Introduction to Endoscopic Breast Augmentation in New York City

Endoscopic breast augmentation is a revolutionary surgical procedure that has gained significant popularity in New York City. This technique offers numerous advantages over traditional breast augmentation methods, including reduced scarring, more precise implant placement, and a potentially faster recovery time. In a city like New York, where beauty and confidence are highly valued, finding the right hospital for endoscopic breast augmentation is crucial. This article will guide you through the top 5 hospitals in New York City for this procedure, providing in - depth information about each facility, their surgeons, and the services they offer.

What is Endoscopic Breast Augmentation?

Endoscopic breast augmentation involves the use of an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end. This tool allows the surgeon to view the internal structures of the breast during the procedure, enabling more accurate dissection of tissue and placement of breast implants. By using the endoscope, surgeons can make smaller incisions, often in less visible areas such as the armpit, which leads to less scarring and a more aesthetically pleasing result. There are various types of implants available, including saline and silicone implants, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution. They can be inserted empty and then filled to the desired volume during the surgery. One of the benefits of saline implants is that if they rupture, the body will simply absorb the saline solution. However, they may not have as natural a look and feel as silicone implants. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are pre - filled with a silicone gel that closely mimics the texture of natural breast tissue. They typically provide a more natural appearance and feel but may require a slightly larger incision for placement.

Benefits of Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

• Reduced Scarring: Since the endoscope allows for smaller incisions, usually in the armpit area, the scars are less noticeable compared to traditional breast augmentation incisions made under the breast or around the areola.
• Precise Implant Placement: The magnified view provided by the endoscope enables the surgeon to place the implant more accurately, leading to a more symmetrical and natural - looking result.
• Faster Recovery: With smaller incisions and less tissue damage, patients may experience less pain and a shorter recovery period, allowing them to return to their normal activities sooner.
• Lower Risk of Complications: The precise nature of the endoscopic technique can reduce the risk of implant malposition, capsular contracture, and other potential complications.

Top 5 Hospitals for Endoscopic Breast Augmentation in New York City

1. Rapaport Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. David P. Rapaport is a board - certified plastic surgeon and a world - recognized expert in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. He has extensive experience performing endoscopic breast augmentation procedures in his New York plastic surgery facility. Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure. Instead of bluntly tearing the lower border of the muscle, he precisely divides the muscle under magnified endoscopic visualization, allowing for better control of bleeding and more accurate implant positioning.

Services Offered

• Breast Augmentation Consultation: During the consultation, Dr. Rapaport listens to the patient's goals and concerns. He examines the patient's breasts, takes measurements, and discusses the available options, including implant type, size, and shape. He also provides a detailed explanation of the endoscopic breast augmentation procedure, its risks, and benefits.
• Implant Selection: Rapaport Plastic Surgery offers both saline and silicone implants. Dr. Rapaport discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each type with the patient and helps them choose the best implant for their anatomy and aesthetic goals. Saline implants can be filled after placement, making them suitable for the scarless breast augmentation technique, while silicone implants typically have a more natural look and feel.
• Procedure and Recovery: The breast augmentation procedure at Rapaport Plastic Surgery can be performed with general anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. Rapaport makes small incisions under the arms and places the implants either under or over the pectoral muscle, usually preferring the submuscular placement for a more natural - looking result. After the surgery, patients are monitored briefly and can usually go home the same day. Full recovery takes approximately two to three weeks, during which time Dr. Rapaport prescribes pain medication and advises patients to rest and limit activity.

Patient Testimonials

Many patients at Rapaport Plastic Surgery have reported significant improvements in their self - confidence after breast augmentation. They praise Dr. Rapaport's professionalism, attention to detail, and the natural - looking results of the procedure. One patient said, "Dr. Rapaport made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked into his office. He answered all my questions and helped me choose the right implants. The endoscopic breast augmentation was a great decision, and I'm extremely happy with the results."

2. William Lao, MD

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan. He is on a shortlist of surgeons in the country who specialize in the scarless breast augmentation technique. With over 10 years of experience and having successfully performed over 500 breast surgeries, Dr. Lao has in - depth knowledge of Asian breast augmentation. He is trained to use endoscopic equipment, allowing him to perform a bloodless dissection to create the pocket for breast implants during transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation.

