Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure, and New York City is a hub for top - notch medical facilities offering this service. This article will introduce you to the top 5 hospitals for breast augmentation and beautification in the city, along with a detailed overview of the procedure, its considerations, and other relevant information. Whether you're a local resident or someone from afar looking for the best in breast augmentation, New York City has a lot to offer.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job or breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing breast size, enhancing shape, or improving symmetry. In New York City, this procedure is carried out by board - certified plastic surgeons in accredited medical facilities, ensuring both safety and quality. There are different methods of breast augmentation, including the use of implants (such as silicone or saline implants) and fat transfer techniques.
The decision to undergo breast augmentation is deeply personal. Some women choose this procedure to feel more confident in their bodies, enhance their figure, or restore breast volume lost due to factors like pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Before deciding on the procedure, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the process, risks, and expected outcomes.
Factors to Consider Before Breast Augmentation
Surgeon's Experience and Credentials
The skill and experience of the surgeon are of utmost importance. Look for a plastic surgeon who is board - certified, has extensive experience in breast augmentation procedures, and a good reputation. Surgeons with years of practice are more likely to have encountered a variety of cases and can handle any complications that may arise during or after the surgery.
Hospital Accreditation and Facilities
Accredited hospitals adhere to strict safety and quality standards. Ensure that the hospital where the procedure will be performed is accredited by recognized organizations. The facilities should be well - equipped with the latest technology and resources to support a successful surgery and recovery.
Cost
The cost of breast augmentation can vary significantly depending on factors such as the surgeon's fees, facility costs, type of implants used, and any additional procedures. While it's important to find a provider within your budget, don't compromise on quality for a lower price.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading reviews and testimonials from previous patients can give you an insight into the surgeon's skills, the quality of care provided by the hospital, and the overall patient experience. Positive reviews and satisfied patients are often a good sign of a reliable provider.
Top 5 Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. 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 bodies. This allows patients to have a more informed decision - making process when it comes to choosing the size and shape of their implants.
The hospital offers different options for breast augmentation, including silicone and saline breast implants, as well as a natural fill technique using fat transfer. Their goal is to provide patients with a natural - looking shape and size that they will be happy with. The surgeons take the time to consult with patients, understand their desires, and determine the best approach for each individual.
2. Columbia Surgery
Columbia Surgery is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - top medical center. Their plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast augmentation. The hospital has a strong focus on research and innovation, which allows them to offer the latest techniques and technologies in breast augmentation.
They have a comprehensive plastic surgery program that includes cosmetic care, reconstructive care, and specialized care for conditions like cleft palate and lip. In addition to breast augmentation, they also offer breast reconstruction for patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery. The team at Columbia Surgery is committed to providing high - quality, personalized care to each patient.
3. Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Lara Devgan is a highly regarded plastic surgeon in New York City. Her practice focuses on providing beautiful, natural results in breast augmentation. Many women prefer her because she is a female plastic surgeon who is discreet about this sensitive topic.
During the consultation, Dr. Devgan examines, measures, and photographs the patient's breasts. She discusses the medical history and desires for surgery, shows samples of implants, and allows patients to "try on" different sizes to figure out what is right for them. Her patients report a relatively fast recovery and satisfaction with the results.
4. Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon 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 and New York University.
Dr. Kolker's approach to breast augmentation is based on the concept that "beautiful" should be more important than "size." He takes the time to establish each individual woman's aesthetic goals, distinct to her body type, to attain a proportionate outcome and the most natural results. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work in plastic surgery.
5. Cohen/Winters Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery (Near NYC in Bergen County, NJ)
Although located in Bergen County, NJ, it is a popular choice for patients from New York City. The surgeons at Cohen/Winters have extensive experience in both plastic and reconstructive surgery. Their background in reconstructive surgery gives them a detailed knowledge of breast anatomy, which allows them to achieve natural - looking breast implant results.
They take the time to understand each patient's needs, desires, and medical history. They plan the surgery around the patient's needs and support them throughout the recovery process. Their goal is to create a positive and comfortable experience for each patient and to improve their lives with a great result.
Breast Implant Options
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are pre - filled and produced ready to be inserted. They look and feel natural in the breasts and are the most frequently chosen by women. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants. Over the years, there have been many improvements in silicone implants, such as the development of cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants) which are thick enough to keep their form and minimize the risk of leakage.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants are placed in the breast pocket and are filled to the patient’s desired volume during the procedure. They are a firmer, rounder option. One advantage of saline implants is that if they rupture, the saline solution is absorbed by the body without any long - term harm.
Natural Fill (Fat Transfer)
Some hospitals, like Mount Sinai, offer a natural fill technique using fat transfer. This two - step procedure involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen with liposuction and then immediately inserting that fat into the breasts. This approach is regarded as safer because it uses the body's own tissue, minimizing complications.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - operative Consultation
Before the surgery, the patient has a consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon discusses the patient's expectations, medical history, and performs a physical examination. The surgeon will also explain the procedure, possible risks, and post - operative care. The patient can ask questions and discuss implant options, size, shape, and texture.
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia depends on the patient's preference and the surgeon's recommendation.
Incisions
The surgeon makes small incisions to create a pocket for the implant. The three common types of incisions are inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), and transaxillary (under the armpit). The choice of incision depends on factors such as the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's preference.
Implant Placement
The implant can be placed either in the submuscular plane (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandular (above the pectoral muscles). The placement depends on the patient's anatomy, age, and vocation. For example, patients with signs of ptosis or sagging skin will typically have their implant placed subglandularly.
Closure
After the implant is placed, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and wraps the area with a compression garment to protect the results.
Recovery Process
Initial Days
In the initial days after surgery, it's normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients are given a prescription for pain medication to help ease discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. They are also provided with a surgical compression bra to wear for the next few weeks.
Returning to Normal Activities
If the patient has a desk job that does not require strenuous activity, they may be able to return to work by the 3rd or 4th day after surgery. At 2 - 3 weeks, most symptoms will have subsided enough for the patient to resume light activities. At 6 - 8 weeks, they can continue more strenuous activities, including going to the gym.
Final Results
Although the breasts may still feel firm and tight in the early weeks, within a few months, the implants will have settled into place, and the patient will be able to see the final results.
Potential Risks and Complications
BIA - ALCL
There is a small but increased risk of developing breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) in women with breast implants. It appears to be associated with textured implants and in patients who develop a seroma. While it is not breast cancer, it is a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can be effectively treated.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Breast implant illness 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
Other potential risks include infections, bleeding, alterations in nipple or breast sensations, implant leakage or rupture, development of scar tissue, and unsatisfactory outcomes that could necessitate further surgeries.
Alternatives to Breast Augmentation
If you're considering breast augmentation strictly for cosmetic reasons and prefer non - surgical options, there are several alternatives available in New York City. These include fat grafting, hormonal therapy, and natural remedies. Fat grafting, or fat transfer, involves removing fat from different body parts and injecting it into the breasts. It is considered a safer option as it uses the body's own tissue, minimizing complications.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a life - changing decision that requires careful consideration. New York City is home to some of the best hospitals and surgeons for this procedure, offering a wide range of options and expertise. When choosing a hospital or surgeon, consider factors such as experience, credentials, patient reviews, and the overall approach to care. Understanding the procedure, recovery process, and potential risks is essential for making an informed decision.
If you're interested in learning more about breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top hospitals or surgeons mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and ensure that you are comfortable with the provider before proceeding with the surgery. Remember, your well - being and satisfaction are the top priorities.
