Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City, offering women the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. With a plethora of plastic surgery hospitals in the city, it can be overwhelming for patients to choose the right one. In this article, we will introduce the top five hospitals on the top - three ranking list of injection breast augmentation plastic surgery hospitals in New York City, based on various factors such as surgeon expertise, patient reviews, and quality of care.
The Popularity of Breast Augmentation in New York City
Elective plastic surgery, including breast augmentation, has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years. Data released in November 2023 from global intelligence platform Statista showed that 900,000 cosmetic surgical procedures took place in 1997 in the U.S., and by 2022, that number had grown to more than 1.87 million. In New York City, a hub of fashion, beauty, and self - expression, the demand for breast augmentation is particularly high.
Women in New York City may opt for breast augmentation for various reasons. Some seek to enhance their natural breast size to achieve a more proportionate figure, while others may want to restore breast volume lost due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Additionally, some individuals may undergo breast augmentation as part of gender - affirming surgery.
Criteria for Ranking Plastic Surgery Hospitals
Surgeon Expertise
The skill and experience of the plastic surgeons are crucial factors in determining the quality of a plastic surgery hospital. Surgeons who are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) have completed appropriate training and passed oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures. They are more likely to have the knowledge and technical skills to perform safe and successful breast augmentation surgeries. For example, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons ranking awards surgeons based on in - state and out - of - state recommendations, quality of care assessment, and relevant certifications. Surgeons who receive a high number of recommendations and have a good quality score are highly regarded.
Patient Reviews
Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience at a plastic surgery hospital. Reviews can cover aspects such as the professionalism of the staff, the quality of pre - and post - operative care, and the overall satisfaction with the surgical results. Websites like Healthgrades allow patients to rate and review doctors who perform breast augmentation in New York City, giving potential patients an idea of what to expect.
Quality of Care
Top hospitals prioritize patient safety and have established infection control and post - operative care protocols. They ensure treatment in a safe, sterile, and controlled environment, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring a high standard of care. For example, they may have well - equipped operating rooms and a team of experienced nurses and anesthesiologists to support the surgical process.
Top Five Hospitals on the Top - Three Ranking List
Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
As one of New York’s best hospitals and the world’s top medical centers, Columbia University's plastic surgery division has a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons. Each surgeon on the clinical staff is proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast augmentation. The hospital uses a personalized approach, tailoring treatment plans to each patient's unique goals and anatomical features.
For instance, Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Columbia, has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters. He has been included multiple times in Castle Connolly’s list of America’s top doctors and in New York magazine’s annual list of best doctors. He has also been actively involved in humanitarian surgical missions.
The hospital's cosmetic care program provides surgical and non - surgical options to improve cosmetic health, including breast augmentation. Their breast reconstructive care program is dedicated to empowering individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery to help them reclaim their physical and emotional well - being.
Hospitals Associated with Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City specializing in breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgery procedures. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Dr. Kolker is featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York magazine's best doctors issues from 2008 - 2024 and is one of America's best plastic surgeons in 2021 - 2024 by Newsweek. He is also distinguished in Castle Connolly's America's top doctors list. His approach to breast augmentation is based on the concept that "beautiful" should be more important than "size." He establishes each individual woman's aesthetic goals, distinct to her body type, to attain a proportionate outcome and the most natural results.
Patients who have undergone breast augmentation with Dr. Kolker have left positive reviews, with many stating that he made the impossible possible and changed their lives. His hospital facilities provide comprehensive consultations, both virtually and in person, and a supportive environment for patients throughout the surgical process.
New York - Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
This hospital is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties and is high - performing in 5 specialties and 9 procedures/conditions. While it is known for its overall medical excellence, its plastic surgery department also offers high - quality breast augmentation services.
The hospital has a team of experienced plastic surgeons who are well - versed in the latest techniques in breast augmentation. They work closely with patients to understand their needs and expectations and provide a range of options, including different types of breast implants (such as silicone and saline) and placement methods (submuscular or subglandular).
New York - Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital also emphasizes patient safety and post - operative care. They have a dedicated team to monitor patients' recovery and ensure that they are well - supported throughout the healing process.
Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital
Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties and is high - performing in 3 specialties and 8 procedures/conditions. Its plastic surgery department is staffed with expert surgeons who are trained to perform a variety of breast augmentation procedures.
The surgeons at Mount Sinai Beth Israel stay updated with the latest advancements in breast augmentation technology and techniques. They offer personalized treatment plans based on each patient's body type, medical history, and aesthetic goals. For example, they may recommend cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants) for patients who desire a more natural look and feel.
The hospital also provides a comprehensive range of pre - and post - operative services, including psychological support for patients who may have concerns about the surgery. This holistic approach to patient care contributes to the high satisfaction rates among patients who undergo breast augmentation at the hospital.
Stony Brook University Hospital
Stony Brook University Hospital is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties and is high - performing in 1 specialty and 12 procedures/conditions. Its plastic surgery department offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive services, including breast augmentation.
The hospital's plastic surgeons are involved in clinical and laboratory research, which allows them to bring the latest knowledge and techniques to their patients. They take a patient - centered approach, ensuring that patients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of breast augmentation and are actively involved in the decision - making process.
