Introduction
Prosthetic breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. Many women opt for this surgery to enhance their appearance, boost self - confidence, and achieve their desired body contour. With a vast number of hospitals and clinics offering breast augmentation services, it can be challenging for patients to select the right place. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of some of the top hospitals in New York City known for their word - of - mouth reputation in prosthetic breast augmentation.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of the breasts. It involves inserting breast implants, which are typically filled with silicone gel or saline solution, into the breasts through a small incision. The surgery can also involve fat transfer techniques to augment the breasts using the patient's own fat deposits. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States for many years. In 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Self - Confidence: Many women feel that larger breasts can improve their appearance and make them feel more confident in their bodies.
- Restore Volume: After pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, women may experience a loss of breast volume. Breast augmentation can help restore the pre - pregnancy or pre - weight loss shape.
- Correct Asymmetry: Some women have breasts of different sizes or shapes, and breast augmentation can help correct this asymmetry.
Popular Implant Types
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They are known for their natural look and feel, closely mimicking the texture of natural breast tissue. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants. However, the FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell, although this is only a recommendation and not mandated. They are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with a saline solution (salt water). They have the advantage of potentially being placed through a slightly shorter incision. If a saline implant ruptures, the saline can be safely absorbed by the body. Saline implants are approved for patients who are at least 18 years old. In thin women with small amounts of breast tissue, visible rippling at the implant edges may be seen.
Comparing Silicone and Saline Implants
| Implant Type | Appearance | Feel | Incision Size | Monitoring | Approved Age | Rupture Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | More natural - looking | More natural - feeling | Traditionally larger, but can be minimized with techniques like the Keller funnel | FDA recommends MRI scans every few years | At least 22 years old | Silicone gel may leak internally; requires more complex detection and replacement |
| Saline | Can look less natural in some cases, especially in thin patients | May feel firmer and less natural | Smaller as they are filled at the treatment site | No long - term monitoring required | At least 18 years old | Saline is safely absorbed by the body if rupture occurs; easier to detect |
Top Hospitals for Prosthetic Breast Augmentation in New York City
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. There are different treatment options available, including silicone and saline breast implants, as well as a fat transfer technique called Natural Fill®. The surgeons will consult with patients to understand their desires, help them choose the best option for their body type, and ensure that they are suitable candidates for the surgery through a physical exam and health - related questions.
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. He has in - depth knowledge of breast implants, including the latest improvements such as cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants). He will guide patients through the process of choosing the right implant material, shape, size, and texture. His office offers convenient consultation options, and he has a high level of patient satisfaction due to his commitment to excellent results and patient care.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He is highly respected in the field and has an extensive list of credentials, including being featured in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons, and Castle Connolly's Top Doctors. In breast augmentation, he focuses on achieving a proportionate and natural outcome, tailoring the surgery to each patient's body type and aesthetic goals. He has received numerous positive patient testimonials for his artistic approach and excellent results.
Dr. David L. Cangello
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon known for his elegant and natural - looking results in breast augmentation. He has a state - of - the - art operating room in his NYC office and also has privileges at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including fat grafting. Dr. Cangello takes an artistic approach, combining medical precision with aesthetics. He is experienced in helping patients choose the right implant type, placement, and incision method, and has received high praise from patients for his patient - centered care.
Columbia University - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
As one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center, Columbia University's plastic surgery division has highly proficient surgeons. Their cosmetic care program includes breast augmentation among other procedures. The division is also at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery. The surgeons work closely with patients to understand their cosmetic goals and provide personalized treatment plans.
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon with over ten thousand plastic surgery procedures under his belt, including thousands of breast augmentations. He is board - certified and has been listed in multiple magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He offers patients a customized approach, tailoring the surgery to achieve their aesthetic goals. He also addresses common complications like capsular contracture and provides comprehensive guidance on all aspects of breast augmentation, from consultation to recovery.
Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC
This clinic uses advanced breast augmentation techniques to help patients achieve a beautiful, balanced, and natural - looking figure. Dr. Elie Levine works closely with patients to determine the best size, type of implant, implant placement, and incision location. They offer both silicone gel and saline - filled implants and can also perform breast augmentation with fat transfer for select patients. The clinic provides detailed pre - and post - operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications
It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified and has extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. Look for surgeons who have a good reputation, positive patient testimonials, and a portfolio of successful surgeries. For example, Dr. Adam R. Kolker's long list of credentials and his presence in top medical rankings indicate his high level of expertise.
