Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure that has transformed the lives of countless women in New York City. Whether due to concerns about the size, shape, or symmetry of their breasts, many are turning to this surgical solution to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. In New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its world - class medical facilities, patients have the option to choose from both public and well - regarded private hospitals for breast augmentation with prosthesis. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process, the different options available, and the top hospitals and surgeons in the city.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. It typically involves the placement of breast implants, which are devices made of a silicone outer shell filled with either silicone gel or saline solution. In some cases, fat transfer from other parts of the body can also be used to augment the breasts.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Confidence: Many women experience a significant boost in self - confidence after achieving their desired breast size and shape. As mentioned on Dr. Antell's website, enhanced confidence is one of the key benefits of breast augmentation.
- Improved Proportions: It can help create a more balanced silhouette, aligning the breasts with the rest of the body's proportions.
- Corrected Asymmetry: Women with naturally uneven breast sizes can achieve a more symmetrical appearance.
- Restored Volume: After pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, breasts may lose volume, and breast augmentation can help restore a youthful fullness.
Types of Breast Implants
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with a silicone gel that closely mimics the texture and feel of natural breast tissue. They are known for providing a more natural look and feel. As stated on New York Group for Plastic Surgery's website, most patients opt for silicone implants because they mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissues. However, in the unlikely event of a rupture, there is a small risk of the gel escaping into the breast implant pocket.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater. If the implant ruptures, the saline is simply absorbed by the body without any harm. They have the advantage of potentially being placed through a slightly shorter incision. According to Dr. Imber's practice, saline implants are often considered firmer and rounder than silicone implants.
Other Types of Implants
- Structured Saline Breast Implants: These are saline implants with an internal structure that makes them more natural and realistic.
- Gummy Bear Breast Implants: Form - stable silicone breast implants that maintain their shape even when the implant shell breaks. They have a tapered top that resembles the natural structure of the breasts, making them look more realistic.
| Implant Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Natural look and feel | Small risk of gel leakage in case of rupture |
| Saline | Safe in case of rupture, potentially shorter incision | Firmer and rounder, may not feel as natural |
| Structured Saline | More natural and realistic | Limited long - term data compared to traditional implants |
| Gummy Bear | Maintain shape, natural appearance | May be more expensive |
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
Public Hospitals in New York City
Some public hospitals in New York City offer high - quality breast augmentation services. These hospitals often have a team of experienced surgeons and state - of - the - art facilities. One such example is Mount Sinai. Their plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging, to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. As per Mount Sinai's website, they can demonstrate what the larger breasts will look like on the patient's unique body, allowing patients to virtually try on different sizes of breasts.
Private Hospitals and Surgeons
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City. He is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. As mentioned on his website, he is dedicated to providing beautiful, long - lasting results with reduced risk of complications and a look that is perfectly balanced with the patient's frame. His expertise in handling common complications like capsular contracture and his patient - centered approach make him a top choice for many women seeking breast augmentation.
Dr. Jordan Jacobs
Dr. Jordan Jacobs of the New York Group for Plastic Surgery has received training from globally acclaimed medical leaders. He has experience in both academic and clinical settings, including his time at Jefferson Medical College and NYU. Recently awarded as a top doctor in New York magazine, he offers a comprehensive consultation process to determine the best breast augmentation option for each patient. According to the group's website, they use advanced 3D imaging technology like Vectra XT to help patients visualize their breast augmentation results.
Dr. Gerald Imber
Dr. Gerald Imber is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon who has performed over 25,000 surgical procedures. He is highly experienced in cosmetic breast surgery and focuses on providing natural - looking and personalized breast augmentation results. As stated on his website, he prefers subglandular implant placement to achieve a very natural look. He also offers concierge services to ensure patients are comfortable throughout the process.
Dr. Lara Devgan
Dr. Lara Devgan is a female plastic surgeon in New York City. Many women seek her out because they prefer a female surgeon who will be discreet about this sensitive topic. As per her website, during the consultation, she allows patients to feel the difference between silicone and saline implants and "try on" different sizes to figure out what is right for them. Her patients often report fast recovery and subtle, natural results.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School and New York University. He is also an accomplished artist, which allows him to combine scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity. His breast augmentation results are known for being beautiful, natural, and proportional. As seen on his website, he has received numerous accolades and is featured in many top - rated publications.
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach for breast augmentation. He has in - depth knowledge of different types of breast implants, including working closely with Allergan during the development of Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. As detailed on his website, he will go over all the benefits and details of the implants to help patients make informed decisions.
The Breast Augmentation Process
Consultation
The consultation is a crucial step in the breast augmentation process. During this phase, the surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. Surgeons like Dr. Antell, as mentioned on his website, will have an open and honest conversation with the patient about their expectations and guide them through selecting the proper implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size. Patients should also be prepared to discuss any medications, vitamins, or drugs they are taking and whether they smoke.
Pre - operative Preparation
Patients will be provided with instructions to prepare for surgery. This may include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking cessation, and taking or avoiding certain medications. They may also need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and have a support system in place for the initial recovery period. As recommended by Dr. Sherman, patients should quit smoking, taper off medications that may increase bleeding, and arrange for a trusted person to pick them up after the procedure.
Surgery
Breast augmentation is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The chosen incision method and placement of the implant will be customized to the patient's anatomy to ensure natural - looking results. Incisions can be made below the crease near where the breast meets the chest, around the areola, or in the armpit. The implant can be placed either directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement). As described on Dr. Antell's site, placing the implants behind the chest muscle may reduce the risk of capsular contracture, but it may also add a few days to the recovery time.
Recovery
Recovery time varies from patient to patient. In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients will be given a prescription for pain medication and a surgical compression bra to wear for a few weeks. As noted on Dr. Devgan's website, most patients with desk jobs can return to work within a few days, but strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two weeks. Full recovery typically takes several weeks to months, with swelling gradually subsiding over time.
Risks and Complications
While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, there are some risks and complications to be aware of.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing hardening or discomfort. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Surgeons like Dr. Antell, as per his website, employ advanced techniques and may use an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to help prevent capsular contracture.
Infection
Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated by antibiotics and, in some cases, removing the implant. Patients should follow all post - operative instructions carefully to minimize the risk of infection.
Implant Rupture
If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, resulting in the breast appearing deflated. With both saline and silicone implant ruptures, a revision surgery is performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue. According to Dr. Sherman, the risk of rupture is relatively low but still a possibility.
Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)
Although rare, women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL. It appears to be associated with textured implants and the development of a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). Research on this condition is ongoing, and surgeons will discuss the risks with patients during the consultation.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
BII is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed, such as memory loss, joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the type of breast implants selected (saline or silicone), the surgeon's fee, operating room and anesthesia fees, and the consultation fee. Saline implants are generally the least costly option, but as stated on Dr. Antell's website, about 85% of patients opt for the more expensive silicone implants. To determine the full cost, patients should schedule a consultation with a surgeon, who will provide a detailed breakdown based on their specific needs and goals.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation with prosthesis is a popular and effective way for women in New York City to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. Whether you choose a public or private hospital, it is essential to do thorough research and select a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation. Understanding the different types of implants, the breast augmentation process, the potential risks, and the cost involved will help you make an informed decision. With the right surgeon and proper aftercare, you can achieve the beautiful, natural - looking results you desire and boost your self - confidence.
If you are considering breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the reputable surgeons mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and make a choice that is right for you. Share this article with friends or family who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation.
