Introduction

Breast augmentation has long been a popular cosmetic procedure for women seeking to enhance their appearance, improve self - confidence, and achieve a more balanced physique. Among the various options available, teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation has gained significant attention due to its ability to create a more natural - looking result. New York City, being a hub of advanced medical technology and plastic surgery expertise, offers numerous plastic hospitals and clinics that specialize in this procedure. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City, including information on the procedure itself, implant types, and some of the top plastic hospitals where you can undergo the treatment.

Understanding Teardrop - Shaped Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

The Concept of Teardrop - Shaped Implants

When you look at a natural breast, it has a distinct shape that tapers towards the top and is fuller at the bottom, much like a teardrop. Teardrop - shaped breast implants are designed to mimic this natural contour. They are a popular choice for women who desire a more subtle and realistic enhancement compared to round implants. According to Aristocrat Plastic Surgery, these implants are a revolutionary advancement in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, particularly favored for breast augmentation when a natural - looking result is a priority, as well as in breast reconstruction surgeries following mastectomy.

Benefits of Teardrop - Shaped Implants

• Natural Appearance: As mentioned earlier, they closely resemble the natural shape of the female breast. This results in a more organic look, especially when viewed from the side. For example, a woman with minimal breast tissue can achieve a breast shape that appears as if it is her natural one, thanks to the teardrop - shaped implants.
• Customization: Teardrop - shaped implants come in a variety of profiles, shapes, and sizes. This allows plastic surgeons to select the most appropriate implant for each patient's unique body type, breast anatomy, and aesthetic goals. For instance, women with different body frames and desired levels of projection can find an implant that suits them.
• Subtle Enhancement: They offer a more subtle increase in breast size compared to some round implants, which can be beneficial for women who want a more understated change.

Potential Drawbacks

• Rotation Risk: One of the main concerns with teardrop - shaped implants is the risk of rotation. If an implant rotates within the breast pocket, it can result in an abnormal appearance. For example, if the implant rotates so that the fuller part is at the top instead of the bottom, the breast may look misshapen. To mitigate this risk, many teardrop - shaped implants have a textured surface, which helps them adhere to the surrounding tissue and reduces the likelihood of rotation.
• Larger Incision: Inserting teardrop - shaped implants usually requires a slightly larger incision compared to round implants. This can potentially lead to more visible scarring, although plastic surgeons are skilled at making incisions in inconspicuous locations to minimize this issue.
• Higher Cost: Generally, teardrop - shaped implants are more expensive than round implants. This cost factor needs to be considered when planning for the breast augmentation procedure.

Types of Teardrop - Shaped Breast Implants

Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone gel implants are a popular choice for teardrop - shaped breast augmentation. According to 740 Park Plastic Surgery, cohesive gel (gummy bear) breast implants, a type of silicone gel implant, are composed of a highly durable, form - stable silicone gel that creates an exceptionally natural shape and feel. These implants are fda - approved for use by board - certified plastic surgeons in the United States.

Advantages

• Natural Look and Feel: Silicone gel has a texture that closely resembles natural breast tissue, providing a soft and realistic feel. It also helps the implant maintain its shape, contributing to the natural appearance of the augmented breast.
• Low Rippling Rate: Compared to saline implants, silicone gel implants have a lower rate of rippling, which is the visible wrinkling or undulating of the implant under the skin. This is especially important for women with thin breast tissue.
• Shape Retention: Gummy bear implants, in particular, are known for their excellent shape retention. They are less likely to shift or change shape over time, reducing the risk of an unnatural appearance.

Disadvantages

• Detection of Rupture: Unlike saline implants, a ruptured silicone gel implant may not be as obvious. The gel may either remain inside the shell or move into the breast pocket, and the implant may not appear deflated. Regular monitoring with physical assessments, ultrasounds, or MRIs is necessary to detect a rupture.
• Higher Cost: Silicone gel implants are typically more expensive than saline implants.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline (saltwater) solution enclosed in an outer silicone shell. The FDA has approved these implants for patients 18 and above.

