Introduction
Prosthetic breast - augmentation plastic surgery has become an increasingly popular option for many women in New York City. Whether it's to enhance one's appearance, regain confidence after pregnancy or illness, or correct certain physical anomalies, there are numerous plastic surgery hospitals and clinics offering these services. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of breast augmentation in New York City, including the procedures, the leading surgeons, recovery, and important considerations.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. This is typically achieved through the insertion of breast implants, either silicone or saline, or in some cases, through fat transfer techniques. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation
- Enhance body contour: Women who feel their breast size is too small for their body frame may opt for breast augmentation to achieve a more balanced silhouette.
- Restore volume: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss can lead to a reduction in breast volume. Breast augmentation can help restore the pre - pregnancy or pre - weight loss breast size and shape.
- Correct asymmetry: Many women have some degree of breast asymmetry. Breast augmentation can help balance the size and shape of the breasts.
- Reconstructive purposes: After breast cancer surgery or other medical procedures, breast augmentation can be used as a reconstructive technique to restore the appearance of the breasts.
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They utilize advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. This technology demonstrates what different breast sizes will look like on the patient's unique body, allowing patients to virtually "try on" different options. Mount Sinai offers three main types of breast augmentation options: silicone breast implants, saline breast implants, and a fat - transfer technique called Natural Fill®.
Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. Natural Fill® involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen through liposuction and then inserting it into the breasts. Their surgeons take the time to understand the patient's desires and body type to help choose the best option.
Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Rapaport Plastic Surgery, is a world - recognized expert in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. The facility offers breast augmentation with both saline and silicone implants. The incision for breast augmentation can be placed in the underarm, under the breast itself, or within the areola, depending on the patient's needs and preferences.
Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure through the underarm, providing precise implant positioning. The breast augmentation procedure can be performed with general anesthesia or IV sedation, and patients can typically go home the same day. The recovery process takes about two to three weeks, during which strenuous activity is restricted.
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani of Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery specializes in breast enhancement. The benefits of breast implants at this facility include increased confidence, a natural look and feel, a balanced figure, increased size, and long - lasting results. They typically use smooth, round silicone gel implants for a natural shape and feel.
The breast augmentation process at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery starts with an in - depth consultation, which includes 3D imaging of the expected results and reviewing medical history, risks, and considerations. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the recovery process takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Most patients can return to normal, light activity within one week after surgery.
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City. He has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. Dr. Antell offers both saline and silicone implants, and he tailors each breast augmentation to achieve the patient's desired look.
The benefits of breast augmentation with Dr. Antell include enhanced confidence, improved proportions, customized volume and shape, a rejuvenated appearance, corrected asymmetry, and broader wardrobe options. He takes measures to address common complications such as capsular contracture, and he has a reputation for excellence in plastic surgery.
Dr. Zuckerman
Dr. Zuckerman is an expert in breast augmentation and performs this procedure in his midtown Manhattan practice. He helps patients make decisions regarding the type, size, incision location, and corrective action for breast asymmetry. Dr. Zuckerman offers all three commonly used breast augmentation techniques and can make a recommendation based on the patient's level of existing breast tissue and other criteria.
He uses a “no - touch” technique involving a Keller funnel to place the breast implant, aiming to maximize sterility and minimize the risk of capsular contracture. Dr. Zuckerman also offers “rapid recovery” breast augmentation, and many patients can return to work within a week.
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald is a board - certified New York plastic surgeon. He has significant experience in breast implant surgery and performs hundreds of primary and revision breast augmentations yearly. Dr. Greenwald offers a choice of breast implant types, incisions, and placement options.
He provides saline and silicone breast implants. Saline implants can be inserted through smaller incisions and are safer in case of rupture, while silicone implants look and feel more natural. Dr. Greenwald places most of his implants in the submuscular position for a lower incidence of capsular contracture and a more natural look. His patients typically have minimal pain, bruising, and a prompt return to normal activities.
Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC
At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, Dr. Elie Levine works closely with patients to determine the best size, type, and placement of breast implants. They offer both silicone gel and saline - filled implants. Incisions for breast augmentation can be placed in one of four areas: at the lower border of the areola, in the crease between the breast and the chest, in the arm pit, or in the belly button.
The surgery is performed in their in - office surgical facility, and patients can go home the same day. The recovery process includes wearing a surgical bra for 2 weeks, and most patients can return to work in 3 - 7 days.
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He helps patients choose the right breast implants based on material, shape, size, and texture. Silicone implants are pre - filled, while saline implants are filled during the procedure. Round implants add volume higher on the chest, and anatomical implants mimic the natural breast shape.
Dr. Sherman also addresses possible complications such as BIA - ALCL and breast implant illness. The breast augmentation procedure at his facility typically takes 1 - 1.5 hours, and patients can expect to recover and resume light activities in 2 - 3 weeks and more strenuous activities in 6 - 8 weeks.
Types of Breast Implants
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants have a silicone outer shell and are filled with a silicone gel. They are known for their natural look and feel, closely mimicking the texture of natural breast tissue. Memory gel® breast implants, a type of silicone implant, are composed of a cohesive gel formulation that acts as a solid rather than a liquid and holds together uniformly. However, they arrive pre - filled, so slightly larger incisions are required for insertion. There is also a risk of “silent rupture,” where the implant has ruptured but the patient may not be aware of it, as the body cannot absorb silicone.
