Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. Many women turn to this surgery to enhance their body contours, boost their self - confidence, and address various concerns such as small breast size, asymmetry, or volume loss due to factors like pregnancy and weight loss. In this article, we will explore three well - regarded institutions in New York City that offer breast augmentation services, discussing their unique features, available procedures, and what patients can expect.
Mount Sinai - New York
Overview
Mount Sinai is a renowned medical institution in New York. Its plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. They are committed to providing patients with the best possible results and ensuring their satisfaction.
Services Offered
Implant Options
- Silicone Breast Implants: These implants look and feel natural in the breasts. The silicone gel closely mimics the texture and consistency of real breast tissue, providing a more realistic appearance. They are a popular choice for many patients looking for a natural look and feel.
- Saline Breast Implants: Saline implants have a silicone outer shell filled with a saline solution (a mixture of salt and water). They are a firmer, rounder option. One of the advantages of saline implants is that if they rupture, the saline solution is safely absorbed by the body. The surgeon can also use smaller incisions as the implants are filled after insertion.
Non - Implant Option: NaturalFill
Mount Sinai surgeons have pioneered and perfected a fat transfer technique called NaturalFill®. This is a two - step procedure. First, fat is removed from the patient's buttocks or abdomen using liposuction. Then, this fat is immediately inserted into the breasts to enlarge them. It offers the advantage of using the patient's own body fat, which can provide a more natural - looking and feeling result.
Pre - surgery Process
Before scheduling the surgery, the plastic surgeon uses advanced 3D imaging technology. This technology demonstrates what the larger breasts will look like on the patient's unique body. By showing different options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually “try on” different sizes of breasts. The surgeon also has in - depth consultations with the patients, listening to their desires for enhancing breast size and helping them decide on the best size and shape for their body type. A physical exam is performed, and a series of health - related questions are asked to confirm the patient's suitability for breast augmentation.
Expected Results and Long - term Considerations
Patients can expect their breast augmentation results to last for many years. However, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and significant weight gain or loss can cause natural drooping over time. In such cases, options like a breast lift or replacing the breast implants can be considered.
Greenwald Plastic Surgery
Surgeon's Expertise
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald is a board - certified New York plastic surgeon. He has performed thousands of breast surgeries and is known for achieving natural results. He has been named a top doctor in New York every year since 2012 and was selected to the Mentor® lead program advisory board in 2012 and 2013. He now uses Allergan breast implants as he believes they offer the most comprehensive line of breast implants available.
Breast Implant Options
Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants
| Feature | Saline Breast Implants | Silicone Breast Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Outer Shell | Silicone | Silicone |
| Implant Fill | Saline solution (sterile saltwater) | Silicone gel |
| Incision Length | Approximately 2.5 cm (smaller incisions as they are filled after insertion) | Approximately 3.5 to 4 cm (pre - filled, so slightly larger incisions needed) |
| Look and Feel | Do not resemble natural breast tissue as closely as silicone implants. May feel firmer and ripple more, especially in thin patients. | More closely look and feel like natural breasts. Memory Gel® breast implants have a cohesive gel formulation that acts as a solid and holds together uniformly. |
| Risk of “Rippling” | Rippling more common, especially in very thin patients | Less rippling than saline implants |
| Silent Rupture Risk | Low. If it ruptures, the saline is absorbed by the body and the deflation is easily detectable. | Patients are at risk of “silent rupture,” where the implant has ruptured but the patient may not be aware as the body cannot absorb silicone. The FDA recommends breast imaging exams (MRI or mammogram) every three years starting the third year after the initial procedure. |
| Cost | Less than silicone implants | Costs slightly more than saline implants |
Implant Placement and Incision Approaches
Implant Placement
- Submuscular Placement: Dr. Greenwald positions over 95% of his implants under the pectoral muscle. This position has a lower incidence of capsular contracture, allows for high - quality mammograms, and provides a more natural look.
- Subglandular Placement: The breast implants are placed under the glandular tissue. However, it may not be suitable for women with thin skin or little body fat as the implant might be visible under the skin.
Incision Approaches
- Inframammary Approach: The incision is made in or near the breast's natural crease. It is easily concealed by the overlying breast, has the lowest incidence of capsular contracture, and the lowest incidence of sensory changes of the nipple - areola complex.
- Periareolar Approach: An incision is created around the outer perimeter of the areola. It is the least visible in properly selected patients and can be reused if revision surgery is needed. It is the preferred approach if a breast lift is also required.
- Transaxillary Approach: The incision is made in the armpit area. An endoscope is used to create an implant pocket behind the breast tissue. It is typically used for inserting unfilled saline implants, but has an increased incidence of implant malposition.
Recovery Process
Most patients can resume normal activities within days of their surgery. They may require a small amount of or no pain medication and have little or no bruising. Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation, which usually returns to normal in the majority of cases. Patients are permitted to go to the gym at three weeks and are encouraged to sleep in a sports bra for three months. It may take up to eight weeks for the implants to settle into a more natural position.
Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Surgeon's Reputation
Dr. David P. Rapaport is a board - certified plastic surgeon and a world - recognized expert specializing in breast augmentation and breast implant revision for women with previous breast surgery. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures performed at his New York plastic surgery facility.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Incision Placement
The incision for breast augmentation can be placed in the underarm, under the breast itself, or within the areola. Only patients choosing silicone implants will require an incision under the breast or areola. Many patients prefer an underarm incision as it removes all scarring from the breast. Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform this scarless breast augmentation procedure, allowing for precise muscle division and implant positioning.
Implant Options
Dr. Rapaport offers both saline and silicone implants. Saline implants can be filled after placement, making them suitable for the scarless breast augmentation technique. Silicone implants typically have a more natural look and feel. He discusses these options with patients to help them determine the best type of implant for their anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Anesthesia and Post - surgery Care
Breast augmentation can be performed with general anesthesia or IV sedation (twilight anesthesia), administered and monitored by a board - certified anesthesiologist. After the anesthesia wears off, patients are monitored briefly and then can go home the same day. They must have an adult stay with them for the first night after surgery. Full recovery takes approximately two to three weeks, and patients can often return to work in just a few days, depending on their job. Strenuous exercise and aerobic activity are restricted for the first ten days.
Long - term Results and Capsular Contracture
Breast augmentation typically lasts a lifetime, and breast implants are designed to last a decade or more. Dr. Rapaport takes precautions to minimize the risk of capsular contracture. This complication occurs when the capsule around the implant contracts and squeezes the implant. He advises patients not to engage in aerobic activity for ten days following surgery to minimize the risk of small bleeding and uses a “no - touch” technique and a Keller funnel for insertion to avoid contamination.
Conclusion
Mount Sinai, Greenwald Plastic Surgery, and Rapaport Plastic Surgery are three regular and well - respected institutions in New York City for breast augmentation. Each offers a range of options in terms of implants, placement, and incision approaches. Patients can expect experienced surgeons, advanced technologies, and comprehensive pre - and post - surgery care. Before deciding on a specific hospital and procedure, it is important for patients to have in - depth consultations with the surgeons to understand all aspects of the surgery, including risks, benefits, and expected results.
If you are considering breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to take the next step. Reach out to these institutions for consultations, discuss your aesthetic goals, and gather all the information you need to make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning about breast augmentation options in New York City.
