Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery that enhances the volume and shape of the breasts. It offers women the opportunity to achieve their ideal breast profile. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that excel in providing breast augmentation procedures, especially when it comes to offering a variety of breast implant shapes. This article will introduce you to the top five establishments where you can make a well - informed choice based on your needs and preferences.
Understanding Breast Implants
History and Evolution
The first silicone implants were developed in the early 1960s by Dow Chemical, and saline - filled implants followed in 1965 by Laboratoires Arion in France. Since then, breast implants have undergone many important modifications and improvements, including changes in the thickness of the shell and the viscosity of the silicone gel inside. Today, silicone breast implants are FDA - approved and are the most frequently chosen by women. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2021).
Types of Breast Implants
| Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | Filled with sterile salt water. Inserted empty and filled once inside the body. | Require smaller incisions. In case of rupture, the saline solution is safely absorbed by the body. | May feel firmer than silicone implants. In thin women with little breast tissue, visible rippling at the implant edges may be seen. |
| Silicone Implants | Filled with silicone gel, which feels more like natural breast tissue. | Feel softer and more natural. Aesthetically, they look more natural. | Require a slightly larger incision. Regular check - ups with the surgeon are recommended. The FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell. |
| Gummy Bear Implants (Form - Stable Implants) | A newer type of silicone implant. The gel inside is thicker than traditional silicone and holds its shape even if the implant shell breaks. | Highly durable, offering a more stable, long - lasting shape and feel. Often have a teardrop contour for a more natural look. | May be more expensive. Require a relatively larger incision. |
Shapes of Breast Implants
There are mainly two basic shapes for breast implants: round and contoured (teardrop).
- Round Implants: Have volume and fullness all the way around. They contain a gel that is less cohesive than the anatomically shaped variety, so they are softer and feel natural. They typically have a smooth texture. Round implants are frequently chosen for their ability to add volume higher on the chest.
- Contoured (Teardrop) Implants: Have a subtle sloping shape that is intended to match the curves of natural breasts. These require a textured surface to ensure they adhere to surrounding tissue so that they do not rotate in the breast pocket once they are implanted. They are also a bit firmer to the touch due to the greater cohesivity of the gel filling.
Top Five Hospitals/Clinics for Breast Implant Shapes in New York City
1. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He is well - known for his commitment to patient care and excellent results. He worked closely with Allergan during the original development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. These FDA - approved devices feature an anatomically shaped silhouette, with contours that closely resemble the curve of a woman’s breast, and are popular for augmentation and breast reconstruction.
Dr. Sherman takes an individualized approach with each patient. During the consultation, he will go over all the benefits of different implant shapes and materials, and help patients choose the implant specifications that will deliver optimal results. His patients range from young women in their twenties and thirties to those in their forties who want to restore pre - pregnancy breast size. He also discusses the potential complications, such as Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) and Breast Implant Illness (BII), and ensures that patients are well - informed before making a decision.
2. Doctors Plastic Surgery
This clinic is top - rated for breast implant surgery in NYC. It is staffed with double - board - certified surgeons who use minimally invasive techniques, resulting in thousands of successful procedures and high patient satisfaction. They offer both breast implants and fat transfer options for breast augmentation.
For breast implants, they provide a wide selection of shapes and materials. Saline implants offer the advantage of smaller incisions, while silicone implants, including gummy bear implants, provide a more natural look and feel. The surgeons at this clinic will carefully assess each patient's body type, aesthetic goals, and medical history to recommend the most suitable implant shape. Their state - of - the - art surgical center in the heart of New York City is equipped with cutting - edge technology to ensure the highest level of care during the procedure.
3. Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Lara Devgan's practice is highly regarded in New York City. Many women seek her out, especially those who prefer a female plastic surgeon and want natural - looking, beautifully contoured, and comfortable breast implants with a fast recovery and a subtle result.
During the consultation, Dr. Devgan examines, measures, and photographs the patient's breasts. She shows samples of silicone and saline breast implants so patients can feel the difference and choose the type they prefer. Patients also have the opportunity to "try on" different sizes of implants to figure out what is right for them. When it comes to implant shapes, she will explain the pros and cons of round and contoured implants based on the patient's body build and aesthetic goals, and help them make an informed choice.
4. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
This group offers breast augmentation using both breast implants and autologous fat transfer. Dr. Jordan Jacobs, a well - trained surgeon at this group, has received training from globally acclaimed medical leaders and experts.
