A guide to selecting plastic surgery hospitals for breast augmentation with body fillers in New York City!

A Guide to Selecting Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Augmentation with Body Fillers in New York City

Introduction

Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure that can help women enhance their body contours, boost self - confidence, and achieve the look they desire. In New York City, a global hub of fashion and beauty, there are numerous plastic surgery hospitals offering breast augmentation with body fillers. However, choosing the right hospital is crucial to ensure a safe and successful procedure. This guide will provide you with in - depth information to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and improve the shape of a woman's breasts. This can be achieved through the use of breast implants (either saline or silicone) or a fat transfer technique (NaturalFill). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is consistently one of the top cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in the United States.

Reasons for Breast Augmentation

• Enhancing body contour: Women who feel their breast size is too small for their body frame may opt for breast augmentation to achieve a more proportionate silhouette.
• Correcting volume loss: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or natural aging can cause a reduction in breast volume. Breast augmentation can restore the lost volume and firmness.
• Balancing breast size: Asymmetrical breasts can be corrected through breast augmentation to create a more balanced appearance.
• Reconstructive purposes: After breast cancer surgery or due to a congenital deformity, breast augmentation can be used as a reconstructive technique.

Types of Body Fillers for Breast Augmentation

Key Considerations When Selecting a Plastic Surgery Hospital in New York City

Surgeon's Qualifications and Experience

The surgeon's expertise is one of the most important factors in a successful breast augmentation procedure. Here's what you should look for:

• Board certification: A board - certified plastic surgeon has completed the appropriate training and passed a comprehensive examination in plastic surgery. For example, the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a well - recognized certifying body. Surgeons like Dr. Eric K. Cha of Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery are board - certified and also stay updated with the latest scientific research.
• Experience in breast augmentation: Look for a surgeon who has performed a significant number of breast augmentation procedures. During your consultation, ask about their experience, such as how many breast augmentations they have performed and the outcomes of those procedures.
• Specialization: Some surgeons may specialize in breast surgery, which means they have more in - depth knowledge and skills in this area. For instance, Dr. Adam Kolker specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face.

Reputation of the Hospital

The reputation of the plastic surgery hospital can give you an idea of the quality of care you can expect. Consider the following:

• Online reviews: Check online platforms such as Google Reviews, RealSelf, and Yelp to read what previous patients have to say about the hospital and its surgeons. For example, Dr. Nadia Afridi has received impressive reviews from clients due to her quality of work and the way she handles patients.
• Accreditations: A hospital with proper accreditations, such as AAAASF, JCAHO, or IMQ, indicates that it meets certain standards of safety and quality. These accreditations ensure that the facility has key life - support systems and follows strict protocols.
• Associations and partnerships: Hospitals that are affiliated with top - ranked academic medical centers or well - known healthcare systems, like Weill Cornell Medicine which partners with NewYork - Presbyterian, often have access to more resources and the latest medical advancements.

Range of Services and Treatment Options

A good plastic surgery hospital should offer a wide range of breast augmentation options to meet the diverse needs of patients. This includes:

• Implant options: The hospital should provide both saline and silicone implants, and if possible, different types of silicone implants such as the popular 'gummy bear' implants. Dr. Stafford Broumand at 740 Park Plastic Surgery offers both saline and advanced silicone gel implants.
• Combination procedures: Some patients may wish to combine breast augmentation with other procedures like breast lift or tummy tuck. The hospital should be able to perform these combination procedures safely and effectively. For example, many breast augmentation patients choose to combine a breast lift with augmentation to achieve a fuller and more natural breast contour.
• Alternative techniques: In addition to traditional implant - based breast augmentation, the hospital should offer alternative techniques like fat transfer breast augmentation if the patient is a suitable candidate.

Facility and Safety Measures

The safety of the patient during the procedure is of utmost importance. Consider the following aspects of the hospital's facility:

• Cleanliness and hygiene: The operating rooms and recovery areas should be clean and well - maintained to prevent infections. The hospital should follow strict cleaning and sterilization protocols.
• Anesthesia services: A qualified anesthesiologist should be present during the procedure to administer and monitor the anesthesia. Surgeons like Dr. Rapaport have board - certified anesthesiologists on their team.
• Emergency preparedness: The hospital should have emergency equipment and protocols in place in case of any complications during the surgery. Ask if the surgeon has hospital privileges, which allow them access to nearby resources and patient care if necessary.

Cost and Financing Options

Breast augmentation can be a significant financial investment. Here's what you need to know about cost and financing:

• Cost factors: The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, the extent of the procedure, the surgeon's fees, and the location of the hospital. For example, estimated breast augmentation costs range from $5000 - $11000 among different surgeons in New York City.
• Financing options: Many hospitals offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure. Popular financing options in New York City include CareCredit, which offers no - interest plans up to 24 months and extended payment plans.

Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in New York City

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging technology, to help patients visualize the results before the surgery. They offer a variety of breast augmentation options, including silicone and saline implants, as well as the NaturalFill fat transfer technique. During the consultation, the surgeon will carefully listen to the patient's desires, explain the procedure, and answer any questions. The hospital also performs a physical exam to confirm the patient's candidacy for the procedure.

