Introduction
Breast augmentation has become a sought - after cosmetic procedure for many women in New York City. It can enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts, leading to increased self - confidence and a more positive body image. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the top long - term prosthetic breast augmentation hospitals in New York City, along with in - depth information about the procedure itself.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. It can be achieved using various methods, most commonly through the use of breast implants or fat transfer techniques. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in 2023.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Confidence: Many women experience a renewed sense of self - confidence and empowerment after achieving their desired breast size and shape. This can have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives.
- Improved Proportions: It can enhance overall body proportions, helping create a balanced silhouette that aligns with one's aesthetic goals. For example, it can improve the balance between the chest, waist, and hips for a more flattering figure.
- Customized Volume and Shape: There are options for both saline and silicone implants in various shapes and sizes. Surgeons can tailor each breast augmentation to achieve the look the patient desires, taking into account factors such as body type and personal preferences.
- Rejuvenated Appearance: For women who’ve experienced volume loss due to aging, pregnancy, or weight changes, breast augmentation offers a way to restore fullness and create a youthful contour.
- Corrected Asymmetry: It can help address natural asymmetry, creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
- Broader Wardrobe Options: Achieving the ideal breast size opens up more choices in clothing, providing a comfortable and flattering fit in a wider variety of styles.
Top Breast Augmentation Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging technology, to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. Before scheduling surgery, they ensure that patients understand the procedure and are happy with the expected results. They offer several options for breast augmentation, including two types of implants (silicone and saline) and a non - implant option called Natural Fill®. Natural Fill® is a fat transfer technique pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has 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. As an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he stays on the cutting edge of plastic surgery advancements. He specializes in breast augmentation and a wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures addressing all aspects of the body. Dr. Kolker is known for his artistic approach, aiming for beautiful, natural, and proportional results. He has been featured in multiple top medical lists, such as New York Magazine's Best Doctors, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons, and Castle Connolly's Top Doctors.
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon and a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. He has focused his professional career on aesthetic procedures and is among the most respected breast augmentation surgeons in the country. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he has been honored for his groundbreaking research study on identical twins and the aging process, with his work displayed in the Smithsonian Museum. He has been listed in multiple magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar and Town and Country, as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is one of the top board - certified plastic surgeons in New York City. He helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals through highly customized breast augmentation procedures. He offers a variety of implant types, surgical techniques, and tailored plans, prioritizing natural - looking results that complement the patient's body type and preferences. He is well - regarded for his artistic eye in treating plastic surgery and caring about the patient's outcome as much as the patient does.
Dr. Norman Rowe
Dr. Norman Rowe is a board - certified plastic surgeon at Rowe Plastic Surgery. He combines extraordinary skills with knowledge of the latest and most innovative techniques to provide stunning, natural - looking breast augmentation. He and his dedicated team offer a variety of breast augmentation services to help patients achieve various objectives, such as restoring breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy, increasing bust fullness, and providing symmetry. His practice serves patients in New Jersey, Manhattan, Long Island, and the Hamptons.
Types of Breast Implants
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel implants more closely mimic the texture and feel of natural breast tissue. They are pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel and have a silicone elastomer outer shell. The current generation of silicone implants provides a more natural look and feel, making them a popular choice among many patients. However, if they rupture, the gel may stay within the implant shell or migrate into the surrounding tissue, which may require additional surgery to remove.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater in a silicone shell. They offer a uniform shape and firmness. One advantage of saline implants is that if they break, the salt water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and the breast will simply appear deflated. They also often allow for a slightly shorter incision during the insertion process.
Structured Implants
Structured implants are filled with saline but are placed in an inner mold that makes them feel more like natural breasts. They combine some of the benefits of both saline and silicone implants, providing a natural feel with the safety advantage of saline.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants are form - stable cohesive gel implants. They hold their shape even if the shell is compromised, and the consistency of the silicone gel is thicker. Breasts with gummy bear implants usually feel firmer than with traditional implants. These implants have been widely used in Europe and other parts of the world for nearly twenty years and are an excellent addition to the breast augmentation spectrum.
