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Breast Augmentation & Breast Implants

Conveniently located to serve Columbus, Lancaster, Pickerington, and Canal Winchester

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to increase and enhance the size of a woman’s breasts. Many women choose breast augmentation with implants at our Columbus, Ohio’s practice to reverse the effects of pregnancy and nursing, or to enhance an area of their figure that they always felt uncomfortable with.

Whatever the reason, the decision to undergo breast augmentation is a personal one. At Central Ohio Plastic Surgery, we would be happy to discuss your options with you during a private consultation.

Amazing Doctor/ Amazing Results – Columbus, OH
Dr. Lichten‘s name came HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by a friend who also has breast augmentation and had the best results from the surgery, the staff, and the professionalism of the whole office. Because my friend “raved” so much about Dr. Lichten, I did not even look at another doctor and when I met him, I knew he was the doctor for me. I just want to say that I had amazing treatment from Dr. Lichten and his staff. I was very nervous and the staff and Dr. Lichten were very professional and made me feel very comfortable. The process was quick and I was in surgery within a month, with a breast augmentation. The healing process was exactly what was explained to me. I had some questions, just having the surgery and the staff was very quick to get me answers. I am not 6 weeks post-surgery and I must say that I am amazed at the fabulous work that Dr. Lichten has done. I am so very happy with my body and love everything about the surgery that was performed. I typically would not give 5 stars but I have the absolute best results that I could imagine. I would go back to Dr. Lichten for any procedures in the future.”

– A Very Happy Customer Testimonial
*Individual results may vary.

Breast Augmentation Candidates

Breast augmentation is right for many women who want to improve the appearance of their breasts. Although no amount of cosmetic surgery can make you look “perfect,” breast enlargement can help to create better proportions.

Many of Dr. Lichten’s patients are mothers who come in for a “mommy makeover.” They are looking to restore their bodies back to the shape they had before having children and often combine their breast augmentation with body procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to primary breast enlargement, many women choose to have their breast augmentation paired with a breast lift to improve breast contour and volume.

Breast Augmentation Before & Afters

 

Breast Augmentation Before Photo
Breast Augmentation After Photo

View Breast Augmentation Gallery


The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Several different incision options are available for women considering breast augmentation in the Columbus, Ohio area. Dr. Lichten prefers to place implants through the natural crease below the breast. In his experience, this inframammary incision affords the best exposure for placement of the implant with minimal scarring in an inconspicuous location.

During surgery, a saline or silicone gel implant is inserted behind the breast tissue to enlarge and improve the contours. The majority of patients choose to have their implants placed behind the chest muscles, but for certain women, there may be advantages in placing the implants above the muscles. Once the procedure is complete, incisions will be sealed using sutures.

For the actual implants, we typically utilize smooth, round breast implants. These provide a natural appearance for our patients and have lower rupture and complication rates than textured or anatomic implants.

“I had a breast augmentation Aug 2023. I was very nervous and hesitant at my consult but Dr Lichten answered all of my questions and made me feel confident in my decision to have it done. He is always honest with you and doesn’t push any service on you. The staff at COPS is always welcoming and sweet. They were all very helpful along the way. I will always recommend Dr Lichten and his practice!!”

– Real Patient Testimonial
*Individual results may vary.

Silicone implants are FDA-approved for most breast surgeries and can be used in breast augmentation for women age 22 and older. Saline implants are approved for women 18 and up. Dr. Lichten is comfortable using both saline and silicone implants – the deciding factor is usually a patient preference.

When it comes to breast augmentation, every woman wants to know what size implants to choose. Unfortunately, many women become wrapped up in how big the implant is (how many cc’s is it filled with) rather than focusing on choosing the right implant for their body frame.

At Central Ohio Plastic Surgery, we will spend time with you selecting an implant based on your body frame and your goals. We utilize not just the size but also the profile of the implants to help you choose the right breast implants for you. The end result of breast augmentation is a more curvaceous bust line and improved body proportions.

“I am very happy with everything you did. I trusted your opinion, and expertise and am glad I did. I look great!! Ask my husband! We have a top-notch Doctor in this little town of Lancaster!”

– Abdominoplasty and Breast Augmentation Patient Testimonial
*Individual results may vary.

