Breast Augmentation Options and Details provided by Columbus, Ohio Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Robert S. Houser

Breast augmentation is performed by inserting saline or silicone implants to increase the size of the breasts or replace diminished volume (usually from pregnancy or weight loss). Dr. Houser inserts the 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) implants are now available for breast augmentation. The average patient is between the ages of 25 and 40 . Breast implants are meant to be a lifetime device; however implants have a known failure rate of about 1% per year. If a saline breast implant leaks, it deflates and would need to be replaced. If an implant is still intact and looks okay, it does not need to be replaced. If you are concerned about breast sagging (ptosis) in addition to lost volume, you may want to consider having a breast lift in addition to implants, but Dr. Houser can help you determine what will give you the look that you desire.
Recovery following breast surgery is about 1 to 2 weeks. Dr. Houser provides most breast augmentation surgeries in our AAAASF accredited surgical facility located in Westerville, Ohio a suburb on the north side of Columbus.

Faqs on Breast Augmentation / Breast Implants

Does Dr. Houser perform many breast augmentations?

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

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

I would like to have my saline implants replaced with silicone breast implants. Does Dr. Houser do breast implant removal/ implant replacement?

How do I decide on implant size?

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

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

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?

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

What kind of scars will I have from the surgery?

Will I need general anesthesia during my surgery ?

How long is recovery following breast augmentation?

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

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

How much does breast augmentation cost in Columbus Ohio?

Will my surgery be performed in a hospital or in your office?

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

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

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 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 enlargement. 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.

I would like to have my saline breast implants replaced with silicone breast implants. Does Dr. Houser do breast implant removal/ implant replacement?

Yes. Dr. Houser replaces (and removes, if the patient desires) breast implants. Breast implant removal /replacement can be performed for many reasons including, the desire to switch from saline to silicone (or the reverse), asymmetry, capsular contraction, implant rupture, and the desire for a change in implant size.

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 augmentation, your 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 implants lift my breasts?

Breast implants 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), implants 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 lifts 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.

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 dis-solvable 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 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 surgery may be compromised.

Will I need general anesthesia during my breast augmentation?

Most breast augmentation surgeries performed by Dr. Houser utilize twilight sedation in our AAAASF accredited private surgical suite which is located on the north side of Columbus, Ohio in the suburb of Westerville. Twilight sedation 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 corrected?

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 of 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 the suburb of Westerville.

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. During your 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 surgery?

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. The professionals 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.

Breast Implant Sizing

Nothing in the breast augmentation decision process causes as much anguish as sizing. Understandably, women often worry that will go too big and also worry that they won’t go big enough. One way to try them on for size is to use the rice test in the privacy of your home.

The Rice Test

Measure uncooked rice into a plastic baggie or cut the foot/ ankle section out of a pair of pantyhose and use it. Fill the baggie or footie with different amounts of rice, spread out evenly in a non-padded bra. Wear with a snug t-shirt and various styles of clothing and see what you think. After you do this, talk about it with Dr. Houser at your next appointment. (Measurements are approximate)

In general, you will increase a bra cup size for every 150cc’s that you add.

Breast Augmentation: Glossary of terms

Areola: Pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.

Capsular contracture: A complication of breast implant surgery which can occur if scar tissue that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant and becomes firm.

Inframammary incision: An incision made in the fold just beneath the breasts.

Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.

Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.

Mammogram: An x-ray image of the breast.

Periareolar incision: An incision made at the edge of the areola.

Saline implants: Breast implants filled with salt water.

Silicone implants: Breast implants filled with an elastic gel.

Submammary or subglandular placement: Breast implants placed directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle.

Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.

Transaxillary incision: An incision made in the
underarm area.

Twilight sedation: commonly known as conscious sedation or twilight anesthesia consists of intravenous medications to decrease pain, reduce anxiety, and facilitate relaxation during surgical procedures. Twilight sedation causes fewer complications than general anesthesia and allows for a quicker recovery.