1. Understanding Silicone Breast Augmentation
Silicone breast augmentation is a widely - sought - after cosmetic surgical procedure. It involves the insertion of silicone - filled implants to enhance the volume and shape of the breasts. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that in 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women in the United States underwent breast augmentation, with approximately 84% of these procedures using silicone implants.
Silicone implants have come a long way since their inception in the early 1960s by Dow Chemical. They have undergone continuous improvements, including changes in the thickness of the shell and the viscosity of the silicone gel inside. The development of cohesive silicone gel implants in the 1990s, also known as gummy bear implants, has been a significant milestone. These implants provide a more natural and proportionate breast shape and feel, with an extensive variety of shapes and sizes to mimic most breast shapes and fit different chest dimensions.
2. Factors to Consider in Choosing a Hospital for Silicone Breast Augmentation
2.1 Surgeon Expertise
The experience and skill of the plastic surgeon are crucial. A highly experienced surgeon, like Dr. John E. Sherman, is renowned for his commitment to patient care and excellent results. He works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach. Other surgeons, such as Dr. Barry Weintraub, a board - certified and Ivy League - educated surgeon, have decades of experience and are national spokespersons for the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
2.2 Hospital Reputation
Both public and private hospitals have their own reputations. Tertiary - grade public hospitals, such as Columbia University's plastic surgery department, are known for their world - class research and multi - specialty care. They are at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery, with a team of surgeons proficient in multiple areas of specialization. Private clinics also strive to build a good reputation through providing personalized care and high - quality results, like Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, which uses advanced breast augmentation techniques.
2.3 Safety Measures
Safety is of utmost importance in any surgical procedure. Hospitals should have strict safety protocols, including using the latest technologies and adhering to high - quality standards. For example, in 2006, the FDA found silicone breast implants to be safe and effective after previous scrutiny. During surgery, the hospital should ensure a sterile environment, use board - certified anesthesiologists, and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment.
2.4 Range of Services
A good hospital for silicone breast augmentation should offer a wide range of services. This includes different types of implants (such as saline and silicone), various incision approaches (inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary), and options for implant placement (submuscular or subglandular). Some hospitals may also offer additional services like breast lift, fat transfer for augmentation, and post - operative care and follow - up.
2.5 Cost
The cost of silicone breast augmentation can vary significantly between hospitals. In 2024, the cost was influenced by factors such as the surgeon's expertise, the type of procedure, geographic location, and whether it was a hospital or a private clinic. Hospitals often have a more comprehensive cost that includes various fees like the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and hospital stay. Private clinics may offer a base price for the surgery and then add on additional fees for other services.
3. Introduction to the Top 5 Hospitals for Silicone Breast Augmentation in New York City
3.1 Best Breast Augmentation NYC - Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced plastic surgeon. He has a deep understanding of breast implants, especially the anatomically shaped Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants, as he was a select investigator during their original development. He works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach. The clinic offers a range of services related to breast augmentation, from choosing the right implant material, shape, size, and texture to performing the surgery with precision.
Pre - operative preparation involves quitting smoking, tapering off certain medications, arranging for a pick - up, designating a recovery space, and setting aside time for rest. The surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, taking 1 - 1.5 hours, with the option of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia. Incisions can be made in different locations, and implant placement can be either submuscular or subglandular. Recovery may involve pain, swelling, and bruising in the initial days, with a gradual return to normal activities over a few weeks.
3.2 Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique body. The hospital offers two types of implants (silicone and saline) and a non - implant option called NaturalFill®, which uses a fat transfer technique. The surgeons will help patients choose the best option based on their body type and desired outcome.
Before the surgery, patients will have a consultation where the surgeon will listen to their desires, explain the procedure, and confirm their candidacy through a physical exam. The expected results of breast augmentation can last for years, but factors like pregnancy, nursing, and weight changes may cause natural drooping over time, and in such cases, additional procedures like a breast lift or implant replacement may be considered.
3.3 Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a board - certified and Ivy League - educated plastic surgeon. He prefers the transaxillary subpectoral approach for breast augmentation, which has several advantages such as no jeopardy to nipple sensation, no hindrance to future breast - feeding, and no visible scars near the breast. There are two implant companies in the United States, Allergan and Mentor, both of which provide saline - filled and silicone - filled implants used by Dr. Weintraub.
He believes in a safe surgical environment, insisting on a comfortable state of twilight sleep for patients during the procedure. The surgery is often performed in his private, hospital - grade surgical center attached to his office. The best candidates for his breast augmentation are those in good general health, with realistic expectations, high motivation, and the ability to take time off for the procedure and recovery.