Hospital Facilities
State - of - the - art facilities can contribute to a safer and more comfortable surgical experience. Facilities should be accredited, equipped with the latest medical technology, and have a trained and professional staff. Dr. David L. Cangello's fully accredited operating room in his NYC office provides an added level of safety and comfort for patients.
Treatment Options
Consider hospitals that offer a wide range of treatment options, including different types of implants and fat transfer techniques. This allows patients to choose the option that best suits their body type, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences. Mount Sinai offers silicone and saline implants as well as the Natural Fill® fat transfer technique.
Patient - Centered Care
A hospital that provides personalized care and takes the time to understand the patient's needs and concerns is essential. Surgeons should offer in - depth consultations, answer all questions, and provide detailed pre - and post - operative instructions. Dr. Darrick Antell spends time with patients during the consultation to create a surgical plan that meets their desired outcome.
Cost
The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on factors such as the type of implants, the surgeon's fee, and the location of the hospital. It is important to get a detailed cost breakdown during the consultation and understand the payment options available. However, cost should not be the only determining factor; quality of care and safety should also be considered.
The Breast Augmentation Process
Consultation
During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's general health and medical history, as well as the current condition of their breasts. They will discuss the patient's aesthetic goals, guide them through choosing the proper implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size. The surgeon will also explain the procedure, potential risks, and expected results. For example, at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, Dr. Elie Levine will examine the breasts, discuss the patient's medical history, and address their goals and expectations in detail.
Preparation
Patients will be provided with instructions to prepare for surgery. This may include quitting smoking, adjusting certain medications, and arranging for someone to drive them home after the procedure and assist them during the initial recovery period. Some patients may also need to get a pre - operative clearance from another doctor. For instance, Dr. John E. Sherman's patients are advised to follow specific pre - operative instructions to ensure a smooth surgery and recovery.
Surgery
The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation. The surgeon will make a small incision, create a pocket for the implant, and insert the implant either behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement). The choice of incision and placement depends on the patient's anatomy and desired outcome. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete.
Recovery
After surgery, patients will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by nurses. They may feel tired, sore, and experience swelling and bruising in the breasts. A specialized compression bra may be recommended, and pain medication will be prescribed to ease discomfort. Most patients can return to most daily activities within a few days, but strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two weeks. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, with swelling gradually subsiding over time.
Possible Complications and Risks
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a common complication after breast augmentation. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing hardening, pain, and a misshapen appearance of the breast. This can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Some surgeons, like Dr. Darrick Antell, use advanced techniques such as acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to help prevent capsular contracture.
Infection
Infection can occur within a week after surgery. It is usually treated with antibiotics, and in some cases, the implant may need to be removed. Surgeons take precautions to minimize the risk of infection, such as using sterile techniques during surgery and prescribing post - operative antibiotics.
Implant Rupture
Implant rupture can occur due to injury or normal compression and movement of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and the breast will appear deflated. In the case of a silicone implant rupture, a revision surgery is usually required to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
Changes in Sensation
Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after surgery. This can be temporary or permanent, and the risk varies depending on the surgical technique and individual factors.
Patient Testimonials and Word - of - Mouth
Patient testimonials play a crucial role in the word - of - mouth reputation of hospitals for breast augmentation. Positive testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, the surgeon's skills, and the overall patient experience. For example, many patients of Dr. Adam R. Kolker have shared their stories of how he has transformed their lives with his breast augmentation surgeries, praising his attention to detail and the natural - looking results. Similarly, Dr. David L. Cangello's patients have reported high levels of satisfaction with their breast augmentation procedures, commending his artistic approach and patient - centered care.
Conclusion
Prosthetic breast augmentation is a life - changing procedure for many women in New York City. Choosing the right hospital and surgeon is essential to ensure a safe and successful surgery and achieve the desired aesthetic results. By considering factors such as the surgeon's experience, hospital facilities, treatment options, patient - centered care, and cost, patients can make an informed decision. Some of the top hospitals in New York City, such as Mount Sinai, Columbia University, and the practices of renowned surgeons like Dr. John E. Sherman, Dr. Adam R. Kolker, Dr. David L. Cangello, Dr. Darrick Antell, and the team at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, offer high - quality breast augmentation services with excellent word - of - mouth reputations.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top surgeons. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and understand the entire process. By doing so, you can embark on your breast augmentation journey with confidence and look forward to a beautiful and natural - looking result.
