Introduction
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that has helped countless women enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence. In New York City, a hub of medical innovation and aesthetic expertise, there are numerous hospitals and clinics offering this service. This article will conduct a strength review of the top ten hospitals for breast augmentation with prostheses in New York City, considering factors such as surgeon expertise, patient satisfaction, available techniques, and after - care services.
1. Understanding Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
Before delving into the review of the top hospitals, it's essential to understand the basics of breast augmentation with prostheses. This procedure involves the insertion of silicone or saline implants to increase the size, shape, or symmetry of the breasts. The choice of implant material, size, shape, and placement is crucial in achieving natural - looking and satisfactory results.
- Implant Materials:
- Silicone Implants: These are pre - filled with a silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are the most commonly chosen implants in the United States, with approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in 2020 being performed with silicone implants (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants, are increasingly popular due to their ability to maintain their shape and provide a natural and proportionate breast appearance.
- Saline Implants: These are inserted empty and then filled with saline solution during the procedure. They are generally less expensive than silicone implants and may have a lower risk of complications in the event of a rupture, as the saline solution is absorbed by the body. However, some patients may find that they do not feel as natural as silicone implants.
- Implant Placement:
- Submuscular Placement: The implant is placed under the pectoral muscles. This can provide more natural - looking results, especially for patients with less breast tissue, and may reduce the risk of visible implant rippling. However, it may also result in more post - operative discomfort and a longer recovery period.
- Subglandular Placement: The implant is placed above the pectoral muscles and below the breast tissue. This approach may result in a quicker recovery and less post - operative pain but may increase the risk of visible implant edges and rippling, especially in patients with thin breast tissue.
2. Top Ten Hospitals for Breast Augmentation with Prostheses in New York City
2.1 Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His practice is known for providing comprehensive breast augmentation services, as well as a wide range of other cosmetic surgery procedures.
- Surgeon Expertise: Dr. Kolker has an impressive educational background, having trained at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is also an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, which means he stays at the forefront of advancements in plastic surgery.
- Patient Satisfaction: He has been featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 - 2024 and as one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons in 2021 - 2024 by Newsweek. His patients have given glowing testimonials, praising his ability to achieve natural - looking and proportionate results. For example, patients have said that he "made the impossible, possible" and "changed my life."
- Techniques and Services: Dr. Kolker uses a personalized approach, establishing each patient's aesthetic goals to achieve the best possible outcome. He offers various breast - related procedures, including breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, and tuberous breast correction. He also incorporates his artistic skills into the surgical process, ensuring that the results are not only aesthetically pleasing but also harmonious with the patient's overall body shape.
- After - care: The practice offers comprehensive consultations, both in - person and virtually. They provide post - operative support to help patients through the recovery process, which is crucial for achieving the best results.
2.2 Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Lara Devgan is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City, specializing in breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures.
- Surgeon Expertise: As a female plastic surgeon, she understands the unique concerns and desires of her patients. She offers personalized consultations, where she examines, measures, and photographs the patient's breasts and discusses their medical history and surgical goals. She shows patients samples of silicone and saline implants so they can feel the difference and helps them "try on" different sizes of implants to determine the most suitable option.
- Patient Satisfaction: Her patients have reported high levels of satisfaction, with comments such as "I did the big reveal... and I love them!" and "I can honestly say it was worth it." The natural - looking results and the discreet and professional manner in which she handles the sensitive topic of breast augmentation have won her many loyal patients.
- Techniques and Services: Dr. Devgan performs breast augmentation surgeries either in her fully accredited private office operating room or at one of the top local hospitals on the upper east side. The surgery typically takes one hour, and she provides detailed post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
- After - care: She offers clear guidance on the recovery process, including information on pain management, when to return to work, and when to resume physical activities. Her patients usually experience a relatively quick recovery, with most feeling "back to normal" within a month after surgery.
2.3 Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon who focuses on providing individualized breast augmentation services.
- Surgeon Expertise: He has a deep understanding of breast implants, having worked closely with Allergan during the development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. He helps patients choose the right implant material, shape, size, and texture based on their body type and aesthetic goals. For example, he explains to patients the differences between round and anatomical implants and how implant size is measured in cubic centimeters rather than bra cup size.
- Patient Satisfaction: By developing personalized treatment plans and taking the time to answer patients' questions, he has built a reputation for excellent patient care. His patients can expect to achieve their desired breast profile through a well - planned and executed procedure.
- Techniques and Services: Dr. Sherman uses different incision techniques, such as inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary incisions, depending on the patient's case. He also offers corresponding and complementary procedures like breast lift to enhance the overall results of breast augmentation.
- After - care: He provides detailed pre - operative instructions, such as quitting smoking and tapering off certain medications, to ensure a smooth surgery and recovery. Post - operatively, patients are given pain medication and a surgical compression bra, and he closely monitors their recovery progress.
2.4 Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Nadia Afridi is a highly regarded plastic surgeon in New York City, especially known for her work in breast augmentation.
- Surgeon Expertise: She is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Canada, an associate fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She has four main considerations in breast augmentation surgery: the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision, the type of implant, and the size of the breast implant. She is experienced with both saline and silicone implants and can perform breast augmentation revisions for patients who are not satisfied with their previous results.
- Patient Satisfaction: Her patients appreciate her professionalism and friendly approach. She is always ready to answer patients' calls post - operation, and her staff is very helpful and accommodating. Reviews mention that she and her team treat patients like royalty.