Advantages

• Safety in Rupture: In the event of a rupture, the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed and expelled by the body. This makes them a safer option in terms of potential health risks associated with implant rupture.
• Adjustable Volume: Some saline implants can be adjusted in volume after placement, allowing for a more precise fit and customization during the surgery.
• Lower Cost: Saline implants are generally less expensive than silicone gel implants, making them a more budget - friendly option for some patients.

Disadvantages

• Rippling: Saline implants are more prone to rippling, especially in women with thin breast tissue. This can result in a less natural appearance.
• Firmer Feel: They may feel firmer than silicone gel implants, which can affect the overall naturalness of the breast's feel.

Choosing the Right Plastic Hospital in New York City

Factors to Consider

• Surgeon's Expertise: Look for a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation. A skilled surgeon will be able to assess your individual needs, recommend the most suitable implants, and perform the procedure with precision. For example, at Maman Plastic Surgery, Dr. Daniel Maman is a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon specialized in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. His expertise can give patients confidence in the outcome of their breast augmentation.
• Reputation: Research the hospital's reputation by reading patient reviews, testimonials, and before - and - after photos. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care and satisfactory results. You can also check if the hospital or its surgeons have received any awards or recognition in the field of plastic surgery.
• Facility Accreditation: Ensure that the plastic hospital is accredited by recognized organizations. Accreditation indicates that the facility meets certain standards of safety, quality, and professionalism. This is crucial for your safety during the surgery and recovery process.
• Range of Services: A good plastic hospital should offer a comprehensive range of services related to breast augmentation, including pre - operative consultations, surgical procedures, and post - operative care. This ensures that you receive all the necessary support throughout your journey.
• Cost and Financing Options: Consider the cost of the procedure and the available financing options. Different hospitals may have different pricing structures, and some may offer financing plans to help you manage the cost. However, it's important not to compromise on quality for the sake of cost.

Top Plastic Hospitals in New York City for Teardrop - Shaped Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

740 Park Plastic Surgery

At 740 Park Plastic Surgery, board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stafford R. Broumand offers a wide range of breast implant options, including teardrop - shaped cohesive gel (gummy bear) implants. During the consultation, the doctor will present every implant option available, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each size, shape, type, and surface texture in great detail. They also utilize advanced Vectra 3D imaging to show patients how various implants may look on their own body following the procedure, helping patients make more informed decisions.

Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery

With seven convenient locations in Manhattan, New York City, and other areas, Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery provides consultations for breast implants. Long Island plastic surgeon Stephen Greenberg can help patients determine which kind of breast implant will give them the desired bust line. They operate with Vectra XT, a complete 3D imaging solution for body, breast, and face, to provide patients with a visual image of themselves and explore the possibilities of the aesthetic procedure. Regarding teardrop - shaped implants, they explain the potential risks of shifting and help patients understand the differences compared to round implants.

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, a fellowship - trained, board - certified plastic surgeon, offers breast augmentation in the Upper East Side of New York City. She knows that every woman is unique and spends a significant amount of time with patients during a preoperative consultation to learn their goals and decide which implant type and implant placement is ideal. For teardrop - shaped implants, she will consider the patient's breast anatomy, skin features, and aesthetic goals to ensure a natural - looking and personalized result. Her results are known for being natural - looking, personalized, and elegant.

Aristocrat Plastic Surgery

Aristocrat Plastic Surgery specializes in shaped implants, including teardrop - shaped silicone implants. Top plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Tehrani will conduct a thorough consultation with patients to assess if shaped implants are the right choice for them. He will consider factors such as the patient's desired outcome, breast anatomy, lifestyle, and budget. The clinic offers Sientra's microtextured implants, which have a less aggressive surface compared to other textured implants, reducing the potential risk associated with some textured implants.

The Breast Augmentation Process

Consultation

The consultation is a crucial step in the breast augmentation process. During this appointment, you will meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history. The surgeon will perform a physical examination of your breasts, including measuring your breast volume, width, and the amount of breast sagging, as well as evaluating the position of your nipples, skin quality, and pectoral muscle development. At 740 Park Plastic Surgery, for example, Dr. Broumand will use this information to present you with different implant options, including teardrop - shaped implants, and explain their pros and cons. He may also use advanced imaging technology to show you how the implants will look on your body.

