Breast Augmentation in Columbus, OH
Shaping a beautiful body is all about creating balance. Whether you’re exploring breast augmentation surgery as a way to achieve a more hourglass figure or you wish to correct damage done by cancer or a previous surgery, Dr. Zochowski can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Our team of caring, attentive medical professionals will carefully review your needs and concerns prior to your breast enlargement in order to ensure fully personalized results.
Learn more about the best breast augmentation in Columbus, OH, by reading on. You can also contact Zochowski Plastic Surgery by calling 614-490-7500 or contacting us online today!
Breast Augmentation Surgery: Implant Types and Placement Techniques
Breast augmentation surgery involves the placement of implants within the breast pocket in order to add volume to the breasts. Breast implants may be placed within the breast itself (subglandular placement) or beneath the pectoral muscles (submuscular placement). In most cases, the implants are placed beneath the muscle, although for some patients, subglandular placement is more appropriate. During the consultation, Dr. Zochowski will discuss the best option for the patient.
Submuscular placement is preferred because it allows the muscle to mask the upper portion of the implant, creating a pleasing and natural-looking slope to the breast. Subglandular placement is appropriate in some cases. During your consultation with Dr Zochowski, he will evaluate what options are appropriate for each patient and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the options appropriate for each patient.
Dr. Zochowski has extensive experience with all types of breast implant devices. Patients are given the choice of silicone or saline implants, however silicone implants are more commonly recommended due to the superior technology and the best chance for the most natural look and feel.
The technology and options offered today are safe and provide an excellent, more natural result. Saline breast implants have some benefit as they pose no risk of localized irritation if they leak, as saline can be harmlessly absorbed by the body.
Dr. Zochowski typically recommends silicone “gummy bear” implants. Gummy bear implants represent the latest innovations in breast implant technology, and they are extremely durable and form stable. These teardrop-shaped implants contain a cohesive silicone gel that will not deform after placement, and the cohesive nature prevents leaks. Gummy bear implants provide consistent, long-lasting results that look and feel like natural breast tissue.
After reviewing the patient’s concerns and cosmetic goals, Dr. Zochowski will provide relevant education and appropriate options to achieve the best result.
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Want to see real patient results?
Explore all the Breast Augmentation cases performed by Dr. Christopher Zochowski in Columbus, Ohio.
Photo Gallery
Want to see real patient results?
Explore all the Breast Augmentation cases performed by Dr. Christopher Zochowski in Columbus, Ohio.
What Should I Consider Before Scheduling a Consultation?
A breast augmentation procedure can be performed on healthy women at nearly any stage of life. Breast implant surgery, when performed correctly, will not affect your ability to breastfeed. Breast implants also have no negative impact on fertility and will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Silicone breast implants are made of safe, medical grade silicone—the same nontoxic material that’s used in cardiac implants and a variety of other medical devices. From a health standpoint, the only caveat you need to be aware of is the fact that breast implants can make mammograms more challenging to perform. If you have breast implants, you should talk to your doctor about using an additional and/or alternate mammogram technique, like ultrasound, to ensure a thorough examination.
Before getting breast implants, you should take some time to consider your lifestyle. Like natural breasts, breast implants can add noticeable weight depending on their size. If you are highly active, this added weight may become uncomfortable over the long term.
During your consultation, Dr. Zochowski will discuss implant sizes for your frame and lifestyle. We have special sizers available for patients to use while trying to determine the best breast size for their body and desired outcome. We recommend that each patient spend time in our office trying on different sizes before making a final decision. Bring an unpadded bra or sports bra to accommodate the sizers, giving a very realistic expectation of sizing.
Finally, it’s important to understand that while breast implants can certainly lift and shape the breasts, patients who have a lot of loose skin often need a breast lift as well as augmentation. If you have lost a large amount of weight, had multiple pregnancies, or have age-related breast skin laxity, Dr. Zochowski will probably suggest combined lift-augmentation surgery. During this operation, loose skin is removed from the breasts before implants are inserted. This surgical combination can fully rejuvenate the breasts.
Who Makes a Good Breast Augmentation Candidate?
