Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure, but like any surgery, it comes with potential risks, one of which is prosthesis contracture. New York City, being a major medical hub, is home to numerous hospitals that offer breast augmentation services. In this article, we will explore four hospitals that are recognized on relevant ranking lists in New York City, while also providing comprehensive information about breast augmentation, associated risks, and more.
What is Breast Augmentation and Prosthesis Contracture?
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the size and shape of the breasts. There are two main methods: using implants and fat transfer. Implants can be made of silicone or saline. Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue, providing a natural appearance and softness. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and can be adjusted for size during surgery. They are often preferred for their flexibility in size and the fact that any leaks are safely absorbed by the body. Fat transfer involves taking fat from other parts of the body (such as the buttocks or abdomen) through liposuction and injecting it into the breasts.
The reasons for breast augmentation include increasing breast size to improve self - confidence, restoring breast volume lost due to pregnancy, weight reduction, or aging, altering the breast shape, correcting unevenly sized breasts, and breast reconstruction after surgery such as mastectomy. According to Mount Sinai, breast augmentation is a procedure that can be highly customizable to meet the patient's desired outcome.
Prosthesis Contracture
Prosthesis contracture is a potential complication of breast augmentation surgery. It occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant begins to compress the implant, causing the breast to feel hard, distorted, and sometimes painful. The exact cause of prosthesis contracture is not fully understood, but factors such as infection, bleeding around the implant, and the patient's immune response can contribute to its development.
Four Recognized Hospitals in New York City
New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
This hospital has a strong reputation in the medical field. It has been named a top hospital in New York and has high national rankings. In 2024 - 2025, it was ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals.
It is recognized for its surgical excellence in multiple specialties. In adult specialties, it has top - notch heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery teams. For children’s specialties, pediatric heart surgery, pediatric GI surgery, and pediatric lung surgery are highly regarded. Additionally, its national ranking in cancer care reflects the high - quality surgical oncology expertise provided by many of its specialists, including those in breast surgery.
The U.S. News & World Report procedure and conditions ratings analyze data under many categories, including patient outcomes, the volume of high - risk patients, patient experience, nurse staffing, public transparency, and advanced clinical technologies. New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center has shown high - performing results in surgical and medical interventions such as colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, heart attack, abdominal aortic aneurysm, aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), diabetes, and kidney failure. Source.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is well - known for its plastic surgery department, especially in breast augmentation. Its plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation to enlarge breasts. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique body before scheduling the surgery. By showing various options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts.
When it comes to breast implants, Mount Sinai surgeons advise patients based on their body type and desired outcome. They offer silicone breast implants, which look and feel natural in the breasts, and saline breast implants, which are firmer and rounder. Additionally, the hospital has pioneered and perfected a new way to augment breasts using a fat transfer technique known as NaturalFill®. This is a two - step procedure where fat is first removed from the buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and then immediately inserted into the breasts to enlarge them. More details.
NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone Hospitals are recognized in multiple specialties in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. In 2023 - 2024, it ranked highly in neurology & neurosurgery, diabetes & endocrinology, geriatrics, pulmonology & lung surgery, and urology.
For patients considering breast augmentation, the hospital's medical expertise can provide comprehensive pre - and post - operative care. The hospital's overall approach to patient care, with a focus on research, innovation, and patient experience, can contribute to a positive outcome in breast augmentation surgery and management of potential complications like prosthesis contracture. In neurology & neurosurgery, for example, its expertise shows the hospital's ability to handle complex medical situations, which can translate to high - quality surgical care in other fields as well. Source.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Although primarily known as a cancer center, Memorial Sloan Kettering is also relevant for breast augmentation patients. It is one of the top hospitals for cancer treatment, including breast cancer. For patients who may have had breast cancer and are considering breast reconstruction through augmentation, this hospital offers high - level surgical oncology expertise.
The center's surgeons are highly skilled in handling complex cases. Their experience in breast surgery, whether it's related to cancer removal or reconstruction, can ensure that patients receive the best possible care. In the 2023 - 2024 rankings by U.S. News & World Report, it was ranked as one of the top hospitals for cancer treatment. This ranking is a testament to the hospital's high - quality care, advanced research, and patient - centered approach. Source.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon's Experience
One of the most crucial factors is the experience of the surgeons. Experienced surgeons are more likely to perform the surgery safely and achieve the desired results. For example, in the 2021 America's Best Plastic Surgeons ranking by Newsweek, several surgeons from New York City, such as Dr. David Hidalgo, MD, FACS and Dr. Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS, were recognized for their breast augmentation skills. Patients should research the surgeon's training, the number of breast augmentation surgeries they have performed, and their patient satisfaction rates. More info.