Services Offered

• Personalized Consultation: Dr. Lao has a one - on - one consultation with each patient. He asks about their medical history, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. He then provides a personalized surgical plan based on the patient's body type, skin type, and other individual factors. For Asian patients, he takes into account the unique characteristics of their bodies, such as a more petite torso, when choosing the implant size, shape, and degree of projection.
• Implant Options: Dr. Lao offers saline and cohesive silicone gel implants. He explains the differences between the two types, including the cost, feel, and potential risks. Saline implants are often less expensive but may have a less organic feel, while silicone implants provide a more natural look and movement.
• Endoscopic Procedure: For patients who want to avoid visible scars, Dr. Lao performs endoscopic breast augmentation through the axilla. He makes a tiny incision around the top of the armpit and uses an endoscope to precisely move the tissue and create a pocket for the implant. This approach can be used for both saline and silicone implants.
• Recovery and Aftercare: After the surgery, patients need to wear a special surgical bra for support. Dr. Lao provides pain medication to manage discomfort and gives detailed instructions on post - operative care. Most patients can return home on the day of surgery and resume normal activities in two to three weeks, although heavy lifting and strenuous activities are restricted for four to six weeks.

Patient Testimonials

Patients appreciate Dr. Lao's expertise and personalized approach. One patient commented, "Dr. Lao really understood my concerns as an Asian woman. He took the time to explain everything in detail and gave me a natural - looking result. I'm so happy with my new breasts and the whole experience at his clinic."

3. Dr. Barry Weintraub

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Barry Weintraub is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is ivy league educated at the Weill - Cornell Medical Center. He is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has more than two decades of experience. Dr. Weintraub prefers the transaxillary subpectoral approach for breast augmentation, using an endoscope when possible. This approach has several advantages, including no jeopardy to nipple sensation, no hindrance to future breastfeeding, and no visible scars near the breast.

Services Offered

• Comprehensive Consultation: During the consultation, Dr. Weintraub listens to the patient's desires and concerns. He performs a thorough physical examination and discusses the surgical options, including the choice of implants (saline or silicone) and the placement of the implants. He also provides information on the safety of breast implants and the importance of regular breast health examinations.
• State - of - the - Art Surgery: Dr. Weintraub insists on the highest level of sterility in the operating room. He uses twilight sleep anesthesia, which allows patients to be in a comfortable, unarousable state during the procedure and have a crisp emergence from anesthesia. He performs the surgery with precision and care, sewing all wounds in multiple layers.
• Recovery Guidance: After the surgery, Dr. Weintraub provides detailed instructions on how to care for the incisions and manage swelling and bruising. He believes in early showering to promote wound healing and gives advice on when patients can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.

Patient Testimonials

Patients praise Dr. Weintraub's attention to detail and his ability to achieve natural - looking results. One patient said, "Dr. Weintraub is a true artist. He understood exactly what I wanted and delivered amazing results. The transaxillary approach was great, and I'm so happy with the outcome."

4. Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Lara Devgan is a highly regarded plastic surgeon in New York City. She is known for achieving beautiful, natural results in breast augmentation. Many women seek her out because she is a female plastic surgeon who is discreet about this sensitive topic. Dr. Devgan has extensive experience in endoscopic breast augmentation and uses advanced techniques to ensure the best possible outcome for her patients.

Services Offered

• Thorough Consultation: During the initial consultation, Dr. Devgan examines, measures, and photographs the patient's breasts. She discusses the patient's medical history and desires for surgery. She shows samples of silicone and saline breast implants so the patient can feel the difference and choose the type they prefer. The patient also has the opportunity to "try on" different sizes of implants to determine the most suitable option.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Dr. Devgan performs breast augmentation surgery either in her fully accredited private office operating room or at one of the top local hospitals on the upper east side. The surgery typically takes one hour, and she uses endoscopic techniques to minimize scarring and tissue damage.
• Fast Recovery: Dr. Devgan provides a detailed recovery plan for her patients. In the first 24 - 48 hours, patients may experience a small amount of swelling, bruising, and discomfort, and she prescribes pain medicine as needed. Most patients with desk jobs can return to work in 3 - 4 days, and by one month, the majority of patients feel "back to normal." By 6 - 8 weeks, patients are usually cleared to resume all types of physical activity.