Saline Implants
Saline implants have a silicone outer shell filled with a saline solution (sterile saltwater). They can be inserted through smaller incisions as they are filled after placement in the breast pocket. In case of rupture, the saline solution is safely absorbed by the body. However, they may not resemble the look and feel of natural breast tissue as closely as silicone implants and are more prone to folding or wrinkling, especially in women with thin skin or little body fat.
Fat Transfer (Natural Fill)
Some surgeons, like those at Mount Sinai, offer a fat - transfer technique for breast augmentation. This involves removing fat from an area of the body, such as the buttocks or abdomen, using liposuction and then injecting it into the breasts. The advantage of this method is that it uses the patient's own body fat, reducing the risk of rejection. However, the amount of volume increase may be limited, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.
Implant Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Silicone Implants | Natural look and feel, cohesive gel formulation in some types | Requires larger incisions, risk of silent rupture |
Saline Implants | Smaller incisions, safe in case of rupture | Less natural look and feel, more prone to wrinkling |
Fat Transfer | Uses own body fat, reduces rejection risk | Limited volume increase, may require multiple sessions |
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Consultation
The first step in the breast augmentation process is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this 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 patient and the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals for the surgery, including the desired size, shape, and overall look. The surgeon will also explain the different types of implants, incision options, and placement techniques.
Some surgeons, like those at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, offer 3D imaging to help patients visualize the expected results. Patients may also have the opportunity to hold sample implants in different sizes during the consultation to get a better idea of what they want.
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation can be performed with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation (twilight anesthesia). A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer and monitor the anesthesia to ensure the patient's safety and comfort during the procedure.
Incision Placement
There are several options for incision placement in breast augmentation:
- Inframammary incision: Made in or near the breast's natural crease. It is easily concealed by the overlying breast and allows for precise creation of the implant pocket. It has a lower incidence of capsular contracture and sensory changes of the nipple - areola complex.
- Periareolar incision: Created around the outer perimeter of the areola. It is well - concealed in properly selected patients, but it has a slightly higher risk of breast feeding difficulties or changes in breast or nipple sensation.
- Transaxillary incision: Placed in the armpit area. It offers a scarless appearance on the breast, but it is more difficult to perform and may result in increased implant malposition.
- Peri - umbilical incision: Sometimes used, though less common. It allows for the implant to be inserted through a hidden area but may have limitations in terms of control and placement.
Implant Placement
Implants can be placed in two main positions:
- Submuscular placement: The implant is placed under the pectoral muscle. This position is preferred by many surgeons as it may reduce the risk of capsular contracture and can provide a more natural look, especially in women with little natural breast tissue. However, recovery may take a bit longer compared to subglandular placement.
- Subglandular placement: The implant is placed under the glandular tissue but on top of the pectoral muscle. It is an older placement method and may be more suitable for some patients with a very muscular chest wall or those who prefer a quicker recovery.
Closing the Incisions
After the implant is placed, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures are often used to promote proper healing and minimize scarring. A layer of gauze and a bandage may be placed over the breasts to aid in the healing process.
Recovery Process
Immediate Post - Surgery
After the surgery, the patient will recover in a recovery suite under the monitoring of a nurse. Once the anesthesia wears off, the patient can usually go home the same day. However, they must have an adult stay with them for the first night after surgery. The patient may feel tired, sore, and experience swelling and bruising in the breasts, which are normal side effects of the surgery.
Short - Term Recovery
Most patients can return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the nature of their job. Those with non - strenuous or desk jobs can typically resume work sooner. Strenuous exercise and aerobic activity, including sexual activity, are restricted for the first ten days to a few weeks after surgery. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication for the first few days to manage discomfort, and ice packs may be helpful to reduce swelling.
Long - Term Recovery
Full recovery from breast augmentation takes approximately two to three weeks, although it can vary from patient to patient. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over several months, and the implants will settle into place. The final results of the breast augmentation are usually visible around 6 months after surgery. Scars will initially be firm and pink but will gradually fade over time, although they will never completely disappear.
Potential Risks and Complications
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications after breast augmentation. It occurs when the capsule of scar tissue that forms around the implant tightens, causing the breasts to appear round and high and feel hard. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Surgeons take precautions such as minimizing bleeding during surgery and using techniques to avoid contamination to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
Infection
Infection can occur at the incision site within a week after surgery. It is usually treated with antibiotics, and in some cases, the implant may need to be removed. To prevent infection, surgeons use sterile techniques during surgery and may prescribe antibiotics before and after the procedure.
Implant Rupture
Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and the breast will appear deflated. Silicone implant rupture may be more difficult to detect (silent rupture). In case of rupture, a revision surgery is usually required to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
Numbness
Some patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the breasts or nipples after breast augmentation. This is due to nerve damage during the surgery, and in most cases, the sensation will gradually return over time.
Asymmetry
Although breast augmentation can help correct breast asymmetry, there is still a risk of the breasts not being perfectly symmetrical after surgery. This may be due to differences in the placement of the implants or the natural healing process.
Cost Considerations
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's fee, the type of implants used, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the surgery. Saline implants are generally less expensive than silicone implants. On average, the cost may range from several thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars.
It's important to note that the cost should not be the only factor when choosing a surgeon or a plastic surgery hospital. Quality, experience, and patient safety should be the top priorities.