Breast augmentation patients must be in good overall health and be non-smokers. Smoking impairs the body’s ability to heal and makes the formation of scar tissue more likely, so it’s extremely important to give up smoking at least 1 month before (and after) your surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Zochowski will review your complete medical history (including any medications or supplements you’re taking) to make sure you’re able to safely undergo breast augmentation surgery.
If you are over the age of 50, you’ll likely need to have a mammogram before your surgery (unless you have had one recently). This is standard practice; mammograms can detect unfavorable changes in breast tissue. Ruling out potential problems before your breast augmentation will ensure you’ll be able to enjoy your amazing results for years to come.
Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Pose a Risk of Complications?
All invasive surgeries come with a slight risk of complications, but when performed correctly, breast augmentation is one of the safest plastic surgeries. Dr. Zochowski employs a number of strategies to significantly reduce the possibility of infection, which is the most common surgical complication. He performs surgery only in a sterile environment and uses a Keller funnel during all breast augmentations. Keller funnels permit surgeons to place implants without actually handling them, a process that guarantees the sterility of the implants is not compromised. A preventative round of antibiotics may also be prescribed after breast augmentation surgery to provide further protection against infection.
In rare cases, patients who have had implants placed develop capsular contracture. This condition occurs when scar tissue forms internally around the implant, making the breast look and feel harder. Capsular contracture isn’t dangerous, but it can pose aesthetic issues that sometimes make revision surgery necessary. To give patients peace of mind, Dr. Zochowski provides CosmetAssure to all of his cosmetic patients. This insurance provides financial assistance should complications arise within 45 days of surgery. This includes capsular contracture for an extended period.
Schedule a Private Consultation
If you’re in the Columbus area and have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Zochowski, please contact our office today.
What Should I Expect When Having Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Prior to scheduling a date for your surgery, Dr. Zochowski will invite you to his practice for a detailed one-on-one consultation. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing and an unpadded sports bra to your breast augmentation consultation, as doing so will make it easier to work with sizers. During your consultation, Dr. Zochowski will review your cosmetic goals, answer any questions you have about breast augmentation surgery, help you arrange for financing (if necessary), and devise a personalized treatment and recovery plan.
Breast augmentation surgery usually takes about two hours to complete and can be performed on an outpatient basis. However, if you would feel more comfortable remaining in the hospital overnight, we provide this option as well. After having surgery, you’ll need to have someone drive you home and help you with various tasks for at least a few days. Most patients feel better (and are able to return to work) within about seven to ten days.
Dr. Zochowski – Providing Professional, Personalized Care in Columbus, OH
As a practice, we strive to establish lasting relationships with our patients. Dr. Zochowski, one of the best breast augmentation surgeons in Ohio, takes the time to get to know every patient he treats, interacting directly and frequently throughout the intake and follow-up process. We believe that your hopes, objectives, and unique way of expressing yourself should form an important part of your treatment plan, both now and in the future. If you’re considering having breast augmentation surgery, contact Zochowski Plastic Surgery to arrange a consultation at our practice in Columbus, Ohio. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your goals.
- Breast implants are available in a wide range of sizes. Part of the challenge of breast augmentation or breast reconstruction is choosing the right size. Although we will provide you with many samples of different sizes when you come to the office, it is often helpful for you to try different sizes in the comfort and privacy of your own home. You might also see how a size looks with different types of clothing.
- You can make your own breast implant sizing forms from readily available and inexpensive materials. The goal of using the sizing forms is to quickly give you and your doctor an idea about the best volume for you. You may notice the look of a fuller, shapelier breast, but remember that they are only approximations of how your implants might look.
- An easy and popular do‐it‐yourself test implant method is the “Rice Test”
- You’ll need the following materials:
- 1 pair of knee high nylons (or cut off pantyhose), or Ziploc baggies
- Measuring cup
- Rice
- Use knee-high nylons, or Ziploc baggies, and fill them with the desired amount of cubic centimeters (cc’s) of rice. If using a pair of knee-high nylons, place rice in the nylon, then twist the opening and fold the nylon over on itself to contain the rice.
- Once you have them filled, try them on under a bra that would normally be somewhat loose on you. (REMEMBER NOT TO USE A PADDED BRA FOR THIS TEST).
