Introduction to Breast Augmentation in New York City
Breast augmentation has been a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure for over a decade. In the United States, over 5 million women have undergone breast augmentation, and it remains the number one cosmetic procedure. In New York City, where beauty and self - expression are highly valued, women often seek breast augmentation to enhance their confidence and achieve the body they desire. A large number of women from various age groups, whether single or married, working or stay - at - home moms, have chosen this procedure, with 90% of them doing it after having kids, and 79% of those who undergo the procedure reporting satisfaction.
Types of Breast Augmentation Options
Breast Implants
Breast implants are the most common form of breast augmentation. There are two main types: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural in the breasts, as the silicone gel provides a texture similar to natural breast tissue. On the other hand, saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. They are filled with a salt - water solution. When the implant is inserted, saline implants are typically filled to the patient's desired volume during the procedure, while silicone implants are pre - filled by the manufacturer.
Another type of implant is the cohesive silicone gel implant, also known as gummy bear implants. These were developed to provide better projection and a wider range of dimensions. They have a thick gel that keeps its form, minimizing the risk of leakage if the implant becomes damaged. Gummy bear implants are popular because they can create a natural and proportionate breast shape.
Naturalfill (Fat Transfer)
Naturalfill, or fat transfer breast augmentation, is a newer method. It involves removing fat from areas such as the buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and then injecting that fat into the breasts. This technique, pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons, offers a way to use the patient's own body fat for augmentation, which is a more natural approach. It has the added benefit of also reducing fat in unwanted areas.
Top Surgeons in New York City for Breast Augmentation
Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Nadia Afridi is a well - known surgeon in New York City for breast augmentation. She is highly professional and cares about her patients like a friend. She offers a comprehensive approach to breast augmentation, considering factors such as the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision to insert the breast implant, the type of implant (silicone or saline), and the size of the breast implant. Her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made in unnoticeable areas like the armpit, the underside of the breast, and around the areola to minimize scarring. She has experience with both saline and silicone implants and also performs breast augmentation for patients who are not satisfied with previous procedures, correcting issues such as wrinkling, bottoming out, and capsular contracture.
Pros of choosing Dr. Afridi include being a board - certified plastic surgeon, having a very helpful and informative staff, offering several breast augmentation procedures, using “try on the look” to determine the best size and shape for patients, accepting credit cards, and accepting insurance. However, appointments are by reservation only.
Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon who has earned many prestigious awards for his experience and expertise. He provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. He emphasizes personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction.
Before the breast augmentation procedure, he recommends that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before and shower with antimicrobial soap the night before, avoiding lotions and creams on the treatment area. After surgery, patients' breasts will be swollen and tender, and they can return to work within a week, but need to wear a surgical bra and refrain from strenuous activities until approved by Dr. Swift. His price varies depending on the extent of surgery and number of treatments, and it is fair compared to other board - certified plastic surgeons.
Pros of Dr. Swift are being board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, providing detailed consultations and pre - and post - operative care, having a caring and helpful staff, accepting credit cards, and having over 25 years of experience. Similar to Dr. Afridi, appointments are by reservation only.
Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has an impressive educational background, having graduated from top medical institutions. He specializes in a wide range of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and more. His approach to breast augmentation focuses on achieving a proportionate and natural outcome, establishing each individual woman's aesthetic goals distinct to her body type.
He has been featured in many media outlets and is highly respected in the field. However, one drawback is that his staff usually answers patient calls, rather than him directly. His service is relatively expensive, as the price depends on the combined effort of his surgical and anesthesia team and the material used (silicone breast implants are $1000 more expensive than saline implants).
| Surgeon | Estimated Cost | Other Specialties | Rating | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nadia Afridi | $8900 | Mommy makeovers, breast surgery, body contouring, facial treatments | 4.9 | Board - certified, helpful staff, multiple procedures, “try on” method, accepts credit card and insurance | By appointment only |
| Dr. Richard Swift | $5000 - $10000 | Breast enhancement, body contouring, facial treatments | 4.9 | Board - certified by two boards, detailed consultations, pre - and post - operative care, caring staff, over 25 years experience, accepts credit card | By appointment only |
| Dr. Adam Kolker | $9000 – $11000 | Breast asymmetry, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, etc. | 4.8 | Double - board - certified, impressive education, multiple breast procedures, friendly staff | Staff answers calls, surgery is expensive |
Key Considerations for Breast Augmentation
Choosing the Right Implant
When choosing a breast implant, several factors need to be considered:
- Material: As mentioned earlier, silicone and saline have different characteristics. Silicone implants offer a more natural look and feel, while saline implants are a firmer option and are filled during the procedure, allowing for a smaller incision.
