New York City is a global hub for cosmetic plastic surgery, especially breast augmentation. Women from all over the world come to the city to enhance their beauty and confidence through this procedure. With so many options available, choosing the right hospital can be a daunting task. This article aims to help you navigate through the choices by highlighting the top five hospitals for breast augmentation in New York City.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job, is the enlargement of the breasts either through transfer of fat from a part of the body or through surgical procedures which use breast implants or saline for enlargement of the breast. The most common one which is well - practiced is the surgical method. It mainly helps in enlarging or restoring symmetry to the breast, providing a solution to those who have had a reduction in breast size either due to weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding, as well as those who want a balance in their physical appearance.
Before deciding on a hospital, it's important to understand the various aspects of breast augmentation, including the types of implants available:
- Saline implants: These are placed in the breast pocket and are filled to the patient’s desired volume during the procedure. If they break, the salt - water is absorbed into the body with no side effects. They typically have fewer risks and are uniform in shape and firmness.
- Silicone implants: Pre - filled and produced ready to be inserted, they are the closest to the real thing in how they feel. Even if a silicone breast implant leaks, the gel usually doesn’t cause the implant to collapse. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants.
- Structured implants: Filled with saline, but placed in an inner mold that makes them feel more like natural breasts.
- Gummy bear implants: These are cohesive silicone gel implants. They won’t lose their shape even if the shell is compromised. The consistency of the silicone gel is thicker, and breasts usually are firmer than with traditional implants.
- Natural breast augmentation (fat transfer): This process involves taking subcutaneous fat from other parts of the body and sculpting the breasts with the tissue. It provides additional body sculpting but also has its own set of pros and cons.
Top Five Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging technology, to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique body. By showing various options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts.
The hospital offers multiple options for breast augmentation:
- Silicone breast implants: These look and feel natural in the breasts.
- Saline breast implants: They are a firmer, rounder option.
- NaturalFill: A fat - transfer technique pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. First, fat is removed from the buttocks or abdomen with liposuction, and then it is immediately inserted into the breasts to enlarge them using the patient's own fat deposits.
Before scheduling the surgery, the surgeon will consult with the patient, listen to their desires for enhancing breast size, and help them decide about the size and shape that will look best for their body. They also perform a physical exam and ask health - related questions to confirm that the patient is a candidate for breast augmentation.
2. Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine is a great choice for breast augmentation. Their surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team is equipped to promote comfort throughout the process. The hospital partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.
Their advantages for breast augmentation include:
- Individualized breast surgery: The plastic and reconstructive surgeons are highly skilled and able to help patients achieve the natural look they want. They help patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities feel confident in their appearance with cosmetic breast surgery.
- Focus on comfort: The team prioritizes the patient's comfort at every step. Before surgery, patients have time to ask questions to feel comfortable with the procedure. In state - of - the - art surgical suites, the surgeons use the latest anesthetics and medications that help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After the surgery, the care team manages pain with medication and teaches patients how to care for themselves during recovery.
The hospital provides a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast augmentation with implants.
3. Rowe Plastic Surgery
Dr. Norman Rowe, MD, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Rowe Plastic Surgery, combines his extraordinary skills with knowledge of the latest and most innovative techniques to provide stunning, natural - looking breast augmentation. He specializes in breast procedures, rhinoplasty procedures, and revision procedures.
Reasons to choose Rowe Plastic Surgery:
- Certified surgeons: The surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, meaning they have met the highest standards of education, training, and experience in plastic surgery.
- Variety of options: They offer a variety of breast augmentation options, including saline implants, silicone implants, and fat transfer, and can help patients choose the right implant type and size for their body and goals.
- Latest techniques and equipment: The hospital is committed to staying up - to - date on the latest advances in breast augmentation to provide the best possible care.
- Patient satisfaction: The team takes the time to understand each patient’s individual goals and needs and works closely with them to create a personalized treatment plan.
4. Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City specializing in breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgery procedures. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is also an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Dr. Kolker's approach to breast augmentation:
- Artistic and scientific combination: He combines scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity and perspective to deliver beautiful, natural, and proportional results. True artistry in breast augmentation for him is based on the concept that "beautiful" should be more important than "size". He establishes each individual woman's aesthetic goals, distinct to her body type, to attain a proportionate outcome and the most natural results.
- Extensive credentials: He is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Surgery, and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, among other distinctions. He has been featured in numerous media outlets as a top plastic surgeon in New York City.
5. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon, is a world - recognized expert specializing in breast augmentation and breast implant revision for women with previous breast surgery. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures performed at his New York plastic surgery facility.
Unique features of Rapaport Plastic Surgery:
- Scarless breast augmentation option: Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure when patients choose an underarm incision. This allows for precise muscle division and implant positioning, reducing the risk of implant malposition.