The following table summarizes the main differences between the types of breast implants:
| Implant Type | Feel | Rupture Consequence | Incision Requirement | Shape Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone Gel Implants | More natural, like real breast tissue | Gel may stay in shell or migrate; may need additional surgery | Standard incision size | Good shape retention |
| Saline Implants | Uniform firmness | Salt water absorbed by body; breast deflates | May be slightly shorter incision | Decent shape retention |
| Structured Implants | Natural feel due to inner mold | Similar to saline (salt water absorbed) | Variable, depending on design | Good shape retention |
| Gummy Bear Implants | Firmer | Maintain shape; minimal spread of gel | Standard incision size | Excellent shape stability |
The Breast Augmentation Process
Consultation
The consultation is a crucial first step in the breast augmentation process. During the initial 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. They will have an open and honest conversation with the patient about their expectations and goals. This includes discussing the type of implant, incision type, implant placement, and size. The patient can bring photos to show the surgeon the desired outcome. Surgeons may also use advanced 3D imaging systems to project the expected results based on the patient's body and the chosen implants.
Pre - operative Preparation
Patients will be provided with instructions to thoroughly prepare for surgery. This may include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the surgery day. Depending on the medical history, patients may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. As the procedure is usually performed under “twilight” sedation or general anesthesia, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and ensure they have someone to assist them for the first few days.
The Procedure
The chosen incision method and placement of the implant will be customized to the patient's anatomy to ensure natural - looking results. The incision can be made either below the crease near where the breast meets the chest (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). The surgeon will delicately lift the breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the pectoral (chest) muscle (submuscular placement). The implants are then centered beneath the nipples. Placing the implants behind the chest muscle may reduce the risk of capsular contracture but may also add a few days longer for recovery. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures are typically used to close the incisions, and a layer of gauze and a bandage may be placed over the breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete.
Recovery
After the surgery, patients will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until they feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to decrease discomfort. Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can return home the same day. However, they will need to have an escort as they will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Patients may feel tired or sore following surgery, but many are able to return to most daily activities within days. It is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The swelling in the breasts will take several months to fully dissipate, with the final result typically being visible around 6 months. The scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks and then may gradually fade over time, although they will never disappear completely.
Risks and Complications
Capsular Contracture
This is the most common complication after breast augmentation. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing hardening, a misshapen appearance, and pain. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Surgeons may use an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) such as Strattice or Alloderm to help prevent capsular contracture, and prescribing Accolate may also significantly lower the rates.
Bleeding and Infection
Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery. Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated by antibiotics and, in some cases, removing the implant.
Numbness
Some patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the nipples or breasts due to nerve damage during the surgery.
Implant Rupture
Rupture can occur as a result of injury or from normal compression and movement of the breast causing friction with the man - made shell of the implant. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is absorbed by the body, and the breast will appear deflated. With both saline and silicone implant ruptures, a revision surgery is usually performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
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, a consultation fee (which may roll into the procedure itself), and the surgeon's fee. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast augmentation is about $4,500, but this usually doesn't count all the other fees. Patients should reach out to the surgeon's office for additional information or for a personal consultation to get an accurate cost estimate.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon is of utmost importance for a successful breast augmentation. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Board Certification: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This indicates that they have met the highest standards of education, training, and experience in plastic surgery.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. You can ask about the number of procedures they have done and view before - and - after photos of their patients.
- Reputation: Read online reviews from previous patients to get an idea of the surgeon's reputation. You can also check if the surgeon has been featured in top medical lists or has received any awards.
- Communication: Choose a surgeon who listens to your concerns and goals and communicates clearly with you throughout the process. A good surgeon will take the time to understand your needs and explain the procedure and potential risks in detail.
- Comfort Level: You should feel comfortable with the surgeon and their staff. A positive and supportive relationship with the surgical team can make the entire process more pleasant.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women in New York City, offering numerous benefits such as enhanced confidence, improved body proportions, and a more youthful appearance. There are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons in the city who can provide high - quality breast augmentation services. It is important for patients to thoroughly research the procedure, understand the risks and complications, and choose the right surgeon for their needs. By following the pre - operative and post - operative instructions carefully, patients can achieve the desired results and enjoy long - lasting satisfaction.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the reputable surgeons mentioned in this article. They can provide you with more personalized information and help you make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning about breast augmentation in New York City.
