Introduction

Breast augmentation is a popular surgical procedure that has the potential to transform a woman's self - confidence and physical appearance. In New York City, there are numerous renowned hospitals and medical facilities offering high - quality breast augmentation services. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the top hospitals and clinics, along with essential information about the procedure itself, candidates, recovery, and potential risks.

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. It involves inserting breast implants or using autologous fat transfer to achieve the desired results. The main reasons women opt for breast augmentation include enhancing body contour, correcting volume loss after pregnancy or aging, balancing breast size asymmetry, or correcting congenital deformities.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

• Enhanced Confidence: Many women experience a significant boost in self - confidence after achieving their desired breast size and shape. They feel more comfortable in their own skin and are able to wear clothing styles that were previously not flattering. For example, a woman who was self - conscious about her small breasts may feel more confident wearing form - fitting dresses or swimsuits.
• Improved Proportions: Breast augmentation can create a more balanced silhouette, aligning the breasts with the rest of the body. This is especially beneficial for women with a naturally petite or disproportionate body type. It helps to enhance the overall femininity of the figure.
• Corrected Asymmetry: Some women have uneven or asymmetrical breasts, which can be a source of self - consciousness. Breast augmentation can address this issue, creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• Restored Volume: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss can cause a reduction in breast volume. Breast augmentation can restore the lost volume, giving the breasts a fuller and more youthful look.

Top Hospitals and Clinics for Breast Augmentation in New York City

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons are highly experienced in performing breast augmentation procedures. They utilize the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging, to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. By showing various options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts before making a decision.

When it comes to implants, Mount Sinai offers both silicone and saline options. Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. Additionally, they pioneered the natural fill® method, a fat transfer technique where fat is removed from the buttocks or abdomen and inserted into the breasts to enlarge them using the patient's own fat deposits.

Rapaport Plastic Surgery

Dr. David P. Rapaport at Rapaport Plastic Surgery is a world - recognized expert in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. He offers a comprehensive breast augmentation service, starting with a detailed consultation to understand the patient's goals and expectations.

The incision for breast augmentation at Rapaport Plastic Surgery can be placed in the underarm, under the breast, or within the areola. Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure through an underarm incision, which allows for precise implant positioning and reduces the risk of implant malposition. He offers both saline and silicone implants and will help patients determine the best type based on their anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Recovery from breast augmentation at this clinic typically takes about two to three weeks, with patients able to return to work in a few days, depending on their job type. Strenuous exercise and aerobic activity are restricted for the first ten days, and full activity can usually resume after three weeks.

Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City. He has performed over ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. His expertise and precision in breast augmentation surgery ensure safe and effective results that complement each patient's unique frame and natural beauty.

During the consultation, Dr. Antell will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health and medical history, assess the current condition of the breasts, and create a personalized surgical plan. He offers a range of implant options, including saline and silicone implants, and will guide patients through the process of selecting the appropriate implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size.

The cost of breast augmentation with Dr. Antell varies depending on factors such as the type of breast implants selected, operating room and anesthesia fees, and the surgeon's fee. He also provides detailed information about the risks and benefits of the procedure and is available to answer all patients' questions.

Dr. Theodore Diktaban

Dr. Theodore Diktaban is a double - board certified plastic surgeon with over 35 years of experience. He offers Asian breast augmentation services, taking into account the unique considerations of Asian patients, such as scarring and body size.

For Asian patients prone to dark or thick scar tissue, Dr. Diktaban often prefers a transaxillary incision placement, which involves making a hidden incision in the underarm area. He also considers the patient's overall size and frame when recommending breast implants, often suggesting smaller or lower - profile implants for petite patients to maintain a natural and balanced proportion.

The Asian breast augmentation procedure at his clinic may be completed with either saline or silicone gel implants. The surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, either in his fully accredited in - office operating suite or at Lenox Hill Hospital.

NewYork Presbyterian

NewYork Presbyterian plastic surgeons are passionate about helping patients achieve their desired appearance through cosmetic breast surgery, including breast augmentation. They offer a full range of options for cosmetic breast surgery and work closely with patients from the initial consultation to understand their goals and discuss the best options for their needs.