- Minimizing capsular contracture: He takes every precaution to minimize the risk of capsular contracture. This includes advising patients not to engage in aerobic activity for ten days after surgery to minimize bleeding, using powder - free gloves, and the “no touch” technique with a Keller funnel for implant insertion. He also generally advises against the periareolar incision and uses sterile plastic covers over the nipple area to avoid bacterial contamination.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Surgeon's Experience and Credentials
Ensure that the surgeon performing your breast augmentation is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Check their years of experience, the number of breast augmentation procedures they have performed, and any specialized training they may have. Surgeons like Dr. Norman Rowe, Dr. Adam R. Kolker, and David P. Rapaport have extensive experience and numerous credentials, which are important indicators of their expertise.
Hospital Reputation
Look for hospitals with a good reputation in the field of plastic surgery. Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the results achieved. Hospitals like Mount Sinai and Weill Cornell Medicine are well - known and respected in the medical community.
Range of Services
Choose a hospital that offers a variety of breast augmentation options, including different types of implants and techniques. This allows you to select the option that best suits your body type, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences. For example, Rowe Plastic Surgery offers saline implants, silicone implants, and fat transfer options.
Technology and Facilities
Up - to - date technology and state - of - the - art facilities can contribute to a more successful and comfortable breast augmentation experience. Hospitals like Mount Sinai use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize their results, while Rapaport Plastic Surgery uses an endoscope for scarless breast augmentation.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the breast augmentation procedure, including any additional fees such as anesthesia, operating room charges, and post - operative care. Most insurance policies don’t cover breast augmentation as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, some hospitals may offer financing options to help manage the cost.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Once you have chosen a hospital and a surgeon for your breast augmentation, there are several steps you need to take to prepare for the procedure:
- Consultation: Schedule an initial consultation with your surgeon. During this consultation, you will discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and the surgeon will examine your breasts. The surgeon will also help you choose the type of implant, size, and placement that is best for you.
- Medical evaluation: You may need to undergo a medical evaluation, including blood tests, mammograms, and a physical examination, to ensure that you are in good health for the surgery.
- Lifestyle changes: Your surgeon may advise you to make certain lifestyle changes before the surgery. This may include quitting smoking, as nicotine can significantly impact your ability to heal after the treatment. You may also need to taper off certain medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort.
- Arrangements at home: Arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital after the surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Designate a comfortable space to recover at home and place necessary items within reach. You should also plan to take 2 - 3 weeks off work or other strenuous activities to rest and recuperate.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery process after breast augmentation is an important part of the overall experience. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Immediate post - operative period: In the initial days after surgery, it's normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. You will be given a prescription for pain medication to help ease discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. You will also be provided with a surgical compression bra that you will wear for the next few weeks as you heal.
- Activity restrictions: You should avoid heavy lifting, intense exercises, and swimming for several weeks after the surgery. Sleeping on your back is recommended for at least two to three weeks to allow the implants to settle properly. Strenuous aerobic activity and sexual activity are usually restricted for the first ten days after breast augmentation.
- Follow - up appointments: It's important to attend all follow - up appointments with your surgeon. During these appointments, the surgeon will monitor your healing progress, check for any complications, and remove your sutures if necessary.
- Long - term results: Although your breasts may still feel overly firm and tight in the initial weeks, within a few months, your implants will have settled into place, and you'll be able to celebrate your final results. Breast implants are designed to last a decade or more, but they may need to be replaced or removed later if needed.
Potential Risks and Complications
While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, like any surgery, it comes with some risks and potential complications:
- BIA - ALCL: Over the past few years, researchers have found that women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). It appears to be associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). Although the actual number of cases worldwide is not confirmed, it appears to be approaching 400 cases.
- Breast implant illness: Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed. These symptoms include memory loss and “brain fog,” joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.
- Capsular contracture: This occurs when the capsule that forms around the implant contracts and squeezes the implant, resulting in breasts that appear round and high and may feel very hard to touch. Surgeons like David P. Rapaport take precautions to minimize this risk.
- Other complications: Other possible complications include breast pain, breast numbness, loss of sensation in nipples, implant leak, issues with breastfeeding, and allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for breast augmentation in New York City is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your results and overall experience. The top five hospitals mentioned - Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, Rowe Plastic Surgery, Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice, and Rapaport Plastic Surgery - each offer unique advantages, from experienced surgeons and advanced technology to a focus on patient comfort and safety.
Before making a decision, thoroughly research each hospital, consult with multiple surgeons, and consider all the factors such as surgeon's credentials, hospital reputation, range of services, technology, cost, and potential risks. By taking the time to make an informed choice, you can ensure that you achieve the beautiful, natural - looking results you desire.
If you're considering breast augmentation, don't hesitate to reach out to these top hospitals for a consultation. Take the first step towards enhancing your beauty and confidence today!