Patient Testimonials

Patients are impressed with Dr. Devgan's professionalism and the natural - looking results of her breast augmentation procedures. One patient wrote, "Dr. Devgan made me feel so comfortable throughout the entire process. The recovery was faster than I expected, and my breasts look and feel amazing. I would highly recommend her to anyone considering breast augmentation."

5. Mount Sinai - New York

Surgeon Expertise

The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation, including endoscopic techniques. They use the latest technologies to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. The surgeons are well - trained in handling different types of breast implants and are committed to providing natural - looking results.

Services Offered

• Advanced 3D Imaging: Before scheduling the surgery, Mount Sinai uses advanced 3D imaging technology to demonstrate what the patient's larger breasts will look like on their unique body. This helps patients make more informed decisions about the size and shape of the implants.
• Implant Options: Mount Sinai offers two types of implants, silicone and saline, as well as a non - implant option called NaturalFill®, which uses a fat transfer technique. The surgeons help patients choose the best option based on their body type and desired outcome.
• Endoscopic Breast Augmentation: The surgeons at Mount Sinai are skilled in performing endoscopic breast augmentation, which allows for more precise implant placement and reduced scarring. They ensure that patients are fully informed about the procedure and its potential risks and benefits.
• Long - Term Follow - Up: After the surgery, Mount Sinai provides long - term follow - up care to monitor the patient's recovery and the condition of the implants. They offer support and advice to ensure the patient's long - term satisfaction with the results.

Patient Testimonials

Patients appreciate the high - quality care and advanced technology at Mount Sinai. One patient said, "The 3D imaging at Mount Sinai was really helpful in making my decision. The surgeons were very professional, and the endoscopic breast augmentation went smoothly. I'm very happy with the natural - looking results and the follow - up care I've received."

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

Surgeon Experience and Expertise

The experience and expertise of the surgeon are the most important factors to consider. Look for a surgeon who is board - certified and has extensive experience in performing endoscopic breast augmentation procedures. Check their before - and - after photos and patient testimonials to get an idea of their results and patient satisfaction.

Hospital Reputation and Accreditation

Choose a hospital with a good reputation in the field of plastic surgery. Look for hospitals that are accredited by recognized organizations, as this ensures that they meet certain standards of quality and safety. You can also check online reviews and ratings from previous patients to learn about their experiences at the hospital.

Range of Services Offered

A good hospital should offer a comprehensive range of services related to endoscopic breast augmentation. This includes detailed consultations, a variety of implant options, state - of - the - art surgical facilities, and post - operative care and support. The hospital should also be able to address any concerns or questions you may have throughout the process.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Endoscopic breast augmentation can be a significant investment. Before choosing a hospital, it's important to understand the cost of the procedure, including the surgeon's fees, implant costs, anesthesia fees, and hospital charges. Some insurance plans may cover breast augmentation if it is considered a reconstructive procedure, so it's worth checking with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for coverage.

Patient Comfort and Support

Undergoing breast augmentation can be a stressful experience, so it's important to choose a hospital that prioritizes patient comfort and support. Look for hospitals that have a friendly and professional staff who will take the time to answer your questions, address your concerns, and make you feel at ease throughout the process. Good post - operative care, including pain management and follow - up appointments, is also essential for a smooth recovery.

Preparing for Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

Initial Consultation

The first step in preparing for endoscopic breast augmentation is to schedule an initial consultation with a surgeon at one of the top hospitals. During this consultation, you should be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any pre - existing conditions, allergies, or previous surgeries. You should also be honest about your expectations for the procedure and what you hope to achieve.

Medical Evaluation

Your surgeon may recommend a medical evaluation to ensure that you are in good health for the surgery. This may include blood tests, a physical examination, and other diagnostic tests as needed. The results of these tests will help the surgeon determine if there are any factors that could increase the risk of complications during or after the surgery.

Lifestyle Changes

Before the surgery, you may need to make some lifestyle changes. For example, you may be advised to quit smoking or using nicotine products, as smoking can interfere with the healing process. You may also need to stop taking certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John's wort.

Arrangements for Recovery

It's important to make arrangements for your recovery before the surgery. This includes arranging for someone to drive you home from the hospital and stay with you for the first night after the surgery. You should also set up a comfortable recovery space at home with all the necessary items within reach,