Introduction
Prosthetic breast augmentation has become a popular cosmetic procedure, especially in a vibrant city like New York. Many women opt for this surgery to enhance their appearance and boost self - confidence. With numerous hospitals and institutions offering breast augmentation services, finding the best ones can be a challenging task. In this article, we will explore the popular hospitals and institutions among the top 3 of the 200 - rank list of prosthetic breast augmentation hospitals in New York City. We will look at their services, the expertise of their surgeons, patient satisfaction, and more.
The Rising Popularity of Breast Augmentation
Elective plastic surgery, including breast augmentation, has witnessed a significant rise in popularity in recent years. Data released in November 2023 from the global intelligence platform Statista showed that 900,000 cosmetic surgical procedures took place in 1997 in the U.S., and by 2022, that number had grown to more than 1.87 million. A greater number of options for safe, less invasive surgeries and an increasing cultural emphasis on self - care and confidence have been responsible for the increasingly positive societal attitudes toward plastic surgery.
Breast augmentation, in particular, has been one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. In 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation, despite the onset of a global pandemic. The desire for fuller, shapelier breasts is widespread among women of different ages.
Overview of Ranking Methodology
When it comes to ranking breast augmentation hospitals and institutions, multiple factors are considered. For instance, in the Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons ranking, thousands of medical experts with knowledge of plastic surgery were invited to an online survey in March and April. The survey resulted in the collection of more than 8,400 votes for plastic surgeons representing all surgery categories. Only surgeons from the 20 states with the most plastic surgeons were included in the ranking, and surgeons who offer only reconstructive or non - elective corrections were excluded from consideration.
The scoring model included in - state and out - of - state recommendations (which constituted 45 percent of the overall score), a quality score (15 percent of the total score based on the assessment of quality of care), and a certification score (5% for surgeons with American Board of Plastic Surgery accreditation). This comprehensive approach aimed to provide a reliable ranking of the best plastic surgeons in different cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation.
Top 3 Ranked Institutions in the 200 - Rank List
Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Columbia University's plastic and reconstructive surgery department is one of New York’s best and the world’s top medical centers in this field. Its mission is to use its vast resources to deliver the highest quality care for anyone in need of a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
Expert Surgeons
The clinical staff consists of highly proficient plastic surgeons. For example, Christine Rohde, MD, is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher. She is 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. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, MD, 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. He has also been actively involved in humanitarian surgical missions.
Comprehensive Services
The department offers a wide range of services. The cosmetic care program provides surgical and non - surgical options to improve cosmetic health, including ear and eyelid lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, etc. The reconstructive care is world - class, covering issues like breast reconstruction after breast cancer, skin lesion excision, and reconstructive surgery for the nose and ears. There are also specialized programs for cleft palate/lip care, orthoplastic surgery care, and breast reconstructive care for those who have undergone breast cancer surgery.
Research and Education
The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is actively involved in numerous research studies. It focuses on areas such as stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. A major focus is on the applications of gene therapy to wound healing. The institution also has a responsibility to educate the next generation of plastic surgeons through its plastic surgery residency program and surgical CME events.
Mount Sinai's Plastic Surgery
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They are committed to helping patients achieve their desired breast appearance.
Advanced Technology
Before scheduling breast augmentation surgery, Mount Sinai uses the latest technologies to ensure patient satisfaction. Their advanced 3D imaging technology can demonstrate what larger breasts will look like on a patient's unique body. By showing various options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts, which helps them make more informed decisions about the size and shape of their implants.
Diverse Treatment Options
There are two types of implants (silicone and saline) and one non - implant option (NaturalFill) available. Silicone breast implants look and feel natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. NaturalFill is a fat transfer technique pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. In this two - step procedure, fat is removed from the buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and then inserted into the breasts to enlarge them.
Patient - Centered Approach
The surgeons at Mount Sinai listen carefully to patients' desires for enhancing their breast size. They explain the procedure in detail during the consultation, answer all questions, and perform a physical exam to confirm a patient's candidacy for breast augmentation. They also take into account the long - term effects, such as possible natural drooping over time due to pregnancy, nursing, or weight changes, and discuss options like breast lifts or implant replacement if needed.
Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon renowned for his commitment to patient care and excellent results in breast augmentation.
Personalized Approach
Dr. Sherman works closely with prospective patients to develop an individualized approach. He spends time with patients during the consultation, going over the details of the procedure and discussing implant options. Before approving a patient for breast augmentation, he reviews the medical history, examines the breasts, takes measurements, and notes the existing breast shape and any skin laxity or ptosis. He then devises a personalized treatment plan and explains the details of the surgery.