- 1 cup = 240cc
- 1 1/4 cup = 300cc
- 1 1/3 cup = 320cc
- 1 1/2 cup = 360cc
- 1 2/3 cup = 400cc
- 1 3/4 cup = 420cc
- 2 cups = 480cc
- 10oz = 30 cc
- 8oz (1cup) = 240
- 16oz (2 cups) = 480cc
Breast Augmentation Post-Operation
Start your diet with clear liquids or a light soup. Most people can resume a normal diet the day after surgery. Advance your diet as tolerated to your regular diet over the next 24 hours.
You may experience some constipation as a result of the pain medication. Over the counter laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia or a stool softener is recommended. If this is not sufficient, then dulcolax or suppository may be necessary. These can be purchased over the counter at the pharmacy.
Mild activity is encouraged in the first few post-operative days. Walking short distances is fine, no lifting, pushing or pulling. Being active after surgery is important in preventing formation of blood clots. You should refrain from high impact or heavy exercise for 4-6 weeks or when advised by the doctor.
Leave the surgical bra and gauze dressings on for 24 hours. After 24 hours, you may remove the surgical bra and dressings to shower. After showering, please pat yourself dry, reapply clean gauze and the surgical bra. The surgical bra should be worn continuously until advised by the doctor.
Any residual surgical soap (yellow) or marker can be gently removed with rubbing alcohol.
Slight swelling, bruising, redness and of the skin is normal and will resolve over time. If one breast (or both) is markedly swollen, tender, and bruised call your surgeon. This may reflect a collection of flood in the surgical pocket.
Showers can be taken the day after surgery. Remove the surgical bra and dressings for the shower and replace the bra and other dressings after drying.
Pain medication will be prescribed to manage post operative pain. Do not drive until you are no longer taking the narcotics (and muscle relaxants) and you are free of significant pain. If you do not need narcotic pain medication to manage your pain, Extra Strength Tylenol is an acceptable over the counter option.
If there is a problem, please call the office. If after hours, the service will contact the Dr Zochowski. Most issues are easily addressed and do not require significant intervention.
The most common emergencies that might need attention are:
- Nausea that lasts 4 hours or more and does not respond to medication
- Bleeding that is persistent and uncontrolled
- Sudden enlargement and/or pain of one side with bruising
- High fever lasting more than a few hours and not responding to medication
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain that is considerably worse on one side
- Leg swelling
If you feel the situation is urgent, call 911 and/or proceed directly to the closest emergency room. Please call us as well.
Follow-up is typically in about 7 days and should be scheduled by calling the office at (614) 604-7820 if it has not already been arranged.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation in Columbus, OH
After Columbus breast augmentation surgery, most patients can return to work after about a week. If your job requires heavy lifting or other strenuous activities, you may need additional time before returning to your full duties.
We ask patients to limit their physical activities until Dr. Zochowski clears them. Most patients can resume exercise within six weeks of surgery. As you return to physical activity, take it slow. You can safely continue walking gently within a few days while being able to lift anything heavy will take longer. The placement and size of your implants, along with your healing rate, will impact how much time you’ll need before exercising again.
Natural-looking results are a priority for many of our breast augmentation patients. We use many different techniques to create results that look and feel like natural breasts. We will carefully measure your chest and choose breast implants that complement your anatomy. Dr. Zochowski will be highly cautious and precise when he inserts implants into your breasts. He often uses a submuscular placement, in which he positions the implant under the pectoral muscle. Placing the implants under the muscle ensures good tissue coverage and helps to create a natural breast shape. We also use silicone implants, when possible, for their highly natural feel. Only you need to know that your breasts have been enhanced.
Breastfeeding is often possible with breast implants. Some women with implants do have difficulties, but so do many women without implants. When it comes time to breastfeed, work with a lactation consultant that has experience helping women with breast implants if you have any trouble.
Your anatomy, the type of implant selected, and the difficulty of your surgery all impact the cost. To help you plan for your expenses, we’ll provide a detailed estimate during your consultation.
We will carefully and accurately place any incisions to minimize any scarring. We commonly make incisions in the armpit or under the breast in the inframammary fold, locations which readily hide scarring.
In addition to his breast augmentation expertise, Dr. Zochowski also performs breast lift, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction surgeries. You can see a summary of each procedure by visiting our breast overview page.
