Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure, especially in a bustling city like New York. Many women seek to enhance their physical appearance, boost their confidence, and achieve a more proportionate figure through this procedure. With a plethora of hospitals and clinics in New York City offering breast augmentation with prostheses, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we will explore three well - rated hospitals in the ranking list for breast augmentation with prostheses in New York City, along with providing comprehensive information about the procedure itself.
What is Breast Augmentation with Prostheses?
Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job or breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing breast size, enhancing shape, or improving symmetry. It involves placing breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. There are two main types of breast implants: silicone and saline. Silicone implants are pre - filled by the manufacturer with a cohesive, silicone gel, and they look and feel more natural. Saline implants are filled with a solution of salt and water once they've been placed into the treatment site and are firmer and rounder.
The procedure has become increasingly popular over the years. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation has been the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the U.S. for over a decade, with more than 300,000 procedures performed annually.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
- Surgeon's Expertise: The experience and skills of the plastic surgeon are crucial. Look for board - certified surgeons who have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. They should be able to understand your goals and create a personalized treatment plan.
- Hospital Reputation: A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care. Check online reviews, patient testimonials, and ratings to gauge the hospital's standing in the community.
- Technology and Facilities: State - of - the - art technology can improve the safety and outcome of the procedure. The hospital should have modern equipment and well - equipped operating rooms.
- Pre - and Post - operative Care: Comprehensive pre - operative consultations and thorough post - operative care are essential for a successful recovery. The hospital should provide detailed information about the procedure, risks, and aftercare.
- Cost: While cost should not be the only factor, it is still an important consideration. Different hospitals may have different pricing structures. It's important to get a clear understanding of all the costs involved, including surgeon's fees, facility costs, and the cost of the implants.
Three Well - Done Hospitals for Breast Augmentation with Prostheses in New York City
Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Columbia University is one of New York’s best hospitals and the world’s top medical centers. Their plastic surgery division has the experience that few other programs can match, and their mission is to use their many resources to deliver the highest quality care for anybody in need of a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
- Surgeon Expertise: Each of the plastic surgeons on their clinical staff is proficient in multiple areas of specialization. For example, Dr. Christine Rohde is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher, trained in the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, body contouring, cosmetic surgery, and breast, trauma, and cancer reconstruction. Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman is an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters and has been included multiple times in Castle Connolly’s list of America’s top doctors and in New York magazine’s annual list of best doctors.
- Services Offered: They offer a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including breast augmentation. The cosmetic care program provides surgical and non - surgical options to improve cosmetic health, while the reconstructive care program focuses on issues like breast reconstruction after breast cancer.
- Research and Innovation: The plastic surgery research laboratory is currently conducting numerous research studies, including those related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. A major focus is on applications of gene therapy to wound healing, which may have implications for post - operative recovery in breast augmentation patients.
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation to enlarge breasts. They use advanced technologies to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look before scheduling the surgery.
- Advanced Technology: They utilize the latest 3D imaging technology, which can actually demonstrate what the larger breasts will look like on the patient's unique body. By showing various options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts.
- Implant Options: Mount Sinai offers two types of implants (silicone and saline) and a non - implant option called NaturalFill®. NaturalFill® is a fat transfer technique where fat is removed from the buttocks or abdomen with liposuction and then inserted into the breasts. This approach uses the patient's own fat, which can provide a more natural feel and reduce the risk of complications.
- Patient - Centered Care: The surgeons at Mount Sinai consult with patients, listening carefully to understand their desire for enhancing breast size. They also help patients decide about the size and shape that will look best for their body and answer all their questions during the consultation.
Cangello Plastic Surgery
Dr. David L. Cangello, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Cangello Plastic Surgery, is known for his expertise in cosmetic breast surgery and his artistic approach to the procedures.
- Artistic Vision: Dr. Cangello takes an artistic approach to breast augmentation that combines medical precision with the principles of aesthetics. He creates elegant results without compromising the integrity of the body’s natural form. His superior results have earned the trust of professional models from some of the world’s top agencies.
- Customized Treatment Plans: He offers personalized treatment plans to meet each patient's aesthetic goals. Whether a patient wants a subtle look or bold cosmetic enhancements, Dr. Cangello incorporates their tastes and preferences into the treatment plan. He also offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery, including breast lift, breast revision, and natural augmentation with fat transfer.
