Introduction
Breast augmentation has been the number - one cosmetic procedure for over a decade. In the United States, over 5 million women have undergone breast augmentation, and 90% of them do it after having kids. A high percentage, around 79%, of those who undergo the procedure report satisfaction. If you're in New York City and considering breast augmentation, you're in a place with numerous high - quality options. This article will provide a detailed compilation of the top three hospitals (represented by their surgeons) for breast augmentation in New York City.
1. Why Breast Augmentation?
The shape and size of our breasts directly influence our confidence. Many women envy well - endowed women, and thanks to breast augmentation, they can now achieve the boobs they desire. It is a long - term solution for various concerns. For moms, it can help them regain their pre - pregnancy figures. Women looking to improve their figures for a particular career or transgender individuals seeking a more feminine appearance can also benefit from this procedure.
Moreover, the breast lift and augmentation procedure not only enhances the shape and size of the breasts but also results in a natural - looking appearance. You don't have to explain your improved appearance to others as it looks like your natural endowment.
2. Top Three Surgeons for Breast Augmentation in New York City
2.1 Dr. Nadia Afridi
2.1.1 General Information
Dr. Nadia Afridi is one of the most popular surgeons in NYC for breast augmentation. She is a board - certified plastic surgeon. Her practice is located at 815 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021, between 75th st & 74th st on the Upper East Side. Her phone number is (212) 421 - 5100.
2.1.2 Expertise and Services
- She offers various breast - related procedures such as mommy makeovers, breast surgery, body contouring, and facial treatments. In breast augmentation, she has four key considerations: the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision to insert the breast implant, the type of implant (silicone or saline), and the size of the breast implant.
- Her breast augmentation surgery usually lasts 1 - 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made in unnoticeable areas like the armpit, the underside of the breast, and around the areola, ensuring that any potential scars are not visible.
- Dr. Afridi is experienced with both saline and silicone implants, giving patients a wider option. She also performs breast augmentation for patients who are not satisfied with previous procedures, correcting issues like wrinkling, bottoming out, implant palpability, symmastia, severe implant displacement, and capsular contracture.
2.1.3 Patient Reviews and Ratings
Dr. Afridi has a rating of 4.9. She is very professional but also cares for patients like a friend. Her and her staff are helpful and accommodating, treating patients like royalty. They are always ready to answer post - operation calls.
2.1.4 Cost
The estimated breast augmentation cost with Dr. Afridi is $8900.
2.1.5 Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Board - certified plastic surgeon | By appointment only |
Very helpful and informative | |
Staff is very accommodating | |
Offers several breast augmentation procedures | |
Uses “try on the look” to determine the best size and shape for patients | |
Accepts credit card | |
Accepts insurance |
2.2 Dr. Richard Swift
2.2.1 General Information
Dr. Richard Swift is a well - known cosmetic plastic surgeon in NYC. His practice is at 110 E 87th st, New York, NY 10128, between Park Ave & Lexington Ave on the Upper East Side. His phone number is (212) 828 - 9906.
2.2.2 Expertise and Services
- He is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments. His services include breast enhancement, body contouring, and facial treatments. He provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care.
- Before the breast augmentation procedure, he recommends that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before, shower and wash with antimicrobial soap the night before, and avoid applying lotions, creams, or moisturizers on the area to be treated.
- After the surgery, patients' breasts will be swollen and tender. They can usually return to work within a week but need to wear a surgical bra after the bandages are removed. Strenuous activities should be avoided until he approves.
2.2.3 Patient Reviews and Ratings
Dr. Swift has a rating of 4.9. He has a great team of staff, from the receptionist to the operating - room nurse and anesthesiologist. His patients feel that they are in safe hands, and his prices are fair compared to other board - certified plastic surgeons.
2.2.4 Cost
The estimated breast augmentation cost with Dr. Swift ranges from $5000 - $10000.
2.2.5 Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery | By appointment only |
Board - certified by the American Board of Surgery | |
Provides detailed consultations | |
Provides pre - and post - operative care | |
Caring and helpful staff | |
Accepts credit card | |
Over 25 years of experience |
2.3 Dr. Adam Kolker
2.3.1 General Information
Dr. Adam Kolker is highly recognizable in New York's plastic surgery scene. His office is at 710 Park Avenue, New York City, New York, 10021. His phone numbers are (212) 744 - 3900 / (212) 744 - 6500.
2.3.2 Expertise and Services
- He is double - board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. In addition to breast augmentation, he offers procedures such as breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, fat transfer breast augmentation, tuberous breast correction, inverted nipple correction, male breast reduction, and gummy bear breast implants.
- Dr. Kolker combines scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity and perspective, enabling him to deliver beautiful, natural, and proportional results.