When it comes to breast augmentation, every woman wants to know what size of implant to choose. Unfortunately, many women become wrapped up in how big the implant is (how many cc’s is it filled with) rather than focusing on choosing the right implant for their body frame. At Central Ohio Plastic Surgery, we will spend time with you selecting an implant based on your body frame and your goals. We utilize the profile of the implants, as well as the size, to help you choose your implants. The end result of breast augmentation is a more curvaceous bust line and improved body proportion.

Breast Augmentation Using Fat Grafting

In some cases, patients may not be comfortable with the idea of getting implants or may only want a slight increase in breast size that does not warrant the use of breast implants. In these instances, fat grafting can be used to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Fat grafting breast augmentation, also known as natural breast augmentation, involves harvesting fat from an area of the patient’s body and injecting it into the breasts to both add volume and improve their overall shape and appearance.

Breast Implant Sizes

What to Expect

Breast augmentation using fat grafting offers a number of benefits. One of the primary benefits is that the fat harvested for the procedure is taken from a problem area of the body with an abundance of excess fat like the abdomen, thighs, hips, or back. This can help to rebalance the proportions of the body and enhance the beauty of your figure. The fat is harvested through liposuction. Extra care and precision are used to ensure that most of the harvested fat cells are alive and not severely damaged. The fat is then purified and prepared for injection
During the fat grafting process, multiple injections will be made around the breasts so that the fat is evenly distributed. This will ensure that the breasts have a natural and symmetrical appearance. The amount of fat harvested and injected will be based on the desired increase in size. The procedure can take around three or more hours to complete.

Recovery and Results

Fat grafting breast augmentation requires a much shorter recovery period compared to traditional breast augmentation surgery. Patients can typically return to work after three to five days. There will be some bruising and swelling around where the fat was harvested and around the breasts that may take longer to subside.
It will take some time to see the full results of your procedure. Some fat cells will die over the course of the recovery process. Extra fat is usually injected during the procedure to compensate for this loss. Since there is no large incision required for the procedure, any post-surgical marks will be small and not easily noticeable.

The Recovery Process After Breast Augmentation

Once breast augmentation is complete and you have returned home, you will need to rest and heal for a time. This process will involve taking care of your incisions, staying home from work, and avoiding heavy exercise and other physically taxing activities.

Bruising and swelling will be present in the breast region. To support your swollen tissues as they heal, you will need to wear a comfortable post-surgical bra without an underwire. Prescription medication will be available to control any pain or discomfort during the healing process.

Cost of Breast Augmentation

The cost of this procedure depends on a few variables, like the type of implant you get, the technique used during surgery, the length of the procedure, and more. If you have any questions about the price of your breast augmentation, be sure to ask Dr. Lichten during your personalized consultation.

Call to Set Up a Consultation Today

To learn more about breast augmentation with implants, along with the other breast procedures we perform, contact our office to set up a consultation today. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Lichten will be available to answer your questions and discuss the process with you in detail.

Call: 614.862.8008

FAQ

+ What Is the Difference Between Saline and Silicone? Which One Is Better?

The decision between saline and silicone is a personal choice for each patient to make. Dr. Lichten has had success with both types of implants.

Saline implants are less expensive and can be put in through a slightly smaller incision. In addition, since saline implants do not come pre-filled, Dr. Lichten has the ability to adjust implant size during surgery. This is beneficial for patients with significant asymmetry because they can make up for size differences in the operating room during surgery without having to guess.

Silicone implants look, act, and feel more natural. Because Dr. Lichten uses a special device called the Keller Funnel, the incision is only ½ cm bigger than saline implants. Silicone implants have evolved greatly in the last 30 years.

Form stable silicone (sometimes called gummy bear implants) are the newest generation of silicone implants. These may provide more natural results for women starting out with very little breast tissue. Results with these implants show that their rupture rate and capsular contracture risk are slightly lower than for other implants.

We have samples of all types of implants in our office so you can see and feel the differences for yourself. In addition, we have some 30-year-old silicone implants in the office. Once you see and feel these implants, the advances in technology will be immediately obvious.

+ Are Silicone Implants Safe?

In 1992, the FDA took silicone breast implants off the market for cosmetic use. They remained available for women who needed breast cancer reconstruction during that time. In 2006, the FDA determined that silicone implants were safe and allowed them back on the market for general use for women over ages 22 and older. The vast majority of studies and research done on silicone during that time confirm that silicone implants pose no additional risk over saline implants.