Pre - operative Preparation

Once you and your surgeon have decided on the implant type and the surgical plan, you will need to prepare for the surgery. This may include undergoing breast imaging, such as a mammogram, sonogram, or MRI, as recommended by your surgeon. You will also need to obtain medical clearance and complete any necessary blood work. In addition, your surgeon will provide you with instructions on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, diet, and weight, avoiding smoking, and not taking certain medications that can increase the risk of complications. For example, at Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's practice, she will give patients detailed and precise pre - operative instructions to ensure a smooth surgery.

Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery typically lasts 1 - 1.5 hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, subglandular breast augmentation may be performed using local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. The surgeon will make an incision in an inconspicuous location on the breast, such as in the armpit (transaxillary), in the crease on the underside of the breast (inframammary), or around the areola (periareolar). Then, a pocket will be created under the breast tissue or below the pectoralis major muscle, and the teardrop - shaped implant will be inserted into the pocket. The incisions will be sutured closed, taped, and bandaged. At Maman Plastic Surgery, Dr. Maman usually makes the incisions hidden within the natural breast fold or within the nipple for a more discreet appearance.

Recovery

After the surgery, most patients feel tired and sore, but this usually resolves in a day or two. You should be able to return to work within the week, but you will need to avoid vigorous exercise for at least 2 - 4 weeks, depending on the type of surgery. You will also need to wear a surgical bra or strap for a certain period, as recommended by your surgeon. The scars from the incisions will begin to fade in a few months and continue to fade over time. Your surgeon will schedule several follow - up visits to monitor your recovery and ensure that the implants are in good condition. For instance, at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery, they offer a 24 - hour rapid recovery mini - incision surgery and provide comprehensive post - operative care to help patients recover as smoothly as possible.

Potential Risks and Complications

Implant - Related Risks

• Rupture: Both silicone gel and saline implants can rupture. A ruptured silicone gel implant may be more difficult to detect, while a ruptured saline implant will deflate, and the saline solution will be absorbed by the body. If a rupture occurs, it may require additional surgery to remove or replace the implant.
• Rotation: As mentioned earlier, teardrop - shaped implants are at risk of rotation, which can result in an abnormal breast appearance. If rotation occurs, corrective surgery may be necessary.
• Capsular Contracture: This is a condition in which the scar tissue that forms around the implant becomes excessively tight. It can cause the implant to feel hard, look distorted, or be painful. Capsular contracture may require surgery to remove or replace the implant.
• Rippling: Although less common with teardrop - shaped implants, rippling can still occur, especially with saline implants. Rippling is the visible wrinkling or undulating of the implant under the skin, which can affect the natural appearance of the breast.

Surgical Risks

• Infection: There is a risk of infection after breast augmentation surgery. Signs of infection may include fever, pain, redness, and swelling at the incision site. Infections are usually treated with antibiotics, but in severe cases, the implant may need to be removed.
• Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. In most cases, it can be managed with compression and other measures, but in rare cases, additional surgery may be required to control the bleeding.
• Anesthesia Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks associated with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions, breathing problems, and blood pressure changes. Your anesthesiologist will assess your health before the surgery and take appropriate measures to minimize these risks.

Conclusion

Teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can provide women with a more natural - looking and subtle enhancement of their breasts. New York City offers a wide range of plastic hospitals and clinics with experienced surgeons who can perform this procedure with high precision and safety. However, it's important to carefully consider the type of implants, the plastic hospital, and the potential risks and complications before making a decision. By choosing a reputable plastic hospital and an experienced surgeon, and following the pre - operative and post - operative instructions, you can increase the chances of achieving a satisfactory outcome.

If you are considering teardrop - shaped prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top plastic surgeons mentioned in this guide. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and make an informed decision. Your journey to enhanced self - confidence and a more beautiful appearance starts here!