- Techniques and Services: Dr. Afridi usually performs the breast augmentation surgery under general anesthesia, and the incisions are made in unnoticeable areas to minimize scarring. Her practice typically lasts 1 - 2 hours.
- After - care: She provides comprehensive after - care support, guiding patients through the recovery process and addressing any concerns that may arise.
2.5 Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon offering breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgeries in New York City.
- Surgeon Expertise: He has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise in plastic surgery. He provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. He is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care to his patients.
- Patient Satisfaction: His patients praise his skill and the caring nature of his staff, from the receptionist to the operating room team. His price is considered fair compared to other board - certified plastic surgeons.
- Techniques and Services: Dr. Swift is skilled in performing breast augmentation surgeries and offers a variety of cosmetic procedures. He provides clear pre - operative instructions, such as refraining from vigorous exercise the day before surgery and not applying lotions or creams on the treatment area the night before.
- After - care: After surgery, he gives specific instructions on post - operative care, such as wearing a surgical bra, refraining from bending, lifting, or strenuous exercise until approved, and provides support throughout the recovery period.
2.6 Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine is a top - ranked academic medical center that offers comprehensive cosmetic breast surgery services.
- Surgeon Expertise: Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field, partnering with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. They are highly skilled and able to help patients achieve a natural look, taking into account the patient's unique body type, race, ethnicity, gender, and gender identity.
- Patient Satisfaction: By prioritizing patient comfort at every step of the process, from the initial consultation to post - operative care, they have a high level of patient satisfaction. Their team helps patients feel confident in their appearance and promotes integrated physical and mental health.
- Techniques and Services: They offer a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery, breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery. They use the latest anesthetics and medications in state - of - the - art surgical suites to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster.
- After - care: After surgery, their care team manages the patient's pain with medication and teaches them how to care for themselves during the recovery process. They also provide follow - up appointments to monitor the patient's progress.
2.7 Shafer Plastic Surgery & Laser Center
Dr. David Shafer's Shafer Plastic Surgery & Laser Center is a well - known practice in New York City for cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation.
- Surgeon Expertise: Dr. Shafer is a double - board certified plastic surgeon. He was trained at the Mayo Clinic and completed a world - class aesthetic fellowship for face, breast, and body. He is a national peer trainer for Botox and dermal fillers, which shows his high level of expertise in the field.
- Patient Satisfaction: By combining non - invasive and surgical procedures to achieve natural - looking results, he has satisfied many patients. His practice focuses on personalized care, understanding each patient's unique goals and concerns.
- Techniques and Services: The center offers a range of breast - related services as part of their overall cosmetic surgery offerings. They are likely to use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes for breast augmentation patients.
- After - care: Although specific details on after - care may vary, they are expected to provide appropriate support to help patients through the recovery phase, similar to other high - quality practices in the area.
2.8 Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery
Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery, led by Dr. Nicholas Vendemia, is a full - service plastic surgery practice.
- Surgeon Expertise: Dr. Vendemia and his team are experienced in breast augmentation, as well as other procedures such as rhinoplasty, liposuction, laser treatments, and injectables. They are focused on safety, innovation, and providing high - quality care.
- Patient Satisfaction: Their commitment to the highest standards of safety and care, along with a focus on patient - centered services, has likely contributed to a good level of patient satisfaction. Their caring and skilled staff in Manhattan play an important role in the patient experience.
- Techniques and Services: They offer breast augmentation services with an emphasis on achieving the desired aesthetic goals for each patient. They may use advanced techniques and the latest implant technologies.
- After - care: Similar to other practices, they are expected to provide after - care services to help patients recover and ensure the long - term success of the breast augmentation procedure.
2.9 West Village Plastic Surgery, The Natural Look
Dr. Kim at West Village Plastic Surgery has developed an algorithm for facial fillers and is also experienced in breast augmentation.
- Surgeon Expertise: His philosophy is to provide the highest quality of treatment and service to improve, restore, and harmonize the face and body. In breast augmentation, he is likely to use techniques that focus on achieving a natural look for his patients.
- Patient Satisfaction: By aiming to provide a natural and proportionate result, he may have a good reputation among patients seeking breast augmentation. His personalized approach to each patient's case may contribute to patient satisfaction.
- Techniques and Services: The practice offers breast augmentation as part of their body - contouring services. They may use innovative techniques and the latest advancements in implant technology.
- After - care: Patients can expect after - care support to help them through the recovery process and achieve the best possible long - term results.
2.10 Norman Rowe, MD
Dr. Norman Rowe is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a well - known practice in New York City's upper east side, specializing in breast procedures.
- Surgeon Expertise: He has extensive experience in breast procedures, rhinoplasty procedures, and revision procedures. His knowledge and skills in the field of breast augmentation can help patients achieve their desired results.
- Patient Satisfaction: His practice is recognized for its ability to handle different types of patient cases, and his experience may lead to a high level of patient satisfaction. He can assist patients with a variety of face, breast, body, or skin treatments.
- Techniques and Services: Dr. Rowe offers breast augmentation services, taking into account the patient's unique goals and body type. He may use the latest surgical techniques and implant options.
- After - care: Similar to other top surgeons, he provides after - care services to support patients during the recovery period and ensure the success of the breast augmentation procedure.
3. Comparing the Top Ten Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Patient Satisfaction | Techniques and Services | After - care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice | Highly trained at top institutions, associate clinical professor | Featured in multiple best - doctor lists, numerous positive testimonials | Personalized approach, variety of breast - related procedures | Comprehensive consultations, post - operative support |
| Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS | <
