Introduction
Breast augmentation has become a popular cosmetic procedure for many women in New York City. It offers the opportunity to enhance the size and shape of the breasts, boost self - confidence, and improve overall body proportions. Silicone prosthetic breast augmentation, in particular, is well - known for its natural look and feel. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals in New York City for silicone prosthetic breast augmentation, along with detailed information about the procedure itself.
What is Silicone Prosthetic Breast Augmentation?
Silicone prosthetic breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves inserting silicone implants into the breasts to increase their volume and enhance their shape. The silicone implants are a silicone shell filled with silicone gel, which closely mimics the texture and feel of natural breast tissue. This type of augmentation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures worldwide.
Benefits of Silicone Prosthetic Breast Augmentation
- Natural Look and Feel: Silicone implants provide a more natural appearance and tactile sensation compared to saline implants. They closely resemble the texture and movement of real breasts.
- Customizable: There are various sizes, shapes, and profiles of silicone implants available, allowing surgeons to tailor the procedure to each patient's specific body type and aesthetic goals.
- Long - lasting Results: Silicone implants are designed to be durable, and many patients enjoy their results for a long time, though they may require replacement after 10 - 15 years in some cases.
- Improved Self - confidence: Many women experience a significant boost in self - confidence after achieving their desired breast size and shape.
- Enhanced Body Proportions: It can help create a more balanced and harmonious silhouette, especially for women with naturally small breasts or those who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
Types of Silicone Implants
There are different types of silicone implants, each with its own characteristics:
Type of Implant | Description |
---|---|
Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants (Gummy Bear Implants) | These implants have a thicker silicone gel that holds its shape well, even if the implant shell is ruptured. They are less likely to cause the rippling effect sometimes associated with other implants and can provide a more natural and proportionate breast shape. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. |
Traditional Silicone Gel Implants | These have a softer silicone gel compared to gummy bear implants. They offer a very natural feel and are a popular choice among many patients. They are available in round and anatomical shapes. |
Ranking of Silicone Prosthetic Breast Augmentation Hospitals in New York City
Based on various factors such as the expertise of the surgeons, patient reviews, success rates, and the quality of facilities, here are some of the top hospitals for silicone prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City:
1. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City and a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries.
- Expertise: He has in - depth knowledge of different types of breast implants and can provide personalized advice on implant selection, placement, and sizing. His research on identical twins and the aging process has been displayed in the Smithsonian Museum, demonstrating his high - level of expertise and innovation in the field.
- Patient Reviews: Many patients have expressed high satisfaction with their results. They praise Dr. Antell and his friendly staff for the attention and care they receive throughout the process. For example, one patient said, "I received all the attention from Dr. Antell and his friendly staff. I am very happy with the results."
- Facilities: His private operating room is located just across the street from the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
2. 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 before the surgery.
- Technology: The use of 3D imaging technology is a significant advantage as it allows patients to make more informed decisions about their desired breast size and shape. This technology shows patients various options on a computer monitor, so they can virtually try on different sizes of breasts.
- Options: They offer both silicone and saline breast implants, as well as a non - implant option called Natural Fill®, which is a fat transfer technique. This gives patients more choices based on their preferences and body types.
- Patient - centered Care: The surgeons consult with patients to understand their desires for enhancing breast size and help them decide on the size and shape that will look best for their bodies. They also explain the procedure in detail and answer all patients' questions.
3. 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.
- Credentials: He has multiple board certifications and memberships in various medical societies, which attest to his high - level of professional competence. He has also been featured in many prestigious lists such as New York Magazine's Best Doctors, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons, and Castle Connolly's Top Doctors.
- Artistic Approach: Dr. Kolker combines scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity. He believes that true artistry in breast augmentation 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.
- Patient Testimonials: Many patients have shared their positive experiences with Dr. Kolker. One patient said, "I could not believe my eyes. Dr. Kolker had done something all other surgeons had told me was not possible. He made the impossible, possible."
4. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He is well - known for his commitment to patient care and excellent results in breast augmentation.
- Implant Knowledge: He has a deep understanding of breast implants, especially the anatomically shaped cohesive gel breast implants. He worked closely with Allergan during the original development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. He can educate patients about all the benefits and details of different implants.
- Personalized Approach: Dr. Sherman works closely with prospective patients to develop an individualized approach. He reviews the patient's medical history, examines the breasts, and discusses implant options to determine the implants that will best suit the patient.
- Patient - centered Consultation: His consultation process involves answering all patients' questions, explaining the procedure in detail, and devising a personalized treatment plan. He also provides detailed instructions for pre - and post - operative care.