Knowledge of Breast Implants
Dr. Sherman has in - depth knowledge of breast implants. He was a select investigator during the original development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. He can educate patients about the different types of implants, including their materials (silicone or saline), shapes (round or anatomical), sizes, and textures. He helps patients choose the ideal implant based on their body type, existing breast tissue, and desired results.
Attention to Complications and After - Care
He is also well - informed about the possible complications of breast augmentation, such as Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) and Breast Implant Illness (BII). He provides clear information to patients about these risks and the latest research findings. In terms of after - care, he provides detailed instructions for the recovery period, including pain management, wearing a surgical compression bra, and when to resume normal activities. He also schedules follow - up appointments to ensure the patient's recovery is on track.
Comparative Analysis of the Top 3 Institutions
Expertise and Experience
All three institutions have highly qualified surgeons. Columbia University has a team of well - known and experienced plastic surgeons who are involved in both clinical practice and research. Mount Sinai's surgeons have extensive hands - on experience in breast augmentation procedures and are at the forefront of using advanced techniques like the NaturalFill fat transfer method. Dr. John E. Sherman has a strong reputation for his personalized approach and in - depth knowledge of breast implants, having been involved in the development of certain implants.
Treatment Options
Columbia offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in addition to breast augmentation. Mount Sinai provides a variety of breast augmentation options, including different types of implants and a non - implant fat transfer method. Dr. Sherman focuses mainly on breast augmentation but provides detailed guidance on choosing the right implants in terms of material, shape, size, and texture.
Technology and Research
Columbia has an active research laboratory focused on cutting - edge areas like gene therapy and stem cells, which may have future implications for breast augmentation and related procedures. Mount Sinai uses advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the results of breast augmentation. While Dr. Sherman may not have a large - scale research operation, his involvement in implant development shows his awareness of the latest technological advancements in the field.
Patient Experience
Columbia emphasizes patient - centered care across its multiple departments, with a large team of support staff. Mount Sinai takes a hands - on approach in understanding patients' desires and providing personalized treatment. Dr. Sherman spends a significant amount of time with each patient during the consultation, ensuring they are well - informed and comfortable with the procedure.
Aspect | Columbia University | Mount Sinai | Dr. John E. Sherman |
---|---|---|---|
Expertise and Experience | Well - known surgeons in multiple specialties, involved in research and clinical practice | Extensive hands - on experience in breast augmentation, pioneers in certain techniques | Strong reputation for personalized breast augmentation, involved in implant development |
Treatment Options | Comprehensive range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures | Variety of breast augmentation options including non - implant method | Focus on breast augmentation with detailed implant guidance |
Technology and Research | Active research in areas like gene therapy and stem cells | Use of advanced 3D imaging technology | Involvement in implant development |
Patient Experience | Patient - centered care with large support team | Personalized approach to understand patient desires | One - on - one consultation for well - informed patients |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast Augmentation Institution
Surgeon's Expertise
Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in breast augmentation. Check their credentials, including their training, certifications, and any awards or recognitions. It's also beneficial to read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of their skills and patient satisfaction rates.
Treatment Options
Ensure that the institution offers a variety of treatment options, such as different types of implants (silicone or saline), implant shapes (round or anatomical), and possibly non - implant options like fat transfer. This allows you to choose the option that best suits your body type and aesthetic goals.
Technology and Facilities
Advanced technology can improve the accuracy and outcome of the surgery. Look for institutions that use the latest imaging technology to help you visualize the results and perform the procedure with greater precision. Also, consider the quality of the surgical facilities and whether they are accredited.
Patient Support and After - Care
A good institution should provide comprehensive patient support throughout the process, from the initial consultation to the post - operative period. This includes clear communication, answering all your questions, providing detailed pre - operative and post - operative instructions, and scheduling regular follow - up appointments to monitor your recovery.
Cost
While cost should not be the only factor, it is an important consideration. The price of breast augmentation can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, the surgeon's fees, and the facility charges. Make sure to get a detailed breakdown of the costs and inquire about any financing options available.
Conclusion
New York City is home to some of the top - ranked hospitals and institutions for prosthetic breast augmentation. The top 3 institutions in the 200 - rank list, namely Columbia University's plastic surgery department, Mount Sinai's plastic surgery, and Dr. John E. Sherman's practice, offer high - quality services, expert surgeons, and a range of treatment options. When considering breast augmentation, it's essential to take into account factors such as surgeon's expertise, treatment options, technology, patient support, and cost. By doing thorough research and consulting with these institutions, you can make an informed decision and achieve the desired results.
If you're considering breast augmentation, don't hesitate to reach out to these top - ranked institutions. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the process. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning about the best breast augmentation options in New York City.