Introduction
Breast augmentation has become a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. With the advancement of medical technology and a greater emphasis on self - enhancement, more and more women are considering breast augmentation. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City for breast augmentation, the different types of breast implants available, and other important aspects of this procedure.
Importance of Choosing the Right Surgeon and Hospital
Selecting the appropriate surgeon and hospital for breast augmentation is crucial. A skilled surgeon can ensure a safe and successful procedure, while a well - equipped hospital can provide high - quality care before, during, and after the surgery. According to a study published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, the experience and expertise of the surgeon significantly impact the outcome of breast augmentation and the patient's satisfaction rate. Surgeons with more experience are more likely to handle complications effectively and achieve more natural - looking results.
Top Surgeons and Their Characteristics in New York City
Dr. David L. Cangello
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a high reputation in New York City. He has extensive experience in cosmetic breast surgery. Patients choose him because he is known for delivering elegant, natural - looking results. He has worked with professional models from top agencies such as Wilhelmina Models, IMG Models, and Next Management, which demonstrates his high - level surgical skills.
Dr. Cangello offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery, including breast lift, breast revision, and natural augmentation with fat transfer. He takes an artistic approach, combining medical precision with aesthetic principles. During the consultation, he carefully listens to the patient's desires and incorporates their tastes and preferences into the treatment plan. He uses advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the expected results, which allows them to make more informed decisions.
Regarding implant options, he uses both silicone and saline implants. For implant placement, he can place the implants under the pectoral muscle or the breast tissue, and he prefers to use the “no touch” method during breast augmentation with silicone, which utilizes a Keller funnel. This method allows for easier implant insertion, uses a smaller incision size, and may help minimize the infection risk.
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He has a deep understanding of breast implants, especially cohesive silicone gel breast implants, also known as gummy bear implants. He was a select investigator during the original development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants.
When choosing breast implants for patients, he considers multiple factors. In terms of material, he explains the differences between saline and silicone implants clearly to patients. Saline implants are filled during the procedure, while silicone implants are pre - filled. For shape, he presents round and anatomical (teardrop - shaped) options. Round implants can add volume higher on the chest, while anatomical implants mimic the natural form of the breast more closely. In terms of size, he emphasizes that implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters, and he helps patients choose the appropriate size based on their existing breast tissue and desired results.
Dr. Sherman also takes into account possible complications. He is aware of the small risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) and breast implant illness (BII) and can discuss these with patients to ensure they are fully informed before making a decision.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon. He is featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 to 2024, as well as being listed as one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. 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.
In breast augmentation, he believes that "beautiful" should be more important than "size." He focuses on establishing each individual woman's aesthetic goals, distinct to her body type, to attain a proportionate outcome and the most natural results. He offers comprehensive consultations, both virtually and in person, to understand the patient's needs and expectations. His skills and artistry have been recognized in almost 100 media articles and television appearances.
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. He is among the most respected breast augmentation surgeons in the country and has been listed in multiple magazines, such as Harper’s Bazaar and Town and Country, as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the nation.
He is very experienced in handling the common complication of capsular contracture. He uses advanced techniques and can use an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) such as Strattice or Alloderm to help prevent capsular contracture. During the consultation, he performs a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health and medical history, and together with the patient, he creates a surgical plan to best achieve the desired outcome. He also provides detailed information about the procedure, risks, and recovery process to patients.
Types of Breast Implants
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They are favored by many patients because they closely mimic the texture and feel of natural breast tissue. A clinical study survey showed that a high percentage of patients prefer the natural look and feel of silicone implants. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants.
However, silicone implants also have some considerations. Traditionally, they required larger incisions for insertion, but some surgeons like Dr. David L. Cangello use the Keller funnel method to minimize incision size. The FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell, although this is only a recommendation and not mandated. Silicone implants are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater. One of the advantages of saline implants is that they can be placed through a slightly shorter incision because they are filled at the treatment site. In the rare case of a rupture, the saline can be safely absorbed by the body. Saline implants are firmer and rounder compared to silicone implants. They are approved for patients who are at least 18 years old. Some patients may experience visible rippling at the implant edges, especially in thin women with small amounts of breast tissue.
