Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. Women from all walks of life are seeking ways to enhance the size and shape of their breasts, whether it's to boost their confidence, improve body proportions, or restore volume lost due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. In this article, we will explore the top 4 strength - based plastic surgery institutions in New York City that offer fast and scarless breast augmentation. We will also provide detailed information about breast augmentation procedures, candidates, benefits, risks, and recovery to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. It can be achieved using various methods, including the placement of saline or silicone breast implants or fat transfer techniques. The goal is to provide a natural - looking result that complements the patient's body type and aesthetic goals.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Confidence: Many women experience a significant boost in self - confidence after achieving their desired breast size and shape. They feel more comfortable in their own skin and are more likely to participate in activities they may have previously avoided.
- Improved Proportions: Breast augmentation can help create a more balanced and harmonious silhouette. It can enhance the overall body proportions, making the figure more aesthetically pleasing.
- Restored Volume: Women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging can regain fullness and a youthful contour through breast augmentation.
- Corrected Asymmetry: Natural breast asymmetry is common, and breast augmentation can help correct this issue, creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
- Broader Wardrobe Options: With the right breast size, women have more choices in clothing, as it is easier to find clothes that fit well and flatter their figure.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are in good overall health, non - smokers, and have realistic expectations about the results. They may be looking to enhance the size and shape of their breasts, restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, or undergo reconstruction following surgery. However, it is important to note that breast augmentation should not be considered before the age of 18, or when the patient has matured enough to know what her breast volume is and can judge what she wants.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater in a silicone shell. They offer a uniform shape and firmness. One of the advantages of saline implants is that any leaks are safely absorbed by the body. They can also be adjusted for size during surgery. However, some people find that saline implants may look and feel less natural than silicone implants and can sometimes show wrinkles or ripples over time.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are known for their natural appearance and softness, making them a popular choice for many women. However, ruptures in silicone implants can be more difficult to detect without an MRI.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants, also known as form - stable implants, are filled with a thicker silicone gel that maintains its shape even if the implant shell is broken. They provide a natural look and feel, with less risk of rippling. These implants are a good option for those who want a more stable and natural - looking result.
Implant Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Saline Implants | Leakage is safely absorbed; Adjustable for size during surgery | May look and feel less natural; Can show wrinkles or ripples |
Silicone Implants | Natural appearance and softness | Difficult to detect ruptures without MRI |
Gummy Bear Implants | Maintain shape; Less risk of rippling | - |
Top 4 Plastic Surgery Institutions for Scarless Breast Augmentation in New York City
Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon, offers an innovative endoscopic breast augmentation procedure for scarless breast enhancement. He has more experience in the endoscopic underarm technique of breast augmentation than any other plastic surgeon in the New York area. This transaxillary endoscopic approach involves making discreet incisions hidden neatly in the underarm. By utilizing a narrow tubular camera, the endoscopic approach allows for great accuracy in terms of implant placement, helping to reduce the risk of complications.
Scarless breast augmentation at Rapaport Plastic Surgery is suitable for women seeking breast enhancement without visible scarring. The procedure is tailored to each patient's needs, and Dr. Rapaport generally recommends positioning the implants under the pectoralis muscle for a more natural - appearing breast. Recovery time is relatively fast, with patients who have non - physical jobs able to return to work about five days following surgery.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City specializing in breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgery procedures. He has an extensive educational background, having trained at 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.
In breast augmentation, Dr. Kolker focuses on achieving natural and proportional results. He takes the time to understand each patient's aesthetic goals and creates a personalized treatment plan. His patients have provided numerous positive testimonials, highlighting his skill, artistry, and attention to detail. Dr. Kolker has been featured in many top publications, such as New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues and Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons list.
Mount Sinai - New York
The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies, including advanced 3D imaging technology, to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look before scheduling the surgery. This allows patients to virtually try on different sizes of breasts and make a more informed decision.
Mount Sinai offers several options for breast augmentation, including saline and silicone breast implants, as well as a fat transfer technique known as NaturalFill®. The surgeons will help patients choose the best option based on their body type and desired outcome. They also provide comprehensive pre - and post - operative care to ensure the best results and a smooth recovery.
Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a board - certified and Ivy League - educated plastic surgeon at the Weill - Cornell Medical Center. He is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has more than two decades of experience. Dr. Weintraub often performs breast augmentation by inserting the implant through the armpit (transaxillary subpectoral approach), which offers several advantages, such as no jeopardy to nipple sensation, no hindrance to future breastfeeding, and no visible scars near the breast.
He is known for his safety - first approach and meticulous attention to detail. Dr. Weintraub prefers to have his patients in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure and insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room. His practice also includes a high percentage of complex redo surgeries, which demonstrates his expertise in handling challenging cases.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Consultation
A consultation is the first and most important step in the breast augmentation process. During the consultation, the surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. You will have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals, preferences for implant type, size, and placement, and any concerns or questions you may have. The surgeon will also explain the procedure, risks, and recovery process in detail.
Medical Evaluation
Before undergoing breast augmentation, you will need to have a medical evaluation to ensure that you are in good health and a suitable candidate for the procedure. This may include a physical exam, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests as necessary. You will also need to provide medical clearance from your family physician.
Pre - operative Instructions
Your surgeon will provide you with detailed pre - operative instructions, which may include refraining from smoking, avoiding certain medications (such as aspirin and anti - inflammatory drugs) that can increase the risk of bleeding, and arranging for post - operative care. You may also be given prescriptions to be filled in advance, and a custom - made post - surgical garment will be ordered for you.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation is typically performed with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation (also called twilight anesthesia). A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer the chosen anesthesia and monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
Incision Placement
The surgeon will make incisions in discreet locations to minimize visible scarring. Common incision locations include the inframammary fold (beneath the breast), around the areola, or in the armpit. The choice of incision location depends on various factors, such as the type and size of the implant, your anatomy, and your surgeon's recommendation.
Implant Placement
Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will create a pocket either directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the pectoral (chest) muscle (submuscular placement). The implant will then be carefully inserted into the pocket and centered beneath your nipples. Placing the implants behind the chest muscle may reduce the risk of capsular contracture but may also result in a longer recovery time.
Closure
After the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incisions with multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures. A layer of gauze and a bandage may be placed over your new breasts to speed healing. The entire procedure usually takes between one to two hours to complete.
Recovery after Breast Augmentation
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until you are awake and stable. You may feel tired or sore, and there may be some swelling and bruising. You will be given pain medication to manage any discomfort. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions provided by your surgeon, such as wearing a surgical bra and avoiding strenuous activities.
Return to Normal Activities
Most patients can return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the type of job they have. However, it is important to avoid lifting heavy objects, engaging in aerobic activity, or sexual activity for a certain period of time. Mild aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, is generally permitted after about ten days, and full aerobic activity after three weeks. It may take several months for the swelling to fully subside and for the final results to become apparent.
Scar Healing
Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Over time, they will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. Your surgeon may recommend using scar treatment products or massaging the scars to help them heal better.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is the most common complication after breast augmentation. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing hardening, discomfort, and a misshapen appearance of the breast. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) may help prevent capsular contracture.
Infection
Infection is a potential risk after any surgical procedure. It typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated by antibiotics and, in some cases, removing the implant.
Implant Rupture
Implant rupture can occur as a result of injury or normal compression and movement of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, resulting in the breast appearing deflated. With silicone implant ruptures, 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 breast augmentation. This can be temporary or permanent and may affect the ability to breastfeed.
Asymmetry
Despite the surgeon's best efforts, there may be some degree of asymmetry in the breasts after surgery. This can usually be corrected with revision surgery.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women, offering enhanced confidence, improved body proportions, and restored breast volume. In New York City, there are several top - notch plastic surgery institutions that offer fast and scarless breast augmentation, such as Rapaport Plastic Surgery, Dr. Adam R. Kolker, Mount Sinai - New York, and Dr. Barry Weintraub. However, it is important to thoroughly research your options, choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, and have realistic expectations about the results and recovery process.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the surgeons mentioned in this article. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and learn more about the procedure. Remember, the decision to have breast augmentation should be based on your personal needs and desires, and it is important to choose a surgeon who understands and respects your wishes. Take the first step towards achieving your dream breasts today!