needs. Feel free to ask about this at your consultation.

I have noticed that not all surgeons performing breast augmentation in Ohio are board certified. Why should I choose a plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)? Is this important?

An ASPS member surgeon has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Has at least five years of surgical training and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training.
• Is board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
• Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
• Is peer-reviewed for safety and ethical standards prior to attaining the honor of active membership.
• Only operates in accredited facilities.

Why is it important to choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Many physicians who perform cosmetic procedures will claim board certification, but it is important to clarify which board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a part of the American Board of Medical Specialties and has been in existence since 1937. Certification by this board signifies that the surgeon has completed an approved plastic surgery residency, has passed a comprehensive written examination, and has passed an oral examination. Following this, he or she is then required to maintain certification through case submissions, continuing medical education and written examinations. This rigorous process ensures that those who identify themselves as a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are held to the highest standards of patient safety, patient satisfaction and ethical behavior.