Introduction to the Advantages of Endoscopic Breast Augmentation Hospitals in New York City

Understanding Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase both the volume and projection of bilateral breasts. It is especially popular among women who have naturally small breasts or deflated breasts after breastfeeding. This is typically achieved through the use of breast implants. There are usually two age - groups of ladies interested in breast augmentation. Younger women in their 20s or 30s are often bothered by their small - breasted appearance from a young age. Older women, usually mothers, aim to restore the youthful look they had before childbirth, regain the projection of nipples, and restore the volume lost due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. In some severe congenital cases, breast augmentation can also be a form of body reconstruction to help patients with congenital breast problems regain confidence.

Traditional Breast Augmentation vs. Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

Traditional Breast Augmentation

In the past, when breast augmentation first gained popularity, surgical procedures were less sophisticated. In the traditional method, surgeons would insert silicone implants beneath the chest muscles or breast tissue. To insert these implants, the surgeon would create an incision either around the nipple or within the crease beneath the breast. These incisions were often sizable and could leave significant scar tissue if there were complications in the recovery process. Traditional breast augmentation also carried a higher risk of loss of breast sensation and longer recovery times due to the more invasive nature of the surgery.

Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

Endoscopic breast augmentation is an advanced surgical technique that uses a tiny camera (an endoscope) to see beneath the patient's skin. Surgeons can create smaller incisions in more discrete areas, such as the armpit (transaxillary) or the navel (transumbilical). There are two main types of endoscopic breast augmentation:

• Transaxillary Endoscopic Procedure: Involves an incision in the armpit. This approach has become increasingly popular as it leaves the scars hidden in the underarm area, making them less noticeable. It also allows for a more direct access to the subpectoral plane in some cases.
• Transumbilical Endoscopic Procedure: An incision is made in the navel area. This technique is unique as it uses a remote incision, and the tube in the procedure goes only under the skin through the fat, never entering the inside of the belly. It has also been shown to have several advantages such as less bleeding and a lower risk of infection in some studies.

Advantages of Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

Minimal Scarring

One of the most significant advantages of endoscopic breast augmentation is the minimal scarring. In transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation, the incisions are in the armpit, hidden away from view. With transumbilical endoscopic breast augmentation, the scar is in the navel, which is also a very discreet location. This is a major concern for many women who want to avoid visible scars on or around their breasts. In contrast, traditional breast augmentation methods that use incisions around the nipple or under the breast often leave more noticeable scars. For example, an article on The Advantages of Endoscopic Breast Augmentation | Dr. Rai mentions that although traditional surgeons try to minimize scarring, some scarring is inevitable, and for women worried about breast scars, endoscopic breast augmentation is a better option.

Reduced Risk of Sensation Loss

Endoscopic breast augmentation also has the advantage of minimizing the risk of loss in breast sensation that sometimes occurs following augmentation surgery. When using the endoscopic technique to place breast implants below the muscle, very little breast tissue is damaged. An endoscope gives the surgeon a detailed view of the interior workings of the breast, allowing them to be more delicate during surgery. As a result, fewer nerves and milk ducts become severed in the surgical process. According to Endoscopic Breast Augmentation | Wave Plastic Surgery, when the surgeon can precisely see the internal structure of the breast, they can avoid excessive damage to the nerves and other important structures.

Faster Recovery Time

Compared to traditional breast augmentation, endoscopic breast augmentation generally has a shorter healing time. The smaller incisions in endoscopic procedures result in less trauma to the surrounding tissues. Since nerves and blood vessels are identified using the endoscope and kept intact wherever possible, postoperative bruising and swelling are minimized. This makes the process far more comfortable for patients post - procedure. Most patients can return home on the day of surgery and resume their regular routine in 2 - 3 weeks. They may take around a week off work to allow their bodies to heal, and it usually takes around two to three weeks before normal activities can be resumed. Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities will need to be avoided for around four to six weeks, but this is still shorter than the recovery time for traditional breast augmentation in many cases.

Precise Implant Placement

The use of an endoscope allows surgeons to have a clear and magnified view of the surgical area. This enables them to create a more precise pocket for the breast implant. Surgeons can ensure that the implant is correctly positioned, with the right symmetry and alignment. They can also make minor adjustments in the shape and dimensions of each breast implant pocket to compensate for any breast asymmetries that were noted during the evaluation. This leads to more natural - looking results and higher patient satisfaction.

Lower Risk of Complications

Endoscopic breast augmentation has a lower risk of certain complications compared to traditional methods. For example, the transumbilical endoscopic breast augmentation (TUBA) has been associated with fewer bleeding complications. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, the risk of capsular contracture (a condition where scar tissue squeezes the breast implant) can also be minimized. A study on TUBA Breast Implants In New York | Dr. Leonard Grossman M.D. shows that in a large series of TUBA patients, there were no bleeding complications, and the incidence of capsular contracture was less than 1%, compared to a higher rate in traditional breast augmentations.

Why Choose Endoscopic Breast Augmentation Hospitals in New York City?

Expert Surgeons

New York City is home to some of the world's top plastic surgeons. These surgeons have extensive experience and training in endoscopic breast augmentation. For instance, Dr. William Lao is one of the top plastic surgeons specializing in breast implants in New York City. He is on a shortlist of surgeons in the country who specialize in the scarless breast augmentation technique, in which the implants are inserted through the armpit. He is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan with over 10 years of experience, and has successfully performed over 500 breast surgeries throughout his career. Surgeons like Dr. Lao are well - versed in the latest endoscopic techniques and can provide patients with optimal results.