In August 2019, the FDA stated: “to protect individuals from the increased risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), associated with Allergan BIO CELL textured breast implants, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that Allergan recall its BIO CELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders. Allergan agreed and is removing these products from the global market.”

BIA-ALCL is a very rare lymphoma of the capsule that forms around a breast implant. To date, all cases have been associated with textured implants (which represent less than 5% of the implants we typically use at Central Ohio Plastic Surgery), at a rate of less than 1 in 3,000 cases. It usually presents 8 to 10 years or more after implant placement as a fluid collection (swelling) around the breast implant. Removal of the implant and capsule is curative.

If the safety of silicone implants is a concern, we invite you to do research of your own. It is our opinion, however, based on research and education, that medically and scientifically, silicone breast implants pose no significant additional risk.

+ How Long Do Implants Last?

The rupture rate of a saline implant is approximately 1% per year, which translates to 10% in 10 years. Therefore, statistically speaking, 1 in 5 women with saline implants (since each woman has 2 breasts) will need a second surgery within 10 years to replace a ruptured implant.

For smooth, round silicone implants, the rupture rate is lower, so it takes approximately 17 years to reach that 10% rupture rate (when 1 in 5 women will need to have a second surgery).

Early studies on form-stable implants show 2% at 6 years.

+ How Do I Know If an Implant Breaks?

For saline implants, you will notice a visible deflation of the breast, often over a very short period of time. Typically, we try to get patients in and seen as quickly as possible to prevent the capsule and breast pocket from tightening around the implant once it has deflated. In addition, social concerns drive our patients to have it done quickly.

For patients with silicone implants, most women don’t notice a huge change with a rupture, although some will see or feel a subtle difference. Most of the time, a ruptured silicone implant is diagnosed by an MRI or is sometimes picked up on a mammogram. If it is determined that a silicone implant is ruptured, the FDA recommends having it removed or replaced.

After the first year, we encourage and recommend that my breast implant patients come in and see me every year so we can check the status of their implants.

+ What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast implant surgery. It occurs because the body sees a breast implant as a foreign body and forms a capsule around it.

For the vast majority of people, the capsule stays soft. Sometimes, however, the capsule gets hard, which can lead to pain or distortion of the implant. If that occurs, additional surgery may be needed to take out the capsule, possibly change the implants, or move the implants to a new pocket.

Fortunately, this issue is less common. In addition, rates are even lower when the surgeon places the implants below the muscle (as Dr. Lichten does) and maybe even lower with textured implants.

+ What Is My Downtime/Recovery After Breast Augmentation?

You can expect one to two days of pain medication and moderate pain. In one to two weeks, you will experience a gradual return to normal activity, but with some restrictions on lifting and exercise. In one to two months, you should be able to return to full activity without restrictions.

Of course, these numbers are just a guide. Every patient experiences recovery and returns to activity in her own way. Dr. Lichten will give you specific instructions for your own lifestyle and recovery.

+ How Do Breast Implants Affect Getting a Mammogram? Can Mammograms Make an Implant Rupture?

You absolutely can and should get mammograms after having a breast augmentation. Simply advise the scheduler when you make your appointment and let the mammographer know before she starts taking images. She will take four views instead of two and move the breast implant to the side with less compression. Rupture as a result of a mammogram is incredibly rare.

+ How do I know if my doctor is qualified to perform my surgery?

No one can guarantee your results. You can, however, ensure that your doctor has had the right training, by confirming that s/he is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Although many physicians claim to be board certified, you should confirm their specialty. In addition, you can gain comfort if your doctor is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The ASPS confirms plastic surgeons’ background training and education. In addition, they ensure that the doctor keeps up on the latest medical developments and research.

You can see Dr. Lichten’s background, publications and training at http://www.centralohioplasticsurgery.com/columbus-plastic-surgeon/professional-resume

If you are interested in learning more about breast implants and breast augmentation, request a consultation with Dr. Lichten and you will receive $25 off your consultation fee. You can also call 740-653-5064 (Lancaster) or 614-862-8008 (Columbus) to schedule your visit to Central Ohio Plastic Surgery, Inc. We look forward to meeting with you.

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