Introduction
Silicone breast implant surgery has become a popular choice for many women in New York City who wish to enhance their physical appearance and boost their confidence. With a multitude of hospitals offering such procedures, it can be challenging to identify the top - tier ones. In this article, we will take an in - depth look at the top 3 public hospitals for silicone breast implant surgery in New York City, exploring their strengths, including the expertise of their surgeons, available facilities, patient satisfaction rates, and more.
Overview of Silicone Breast Implant Surgery
Silicone breast implant surgery is a type of breast augmentation procedure. It involves inserting silicone - filled implants into the breasts to increase their size, improve their shape, or correct any contour deformities. There are different types of silicone breast implants available, such as round and contoured (teardrop - shaped) implants. Round implants have fullness all around and a less cohesive gel, making them softer and more natural - feeling. Contoured implants are designed to mimic the shape of natural breasts, with a sloping shape and a more cohesive gel.
The surgery is typically performed under anesthesia, and the implants can be placed either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or the breast tissue (submammary/subglandular placement). Incisions for the surgery can be made in different locations, including around the nipple (periareolar), in the crease between the breast and chest wall (inframammary), or in the armpit (transaxillary).
Top 3 Public Hospitals for Silicone Breast Implant Surgery in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Expert Surgeons
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons are highly experienced in performing breast augmentation surgeries. They are well - trained in the latest techniques and have a deep understanding of aesthetics. For instance, they are able to use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. This technology allows patients to virtually try on different sizes of breasts on a computer monitor, helping them make more informed decisions about the surgery.
Implant Options
At Mount Sinai, patients have several options for breast augmentation. They offer both silicone and saline breast implants. Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural in the breasts, while saline implants are firmer and rounder. Additionally, Mount Sinai surgeons have pioneered and perfected the natural fill® technique, which is a fat - transfer method for breast augmentation. This two - step procedure involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and then immediately inserting it into the breasts. It offers a more natural alternative for patients who prefer not to use implants.
Patient - Centered Care
The hospital emphasizes patient satisfaction. Surgeons consult with patients, listening carefully to their desires for enhancing breast size. They also help patients decide on the size and shape that will look best for their body. Before scheduling the surgery, a physical exam is performed, and a series of health - related questions are asked to confirm that the patient is a suitable candidate for breast augmentation.
Moreover, the hospital provides post - operative care and guidance. Patients are informed about the expected recovery process, including the potential for swelling, bruising, and the time required to resume normal activities. The surgeons at Mount Sinai are also available to answer any questions or concerns that patients may have during the recovery period.
2. New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
National Recognition
This hospital has achieved a high national ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals. It has been named the top hospital in New York and has ranked among the top in the nation (e.g., No. 4 in some rankings). This recognition reflects the hospital's overall excellence in healthcare, including surgical specialties. The hospital is also recognized for its excellence in 15 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties, indicating the breadth and depth of its medical expertise.
Breast Surgery Expertise
The hospital's surgical oncology expertise in breast surgery is highly regarded. Many of its specialists are involved in breast surgery, providing high - quality care for patients undergoing silicone breast implant surgery. They have the knowledge and skills to handle various aspects of the procedure, from pre - operative planning to post - operative follow - up. For example, they are well - versed in the different techniques of implant placement and incision selection, ensuring the best possible results for patients.
Research and Innovation
As a leading academic medical center, New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is actively involved in research. This research can lead to the development of new techniques and approaches for silicone breast implant surgery. The hospital's surgeons can incorporate the latest scientific findings into their practice, offering patients the most advanced and effective treatment options.
3. Weill - Cornell Medical Center
Surgeon Reputation
At Weill - Cornell, there are surgeons like Dr. Barry Weintraub, who is board - certified and Ivy League educated. He is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has more than two decades of experience in breast augmentation. Dr. Weintraub's aesthetic judgment is highly respected, and he has a keen eye for natural beauty. His patients trust him to deliver results that look and feel natural.
Preferred Surgical Approach
Dr. Weintraub prefers to perform breast augmentation using the transaxillary subpectoral approach. In this method, a small incision is made in the armpit, and the implant is placed behind the pectoralis major muscle. This approach has several advantages. There is no jeopardy to nipple sensation, future breast - feeding is not hindered, there are no visible scars near the breast, and there is less pain, swelling, and post - operative downtime compared to some other methods.