- Shape: Round implants add volume higher on the chest, while anatomical (teardrop - shaped) implants replicate the natural form of the breast with a slight slope.
- Size: Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters, not bra cup size. The appropriate size depends on the patient's existing breast tissue and desired results. Sizes range from 120cc to 800cc, and different widths, heights, and projections are available to match the patient's natural proportions.
- Texture: A textured surface allows the tissues to heal more closely around the implant, preventing rotation or displacement. Smooth - textured implants are also an option but may be more prone to movement.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast augmentation varies from patient to patient. In general, in the first 24 - 48 hours, patients will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Many patients need to take pain medicine during this time. Most patients rest for the first 1 - 2 days and can shower normally after 48 hours.
If the patient has a desk job, they may be able to return to work by the 3rd or 4th day, but it is recommended to take a week off for better recovery. By one month after surgery, most patients feel “back to normal,” although the breasts will continue to “settle” over the next few months. By 6 - 8 weeks, patients can usually resume all types of physical activity, with some exceptions for elite athletes.
Complications
Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential complications:
- Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Research has shown that women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL, especially those with textured implants and those who develop a seroma. It is a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can be effectively treated.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): This term refers to a variety of symptoms such as memory loss, “brain fog,” joint pain, and fatigue reported by some women after having implants placed. However, the cause and its link to synthetic implants are still poorly understood and under investigation.
Financing and Consultation Options
Financing
Getting a breast augmentation in New York City can be costly, but there are different payment options. Many surgeons accept cash, credit cards (such as Visa, Mastercard, and Discover), and checks. Some also offer financing options. One popular financing option is CareCredit, which has two payment plans: no - interest plans up to 24 months (as long as the account holder makes the required minimum monthly payment and pays off the balance within the promotional period) and extended payment plans for 24, 36, 48, or 60 months with a competitive interest rate and a fixed monthly payment.
Consultation
A number of surgeons in New York offer free consultations. For example, Dr. Richard Swift provides a free consultation. However, not all top surgeons offer this service, and some may charge a consultation fee of about $100 - $150. It is advisable to start with an online consultation first. During the consultation, the surgeon will discuss the procedure, the recovery time, the implant options, and answer any questions the patient may have.
Top Hospitals in New York City for Breast Augmentation
New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
This hospital was named the top hospital in New York and ranked 7th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals. It has been recognized for its excellence in 14 adult specialties and 8 children’s specialties. In the field of surgery, it has nationally - ranked surgical specialties in adult areas such as heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery, as well as in children’s specialties like pediatric heart surgery, pediatric GI surgery, and pediatric lung surgery. The hospital's high - performing surgical and medical interventions also include breast surgery, which indicates its potential for quality breast augmentation procedures.
Other Hospitals
There are many other hospitals in the New York City area. Some may be well - known for their general medical services, while others may have a good reputation specifically for cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentation. For example, Mount Sinai offers breast augmentation services with experienced plastic surgeons. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize their potential results and offer a variety of breast augmentation options, including naturalfill.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a popular and effective way for women in New York City to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. There are various options available, including different types of breast implants and the naturalfill method. Top surgeons in the city offer a range of services, each with their own pros and cons. When considering breast augmentation, patients should carefully weigh the factors such as the choice of implant, recovery process, potential complications, financing options, and the reputation of the surgeon and hospital.
If you are considering breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to take the next step. Start by scheduling a consultation with a reputable surgeon. Research and compare different surgeons and hospitals to find the best fit for your needs. You can also read patient testimonials and look at before - and - after photos to get a better understanding of the possible results. Share this article with friends or family who may also be interested in learning about breast augmentation in New York City.