3.4 Greenwald Plastic Surgery - Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald is a board - certified plastic surgeon with thousands of breast surgeries to his credit. He has been selected to the Mentor® lead program advisory board and is now using Allergan breast implants. He offers a choice of breast implant types, incisions, and placement options. He prefers smooth round implants and is known for achieving natural results.
His patients typically have minimal pain, bruising, and a prompt return to normal activities. He performs surgeries at the state - of - the - art surgical specialty center of Westchester, which meets or exceeds hospital safety standards. The cost of breast augmentation may vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, the complexity of the procedure, and any adjunct procedures. Currently, he is offering special prices for primary breast augmentation with silicone and saline implants.
3.5 Columbia Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Columbia University
Columbia University's plastic surgery department is one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center. The plastic surgeons on the clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast augmentation. They offer a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive services related to the breast, such as breast reconstruction after breast cancer.
The department is at the forefront of research in plastic surgery, with studies on stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing. To get in touch with the plastic surgeons, patients can call (212) 305 - 3103 or request an appointment online. The team of board - certified surgeons will work with patients to determine the appropriate procedure to help them look and feel their best.
4. Comparison of Tertiary - Grade Public and Private Hospitals
4.1 Public Hospitals
Tertiary - grade public hospitals like Columbia University's plastic surgery department offer comprehensive care. They have access to a large amount of research funding, which allows them to stay at the cutting - edge of plastic surgery techniques. The surgeons in these hospitals are often involved in teaching and research, which means they are up - to - date with the latest medical knowledge. Public hospitals also tend to have a multi - specialty approach, which can be beneficial in case of any complications during or after the breast augmentation surgery. However, they may have longer wait times for appointments and a more bureaucratic process due to their large size.
4.2 Private Hospitals/Clinics
Private hospitals and clinics, such as those of Dr. John E. Sherman, Dr. Barry Weintraub, and Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald, offer personalized care. They focus on the individual needs of the patient and provide a more one - on - one experience. Private clinics often have a more luxurious setting and may offer more flexible scheduling options. The surgeons in private clinics are highly motivated to provide excellent results to maintain their reputation. However, the cost of services in private clinics may be higher compared to public hospitals, and the range of resources may be more limited.
5. Silicone Breast Implant Safety
Over the years, there have been concerns about the safety of silicone breast implants. In the past, silicone - gel - filled implants faced controversy, leading to a ban in 1992 by the FDA. However, after further research, they were returned to the marketplace in 2006 as they were found to be safe and effective.
Studies have shown that silicone breast implants do not cause major diseases such as breast cancer, connective tissue diseases, or neurological disorders. For example, a large, 14 - year study of 3,182 women with cosmetic implants actually showed fewer cases of cancer than would be expected in a group of that size. Also, breast - feeding is considered safe with silicone implants, as the silicon levels in breast milk are lower than those in cows' milk and infant formula.
However, there are still some local complications associated with silicone breast implants. These include implant rupture, capsular contracture, deflation (in the case of saline implants), infection, hematoma, and pain. The frequency of these complications can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, the surgical technique, and the patient's body. For example, gel - filled silicone implants may have a higher risk of rupture and capsular contracture compared to saline implants.
6. Pre - operative and Post - operative Care
6.1 Pre - operative Care
Pre - operative care is essential for a successful breast augmentation surgery. It usually starts with a consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will review the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss the patient's goals and expectations. Patients may be required to get a current mammogram (within one year) to serve as a baseline for post - operative comparison. They are also advised to quit smoking, taper off certain medications that may increase bleeding, and arrange for a trusted person to pick them up after the surgery. Designating a comfortable recovery space at home and setting aside time for rest are also important aspects of pre - operative preparation.
6.2 Post - operative Care
After the surgery, patients will experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the initial days. They will be given pain medication to ease the discomfort. A surgical compression bra is often recommended to be worn for a few weeks to support the breasts and aid in the healing process. Most patients can return to light activities in 1 - 2 weeks and more strenuous activities in 3 - 4 weeks. However, they need to follow the surgeon's instructions carefully, including any post - operative massage or antibiotics. Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are necessary to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
7. Conclusion
Silicone breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City, and there are several top - notch tertiary - grade public and private hospitals offering this service. Each hospital has its own strengths, whether it's the expertise of the surgeons, the range of services, or the approach to patient care. When choosing a hospital for silicone breast augmentation, patients should consider factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital reputation, safety measures, range of services, and cost.
It's also important for patients to be well - informed about the safety of silicone breast implants and to follow the pre - operative and post - operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. By doing so, they can increase the chances of a successful surgery and achieve the desired results.
If you're considering silicone breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with the surgeons at these top hospitals, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic and explore related information on breast augmentation and plastic surgery.
