Introduction
Breast augmentation with prosthetics has become a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. Many women are seeking to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence through this surgery. However, choosing the right plastic surgery hospital is crucial for a successful and safe breast augmentation. In this article, we will provide an in - depth look at some of the top plastic surgery hospitals in New York City for breast augmentation with prosthetics, including their services, surgeons, and patient experiences.
Popularity and Trends of Breast Augmentation in New York City
Plastic surgery, especially breast augmentation, has witnessed a significant surge in popularity in New York City. According to data released in November 2023 from the global intelligence platform Statista, in the US, the number of cosmetic surgical procedures increased from 900,000 in 1997 to more than 1.87 million in 2022. The increasing cultural emphasis on self - care and confidence has led to a more positive societal attitude towards plastic surgery, making breast augmentation a sought - after procedure in New York.
Women in New York City are more conscious about their appearance and are willing to invest in cosmetic procedures to achieve their desired look. Whether it's to restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or to enhance natural breast size, breast augmentation with prosthetics offers a solution. Moreover, advancements in technology and surgical techniques have made the procedure safer and more effective, further fueling its popularity.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon's Expertise
The skill and experience of the plastic surgeon are of utmost importance. Surgeons who are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) have completed appropriate training and passed oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures. For example, in the 2024 Newsweek rankings of America's Best Plastic Surgeons for breast augmentation, surgeons like David Hidalgo, MD, FACS, and Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS from New York were recognized. These surgeons have not only the necessary medical knowledge but also a proven track record of successful breast augmentation surgeries.
Available Technologies
Modern plastic surgery hospitals use advanced technologies to ensure better results and patient satisfaction. For instance, some hospitals like Mount Sinai use advanced 3D imaging technology. This technology allows patients to visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique body before the surgery. By showing various options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts, which helps them make a more informed decision about the size and shape of the implants.
Range of Implant Options
There are different types of breast implants available, including saline implants, silicone implants, structured implants, and gummy bear implants. Each type has its own characteristics, and the hospital should offer a variety of options to meet the diverse needs of patients. At Rowe Plastic Surgery, for example, patients can choose from saline implants, which come with fewer risks as the salt - water filling can be absorbed by the body if the implant breaks; silicone implants, which feel more natural; structured implants that mimic natural breasts; and gummy bear implants that maintain their shape even if the shell is compromised.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of service and the outcomes of breast augmentation surgeries at a particular hospital. Positive reviews about the surgeon's skill, the hospital's staff friendliness, and the overall experience can give potential patients more confidence. For example, at Dr. Adam R. Kolker's practice, many patients have left glowing testimonials about their breast augmentation results, such as feeling more confident and satisfied with their appearance.
Comprehensive Services
A good plastic surgery hospital should offer comprehensive services, including pre - operative consultations, post - operative care, and follow - up appointments. During the pre - operative consultation, the surgeon should assess the patient's medical history, physical condition, and aesthetic goals. After the surgery, proper post - operative care is essential for a smooth recovery, and regular follow - up appointments can help detect and address any potential issues early.
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City for Breast Augmentation with Prosthetics
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai is well - known for its breast augmentation services. The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. They use the latest 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the results of their surgery. Before the procedure, the surgeon consults with the patient to understand their desire for enhancing breast size and helps them decide on the size and shape that will look best for their body.
When it comes to implant options, Mount Sinai offers two main types of breast implants: silicone breast implants, which look and feel natural in the breasts, and saline breast implants, which are firmer and rounder. Additionally, they have a unique option called NaturalFill®, a fat - transfer technique pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. This two - step procedure involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen and inserting it into the breasts.
Columbia University
As one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center, Columbia University's plastic surgery department is highly regarded. The plastic surgeons on the clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast augmentation. The hospital's cosmetic care program provides surgical and non - surgical options to improve patients' cosmetic health, with breast augmentation being one of the key services.
The hospital also has a strong research focus. The plastic surgery research laboratory is conducting numerous studies related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing. This research - driven approach may lead to the development of new and improved techniques for breast augmentation in the future. The surgical team at Columbia consists of highly skilled and experienced surgeons, such as Christine Rohde, MD, who is trained in a wide range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries, including breast reconstruction and augmentation.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has an extensive educational and training background from some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. As an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he stays at the forefront of plastic surgery advancements.
Dr. Kolker's practice offers a comprehensive range of breast - related procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction. He is known for his artistic approach to plastic surgery, aiming to achieve the most natural and proportional results. His patients have given numerous positive testimonials, highlighting his skill, attention to detail, and personalized care. For example, many patients have reported a significant boost in self - confidence after their breast augmentation surgeries with Dr. Kolker.