The team at NewYork Presbyterian provides high - quality care, whether through virtual video visits or in - person consultations. They ensure that patients feel comfortable and well - informed throughout the entire process, from pre - operative preparation to post - operative recovery.

Dr. Nina Naidu

Dr. Nina S. Naidu is a female plastic surgeon in New York City dedicated to providing breast augmentation results that closely resemble the look and feel of natural breasts. She takes a personalized approach to each patient, considering their unique body type, aesthetic goals, and medical history.

During the consultation process, Dr. Naidu will gather detailed medical information, perform a physical examination of the breasts, and help the patient choose the best breast implant based on their measurements and goals. She offers both saline and silicone implants, and her preference is to use a dual - plane placement for implants, which provides optimal coverage and reduces the risk of visible implant edges and rippling.

Dr. Naidu also provides comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, including detailed instructions on preparing for surgery, what to expect during the recovery period, and how to minimize the risk of complications.

Dr. John E. Sherman

Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon known for his commitment to patient care and excellent results. He works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach for breast augmentation.

When it comes to breast implants, Dr. Sherman offers a wide range of options, including saline and silicone implants, as well as cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants). He will guide patients through the process of choosing the appropriate implant material, shape, size, and texture based on their body type and aesthetic goals.

The breast augmentation procedure at his clinic is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and takes about 1 - 1.5 hours. He provides detailed post - operative care instructions and monitors patients closely during the recovery period to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

New York Group for Plastic Surgery

New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers advanced breast augmentation options. They use state - of - the - art technologies, such as vectra XT 3D - imaging, to help patients visualize their potential breast augmentation results. This high - resolution imaging technology takes into account factors like exact measurements, skin texture, and volumetric analysis to provide a realistic 3D simulation.

They offer two main breast augmentation methods: breast implants and autologous fat transfer. Breast implants come in various types, including saline, structured saline, silicone, gummy bear, and round implants. The choice of implant depends on the patient's personal preferences and unique anatomy. Autologous fat transfer is a natural alternative that involves using the patient's own fat to enhance the breasts, with the advantage of being completely natural and the surviving fat lasting indefinitely.

Breast Implants: Types and Considerations

Saline Implants

Saline implants are structured like a balloon filled with sterile salt water. They are less expensive than silicone implants and require a smaller incision for insertion. One of the major benefits of saline implants is that if the implant leaks or is damaged, the saline solution is easily absorbed by the body. However, some people feel that saline implants do not look or feel as natural as silicone implants and are more prone to rippling and wrinkling. Saline implants are approved for patients who are at least 18 years old.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel and closely mimic the texture and feel of natural breast tissue. They are available in both round and anatomic (teardrop) shapes. The term “gummy bear” refers to anatomic - shaped silicone gel implants that maintain their shape even when the implant shell breaks. Silicone implants require a slightly larger incision and are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old. Although they have a long history of safety, patients must be monitored regularly by their physician to assess for rupture.

Autologous Fat Transfer

Autologous fat transfer, also known as natural fill®, is a procedure where fat is removed from one area of the body, such as the buttocks or abdomen, using liposuction and then injected into the breasts. This method has the advantage of using the patient's own body fat, resulting in a more natural - looking and feeling enhancement. However, it can only increase the breast size by one full cup size, and not all of the transferred fat may survive.

Implant Shape

Round implants are evenly shaped on all sides and are known for adding volume higher on the chest. Anatomic (teardrop) implants have a slight slope and replicate the form of the natural breast, providing a more natural - looking result, especially for reconstruction patients or those with specific aesthetic preferences.

