Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that many women in New York City consider to enhance their appearance, boost self - confidence, and achieve their desired body image. Among the factors that individuals take into account when planning this surgery are the choice of hospitals, the expertise of the surgeons, and the types of procedures available. In this guide, we will explore French Yssea - related aspects in breast augmentation hospitals in New York City, providing in - depth information to help you make an informed decision.
Importance of Breast Augmentation in NYC
New York City is a fashion - forward and trend - setting metropolis. Here, a woman's appearance often plays a significant role in her social and professional life. Breasts are an important part of a woman's silhouette, and their size, shape, and symmetry can impact self - perception. Many women in NYC seek breast augmentation for various reasons:
- Enhanced self - confidence: A more proportionate breast size can help women feel better about their bodies, leading to increased self - esteem.
- Body proportion: Some women may feel that their bodies lack balance, and breast augmentation can help create a more harmonious figure.
- Recovery from changes: Pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural aging process can cause changes in breast size and shape. Breast augmentation can help restore the pre - pregnancy or youthful appearance.
Top Breast Augmentation Hospitals in New York City
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in breast augmentation. They use the latest 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. This technology allows patients to try on different sizes of breasts virtually, which helps them make more informed decisions about the size and shape they desire.
There are two main types of breast implants offered: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. Additionally, Mount Sinai surgeons have pioneered and perfected a fat - transfer technique called Natural Fill®. In this two - step procedure, fat is removed from the buttocks or abdomen via liposuction and then immediately inserted into the breasts. This not only enhances the breasts but also makes use of unwanted fat in the body.
NewYork Presbyterian
NewYork Presbyterian's plastic and reconstructive surgeons are dedicated to helping patients achieve their desired appearance and enhance their self - image and confidence. They offer a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery (mastopexy), breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery.
Starting from the initial consultation, the surgeons work closely with patients to understand their goals and discuss the best options based on individual needs. Whether patients visit the hospital in person or through a video visit, they can expect high - quality care and compassionate service.
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Health's plastic surgeons are experts in both reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgery. They offer all the latest reconstruction techniques, such as breast reduction using the short - scar method, which has more cosmetically appealing results due to a smaller incision. Breast lift surgery and secondary breast reconstruction and augmentation surgery are also available.
They also perform breast reconstruction using perforator flaps, creating a new breast from tissue removed from the stomach or buttocks. The "Breast in a Day" program is an innovative option for women diagnosed with breast cancer or at high risk. It combines a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day, reducing the number of surgeries and hospital stay.
Clinics Associated with Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified, Harvard - trained plastic surgeon with a focus on aesthetic breast surgery. He believes that achieving a natural, proportional, and beautiful outcome is the ultimate goal of breast augmentation, rather than simply increasing breast size.
His team pays attention to every detail, from the initial consultation to the postoperative follow - up. They consider multiple factors such as the type of implant, incision location, implant position, and style when planning the breast augmentation procedure for each patient. Dr. Kolker offers a variety of breast implant options, including gummy bear breast implants, which are form - stable and have a natural look and feel.
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery specializes in breast enhancement. The clinic offers many benefits for breast implant patients, such as increased confidence, a natural look and feel with smooth, round silicone gel implants, a balanced figure, increased breast size, and long - lasting results.
The consultation process is comprehensive, including 3D imaging to help patients visualize their expected results and the opportunity to hold sample implants. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the recovery process is carefully guided, with detailed aftercare instructions provided to ensure a smooth recovery.
Cohen/Winters Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery
This surgery center advises patients on crucial breast augmentation decisions. The right surgeon at this center will take time to understand the patient's needs, goals, medical history, and physical characteristics. They then provide guidance on various aspects such as the timing of the surgery (it's ideal to wait until after childbearing and breastfeeding), incision location (in the fold below the breast, around the areola, or under the arm), breast implant placement (over or under the chest muscle), choice of implant type (saline or silicone), desired size, preferred implant shape (round or teardrop), implant surface texture (smooth or textured), and implant profile.
Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He has in - depth knowledge of breast implants, especially the cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants). He was involved in the development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants.
Dr. Sherman works closely with patients to choose the right implants based on material (saline or silicone), shape (round or anatomical), size, and texture. He also warns patients about possible complications such as BIA - ALCL (breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma) and breast implant illness, while emphasizing the meaningful benefits of breast augmentation, including improved self - confidence and alleviation of pectus excavatum.
Understanding Breast Implants
Types of Breast Implants
Implant Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Silicone Implants | Pre - filled with cohesive silicone gel, have a silicone elastomer outer shell. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the US were performed with silicone implants. | Natural look and feel, less visible rippling under the skin. Cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants) can maintain their shape well. | If rupture occurs, it may not be as visually obvious as with saline implants. Higher cost compared to saline implants in some cases. |
Saline Implants | Have a silicone outer shell and are filled with a salt - water solution during the surgery. | Any rupture is visually obvious as the saline solution will be absorbed by the body. May have a lower risk of capsular contracture in some cases and may require a smaller incision. | Firmer and rounder appearance compared to silicone, and may have a higher chance of visible rippling under the skin. |
Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants (Gummy Bear Implants) | Developed in the 1990s, the silicone gel is thick enough to keep its form. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to mimic natural breast shapes. | Maintain their shape well, provide a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel, and reduce the risk of leakage. | Relatively new technology, may be more expensive than traditional silicone implants. |
Implant Shape
- Round Implants: These are the most common type. They add volume higher on the chest and provide a more uniform fullness. They can create a more prominent cleavage.