2.3.3 Patient Reviews and Ratings
Dr. Kolker has a rating of 4.8. Many patients are satisfied with his work, and some have reported that he has corrected issues that other surgeons said were impossible. However, some patients may be concerned that his staff usually answers the calls instead of him directly.
2.3.4 Cost
The estimated breast augmentation cost with Dr. Kolker ranges from $9000 – $11000. The price is relatively high due to the combined effort of his surgical and anesthesia team, and silicone breast implants are $1000 more expensive than saline implants.
2.3.5 Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
American Board of Plastic Surgery certified | Leaves staff to answer patient’s concern |
American Board of Surgery certified | Surgery is very expensive |
Impressive educational background | |
Friendly and helpful staff | |
Offers several breast augmentation procedures | |
Office is nice and clean |
3. What to Consider Before Breast Augmentation
3.1 Am I a Suitable Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions:
- Do you feel that your breasts are too small for your body frame?
- Do you feel self - conscious when you wear a swimsuit or any form - fitting and low - cut tops?
- Have your breasts become smaller or less firm after giving birth?
- Have your breasts become smaller due to weight loss?
- Is one of your breasts smaller than the other?
Before getting the surgery, you should have an in - depth discussion with your surgeon. In addition to saline and silicone implants, fat transfer breast augmentation is also an option. It involves removing fat through liposuction from areas like the thighs, abdomen, and hips and injecting the fat cells into the breasts, although it is not as common yet.
3.2 Financing the Procedure
Getting a cosmetic surgery in New York can be costly, but there are different means to pay for it. Most surgeons accept cash, credit cards (such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover), and checks. Some also accept financing options like CareCredit. CareCredit has two payment options:
- No - interest plans up to 24 months: No interest is charged when accountholders make their required minimum monthly payment and pay off the remaining balance within the promotional period.
- Extended payment plans for 24, 36, 48, or 60 months: These plans carry an interest rate that is more competitive than most credit cards and feature a fixed, monthly payment and a longer term.
3.3 Free Consultation
A number of surgeons in New York offer a free consultation. For example, Dr. Swift offers a free consultation. However, not all top surgeons provide this service, and some may charge a consultation fee of about $100 - $150. It is advisable to start with an online consultation first.
4. The Breast Augmentation Procedure
4.1 Surgical Approaches
There are different surgical approaches for breast augmentation, and the choice depends on various factors such as the patient's anatomy, the type of implant, and personal preferences. Common incision sites include:
- Armpit (transaxillary approach): This approach can result in less visible scarring as the incision is made in the armpit. It also has advantages such as no jeopardy to nipple sensation, no hindrance to future breastfeeding, less pain, less post - operative downtime, and less swelling and bruising.
- Under the breast (inframammary incision): This is a popular approach that provides good access for implant placement. The scar is usually well - hidden in the breast crease.
- Around the areola (periareolar incision): This approach can have the advantage of a less visible scar as it blends with the pigmented area around the nipple. However, there may be a slightly higher risk of nipple - areola complex sensation changes.
Implants can be placed either behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement). Placing the implants behind the chest muscle may reduce the risk of capsular contracture but may require a longer recovery time.
4.2 Anesthesia
Breast augmentation is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another form of “twilight” sedation. In either case, patients will not experience any discomfort during the procedure. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the surgery to ensure safety.
5. Aftercare and Recovery
After breast augmentation, proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal results. Here are some general aftercare and recovery guidelines:
5.1 Immediately After Surgery
Patients will recover in a recovery suite under the monitoring of a nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is often used to decrease discomfort. Since it is usually an outpatient procedure, patients can return home the same day but need to have an escort as they cannot drive for 24 hours after anesthesia.
5.2 First Few Days
Patients may feel tired, sore, and experience swelling and bruising. Pain medication will be prescribed, and wearing a surgical compression bra is necessary. Strenuous activities should be avoided, and patients may need to limit bending and lifting. For those with infants or small children, extra care is needed when handling them.
5.3 Return to Normal Activities
Many patients can return to most daily activities within days, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for around two weeks. A surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the specific procedure and the patient's healing rate. The swelling in the breasts will take several months to fully dissipate, and the final result is typically visible around 6 months. Scars will gradually fade over time but will never disappear completely.
6. Risks and Complications
Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still some risks and complications to be aware of:
6.1 Capsular Contracture
This is one of the most common complications. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing hardening, a misshapen appearance, and pain. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and prescribing medications like Accolate may help reduce the risk.
6.2 Other Complications
- Bleeding: This can occur during or after the surgery and may require additional treatment to stop.
- Infection: It typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed.
- Numbness: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the breasts or nipples.
- Implant rupture: Can occur due to injury or normal compression and movement of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and a revision surgery is usually needed to replace the implant.