Structured Saline Breast Implants
Structured saline breast implants are a type of saline implant with an internal structure. This internal structure makes them more natural and realistic in appearance and feel. They combine the safety of saline implants with a more natural look, reducing the chances of rippling.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Gummy bear breast implants are form - stable silicone breast implants. They maintain their shape even when the implant shell breaks. They have a tapered top that resembles the natural structure of the breasts, making them look very realistic. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel.
Table Comparison of Different Implants
| Implant Type | Fill Material | Appearance and Feel | Incision Size | Approved Age | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Silicone gel | Natural - looking and feeling | Traditionally larger, can be minimized with Keller funnel | At least 22 years old | FDA recommends MRI monitoring |
| Saline | Sterile saltwater | Firmer and rounder, possible rippling in thin women | Slightly shorter | At least 18 years old | Saline can be absorbed in case of rupture |
| Structured Saline | Sterile saltwater with internal structure | More natural and realistic | Similar to saline | Similar to saline | Reduced rippling |
| Gummy Bear | Cohesive silicone gel | Natural - shaped, maintains shape | Depends on technique | Similar to silicone | Form - stable |
Consultation and Preparation
Consultation Process
The consultation is a crucial step in the breast augmentation process. Surgeons will usually perform a physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and discuss the patient's aesthetic goals. For example, Dr. Antell will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health and medical history during the initial consultation. He will also talk with the patient about implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size, and explain the risks involved.
Surgeons may use advanced tools such as 3D imaging technology. Dr. Cangello uses 3D imaging to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique body. Some surgeons may also provide patients with actual implants to hold and feel to get a better sense of how they will be in real - life situations.
Preparation for Surgery
Patients need to follow certain preparation guidelines before breast augmentation. They are usually advised to quit smoking or using any nicotine product, as nicotine can significantly impact the ability to heal after the treatment. They should also taper off current medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort. Additionally, patients need to arrange for a trusted family member or friend to pick them up from the hospital after the surgery and designate a comfortable space at home for recovery. They should also set aside 2 - 3 weeks to rest and recuperate.
Procedure and Recovery
Procedure
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure that takes about 1 - 2 hours. The surgeon will make an incision, create a pocket for the implant, and then place the implant either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or the breast tissue (subglandular placement).
There are different incision options, including inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), and transaxillary (in the armpit). Each incision option has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, the transaxillary technique may have a higher rate of implant malposition, so some surgeons like Dr. Cangello avoid using it. The surgeon will choose the most suitable incision based on the patient's anatomy, implant type, and desired outcome.
Recovery
The recovery process varies from patient to patient. In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients will be given a prescription for pain medication to help ease discomfort. They will also need to wear a surgical compression bra for a few weeks.
Most patients can return to non - strenuous activities within a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks to a month. It usually takes about 4 - 6 weeks for the swelling to subside significantly, and the implants will settle into place within a few months. Regular follow - up appointments are necessary to ensure optimal healing.
Complications and Risks
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications after breast augmentation. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing hardening, discomfort, and a misshapen appearance. Surgeons like Dr. Antell are experienced in treating capsular contracture. They can remove the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, place new implants. Using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) such as Strattice or Alloderm has shown promising results in resisting capsular contracture.
Other Complications
Other complications include bleeding, infection, numbness, and implant rupture. Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed. Implant rupture can occur due to injury or normal compression and movement. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and the breast will appear deflated. A revision surgery is usually performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue. There is also a small risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) and breast implant illness (BII), although research on these is still ongoing.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City varies from patient to patient. It depends on factors such as the type of breast implants selected (saline or silicone), operating room and anesthesia fees, consultation fees, and the surgeon's fee. Saline implants are generally the least costly option, but approximately 85% of patients opt for silicone implants.
Patients can discuss the cost details with their surgeons during the consultation. Some patients may be eligible for financing options to help cover the cost of the procedure.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation in New York City offers women the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. There are many experienced surgeons and high - quality hospitals to choose from. Different types of breast implants provide various options to meet the individual needs of patients. However, it is important for patients to carefully consider all aspects, including the surgeon's experience, implant type, consultation process, and potential risks.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable surgeon. During the consultation, ask all your questions and make sure you understand the entire process. Share your aesthetic goals and concerns with the surgeon to develop a personalized treatment plan. Take the time to research and choose the best option for yourself, and may you achieve the beautiful results you desire.