- Anatomical (Teardrop) Implants: These implants are designed to replicate the natural slope of the breast. They have more volume at the bottom, giving a more natural - looking shape, especially for patients who want a subtler augmentation.
Implant Size
Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (cc). The appropriate size depends on the patient's existing breast tissue, body frame, and desired results. Surgeons will use measurements, sizing exercises with sizers, and 3D imaging to help patients determine the right size. For example, a petite woman with a small frame may not be suitable for very large implants as it can look disproportionate and may cause additional stress on the body.
Implant Texture
- Smooth Implants: These have a smooth outer surface. They are more likely to move within the breast pocket, which can sometimes result in a more natural - looking movement. However, they may have a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture compared to textured implants.
- Textured Implants: The textured surface allows the surrounding breast tissue to adhere to the implant, reducing the risk of the implant rotating or becoming displaced. However, in recent years, there has been a link between textured implants and a rare form of lymphoma called BIA - ALCL.
Implant Profile
Implant profile refers to how far the breasts will project out forward from the chest wall. There are typically three profiles: low or moderate projection (less volume and anterior convexity), mid - range or moderate plus projection (intermediate volume and convexity), and high profile (maximum volume and convexity). The choice of profile depends on the patient's chest width and the desired look. A patient with a narrow chest may choose a lower - profile implant to avoid an overly bulky appearance.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Consultation
The consultation is a crucial first step. During this stage, the patient meets with the surgeon to discuss their goals, concerns, and expectations. The surgeon will review the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and take measurements of the breasts. They will also explain the different types of implants, incisions, and placement options. Many surgeons use 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the expected results. Some clinics, like Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, even allow patients to hold sample implants to get a better idea of the size and feel.
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the surgery, patients need to follow several pre - operative instructions. These may include quitting smoking or using nicotine products as nicotine can affect the body's ability to heal. Patients are also advised to taper off certain medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John's wort. They need to arrange for a trusted person to pick them up after the surgery and prepare a comfortable recovery space at home with necessary items within reach. A period of 2 - 3 weeks of rest and recuperation should be designated.
Surgery
Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure and takes about 1 - 2 hours. The patient is given either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia. The surgeon then makes small incisions to create a pocket for the implant. There are three common incision locations:
- Inframammary Incision: Made in the fold under the breast. This incision provides good access to the breast pocket and allows for easier adjustment of the implant position. However, there may be a visible scar in the breast fold.
- Periareolar Incision: Around the areola (the area around the nipple). The scar is usually less noticeable as it blends with the natural pigmentation of the areola. But this incision may cause some changes in nipple sensation.
- Transaxillary Incision: Made in the underarm area. This leaves no visible scar on the breast, but it may be more challenging to place the implant accurately, especially for larger implants.
After making the incision, the implant is placed either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or above the muscle (subglandular). Submuscular placement provides better coverage of the implant, a more natural look, and a lower risk of capsular contracture, but it may have a longer recovery time. Subglandular placement has a shorter recovery period but may have a higher risk of visible rippling.
Once the implant is in place, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and wraps the area with a compression garment to protect the results.
Recovery
In the initial days after surgery, patients can expect to experience fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. A prescription for pain medication is usually provided to ease the discomfort. Patients are required to wear a surgical compression bra for a few weeks during the healing process.
Most patients can return to light activities and work within 2 - 3 weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 6 - 8 weeks until the swelling has subsided significantly. It may take a few months for the implants to settle into place, and patients can then see their final results.
Potential Complications
Capsular Contracture
This is a condition where the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the breast implant tightens and compresses the implant. It can cause the breast to feel hard, look distorted, and may be painful. Risk factors for capsular contracture include implant type (textured implants may have a lower risk in some cases), implant placement, and infection. Treatment may involve surgical removal of the capsule and sometimes replacement of the implant.
Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)
Although rare, there is a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL in women with breast implants, especially those with textured implants. It is a form of non - Hodgkin's lymphoma. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, or a mass around the implant. Most cases can be effectively treated if detected early, often involving removal of the implant and the surrounding capsule.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
BII is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms that some women experience after having breast implants. These symptoms can include memory loss, "brain fog," joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is still not fully understood and is under investigation.
Implant Rupture
Silicone implants may rupture silently, meaning there may be no obvious signs. Saline implants will deflate quickly if they rupture. Rupture can be caused by trauma, aging of the implant, or manufacturing defects. If a rupture occurs, the implant usually needs to be removed and may be replaced.
Choosing the Right Surgeon and Hospital
Surgeon Qualifications
It is essential to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation. The surgeon should have at least 10 years of experience in breast plastic surgery. Additionally, look for surgeons who have experience in breast reconstructive surgery, as this indicates a higher level of surgical skill and knowledge.
Hospital Accreditation
The surgery should be performed at an accredited outpatient surgery center or a hospital with surgical privileges. Accreditation ensures that the facility meets certain safety and quality standards. For example, some surgeries are performed at facilities accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the surgeon's skills, bedside manner, and the overall patient experience. Look for clinics with a high number of positive reviews and before - and - after photos of satisfied patients.
Communication and Comfort
During the consultation, pay attention to how well the surgeon listens to your concerns and answers your questions. You should feel comfortable communicating with the surgeon and their staff. A good surgeon will take the time to understand your goals and help you make informed decisions about your breast augmentation.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a complex but rewarding procedure that can have a significant impact on a woman's self - confidence and body image. In New York City, there are many reputable