To get you started on the path of breast augmentation exploration, Dr. Robert Heck M.D. and his staff at Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery have put together some of the most common frequently asked breast augmentation questions for you.

1. Is breast augmentation for everyone?  Breast augmentation surgery is only for women that want the procedure for THEMSELVES.  If the procedure is being considered as a way to cure depression or please others, then it may not be the fix you are looking for.
2. What are the characteristics of a good breast augmentation candidate? Women that have never fully developed or have developed with breast asymmetry or women just looking to have larger breasts are prime candidates for augmentation surgery.  Also, those women with breast change due to age, childbirth, and/or breast-feeding are great candidates too.  A breast augmentation procedure can restore your breast to their more youthful appearance.
3. Does breast sensitivity remain the same?  In most procedures, the sensitivity of the breast remains the same.  There is a misconception that nipple sensitivity is lost.  With proper surgical procedure and the location of the incision, breast sensitivity typically does remain the same.
4. Can a woman breast-feed after breast augmentation?  Breast augmentation surgery typically does not affect breast feeding.
5. Can implants lift sagging breasts? Breast sagging occurs over time due to stretching skin, loss of elasticity, and weight loss or gain. Adding an implant can increase volume and help fill sagging skin. With that said, Dr. Heck will determine at the time of you consultation whether these patients may also require a breast lift at the same time as their breast augmentation to address the additional breast tissue.

Dr. Heck is a board certified plastic surgeon based in Columbus, Ohio with over 10 years of experience in various forms of cosmetic surgery. He and his staff are committed to making the experience and results personal to you.  His attention to detail and artistic touch is what sets him apart from his competitors. He wants you to not only feel your best, but also look your best. Let us exceed your expectations. Join us for a consultation to start your plan!

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We have taken a little time to clear up some of those misconceptions that might have been a roadblock for you.  Take a look!

• Tummy tucks are only for women – FALSE!  Tummy Tuck procedures for men are on the rise.  The procedure is usually performed to get rid of excess abdominal fat or excess skin as a result of weight loss and aging.
• Tummy tucks are common procedures that any surgeon can perform – FALSE!  Be sure to research a surgeon that specializes in tummy tucks and one that is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon!
• Tummy tuck surgery leaves little scaring – FALSE!  The amount of scaring depends on the amount of skin and fat that needs to be removed.  The procedure leaves a scar that is generally cut horizontally across the width of your body from hip to hip.  The scar fades over time, and you can apply scar creams to the incision once the incision is healed.

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure and should be taken seriously.  Dr. Robert Heck M.D. and the staff of Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery have the experience and the skills for a successful tummy tuck procedure started with a thoughtful consultation that will focus on the procedure that is right for YOU!

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This week, you may take a few moments to figure out what your personal goals are for 2012. This holiday season may have left you feeling stressed, tired and just plain worn out! You have worked hard, and now it is time to really think about what changes you want to make and how to make them happen.

Have you been thinking about a plastic surgery procedure? Now may be the perfect time to start your researching and get started on a little something for you. Dr. Robert Heck and the staff at Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery are tops in their field and have all the information you need to get started. Here are some highlights of our top procedures!

• Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift and Laser Bra
• Tummy Tuck
• SmartLipo™      and Vaser® Liposuction
• Facial Rejuvenation
• Injectables and Facial Fillers
• Mommy Makeovers

For more information on any of these procedures or question you might have regarding another procedure, visit our website and set up a consultation. The staff is waiting to help make this year the best you can be.

Dr. Robert Heck is a board certified plastic surgeon based in Columbus, Ohio with over 10 years of experience in various forms of cosmetic surgery. It is his attention to detail and artistic touch that sets him apart from his competitors. He is dedicated to taking a personalized approach to customizing your cosmetic surgery. He wants you to not only feel your best, but also look your best. Let us exceed your expectations one patient at a time.

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The first step in the process is finding a surgeon that is a good fit for you.  Once you feel comfortable and confident with the surgeon, many of the common stumbling blocks can be worked through with your surgeon and the office staff.

Below, are some of the common stumbling blocks associated with surgery.  It is important to identify them, make a list and meet with you surgeon to address them.

• Cost of the surgery – Because it is an elective surgery, you may find it hard to justify spending the money on the procedure.  Good new is that in working with your surgeon, you may find that all or part of your procedure could be covered under your insurance.  Many surgeons offer financing plans that will allow you to fit reasonable payments into your budget.
• Feelings of fear and guilt – Any surgical procedure is scary.  You will go into it not being 100% certain of the outcome.  Because you are electing to have this procedure, you are sure to have feelings of guilt.  What sort of burden will you be putting on those that will help with your recovery?  Recovery time varies depending on the individual and the type of surgery, so talk with your surgeon during your consultation on what you can expect during the recovery process. Thus, you and your family will be prepared to handle the initial challenges and make your healing and recovery a smooth and comfortable process.
• Fear of anesthesia – You may not have had a surgical procedure in the past and are terrified about going under anesthesia.  The anesthesiologist will be present during the entire anesthetic and surgical procedure. Their goal is to make it possible for you to undergo your procedure, but also, and just as importantly, they are present to monitor and care for you as though you were in an intensive care unit with your private physician at bedside the entire time. They are trained to control and eliminate pain and anxiety. As a group, they are considered by most standards to be the safest of all the medical-surgical specialties
• Down time – As with any surgical procedure, there is some recovery time necessary to heal and allow your body to conform to the changes that were made.  Often with such advancements in surgical procedures, your down time will be little more than a long weekend with some longer restriction regarding exercise. Make sure to sit down with your physician and their staff and review your post-operative recovery restrictions so you can be prepared with healthy expectations.
• Pain – Not a fan of pain or have a very low pain threshold?  Localized anesthesia and oral pain management allow you to stay comfortable throughout the procedure and during your recovery time.  Many of the new surgical techniques offer non-invasive procedures that minimize pain and recovery.