- Patient Safety and Comfort: Dr. Cangello has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited (AAAASF) operating room at his NYC office, where most of his plastic surgery procedures are performed. He and his staff work meticulously to ensure patient safety and comfort, and they only work with board - certified anesthesiologists.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Breast Augmentation
Before the Procedure
Before the breast augmentation procedure, patients will have an initial consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation:
- The surgeon will discuss the patient's expectations and the anticipated outcomes of the breast augmentation.
- A physical examination will be conducted, and the patient's medical history will be reviewed, including any allergies, current medications, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption. Some patients may need to cease certain medications and habits, including smoking, weeks before the procedure as they can influence the healing process.
- The surgeon will explain the different types of implants (silicone or saline), the shape of the implants (round or contoured), and the placement options (under the pectoral muscle or the breast tissue) and the incision locations (periareolar, inframammary, or transaxillary). They will also guide the patient in choosing the right size and shape of the implants based on their body frame and cosmetic goals.
During the Procedure
The breast augmentation surgery typically takes one - and - a - half to two hours. It is usually performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision according to the pre - determined location, create a pocket either under the breast tissue or the chest muscle, and then insert the breast implant. After the implant is in place, the incision will be closed with sutures.
After the Procedure
After the surgery, patients will have a surgical dressing over their incisions and will be wearing a post - surgical bra. They may feel achiness or tightness in their breasts, and the surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate any discomfort.
The recovery time usually takes about four to six weeks. In the first few days, it's normal to experience some pain and swelling. Most patients are able to resume non - strenuous activities within a week, but they should refrain from vigorous activities for at least six weeks. Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are crucial to ensure optimal healing. The incisions will gradually heal, and the breasts will "settle" into their final position over the next few months.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation comes with its own set of risks and potential complications. These may include:
- Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site or around the implant. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat infections, but in severe cases, the implant may need to be removed.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal during and after the surgery, but excessive bleeding may require additional treatment, such as a blood transfusion or surgical intervention to stop the bleeding.
- Alterations in Nipple or Breast Sensations: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensations, such as numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity. These changes may be temporary or permanent.
- Implant Leakage or Rupture: Implants can leak or rupture over time. Saline implants will deflate quickly if they rupture, and the saline will be safely absorbed by the body. Silicone implants may not show obvious signs of rupture, and an MRI may be required to detect a silicone leak. If an implant leaks or ruptures, it may need to be replaced.
- Development of Scar Tissue: Scar tissue can form around the implant, causing the breast to feel firm or hard. In some cases, the scar tissue can contract and distort the shape of the breast, a condition known as capsular contracture. This may require additional surgery to remove the scar tissue or replace the implant.
- Unsatisfactory Outcomes: There is a possibility that the patient may not be satisfied with the final results, such as the size, shape, or symmetry of the breasts. Revision surgery may be necessary to correct these issues.
Alternatives to Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
If you're considering breast augmentation strictly for cosmetic reasons and prefer non - surgical options, there are several alternatives available in New York City:
- Fat Grafting: Also known as fat transfer, this procedure involves removing fat from different body parts, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, and injecting it into the breasts. It is regarded as a safer option because it uses the body's own tissue, minimizing complications. However, the amount of breast enlargement that can be achieved through fat grafting is limited.
- Hormonal Therapy: Hormonal therapy may be used to stimulate breast growth in some cases. However, it is important to note that hormonal therapy can have potential side effects and is not suitable for everyone.
- Natural Remedies: Some natural remedies, such as herbal supplements, claim to enhance breast size. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these remedies, and they may also have potential side effects.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular and effective way to enhance breast size and shape, but it is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Choosing the right hospital and surgeon is crucial to ensure a successful outcome. Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Mount Sinai, and Cangello Plastic Surgery are three well - rated hospitals in New York City that offer high - quality breast augmentation services, with experienced surgeons, advanced technology, and comprehensive patient care.
Before making a decision, it's important to thoroughly research your options, have in - depth consultations with the surgeons, and understand all the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. If you're interested in breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the hospitals mentioned in this article to learn more and take the first step towards achieving your desired results.