5. Dr. Lara Devgan's Practice
Dr. Lara Devgan is a well - respected female plastic surgeon in New York City. Many women seek her out for breast augmentation because they prefer a female surgeon who will be discreet about this sensitive topic.
- Patient - focused Consultation: During the consultation, she examines, measures, and photographs the patient's breasts. She shows samples of silicone and saline breast implants so patients can feel the difference and choose the type they prefer. Patients also have the opportunity to "try on" different sizes of implants to figure out what is right for them.
- Quick Recovery: Her patients typically experience a relatively fast recovery. Most patients with desk jobs can return to work within a few days after surgery, and by one month after surgery, the vast majority of patients say they feel "back to normal."
- Natural Results: Dr. Devgan aims to achieve beautiful, natural, and feminine results that are tailored to each patient's body, build, and frame. Many patients have expressed high satisfaction with the natural look of their augmented breasts.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure generally follows a set of steps:
Consultation
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. The surgeon and the patient will discuss the patient's expectations, and together, they will create a surgical plan to best achieve the desired outcome. This includes selecting the proper implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size. The surgeon will also talk through the risks with the patient.
Pre - operative Preparation
Patients will be provided with instructions to thoroughly prepare for surgery. This may include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. Patients may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the day of surgery. Depending on the medical history, patients may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. It is also important to arrange for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and to have someone to assist the patient for the first few days.
Surgery
The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another form of “twilight” sedation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure to ensure safety.
- Incision: The surgeon will make an incision, which can be made either below the crease near where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. The choice of incision depends on several factors, including the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's preference. Every effort will be made to place the incision so that any scarring is as inconspicuous as possible.
- Implant Placement: The surgeon will then create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the pectoral (chest) muscle (submuscular placement). Placing the implants behind the chest muscle may reduce the risk of capsular contracture but may also require a longer recovery time. The implants are then centered beneath the nipples.
- Closure: Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures are typically used to close the incisions. The surgeon may place a layer of gauze and a bandage over the new breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete.
Recovery
After the surgery, the patient will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until they feel well enough to be discharged. The patient will be provided with discharge instructions that will guide them through the initial postoperative period.
- Initial Recovery: In the first few days after surgery, the patient may feel tired, sore, and experience swelling and bruising. They will be given a prescription for pain medication to help ease discomfort. Most patients are able to return to most daily activities within days of the procedure, but it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks.
- Long - term Recovery: The swelling in the breasts will take several months to fully dissipate, with the final result typically being visible around 6 months. The scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks and will gradually fade over time, although they will never disappear completely.
Risks and Complications
While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, there are some risks and potential complications:
- Capsular Contracture: This is the most common complication after breast augmentation. It occurs when the capsule surrounding the implant tightens, causing the implant to be restricted, resulting in a misshapen appearance, hardening of the area, and pain. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue, and if desired, placing new implants.
- Bleeding and Infection: Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery, and infection typically presents within a week after surgery. Infections can usually be treated by antibiotics, and in some cases, the implant may need to be removed.
- Implant Rupture: Rupture can occur as a result of injury or from normal compression and movement of the breast causing friction with the man - made shell of the implant. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, resulting in the breast appearing deflated. With both saline and silicone implant ruptures, a revision surgery is usually performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
- Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience numbness or changes in nipple or breast sensations after the surgery. In most cases, these changes are temporary, but in some cases, they may be permanent.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Although rare, there is a small but increased risk of developing this form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma in women with breast implants. It appears to be associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast).
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some women report a broad variety of symptoms such as memory loss, “brain fog,” joint pain, and fatigue after having implants placed. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.
Cost of Silicone Prosthetic Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of silicone prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's fee, the type of implants used, the facility fees, and the cost of anesthesia.
- Saline implants are generally the least costly option, but approximately 85% of patients opt for silicone implants, which are more expensive.
- Other factors that affect the cost include the complexity of the procedure, the location of the surgery, and any additional procedures that may be performed simultaneously, such as a breast lift.
It is important to note that the cost also includes the consultation fee, which usually rolls into the procedure itself. Patients should reach out to the hospitals or surgeons for a personalized consultation to determine the full and final cost of their breast augmentation.
Conclusion
Silicone prosthetic breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women in New York City, offering the opportunity to enhance their appearance, boost self - confidence, and achieve their desired body proportions. The top hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article have a proven track record of providing high - quality care, excellent results, and a focus on patient safety and satisfaction. However, it is crucial for patients to do their own research, have in - depth consultations with multiple surgeons, and fully understand the risks and benefits before making a decision. If you are considering silicone prosthetic breast augmentation, we encourage you to reach out to these top - rated hospitals and surgeons to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving your aesthetic goals.