Often the fear of the unknown is worse than the actual facts.  Dr. Robert Heck M.D. and his staff offer a tremendous amount of support and guidance throughout your process.  From your first consultation to your post surgery evaluations, Dr. Heck can assure you a smooth, comfortable, satisfying result.

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Dr. Robert Heck M.D. and his associates are always searching for ways to make any procedure more comfortable for their patients, from start to finish.  The office is thrilled when a product or service can enhance any procedure and are pleased to bring it to their patients.

Dr. Heck and his associates have begun encouraging patients to try a product called SinEcch to reduce the bruising and swelling resulting from cosmetic surgery procedures. SinEcch is made from the herb Arnica Montana and is clinically proven to reduce bruising and swelling after surgery.

SinEcch has been successfully used over the past 10 years for hundreds of plastic surgery procedures and has become increasingly common.  Patients have found that using SinEcch helps to speed the post-operative recovery process and reduce uncomfortable swelling and bruising.

Although this product is not available in the office of Dr. Heck, it can be found at Whole Foods Markets and GNC stores.  The staff at the office of Dr. Heck would be happy to answer any questions or further discuss the contributions this supplement is making in post-surgery recovery.

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How do you know if you are a candidate for a breast lift?

As you age, your breasts will change shape. They will lose volume, begin to sag, and appear flat. A breast lift is for those women who are happy with the overall size of their breasts but would like them to look perkier, lifted, and more youthful. During a breast lift, Dr. Heck uses a series of incisions around the nipple, below the nipple, and underneath the breasts. The amount of incisions needed varies on the desired amount of lift and correction needed. Recovery is about 5-7 days.

How do you know if you are a candidate for a breast augmentation?

A breast augmentation is for those patients who would like to add volume and fullness to their breasts. Dr. Heck uses both silicone and saline implants and the size is completely up to the patient with some guidance from Dr. Heck. During surgery, Dr. Heck makes an incision underneath the breast to insert the implant. The incision is sutured shut with dissolvable sutures and downtime is approximately 3-5 days.

How do you know if you are a candidate for a breast augmentation with a breast lift?

A breast augmentation with a breast lift is for those patients who have flat, deflated breasts who wish to not only lift the breast tissue but to add volume and fullness at the same time. The incisions for this type of surgery are the same as for a breast lift and downtime is 5-7 days.

Dr. Robert Heck specializes in breast surgery.  He is highly skilled and fellowship trained in restoring the shape and size of the breast.  He uses techniques that produce excellent results with minimal post operative discomfort.  Your consultation with Dr. Heck will provide you with the information and answers you are looking for on your way to achieving beautiful breasts.

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Along with all the joys in having a new baby, there also come a lot of changes with the mother and her body.  Things just are not where they use to be!  For most mothers, you try to find an hour or so a couple times a week to work out, take the weight off, and tighten things back up.  Yet, some things just do not tighten up anymore!

If you have exhausted yourself with diet and exercise and are still not seeing the results you would like, you might want to consider cosmetic surgery.  A mommy makeover has become a very popular way of gaining back that pre-baby body.  Procedures to consider are:

• Breast Augmentation – To restore the shape and size of your breasts
• Breast Lift – Lift sagging breasts
• Laser Bra – Adds natural, long lasting shape to a lifted or reduced breast
• Tummy tuck – Removal of excess tissue and fat to smooth and flatten the abdominal area
• Liposuction – Removal of stubborn, unwanted fat deposits from neck, arms, back, abdomen, love handles, hips, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, and knees

It is important to find a plastic surgeon that is skilled in these procedures and who can take the time to find the ones that are right for you.  Dr. Robert Heck, M.D. of Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery specializes in mommy makeover procedures.  He has been trained in state-of-the-art techniques that provide you with amazing results.  Your consultation with Dr. Heck will provide you with the answers your need and the plan to get back to a fabulous you!

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The first of the year seems like a great time to put some focus on you.  It is time to rethink your diet, decide on a plan, and   make a commitment to an exercise routine.  Take a look at your body and get rid of an area that doesn’t ever seem to change, no matter what you do.

If you have had a liposuction procedure in the past or are considering it for the first time, this is as good of a time as any.  Liposuction can enhance your appearance and improve your body contour. Most of us have stubborn, unwanted fat deposits that just do not respond to diet and exercise.  A simple liposuction procedure can change that.

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1.     Are you a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?
2.    How many times have your performed this procedure?
3.    Where will the procedure be performed?
4.    What type of anesthesia will be using during the procedure?
5.    What are the risks associated with this procedure?
6.    Can I see multiple before and after pictures of patients on whom you have performed the same or similar procedures?
7.    What is your complication rate with this procedure?
8.    What are the cost and fees associated with this procedure?

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