Implant Texture

The surface of the implant can be smooth or textured. Smooth implants move easily and feel soft, while textured implants have a slightly bumpy surface. Textured implants are less likely to rotate or become displaced within the breast pocket, which is especially important for teardrop - shaped implants. However, they also have a higher risk of visible wrinkling, and in rare cases, if the teardrop implants shift in position, a secondary surgery may be required.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

Most women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts are potential candidates for breast augmentation. However, to be a suitable candidate, the following criteria are generally considered:

• Good Overall Health: Patients should be in good general health, without any underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. This includes being free from major organ diseases, autoimmune disorders, and uncontrolled chronic conditions.
• Realistic Expectations: It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the results of breast augmentation. The procedure can enhance the size and shape of the breasts, but it may not completely transform the body or solve all self - esteem issues. Patients should understand that the results may vary and that some aspects, such as breast sagging, may require additional procedures like a breast lift.
• Not Currently Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause significant changes to the breasts, and it is recommended to wait until after completing child - bearing and breastfeeding before undergoing breast augmentation to ensure stable and predictable results.
• Non - smoker or Willing to Quit: Smoking can have a negative impact on the healing process, increasing the risk of complications such as poor wound healing, infection, and capsular contracture. Patients who smoke are typically advised to quit smoking for a certain period before and after surgery.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Consultation

The first step in the breast augmentation process is a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health and medical history. They will also assess the current condition of the breasts, including the amount of existing breast tissue, skin quality, and any signs of asymmetry or sagging.

The patient and the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals and expectations, and the surgeon will recommend the most suitable implant type, size, shape, and placement based on the patient's body type and aesthetic preferences. The surgeon will also explain the procedure in detail, including the potential risks and complications, and answer any questions the patient may have.

Pre - operative Preparation

Once the patient has decided to proceed with breast augmentation, they will need to prepare for surgery. This may include:

• Medical Tests: Depending on the patient's medical history, the surgeon may order additional tests, such as blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECGs), or mammograms, to ensure the patient is fit for surgery.
• Medication Adjustments: Patients may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, aspirin, and some herbal supplements, for a period before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Smoking Cessation: As mentioned earlier, smoking can interfere with the healing process, so patients who smoke are typically asked to quit smoking for at least several weeks before and after surgery.
• Arranging for Support: Since breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, patients will need someone to drive them home after surgery and assist them with daily activities during the initial recovery period.

Surgery

Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The surgeon will make an incision in one of several locations, depending on the patient's anatomy, the type of implant, and the surgeon's preference. The main incision options include:

• Inframammary Incision: Made within the crease at the base of the breast. This incision provides good access to the breast tissue and is associated with a lower risk of capsular contracture in some studies.
• Periareolar Incision: Placed around the lower edge of the areola, the darker area of skin surrounding the nipple. This incision is often preferred by patients who want the scar to be less visible, but it may be more challenging to place the implant accurately through this incision.
• Axillary Incision: Located in the armpit area. This incision allows for a scar - free breast appearance, but it requires more skill and experience to place the implant correctly through this approach.

After making the incision, the surgeon will create a pocket either behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement). The implant will then be inserted into the pocket and centered beneath the nipple. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures are usually used to close the incisions, and the surgeon may place a layer of gauze and a bandage over the breasts to aid in healing.

Recovery

The recovery process after breast augmentation varies from patient to patient but generally follows these guidelines:

• Immediate Post - operative Period: After the surgery, patients will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse. They may feel tired, sore, and experience some swelling and bruising. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is often used to decrease discomfort. Patients are usually discharged the same day as the surgery but will need an escort to take them home.
• First Few Days: Patients are advised to rest and limit activity during the first few days. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort, and ice packs may be used to reduce swelling. Patients should wear a supportive surgical bra as instructed by the surgeon.
• Return to Work: Many patients with non - strenuous or desk jobs can return to work within a few days to a week after surgery. However, those with physically demanding jobs may need to take more time off.
• Exercise and Activity Restrictions: Strenuous exercise and aerobic activity, including sexual activity, are restricted for the first ten days to two weeks after surgery. Light activity, such as walking, is encouraged early on to promote blood circulation. Full activity can usually resume after three to six weeks, depending on the patient's healing progress.
• Swelling and Scarring: Swelling in the breasts may take several months to