For breast implants, they offer various options including saline, structured saline, silicone, gummy bear, and round implants. Their Vectra XT 3D - imaging technology allows patients to virtually “try on” different types of implants, considering factors like exact measurements, skin texture, and volumetric analysis. This helps in determining the most suitable implant shape and size for each patient. The surgeons will also discuss the incision options and how they may be influenced by the chosen implant shape, ensuring that patients are aware of all aspects of the procedure.
5. Aristocrat Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kevin Tehrani, the founder and director of Aristocrat Plastic Surgery, is a top plastic surgeon. The clinic offers different types of breast augmentation procedures, including using silicone implants, transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), and the use of anatomical implants.
They have a wide range of breast implant options, including implants from Allergan's INamed® matrix. Dr. Tehrani will discuss the implant shapes, which include round, oval, and anatomical, as well as the surface texture (smooth or textured), with each patient. He believes in placing the implants under the muscle for better results, including less risk of a scar capsule developing around the implant. The clinic also offers post - operative support, such as the Aspen rehabilitation treatment to reduce bruising and swelling and prevent capsular contraction, ensuring that patients achieve the best possible outcome with their chosen implant shape.
Choosing the Right Hospital/Clinic and Implant Shape
Factors to Consider for Hospital/Clinic Selection
- Surgeon Expertise: Look for board - certified surgeons with extensive experience in breast augmentation. Check their training, credentials, and patient testimonials to ensure they can deliver the results you want.
- Technology and Facilities: Clinics equipped with advanced technology, such as 3D imaging, can help you visualize the potential results and make a more informed decision. State - of - the - art surgical facilities also ensure a safer and more comfortable procedure.
- Patient Care and Support: Good patient care from the consultation to the post - operative period is crucial. The clinic should provide detailed information, answer all your questions, and offer support during the recovery process.
- Cost and Financing Options: Consider the cost of the procedure, which can vary depending on the type of implant, the complexity of the surgery, and the surgeon's fees. Check if the clinic offers financing options to make the procedure more affordable.
Factors to Consider for Implant Shape Selection
- Natural Look: If you want a more natural look that mimics the shape of natural breasts, contoured (teardrop) implants may be a better choice. Round implants, on the other hand, can create a more voluptuous look.
- Body Type: Your body frame and existing breast tissue should be considered. Women with a smaller amount of natural breast tissue may benefit more from contoured implants, while those with a larger frame may be able to carry round implants well.
- Aesthetic Goals: Determine whether you want a subtle or bold change. Round implants tend to add more volume higher on the chest, which can create a more prominent look, while contoured implants provide a more gradual slope and a more natural - looking fullness.
Breast Augmentation Procedure and Recovery
Procedure
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure that takes 1 - 2 hours. It is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision, either in the inframammary fold (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), or transaxillary (under the armpit). The implant is then placed either submuscular (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandular (above the pectoral muscles), depending on the patient's anatomy, age, and vocation.
Recovery
In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. You will be given a prescription for pain medication and a surgical compression bra to wear for a few weeks. Most patients can resume light activities and work in 2 - 3 weeks, and more strenuous activities, such as going to the gym, at 6 - 8 weeks. It may take a few months for the implants to fully settle into place.
Potential Complications
Although breast augmentation is a common and generally safe procedure, there are some potential complications:
- BIA - ALCL: There is a small but increased risk of developing Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, which appears to be associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma. However, this is a rare form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can be effectively treated.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Women may report symptoms such as memory loss, “brain fog,” joint pain, and fatigue after having implants placed. The cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is still being investigated.
- Other Complications: These include bleeding, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, poor scarring, faulty position of the implant, leakage or rupture, capsular contracture, fluid accumulation, wrinkling of the skin over the implant, and persistent pain.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital or clinic and breast implant shape for breast augmentation in New York City is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. The top five establishments mentioned in this article - Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice, Doctors Plastic Surgery, Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS, New York Group for Plastic Surgery, and Aristocrat Plastic Surgery - offer a range of options and high - quality care. By understanding the different types of implants, shapes, the procedure, recovery process, and potential complications, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your aesthetic goals and overall well - being.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top providers. Discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations, and let the experts guide you through the process to achieve the beautiful, natural - looking breasts you desire. Don't hesitate to share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation in New York City!
