Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that has been helping women enhance their femininity, boost self - confidence, and achieve their desired body contours for many years. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence and innovation, there are numerous hospitals and clinics that offer compound endoscopic breast augmentation. This article aims to provide a comprehensive list of such institutions, along with in - depth information about breast augmentation in general, the different techniques, and what patients should consider before undergoing the procedure.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of a woman's breasts. It can be done for various reasons, such as enhancing the body contour for personal reasons, correcting volume loss after pregnancy or with age, balancing uneven breast sizes, correcting congenital deformities, or as a reconstructive technique after breast surgery. As reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is consistently one of the top cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Most women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts can be considered candidates for breast augmentation. However, patients should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations. It's important to note that while breast augmentation can add volume, it may not adequately address breast sagging, which often requires a breast lift procedure that can be performed alongside augmentation.
- Enhancing body contour: Women who feel their breast size is too small for their body frame can opt for augmentation to create a more balanced silhouette.
- Volume loss: After pregnancy, breastfeeding, or as a part of the natural aging process, many women experience a reduction in breast volume. Breast augmentation can help restore that lost volume.
- Asymmetry: Some women have uneven or asymmetrical breasts, and breast augmentation can help balance the size and shape of the breasts.
- Congenital deformities: Certain congenital conditions can affect the appearance of the breasts, and augmentation can be used as a corrective measure.
- Reconstruction: Women who have undergone breast surgery, such as a mastectomy due to breast cancer, may choose breast augmentation as a reconstructive option.
Compound Endoscopic Breast Augmentation
Advantages of Endoscopic Technique
Compound endoscopic breast augmentation utilizes an endoscope, a small instrument that can be introduced into the body to view underlying tissues and parts. This technique offers several advantages over traditional breast augmentation methods. For example, top New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure. Instead of bluntly tearing the lower border of the muscle and risking implant malposition due to incomplete muscle division, the muscle is precisely divided under magnified endoscopic visualization. This allows for better control of bleeding and more precise implant positioning.
Two Main Endoscopic Methods
TUBA - Transumbilical Breast Augmentation
The transumbilical method involves an incision in the navel, often referred to as “belly button breast augmentation.” An endoscope is necessary because the surgeon does not have direct access to the breasts. After making the incision near the navel, a tunnel is created through the abdominal tissues to the breasts. The implants are then placed in the breast pocket, either in a submuscular or subglandular position. After placement, the breast implants are filled to a specified volume with saline. When performed correctly by a skilled surgeon, this technique can result in beautiful results with undetectable scars.
Transaxillary Breast Augmentation
The transaxillary technique uses an incision in the natural skin folds of the armpit, which allows scars to be well - hidden and far away from the breast. Plastic surgeons can perform this technique with or without the use of an endoscope. The incision is made in the underarm, and a dissection is performed to obtain a view of the breast pocket. The implant is then placed in one of the three possible placement methods – submuscular, subglandular, or partial submuscular – and filled with saline to a specified volume. Silicone breast implants may also be used, but they require a slightly longer incision. After surgery, the scar is small (2 - 5 cm) and well - hidden.
Disadvantages of Endoscopic Procedures
The main drawback of these endoscopic procedures is the possibility of revision surgery in the future. If a problem occurs, such as capsular contracture, the patient will likely require a conventional incision near the breast. Some plastic surgeons choose not to perform endoscopic breast augmentation or TUBA breast augmentation because it does not allow direct access to the breasts during surgery.
Breast Implants
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
Saline implants have a silicone outer shell but are filled with a saline solution, or sterile saltwater. The main benefits of saline implants are that smaller incisions can be used because they are filled after insertion into the implant pocket, and in case of rupture, the body can safely absorb the saline filling material. However, they do not resemble the look and feel of natural breast tissue as closely as silicone implants, are more prone to folding or wrinkling in the implant pocket, and may be visible under the surface of the skin, especially in women with thin skin or little body fat.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants have both a silicone outer shell and a silicone - gel filling. They more closely look and feel like natural breasts than saline implants. Memory gel® breast implants are composed of an outer silicone shell and filled with a cohesive gel formulation that acts as a solid rather than a liquid and holds together uniformly. The principal disadvantages of silicone implants are that they arrive from the manufacturer pre - filled, so slightly larger incisions are required for insertion. Also, patients with silicone implants are at risk of “silent rupture,” a condition in which the breast implant has ruptured, but the patient is not aware of it because the body cannot absorb silicone, causing the filling material to remain intact inside the implant pocket. The FDA recommends that women with silicone breast implants undergo a breast imaging exam such as an MRI or mammogram every three years, starting the third year after the initial breast enhancement procedure.
