Breast Augmentation

Steven Robinson, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures in Columbus as well as the United States as a whole.  There are many different reasons women want breast enlargement. Some women simply never developed beyond a small size and would like to have larger breasts.

Sometimes, after childbirth and aging, breast tissue shrinks, and women want their former size and shape restored. In other cases, a woman’s breasts may become markedly smaller after significant weight loss. In both of these situations, the breasts may have begun to sag. A breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation may be the best way to both lift the breasts and increase breast size.

All of these are good reasons to consider breast implants.

What Happens During Breast Enhancement?

When considering breast enhancement, there are several choices that need to be discussed. First is the type of implant. We now have a choice between saline breast implants and gel breast implants. Saline implants can be placed in anyone over 18 years of age, while gel implants are approved by the FDA for anyone over 22 years old. Dr. Robinson is a very experienced board certified cosmetic breast surgeon and uses both types of implants on a regular basis.

• Saline implants are adjustable at the time of placement, so if your breasts are significantly uneven (breast asymmetry), these implants can be adjusted to make your breasts match better.
• Gel implants tend to feel softer and more natural than saline breast implants and do not ripple like saline can sometimes do.

There are different types of incisions as well:

• Inframammary incisions are the most popular. These are placed in the fold under the breasts where the incisions will be out of sight and out of the way of any important nerves.
• Peri-areolar incisions are placed around the nipples. This heals well but carries with it the risk of nipple numbness.
• Axillary incisions are in the armpit where any residual scarring will be well hidden.

Implants can be placed on top of the chest muscle (subglandular) or under the chest muscle (submuscular or subpectoral). If you want a lot of fullness in the cleavage area, over-the-muscle placement offers that look. Submuscular breast augmentation usually gives you a more natural look in the cleavage area if you don’t have a lot of breast tissue already.

These are decisions to make during your free consultation with Dr. Robinson. He will discuss all of these options with you and offer advice as to the best methods for you.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

An outpatient procedure that takes about two hours, breast augmentation surgery offers a relatively easy recovery period. Within a few days, you should be able to return to work and normal activities, although you can expect some inflammation, mild bruising, and soreness. For this reason, you won’t want to engage in anything strenuous for a matter of weeks.

Implants take about three months to settle into their final placement, and they normally become a bit softer during that time.

If you’re arriving from out of town, Dr. Robinson’s staff is happy to arrange an overnight stay for you at a hotel that is run by Riverside Hospital. He will examine you the following day before you return home.

Your Free Consultation for Breast Augmentation in Ohio

At your consultation, Dr. Robinson will talk with you about how you would like your breasts to look. You will also see breast augmentation before and after photos of others who have had the surgery. Dr. Robinson will then take pictures of you to serve as your “before pictures”. After about three months, he will take “after pictures” and give you both sets of photos. It can be exciting to compare the differences. Of course, your photos will not be shared with anyone else unless you consent.

When you’re ready to enlarge your breasts, Dr. Robinson invites you to take that next step and schedule a free consultation to discuss breast augmentation at our office, located at 4661 Sawmill Rd., Columbus, Ohio. You may contact us by the email form provided or call us at (614) 326-4661.