Hospital Reputation
A hospital's reputation is built on its long - term performance in patient care, research, and innovation. Hospitals like New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have established reputations in the medical field. Their rankings in various specialties by U.S. News & World Report indicate their high - quality services, which can be reassuring for patients considering breast augmentation.
Technology and Facilities
Advanced technology can enhance the safety and precision of breast augmentation surgery. Mount Sinai Hospital's use of 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the results is an example of how technology can improve the patient experience. Additionally, state - of - the - art surgical facilities, well - equipped recovery rooms, and access to the latest medical research can contribute to better outcomes.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the real - life experiences of those who have undergone breast augmentation at a particular hospital. Patients can learn about the pre - operative consultation process, the surgical experience, the post - operative care, and the overall satisfaction with the results. Websites and social media platforms can be sources of such information, but it's important to ensure the authenticity of the reviews.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Medical Consultation
Before undergoing breast augmentation surgery, patients should have a thorough medical consultation with their surgeon. The surgeon will ask about the patient's medical history, including any previous surgeries, allergies, and medical conditions. They will also perform a physical examination of the breasts to determine the patient's suitability for the surgery. During this consultation, the patient should discuss their goals, preferences for implant type (silicone, saline, or gummy bear implants), and any concerns they may have.
Lifestyle Changes
Patients may need to make certain lifestyle changes before surgery. Smoking should be stopped at least several weeks before surgery as it increases the risk of complications such as poor wound healing and prosthesis contracture. A nutritious, balanced diet should be maintained to help with the recovery process. Some medications, such as aspirin, which can increase bleeding, may need to be avoided as advised by the surgeon.
Emotional Preparation
Undergoing breast augmentation surgery can have emotional implications. Patients should have realistic expectations about the results and understand that there may be a recovery period during which they may experience discomfort and limitations in physical activity. It's important to have a support system in place, such as family and friends, to help during the recovery process.
Recovery Process After Breast Augmentation
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, patients will typically be fitted with a surgical bra to provide support to the newly enlarged breasts. Drainage tubes may be left in place to prevent fluid accumulation at the surgical site. Patients will need someone to pick them up from the hospital and stay with them on the first night after surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort.
Short - Term Recovery
For the first week or so, patients are advised to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities. Many people can return to work within a week, depending on the nature of their job. Most normal activities can be resumed after two weeks, but heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for about six weeks. The surgeon will schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process, remove the drainage tubes, and check for any signs of complications.
Long - Term Recovery and Maintenance
Over time, the breasts will continue to settle into their final shape. Patients should follow the surgeon's advice on breast care, such as wearing a proper - fitting bra. In some cases, implants may need to be replaced as needed, for example, after a rupture or if the patient experiences prosthesis contracture. Regular breast self - examinations are also important to detect any changes in the breasts.
Managing Prosthesis Contracture
Prevention
To reduce the risk of prosthesis contracture, surgeons may take certain precautions during surgery, such as using a meticulous surgical technique to minimize trauma to the tissues. The type of implant used and its placement (submuscular or sub - glandular) can also influence the risk. Patients can also play a role by following post - operative instructions carefully, such as massaging the breasts as recommended by the surgeon.
Treatment
If prosthesis contracture occurs, treatment options may include non - surgical methods such as massage, steroid injections, or the use of medication to relax the scar tissue. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the scar tissue and, if necessary, replace the implant. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the contracture and the patient's individual circumstances.
Conclusion
In New York City, hospitals like New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, NYU Langone Hospitals, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center offer high - quality services for breast augmentation. Each hospital has its own strengths, whether it's surgical expertise in multiple specialties, advanced technology in plastic surgery, or high - level cancer care for breast reconstruction. When considering breast augmentation, patients should carefully evaluate the hospital and surgeon based on factors such as experience, reputation, technology, and patient reviews.
It's also important to understand the entire process, from preparation to recovery, and be aware of potential complications like prosthesis contracture. By making informed decisions and following medical advice, patients can increase their chances of a successful breast augmentation and a positive long - term outcome.
If you're considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the hospitals mentioned in this article. You can also share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in New York City. Explore related topics such as the latest advancements in breast augmentation technology or success stories of breast augmentation patients to gain more insights.