Rapaport Plastic Surgery

Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon, is a world - recognized expert in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. He offers breast augmentation with both saline and silicone implants. The hospital uses a scarless breast augmentation procedure with an underarm incision, which removes all scarring from the breast. Dr. Rapaport takes every precaution to minimize the risk of capsular contracture, such as avoiding aerobic activity for ten days after surgery and using a 'no - touch' technique for implant insertion. Patients can expect to return home the same day after the surgery and full recovery takes approximately two to three weeks.

740 Park Plastic Surgery

Dr. Stafford Broumand at 740 Park Plastic Surgery excels in cosmetic breast procedures. He provides a range of implant options, including advanced silicone gel implants and the popular 'gummy bear' type. The hospital offers different incision options (periareolar and inframammary) and implant placement options (submuscular and subglandular). Dr. Broumand uses the Keller Funnel™ “no - touch” method for silicone implant placement, which can reduce the risk of complications. The breast augmentation procedure typically lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours under general anesthesia, and patients can go home the same day.

Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast augmentation with implants. Their surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The hospital focuses on individualized care, taking into account the patient's unique body and aesthetic goals. They also prioritize patient comfort, using the latest anesthetics and medications to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After the surgery, the care team manages the patient's pain and teaches them how to care for themselves during the recovery period.

Preparing for Breast Augmentation

Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is a crucial step in the breast augmentation process. During this consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, and any concerns with the surgeon. The surgeon will examine your breasts, explain the different types of implants and techniques available, and provide you with information about the procedure, recovery, and potential risks. You should also ask to see before - and - after photos of the surgeon's previous patients to get an idea of their aesthetic style.

Lifestyle Changes

Leading up to the surgery, you may need to make some lifestyle changes to ensure a successful procedure and recovery. These may include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can help your body heal after the surgery.
• Regular exercise: Staying physically active can improve your overall health, but you may need to avoid strenuous exercise close to the surgery date.
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol: Smoking can interfere with the healing process, and excessive alcohol can interact with anesthesia and medications. Many surgeons recommend stopping smoking at least two weeks before the surgery.
• Discontinuing certain medications and supplements: Some medications and supplements, such as aspirin, anti - inflammatories, and certain vitamins, can increase the risk of bleeding. Your surgeon will advise you on which medications to stop taking and when.

Arrangements for Surgery and Recovery

As the surgery date approaches, you need to make the following arrangements:

• Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital on the day of the surgery.
• Support during recovery: Have someone available to assist you during the initial recovery days, especially if you live alone. They can help with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of your medications.
• Recovery space: Set up a comfortable recovery space at home with essentials such as comfortable clothing, ice packs, and any prescribed medications. You may also need to purchase a surgical bra or compression garment.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Anesthesia

Breast augmentation can be performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation (twilight anesthesia). The choice of anesthesia depends on several factors, including the patient's preference, the surgeon's recommendation, and the complexity of the procedure. A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer and monitor the anesthesia to ensure your safety and comfort during the surgery.

Incision Placement

The choice of incision placement is an important decision in breast augmentation. Different incision options have their own advantages and disadvantages:

• Periareolar incision: An incision is made along the circumference of the areola. This incision can result in a scar that blends well with the natural color transition of the areola. However, there may be a risk to breastfeeding capability and nipple sensation.
• Inframammary incision: An incision is made in the natural crease beneath the breast. This provides direct access to the breast tissue and the resulting scar is usually concealed in the fold. It also has a lower risk of affecting breastfeeding.
• Underarm (transaxillary) incision: Some surgeons, like Dr. Rapaport, use an underarm incision for a scarless breast augmentation procedure. This removes all scarring from the breast, but it may have limitations in terms of visibility and precision.

Implant Placement

There are two main implant placement options:

• Submuscular placement: The implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle on the chest wall. This can provide a more natural appearance and feel, especially for women with little natural breast tissue. It also reduces the risk of capsular contracture and may interfere less with mammogram readings.
• Subglandular placement: The implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue but above the pectoral muscle. This can result in a simpler and quicker surgery with less postoperative discomfort.

The Surgical Process

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make the chosen incision and create a pocket for the implant. The implant will then be carefully inserted and adjusted to achieve the desired shape and symmetry. If saline implants are used, they will be filled at this stage. After ensuring the implant is correctly positioned, the incisions will be sutured closed. The entire procedure usually takes between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Recovery and Results

Immediate Post - Operative Period

After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored for a few hours. You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which are normal after breast augmentation. Pain medications will be prescribed to manage the pain, and you may be required to wear a surgical bra or compression garment to support the breasts and reduce swelling. Most patients are able to go home the same day, but they must have an adult stay with them for the first night.

Recovery Timeline

• First few days: Rest is crucial during this time. You should limit your activity, avoid strenuous exercise, and keep the incision sites clean and dry. Ice packs can be used to reduce swelling.
• First week: Some patients may be able to return to work if their job is non - strenuous. However, heavy lifting and certain movements that strain the chest muscles should still be avoided.
• Two to three weeks: Most of the swelling and bruising should have subsided by this time. You can gradually increase your activity level, but you may still need to avoid intense exercise.
• Several months: It can take several months for the implants to settle into their natural position and for the scars to fade. Full recovery and final results are