Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City, with women from all walks of life looking to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. There are two main methods of breast augmentation: breast implant augmentation and liposuction breast augmentation. Choosing the right plastic surgery hospital is crucial to ensure a safe and successful procedure. This guide will provide in - depth information on how to select the ideal plastic surgery hospital for these procedures in New York City.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Implant Augmentation?
Breast implant augmentation involves the surgical placement of implants to increase the size and change the shape of the breasts. There are two main types of implants available: silicone and saline. Silicone implants look and feel more natural in the breasts. The current generation of silicone breast implants is pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Saline implants, on the other hand, are silicone shells filled with a sterile saline solution (a mixture of salt and water) at the time of surgery. They are firmer and rounder. According to top Google search results, plastic surgeons will advise patients on the best implant type based on their body type and desired outcome.
What is Liposuction Breast Augmentation?
Liposuction breast augmentation, also known as fat transfer breast augmentation, is a two - step procedure. First, the surgeon uses liposuction to remove fat from areas such as the buttocks, abdomen, hips, flanks, or thighs. Then, this fat is immediately inserted into the breasts to increase their volume. Mount Sinai surgeons pioneered and perfected the fat transfer technique (Natural Fill®). This method is suitable for patients who want a small to moderate increase in breast size and prefer a more natural approach using their own body fat.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Enhanced Appearance
One of the most obvious benefits is an improved physical appearance. Fuller, more symmetrical breasts can create a more balanced and feminine silhouette. This can help women feel more confident in their clothing, especially in swimsuits and form - fitting dresses.
Boosted Confidence
Many women who are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts experience a significant boost in self - confidence after breast augmentation. It can improve their self - image and make them feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Restored Volume
For women who have experienced a reduction in breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, breast augmentation can restore the lost fullness and bring back a more youthful appearance.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Plastic Surgery Hospital
Surgeon Qualifications
It is essential to choose a hospital with board - certified plastic surgeons. Board certification ensures that the surgeon has completed the appropriate training and passed a comprehensive examination related to plastic surgery. Surgeons should be updated with the latest scientific research and have years of experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. For example, Dr. Eric K. Cha of Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery is board - certified and is also informed about the latest research from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Aesthetic Society, and the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons. He has performed numerous breast augmentations over his decades - long career.
Hospital Accreditation
The plastic surgery hospital should be accredited by recognized organizations such as the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), or the International Medical Quality (IMQ). Accreditation ensures that the hospital meets high standards of safety, quality, and professionalism. Dr. Adam Kolker's surgical facility in New York City is accredited by the AAAASF, which gives patients confidence in the safety and quality of the procedures performed there.
Reputation and Reviews
Research the hospital's reputation in the community. Read online reviews and testimonials from previous patients. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or your primary care physician. Positive reviews and a good reputation are indicators of a hospital that provides excellent care and satisfactory results. Dr. Kolker has received many positive testimonials from patients who have undergone breast augmentation with him, like patients who were thankful for correcting their asymmetrical breasts and boosting their self - esteem.
Range of Services
A good plastic surgery hospital should offer a wide range of breast augmentation options. This includes different types of implants (silicone, saline, gummy bear), various incision techniques (inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary, transumbilical), and the option of liposuction breast augmentation. This allows patients to choose the procedure that best suits their needs and goals. For example, NewYork - Presbyterian plastic surgeons offer the full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery.
Patient - Surgeon Communication
Effective communication between the patient and the surgeon is crucial. During the consultation, the surgeon should listen carefully to the patient's desires and concerns, and provide detailed information about the procedure, including potential risks and complications. They should also use tools like 3D imaging to help the patient visualize the expected results. At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, during the consultation, patients can experience an in - depth process where they can ask questions, discuss concerns, and view 3D imaging of their expected results.
Post - operative Care
Comprehensive post - operative care is essential for a successful recovery. The hospital should provide detailed aftercare instructions, prescribe appropriate medications, and schedule regular follow - up appointments to monitor the patient's progress. Dr. Kolker's office offers standard follow - up visits at one week, six weeks, and 12 months after breast augmentation, and provides information regarding breast health, breast self - examination, and exercises.
Cost and Financing Options
Breast augmentation can be a significant investment. It is important to understand the total cost of the procedure, including surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, hospital fees, and any post - operative care costs. Many hospitals offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery states that the price range for breast augmentation is $3,000 - $12,000, based on their national survey, and most cosmetic surgeons offer multiple financing options.
Popular Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City for Breast Augmentation
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They offer a variety of breast augmentation options, including both implant - based and fat - transfer methods. Their advanced 3D imaging technology allows patients to visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. They also provide a comprehensive consultation process to help patients make informed decisions about the size, shape, and type of breast augmentation that is best for them.
Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Rapaport Plastic Surgery, is a world - recognized expert in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. He offers both saline and silicone implants and uses an endoscope for scarless breast augmentation through an underarm incision. His team provides detailed pre - operative and post - operative care, and they take precautions to minimize the risk of complications such as capsular contracture.
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery specializes in breast enhancement. The clinic offers a personalized approach to breast augmentation, starting with an in - depth consultation that includes 3D imaging and the opportunity to hold sample implants. They also provide fat transfer to the breast as an alternative to breast implants and can combine different techniques to achieve the best results for each patient.
Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery
Dr. Eric K. Cha of Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery is board - certified and has decades of experience in performing cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation. The hospital emphasizes the importance of choosing a qualified surgeon, and they ensure that the operating facility is well - equipped and safe. Dr. Cha takes time to understand the patient's needs and provides detailed information about the procedure and its risks.
Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam Kolker, a double - board - certified, Harvard - trained plastic surgeon, focuses on aesthetic breast surgery. He believes in achieving a beautiful, natural, and proportional outcome. His surgical facility on Park Avenue is fully accredited, and he offers a wide range of breast implant options, carefully tailoring the procedure to each patient's anatomy and desires. He also provides detailed pre - operative and post - operative care and advice.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Consultation
The first step in preparing for breast augmentation is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the patient should bring "wish pics" and have a clear idea of their goals, such as the desired size and shape of the breasts. The surgeon will conduct a physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and discuss the available options, including the type of implants, incision techniques, and implant placement. They will also provide information about the procedure, risks, and recovery process.
Medical Evaluation
Before the surgery, the patient will need to undergo a medical evaluation, which may include basic blood work and breast imaging studies. The surgeon will ensure that the patient is in good physical health and is a suitable candidate for breast augmentation. Patients may be asked to stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, for two weeks before surgery.
Making Arrangements
Patients should make arrangements for post - operative care. This may include having someone to drive them home after the surgery and stay with them for the first night. They should also arrange for time off work or other activities to allow for a proper recovery. It is important to follow the surgeon's pre - operative instructions, which may include dietary restrictions, skincare routines, and lifestyle changes.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation can be performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation (twilight anesthesia). A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer and monitor the anesthesia to ensure the patient's safety and comfort during the procedure.
Incision Placement
There are several incision options for breast augmentation:
- Inframammary Incision: A short incision is made in the crease underneath the breast. This provides a wider access point and is suitable for placing larger silicone or gummy bear implants. The resulting scar is easily concealed within the crease.
- Periareolar Incision: The incision is made around the outer edge of the areola. It is often used when performing a mild to moderate breast lift at the same time. The scar is located within the natural transition in pigmentation around the nipple.
- Transaxillary Incision: A small incision is made within the armpit. The surgeon uses a specialized camera and instruments to place the breast implant, resulting in no visible scar on the breast itself.
- Transumbilical Incision: An incision is made just above the belly button, and each breast implant is inserted through this incision and brought up to the breast. This technique results in a single scar with no scarring on the breast.
Implant Placement
Breast implants can be placed either over or under the chest muscle. Submuscular placement (under the muscle) generally provides a more natural look, reduces the risk of capsular contracture, and has less visible rippling. However, it may require a longer recovery period. Subglandular placement (over the muscle) has a shorter recovery time but may have a higher risk of visible rippling and capsular contracture.
Liposuction Breast Augmentation Process
In liposuction breast augmentation, the surgeon first uses liposuction to harvest fat from the donor area. The fat is then purified and injected into the breasts in multiple small aliquots to ensure even distribution and maximum survival of the fat cells. This procedure may take a bit longer than traditional implant - based breast augmentation due to the additional liposuction step.
Recovery after Breast Augmentation
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. They may feel sore, and there will be some swelling and bruising. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage the discomfort. Patients will be advised to wear a supportive surgical bra or sports bra to help with healing and reduce swelling.
Short - term Recovery
Most patients can return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the nature of their job. Strenuous exercise and aerobic activity are restricted for the first 10 - 14 days after breast augmentation. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over the next few weeks, and the breasts will start to settle into their final shape.
Long - term Recovery
Full recovery from breast augmentation takes approximately 4 - 6 weeks. During this time, the patient should continue to follow the surgeon's instructions, including wearing the support bra, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow - up appointments. Breast implants are designed to last a decade or more, but over time, factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process may affect the results, and a secondary surgery may be considered if needed.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Capsular Contracture
This is a common complication where the scar tissue capsule around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant. It can cause the breasts to appear round and high and feel hard to the touch. Surgeons take precautions such as minimizing bleeding and avoiding contamination during the procedure to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
Implant Rupture
Both silicone and saline implants can rupture. Saline implants will deflate quickly if they rupture, and the saline solution is absorbed by the body. Silicone implants may require additional monitoring (via mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI) to detect a rupture, as the silicone gel may remain within the implant pocket or migrate to other areas of the body.
Infection
Infection can occur after breast augmentation. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat the infection, and in severe cases, the implant may need to be removed.
Changes in Sensation
Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after breast augmentation. This can be temporary or permanent and may affect sexual function and breastfeeding.
Asymmetry
Although surgeons try to achieve symmetry, there may be some degree of asymmetry in the final results. This can be due to differences in the patient's natural anatomy, the placement of the implants, or the way the body heals.
Conclusion
Selecting the right plastic surgery hospital for breast implant augmentation and liposuction breast augmentation in New York City is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on the outcome of the procedure and the patient's overall satisfaction. By considering factors such as surgeon qualifications, hospital accreditation, reputation, range of services, patient - surgeon communication, post - operative care, and cost, patients can make an informed choice. Understanding the breast augmentation process, from preparation to recovery, and being aware of the potential risks and complications is also essential. Remember, breast augmentation is a personal decision, and it is important to have realistic expectations and clear communication with your chosen surgeon.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at a reputable hospital in New York City. Take the time to research your options, ask questions, and make sure you are comfortable with the entire process. Share this guide with others who may be interested in breast augmentation and explore related topics such as the latest advancements in breast augmentation techniques and post - operative care tips to ensure a smooth and successful journey.