Stony Brook University Hospital also has a dedicated support team for post - operative care, which includes follow - up appointments, physical therapy, and emotional support. This comprehensive care helps patients achieve the best possible results from their breast augmentation surgery.
Breast Augmentation Procedures
Types of Breast Implants
| Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone Implants | Pre - filled with silicone gel, which is thicker and more viscous. They are approved by the FDA and are the most frequently chosen by women (approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the U.S. in 2020 were performed with silicone implants). Cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants, were developed in the 1990s. They can keep their form and minimize the risk of leakage if the implant becomes compromised. | Provide a more natural look and feel. Gummy bear implants offer better projection and come in a larger range of dimensions to mimic most breast shapes and fit a wider range of chest dimensions. | More expensive than saline implants. In case of rupture, the silicone gel may not be easily detectable. |
| Saline Implants | Placed in the breast pocket and filled to the patient's desired volume during the procedure. They are filled with a sterile salt - water solution. | Less expensive than silicone implants. In case of rupture, the saline solution is absorbed by the body and is easily detectable. | May have a less natural feel compared to silicone implants. There is a risk of the implant looking or feeling "lumpy" if not filled properly. |
Implant Placement
- Submuscular Placement: The implant is placed under the pectoral muscles. This placement can provide more natural - looking results and may reduce the risk of visible rippling. It is often recommended for patients with little natural breast tissue or those who want a more subtle increase in breast size.
- Subglandular Placement: The implant is placed above the pectoral muscles and below the breast tissue. This placement may result in a quicker recovery time and more immediate fullness in the upper part of the breast. It is suitable for patients with sufficient breast tissue to cover the implant.
Incisions
- Inframammary Incision: Made under the breast, this incision allows for good access to the breast pocket and easy placement of the implant. It can also provide a good view for the surgeon to make adjustments during the procedure. However, it may leave a visible scar in the crease under the breast.
- Periareolar Incision: Made around the areola (the area around the nipple), this incision can be well - hidden. It may be a good option for patients who want a less visible scar. However, there is a slightly higher risk of nipple sensitivity changes.
- Transaxillary Incision: Made under the armpit, this incision results in a scar that is hidden from view. It is a good option for patients who are concerned about visible scars on the breast. However, it can be more challenging for the surgeon to place the implant accurately using this approach.
Benefits and Risks of Breast Augmentation
Benefits
- Enhanced Appearance: Breast augmentation can help women achieve a more proportionate and balanced figure, which can boost their self - confidence and self - esteem. It can also allow them to wear clothing that they may have previously felt uncomfortable in.
- Restored Volume: Women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging can regain their pre - pregnancy or youthful breast size and shape.
- Improved Body Image: For some women, breast augmentation can improve their overall body image and help them feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Risks
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Research has found that women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL. It appears to be associated with textured implants and in patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). Although it is not breast cancer, it is a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can be effectively treated.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed, such as memory loss, joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.
- Other Complications: These can include infection, bleeding, changes in nipple or breast sensation, scarring, implant rupture, and capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant).
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Consultation
Before undergoing breast augmentation, patients should schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will review the patient's medical history, examine the breasts, take measurements, and discuss the patient's aesthetic goals. The surgeon will also explain the different types of implants, placement options, and incisions, and answer any questions the patient may have.
Pre - operative Instructions
- Quit smoking or using any nicotine product, as nicotine can significantly impact the ability to heal after treatment.
- Taper off current medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort.
- Arrange to have a trusted family member or friend pick you up from the hospital after the surgery.
- Designate a comfortable space to recover at home and place necessary items within reach.
- Take 2 - 3 weeks off work or other strenuous activities to rest and recuperate.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - operative Period
After breast augmentation, patients can expect to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the initial days. They will be given a prescription for pain medication to help ease discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. A surgical compression bra will also be provided, which should be worn for the next few weeks as the breasts heal.
Follow - up Appointments
Patients will need to attend follow - up appointments with their surgeon to monitor the healing process. The surgeon will check for any signs of complications, such as infection or capsular contracture, and make sure that the implants are settling properly. Suture removal is usually one week after the breast augmentation.
Long - term Care
Long - term care for breast implants includes regular self - examinations to check for any changes in the breasts, such as lumps or changes in shape. Patients should also follow the surgeon's recommendations for regular mammograms and other breast cancer screening tests. Additionally, patients should avoid activities that may put excessive pressure on the breasts, such as high - impact sports, for a few weeks after surgery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for injection breast augmentation in New York City is a crucial decision that can greatly impact the outcome of the surgery and the patient's overall experience. The top five hospitals on the top - three ranking list of injection breast augmentation plastic surgery hospitals in New York City, including Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, hospitals associated with Dr. Adam R. Kolker, New York - Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, and Stony Brook University Hospital, offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive patient care.
Patients considering breast augmentation should thoroughly research these hospitals, consult with multiple surgeons, and weigh the benefits and risks before making a decision. By doing so, they can increase their chances of achieving their desired aesthetic goals and having a safe and successful surgical experience.
If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation or are considering undergoing the procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at one of these top - ranked hospitals. Take the first step towards enhancing your appearance and boosting your self - confidence today!