State - of - the - Art Facilities

Hospitals in New York City are equipped with the latest medical technology and facilities. This ensures that the endoscopic breast augmentation procedures are carried out safely and effectively. Advanced equipment such as high - definition endoscopes and precision surgical instruments enable surgeons to perform the procedures with greater accuracy. Additionally, the hospitals have high - quality post - operative care units to ensure that patients recover well after the surgery.

Comprehensive Consultation and Support

Endoscopic breast augmentation hospitals in New York City offer comprehensive consultation services. During the consultation, surgeons will discuss the patient's goals, assess their medical history, and perform a detailed physical examination of the breasts. They will explain the procedure, the risks and benefits, and answer all the patient's questions. They will also help the patient choose the most suitable type of implant, implant size, and incision placement. After the surgery, the hospitals provide continuous support to help patients with their recovery, including follow - up appointments, advice on after - care, and emotional support.

Preparing for Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

Research and Choose a Surgeon

It is crucial to research and choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon for endoscopic breast augmentation. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have a good reputation. Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of their previous patients' experiences. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or other healthcare providers. For example, you can check out reviews of different surgeons on platforms like RealSelf or look for surgeons who have been featured in medical magazines or news articles.

Initial Consultation

Once you have chosen a surgeon, schedule an initial consultation. During this consultation, be open and honest with the surgeon about your medical history, including any past surgeries, allergies, or medical conditions. Discuss your goals for the surgery, such as the desired breast size, shape, and appearance. The surgeon will also perform a physical examination of your breasts, including measuring the width, circumference, volume, and symmetry of the breasts. They may also recommend a preoperative mammogram, especially for women over fifty years of age.

Decide on Implant Type, Size, and Placement

There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone gel. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline liquid, while silicone implants are pre - filled with a silicone gel that provides a more natural look and feel. The surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each type with you and help you decide which one is best for your body type and desired outcome. You will also need to choose the size and shape of the implant, as well as the placement (above or below the muscle) and the incision location (transaxillary or transumbilical).

Follow Pre - operative Instructions

The surgeon will provide you with pre - operative instructions to ensure a successful surgery and a smooth recovery. These instructions may include quitting smoking, avoiding or reducing dosage for certain medications, or losing weight if necessary. You may also be advised to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and to help you with daily activities during the initial recovery period.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

During the Procedure

The endoscopic breast augmentation procedure typically takes 1 - 2 hours under general anesthesia. For transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation, the surgeon will create a four to six - centimeter incision under each armpit. The incision is placed in line with the skin folds of the armpit so that it will be well hidden once healed. An electrical scalpel and an endoscopic camera are then introduced into the opening. The camera images are magnified so that the surgeon can identify anatomic structures and work with precision. The breast implants are then placed either above or below the muscles of the chest, depending on your surgical needs and goals. In the case of transumbilical endoscopic breast augmentation, the incision is made in the navel, and a special instrument is used to create a path to the breast area for implant placement.

After the Procedure

After the surgery, you will need to wear a special surgical bra that will provide support and protection during the initial part of your recovery. You may experience swelling, bruising, pain, and general discomfort during the early stages of your recovery. Medication can be provided to help manage any pain or discomfort. Most patients take around a week off of work to allow their bodies to heal. It will take around two to three weeks before normal activities can be resumed. Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities will need to be avoided for around four to six weeks. It may take between six to eight weeks for the swelling to fully ameliorate and for your full results to appear. You will also need to attend follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery and ensure that everything is healing properly.

Potential Risks and Complications

Although endoscopic breast augmentation has many advantages, like all surgeries, it also carries some risks. The most common risks include:

• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site or around the implant. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. In most cases, infections can be treated with antibiotics, but in severe cases, the implant may need to be removed.
• Nerve Damage: There is a small risk of nerve damage during the surgery, which can result in loss of sensation in the breast or nipple. In some cases, the sensation may return over time, but in others, it may be permanent.
• Bleeding: Although endoscopic techniques generally reduce the risk of bleeding, there is still a possibility of bleeding during or after the surgery. This may require additional treatment, such as drainage or even a return to the operating room in severe cases.
• Capsular Contracture: This is a condition where scar tissue forms around the implant and squeezes it. It can cause the breast to feel hard and may change the shape of the breast. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the scar tissue or replace the implant.
• Implant Malposition: The implant may not be placed correctly or may shift after the surgery. This can result in an uneven appearance or asymmetry of the breasts. Revision surgery may be required to correct the problem.

However, these risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon and following all pre - operative and post - operative instructions carefully.

Conclusion

Endoscopic breast augmentation offers numerous advantages, including minimal scarring, reduced risk of sensation loss, faster recovery time, precise implant placement, and lower risk of complications. Endoscopic breast augmentation hospitals in New York City provide access to expert surgeons, state - of - the - art facilities, and comprehensive consultation and support services. If you are considering breast augmentation, endoscopic breast augmentation is a viable option that can help you achieve your desired results with fewer drawbacks compared to traditional methods.

We encourage you to do further research, schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon in New York City, and make an informed decision about whether endoscopic breast augmentation is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about this procedure, and explore related topics such as different types of breast implants, post - operative care, and alternative breast enhancement methods.