Rowe Plastic Surgery
Rowe Plastic Surgery is another popular choice for breast augmentation in New York City. Dr. Norman Rowe, MD, a board - certified plastic surgeon, combines his skills with knowledge of the latest and most innovative techniques to provide natural - looking breast augmentation results. The hospital offers a variety of breast augmentation options, including saline implants, silicone implants, structured implants, gummy bear implants, and natural breast augmentation through fat transfer.
They also have a patient - centric approach, providing detailed consultations to help patients choose the right implant type, size, and placement. During the consultation, patients can expect to have all their questions answered, and the surgical team will take into account their unique anatomy and aesthetic desires to develop a personalized treatment plan. The hospital's staff is committed to patient satisfaction throughout the entire process, from pre - operative preparation to post - operative recovery.
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone's plastic surgery department offers a range of breast plastic surgery services, including breast augmentation and reconstruction. The plastic surgeons at NYU Langone are experts in the latest techniques for breast surgery. They use advanced technologies such as three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care.
For patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery, NYU Langone offers breast reconstruction options, including using perforator flaps, such as the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and superior gluteal artery perforator (S - GAP) techniques. In addition, they have an innovative "Breast in a Day" program for women diagnosed with breast cancer or at high risk for cancer, which combines a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day, reducing the number of surgeries and hospital stay.
Types of Breast Implants
| Type of Implant | Characteristics | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | Typically uniform in shape and firmness. Filled with a salt - water solution. | Fewer risks. If the implant breaks, the salt water is absorbed by the body with no side effects. Usually less expensive. | May feel less natural compared to silicone implants. There may be more visible rippling. |
| Silicone Implants | Feel more like natural breast tissue. The gel inside the implant gives a more realistic look and feel. | More natural appearance and feel. Less likely to ripple compared to saline implants. | If the implant leaks, it may not be as easily detectable as a saline implant leak. Silicone gel may stay within the body or migrate, which could require additional surgery. |
| Structured Implants | Filled with saline but placed in an inner mold to mimic the shape and feel of natural breasts. | Combine some of the benefits of saline and silicone implants. Can provide a more natural look and feel while still having the safety of saline filling. | Relatively new technology, so long - term data may be limited. |
| Gummy Bear Implants | Made of a cohesive silicone gel that maintains its shape even if the shell is compromised. | Very stable and less likely to leak. Can provide a natural - looking shape. Ideal for patients who want a more anatomical look. | May be more expensive than other types of implants. The firmer consistency may not be preferred by some patients. |
Breast Augmentation Procedure and Recovery
Procedure
Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure that takes about 1 - 1.5 hours under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision, which can be an inframammary incision (under the breast), a periareolar incision (around the areola), or a transaxillary incision (under the armpit). The choice of incision depends on factors such as the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's preference.
After the incision is made, the implant is placed either in the submuscular plane (under the pectoral muscles) or the subglandular plane (above the pectoral muscles). The placement is determined based on the patient's anatomy, age, and the desired outcome. Once the implant is in place, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and wraps the area with a compression garment.
Recovery
In the initial days after surgery, patients can expect to experience moderate fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Pain medication is usually prescribed to manage the discomfort. A surgical compression bra is worn for a few weeks to support the breasts during the healing process.
Most patients can return to light activities and work within 2 - 3 weeks, but strenuous activities such as going to the gym should be avoided for 6 - 8 weeks. It may take a few months for the implants to fully settle into place, and patients can then enjoy the final results of their breast augmentation.
Possible Complications of Breast Augmentation
Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)
Over the past few years, researchers have found that women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL. While the actual number of cases worldwide is not confirmed, it appears to be approaching 400 cases. This is not breast cancer but a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can be effectively treated. It seems to be associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). So far, there have only been two cases associated with smooth implants, and those patients had previously placed textured implants.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
BII is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed. These symptoms include memory loss, “brain fog,” joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation with prosthetics is a popular and effective way for women in New York City to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. When choosing a plastic surgery hospital, it is essential to consider factors such as the surgeon's expertise, available technologies, range of implant options, patient reviews, and comprehensive services. Hospitals like Mount Sinai, Columbia University, Dr. Adam R. Kolker's practice, Rowe Plastic Surgery, and NYU Langone Health offer high - quality breast augmentation services with experienced surgeons and advanced techniques.
Before undergoing breast augmentation, patients should have a thorough consultation with their surgeon to understand the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes. It is also important to follow all pre - operative and post - operative instructions to ensure a successful recovery. If you are considering breast augmentation, take the time to research different hospitals and surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and goals.
Call to Action: If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation with prosthetics in New York City, contact one of the hospitals mentioned in this article for a consultation. Discover how a professional plastic surgery team can help you achieve the beautiful breasts you've always desired.