Implant Type | Incision Length | Outer Shell | Implant Fill | Risk of “Rippling” | Feel | Average Implant Lifespan | Rupture Detection | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saline | Approximately 2.5 cm | Silicone | Saline | Rippling more common, especially in very thin patients | Soft, but firmer and may ripple more in thin patients | Made to last a lifetime, 0.5% chance per year of implant - related issue | Easy to detect | Less than silicone |
Silicone | Approximately 3.5 to 4 cm | Silicone | Silicone | Less rippling than saline | Soft and more natural - feeling, like breast tissue | Made to last a lifetime, 0.5% chance per year of implant - related issue | Harder to detect | Costs slightly more than saline |
A Brand - New List of Compound Endoscopic Breast Augmentation Hospitals in New York City
Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon, is a world - recognized expert specializing in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. At his New York plastic surgery facility, breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures. He uses an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure. He offers both saline and silicone implants and will discuss the options with patients to help determine the best type for their anatomy and aesthetic goals. Contact: (212) 249 - 9955.
Dr. Tracy Pfeifer's Clinics
Dr. Tracy Pfeifer, MD, is a board - certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in breast surgery. She offers both TUBA and transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation techniques. After the surgery, she provides comprehensive care and instructions for recovery. Her work has been featured in publications such as Allure and Glamour.
Greenwald Plastic Surgery
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald, MD, FACS, is a board - certified New York plastic surgeon. He has significant experience in breast implant surgery and performs hundreds of primary and revision breast augmentations yearly. He offers saline and silicone breast implants, multiple implant placement options (subglandular and submuscular), and three incision approaches (inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary). He also uses the endoscope for the transaxillary approach. Contact: (914) 421 - 0113.
Dr. David L. Cangello's Practice
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon experienced in the art of cosmetic breast surgery. He offers personalized treatment plans for breast augmentation, including endoscopic techniques. He uses both silicone and saline implants and has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited operating room at his NYC office. Contact: (212) 644 - 4416.
Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City and a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. He tailors each breast augmentation to achieve the patient's desired look and uses endoscopic techniques when appropriate. He is also an expert in dealing with complications such as capsular contracture. Contact: (212) 988 - 4040.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Consultation
The first step in the breast augmentation process is a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. You should have an open and honest conversation with the surgeon about your expectations, and the surgeon will guide you through selecting the proper implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size. The surgeon will also discuss the risks of the procedure with you.
Pre - operative Instructions
You will be provided with instructions to thoroughly prepare you for surgery. This may include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to your day of surgery. Depending on your medical history, you may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Since the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and ensure you have someone to assist you for the first few days.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation can be performed with general anesthesia or IV sedation, also called twilight anesthesia. Anesthesia is administered and monitored by a board - certified anesthesiologist to ensure your safety and comfort during the procedure.
Incisions and Implant Placement
The incision for breast augmentation can be placed in the underarm, under the breast itself, or within the areola. The choice of incision depends on various factors, including the patient's preferences and the type of implant. The implants can be placed under or over the pectoral muscle. Placing the implants behind the chest muscle may reduce the risk of capsular contracture but may add a few days longer for recovery compared to placement directly under the breast tissue.
Closing the Incisions
Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures are typically used to close the incisions. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze and a bandage over the new breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete.
Recovery from Breast Augmentation
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until you feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to decrease discomfort. Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day after the procedure. However, you will need an escort to bring you home, and you should have someone to assist you for the first few days.
Recovery Timeline
- First few days: You may feel tired or sore following surgery, but many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days. The vast majority of patients only take extra - strength Tylenol and Valium. You should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks.
- First week: You will typically return to the office for your first follow - up appointment a day after the procedure so that the surgeon can evaluate how you are healing.
- Weeks 2 - 3: Swelling in the breasts will start to subside, but it may take several months to fully dissipate. Some patients may experience temporary or possibly permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation.
- Weeks 3 - 4: You may be able to resume light exercise and non - strenuous activities. The implants will continue to soften and settle into a more natural position.
- Months 1 - 6: The final result of the breast augmentation will typically be visible around 6 months. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks, then may remain the same size for several months or appear to widen. With time, the scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.
Potential Complications of Breast Augmentation
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule surrounding the implant tightens, causing hardening, discomfort, and a misshapen appearance. Surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk, such as using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or prescribing medications. If contracture occurs, the implants and scar tissue can be removed or replaced to restore a natural look and feel.
Infection
Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated by antibiotics and, in some cases, removing the implant.
Implant Rupture
If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, resulting in the breast appearing deflated. With both saline and silicone implant ruptures, a revision surgery is performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
Changes in Sensation
Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation, including pain, tenderness, a tingling sensation, or numbness in the treated area. Nipple sensation returns to normal in the majority of cases.
Conclusion
Compound endoscopic breast augmentation is an excellent option for women in New York City who wish to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. With the availability of experienced plastic surgeons and state - of - the - art facilities in the city, patients can expect high - quality care and beautiful results. However, it's crucial for patients to thoroughly understand the procedure, the potential risks, and the recovery process before making a decision.
If you're considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the reputable hospitals or surgeons mentioned in this article. They will be able to provide you with personalized advice and help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Don't forget to share this article with friends or family who might be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in New York City!