Introduction
New York City is a global hub for plastic surgery, particularly when it comes to breast augmentation. Women from all over the world flock to this city to achieve their desired breast shape and size. The hospitals and surgeons on the ranking lists for plastic breast augmentation surgeries in New York City have earned their spots through a combination of expertise, experience, and excellent patient outcomes. In this article, we will explore some of these top - rated institutions and surgeons, as well as delve into the details of breast augmentation procedures.
Importance of Choosing a Reputable Hospital and Surgeon
Breast augmentation is a significant surgical procedure that can have a profound impact on a woman's physical appearance and self - esteem. Choosing a hospital and surgeon from a ranking list is crucial for several reasons:
- Expertise: Ranking list hospitals typically have surgeons who are highly trained and experienced in breast augmentation procedures. They are up - to - date with the latest techniques and technologies, ensuring better results.
- Safety: Reputable hospitals follow strict safety protocols. They have state - of - the - art facilities and well - trained support staff to minimize the risks associated with surgery.
- Patient Satisfaction: Hospitals on ranking lists have a history of high patient satisfaction. This means that patients are more likely to be happy with the results of their breast augmentation and have a positive overall experience.
Top Surgeons and Their Practices in New York City
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He specializes in breast augmentation and a wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures addressing all aspects of the body. His educational background is impressive, having 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 is at the forefront of plastic surgery advancements.
Dr. Kolker offers a variety of breast procedures, including breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, and fat transfer breast augmentation. He has received numerous accolades, such as being featured in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 - 2024, being named one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek from 2021 - 2024, and being distinguished in Castle Connolly's America's Top Doctors lists.
His approach to breast augmentation focuses on creating beautiful, natural results that are proportionate to the patient's body. He offers comprehensive consultations, both virtually and in person, to understand the patient's aesthetic goals and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Nadia Afridi is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Canada, an associate fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She is specifically interested in women's health issues as they relate to plastic surgery.
When performing breast augmentation, Dr. Afridi considers four key factors: 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 scar visibility. She is experienced with both saline and silicone implants, giving patients a wider option.
Dr. Afridi also performs breast augmentation revision for patients who are not satisfied with their previous breast augmentation results. Her professional yet friendly approach has earned her impressive reviews from clients.
Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments to enhance natural beauty. He has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise.
For breast augmentation, Dr. Swift provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. He is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care. Before the surgery, he recommends that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before and shower with antimicrobial soap the night before. After the surgery, patients may experience swelling and tenderness, but can usually return to work within a week. They need to wear a surgical bra and refrain from bending, lifting, or engaging in strenuous exercise until approved by the doctor.
His prices for breast augmentation range from $5000 - $10000, depending on the extent of surgery and the number of treatments needed. His team, from the receptionist to the operating room nurse and anesthesiologist, is known for being caring and helpful.
Top Hospitals in New York City for Breast Augmentation
Columbia University
Columbia University's plastic and reconstructive surgery program is one of New York's best. As a world - top medical center, it has extensive experience in delivering high - quality care for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. The plastic surgeons on its clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast augmentation.
The hospital's cosmetic care program offers surgical and non - surgical options to improve patients' cosmetic health. In addition to breast augmentation, they provide ear and eyelid lifts, tummy tucks, and more. The division is also at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery, focusing on areas such as stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing.
Some of the notable surgeons at Columbia University include Dr. Christine Rohde, who is trained in a full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, and Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon with multiple publications and appearances on lists of top doctors.
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. This technology allows patients to try on different sizes of breasts virtually on a computer monitor, helping them make a more informed decision about the size and shape of their implants.
At Mount Sinai, patients have several options for breast augmentation. There are two types of implants (silicone and saline) and a non - implant option called NaturalFill®, which uses a fat transfer technique. The surgeons at Mount Sinai will help patients choose the best option based on their body type and desired outcome.
Before the surgery, the surgeon will consult with the patient, listen to their desires for enhancing breast size, and explain the procedure. A physical exam will be performed to confirm that the patient is a candidate for breast augmentation.
Types of Breast Implants
There are several types of breast implants available, each with its own characteristics:
| Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | Round implants with a single outer shell filled with a saline solution. They are filled after being placed in the breast. | Smaller incision size can be used for insertion. If they rupture, the saline can be safely absorbed by the body. Approved for patients aged 18 and above. | In thin women with small amounts of breast tissue, visible rippling at the implant edges may be seen. |
| Silicone Implants | Pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They come in round and contoured (teardrop) shapes. | They feel and look more natural. The contoured shape can match the curves of natural breasts better. | Traditionally required larger incisions, although techniques like the Keller funnel method can minimize this. The FDA suggests MRI scans every few years for monitoring, and they are approved for patients aged 22 and above. |
| Ideal Implant Structured Breast Implants | Round implants with two chambers and a layered system of external shells, filled with a variable amount of saline solution. | Offer a unique combination of safety and aesthetic benefits. They have a lower risk of rippling compared to some saline implants. | Relatively newer type of implant, so long - term data may be more limited compared to traditional saline and silicone implants. |
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the breast augmentation surgery, patients need to undergo a series of preparations. They will have a consultation with the surgeon to discuss their goals, medical history, and any concerns. The surgeon will perform a physical examination to assess the patient's suitability for the procedure. Breast imaging, such as mammograms, sonograms, or MRIs, may be recommended depending on the patient's age and medical history.
Patients are also advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, diet, and weight. Smokers are usually asked to quit smoking as it can increase the risk of complications. They may also need to stop taking certain medications that can interfere with the surgery, such as blood - thinners.
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia, although in some cases, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation may be used for subglandular breast augmentation. The type of anesthesia will be determined by the surgeon based on the patient's health and the complexity of the procedure.
Incision and Implant Placement
There are several possible incision sites for breast augmentation, including periareolar (around the nipple), inframammary (in the crease between the breast and chest wall), and transaxillary (in the armpit). The choice of incision depends on factors such as the patient's anatomy, the size and type of implant, and the surgeon's preference.
Breast implants can be placed under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or the breast tissue (submammary/subglandular placement). Submuscular placement offers some advantages, such as reduced risk of capsular contracture and less interference with mammogram examinations, but may result in greater discomfort and a longer recovery phase in the initial days.
Post - operative Care and Recovery
After the surgery, patients will have a surgical dressing over their incisions and will be required to wear a post - surgical bra. They may experience some pain, swelling, and tightness in the breasts, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the doctor. Most patients can return to work within a week, but they should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 2 - 4 weeks.
Patients will need to have follow - up appointments with the surgeon at regular intervals, typically one week, four weeks, and 12 weeks after the surgery. The surgeon will monitor the healing process, check for any complications, and provide further advice on post - operative care.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries some risks. The most common risks include:
- Bleeding: There may be some bleeding during or after the surgery, which can usually be managed by the surgical team.
- Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site or around the implant. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to prevent infections, and in case of an infection, additional treatment may be required.
- Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Capsular Contracture: This is a condition where the scar tissue (capsule) around the implant tightens, causing the breast to feel hard and sometimes change shape. It may require additional surgery to correct.
- Implant Rupture: Although rare, implant rupture can occur. Saline implants will deflate quickly if they rupture, while silicone implants may not show obvious signs of rupture. MRI scans are recommended for silicone implants to detect rupture.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the type of implant used, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the hospital or clinic. On average, the cost can range from $5000 - $11000 or more. Some surgeons may offer payment plans, and options such as CareCredit are available for financing the procedure.
Conclusion
The hospitals and surgeons on the ranking lists for plastic breast augmentation surgeries in New York City are truly powerful. They offer high - quality care, use the latest techniques and technologies, and have a track record of excellent patient outcomes. When considering breast augmentation, it is essential to choose a reputable hospital and surgeon, understand the different types of implants and the procedure, and be aware of the potential risks and costs.
If you are interested in breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon in New York City. Discuss your goals, ask questions, and make an informed decision about this life - changing procedure. Share this article with others who may be considering breast augmentation, and explore our other resources on plastic surgery for more in - depth information.