High - Quality Facilities
The hospital provides state - of - the - art facilities for breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Weintraub has privileges at multiple well - known hospitals, but he prefers the privacy of his hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office. The surgical center is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff, ensuring the highest level of safety and care for patients.
Comparison of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Implant Options | Patient - Centered Care | National Recognition | Research and Innovation | Preferred Surgical Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Highly experienced with 3D imaging for patient consultation | Silicone, saline, and fat - transfer option (natural fill®) | Strong focus on patient wishes and pre - op evaluation | Good general reputation but not top - ranked nationally for all categories | May have some research but not as emphasized as others | Various approaches based on patient needs |
| New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center | Specialists in breast surgical oncology | Standard silicone and saline options | Comprehensive care as part of a large medical center | Top - ranked in the nation and New York | Actively involved in research | Techniques based on the latest research |
| Weill - Cornell Medical Center | Surgeons like Dr. Weintraub with long - term experience | Silicone and saline options | Personalized care with attention to patient comfort | Well - known academic medical center | Academic research that can impact surgical practice | Transaxillary subpectoral approach preferred by Dr. Weintraub |
Important Considerations for Choosing a Hospital for Silicone Breast Implant Surgery
Surgeon Credentials
It is crucial to choose a hospital where the surgeons are board - certified. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met the high standards set by the relevant professional organization. For example, in the case of plastic surgery, certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a sign of a surgeon's competence. Additionally, experience in performing silicone breast implant surgeries is important. Surgeons with a long - standing practice and a large number of successful procedures are more likely to deliver good results.
Implant Options
Patients should have a wide range of implant options available. Different implants have different characteristics, such as shape, texture, and fill material. A hospital that offers both silicone and saline implants, as well as other alternatives like fat - transfer methods, allows patients to choose the option that best suits their needs and preferences.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care at a hospital. Positive reviews can indicate that patients were satisfied with the surgical results, the level of communication with the medical staff, and the post - operative care. Negative reviews, on the other hand, can highlight potential issues such as long wait times, poor bedside manner, or complications during the surgery.
Cost
The cost of silicone breast implant surgery can vary from hospital to hospital. It is important to understand what is included in the cost, such as the surgeon's fee, the cost of the implants, anesthesia fees, and post - operative care. However, cost should not be the only factor in choosing a hospital. It is better to prioritize the quality of care and the expertise of the surgeon.
Location and Convenience
The location of the hospital can be an important consideration. A hospital that is close to the patient's home or workplace can make it easier for pre - operative consultations, the surgery itself, and post - operative follow - up visits. Additionally, the availability of parking and public transportation can also impact the convenience of accessing the hospital.
Safety and Complications of Silicone Breast Implant Surgery
Safety of Silicone Implants
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, breast implants have not been shown to impair breast health. Independent groups like the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (IOM) have found no proven link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases in women. However, silicone breast implants have undergone scrutiny in the past. As of December 2006, they were returned to the marketplace after being found to be safe and effective by the FDA.
Common Complications
Although silicone breast implant surgery is generally safe, there are some potential complications. These include bleeding, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and implant rupture. In the case of implant rupture, while silicone implants are less likely to rupture than saline implants, removing a ruptured silicone implant can be more complicated. Other complications can include capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant tightens and causes the breast to feel hard and look distorted.
Hospitals should have protocols in place to minimize the risk of complications and to manage them effectively if they do occur. This includes using sterile operating conditions, careful patient selection, and providing post - operative monitoring and care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 3 public hospitals for silicone breast implant surgery in New York City - Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Weill - Cornell Medical Center - each have their own unique strengths. Mount Sinai offers a variety of implant options and a patient - centered approach with advanced 3D imaging. New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is nationally recognized and has strong expertise in breast surgical oncology along with a focus on research. Weill - Cornell has experienced surgeons like Dr. Weintraub with a preferred surgical approach and high - quality facilities.
When considering silicone breast implant surgery, it is important for patients to carefully evaluate these hospitals based on the factors mentioned above, such as surgeon credentials, implant options, patient reviews, cost, and location. By making an informed decision, patients can increase their chances of a successful surgery and a satisfactory outcome.
If you are interested in learning more about silicone breast implant surgery or any of these hospitals, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon at one of these facilities. Take the time to discuss your goals and concerns, and make sure you feel comfortable with the surgeon and the hospital before proceeding with the surgery. Share this article with others who may be considering the same procedure, and explore related topics on breast health and cosmetic surgery.
