Introduction
Silicone breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. Women from all walks of life are looking to enhance the volume and shape of their breasts, achieving their ideal breast profile. With a plethora of options available in the city, it can be challenging to choose the right hospital for this delicate procedure. In this article, we will carefully examine the top 5 hospitals for silicone breast augmentation in New York City, considering factors such as the experience of the surgeons, the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the available technology.
Why Silicone Breast Augmentation?
Silicone breast implants have been a popular choice for many reasons. First developed in the early 1960s by Dow Chemical, they have come a long way in terms of safety and performance. As of 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Silicone implants are known for their natural look and feel. They mimic the texture and consistency of real breast tissue better than other alternatives like saline implants. Cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants, have become increasingly popular. Developed in the 1990s, they feature a thick silicone gel that keeps its form, minimizing the risk of leakage if the implant becomes compromised. These implants offer a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel, with a wide variety of shapes and sizes to fit different body types.
Top 5 Hospitals for Silicone Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Maman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Daniel Maman at Maman Plastic Surgery is a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon specialized in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. He has appeared on the New York Times top doctors and super doctors in plastic surgery lists.
**Consultation Process**: The practice offers a 90 - minute consultation with Dr. Maman, which includes a thorough review of the patient's medical history, an in - depth physical assessment, comprehensive operative plans, a review of cost, accommodations, and follow - up visits, as well as scheduling of the surgery. This detailed consultation allows patients to fully understand the procedure and make informed decisions.
**Implant Options**: The practice uses both saline and silicone implants. However, 99% of their patients choose smooth, round silicone implants, often called gummy - bear implants. These implants feel and look more like natural breasts, last longer, and maintain their shape even after micro - ruptures. Dr. Maman custom - orders implants for each patient, considering multiple factors such as width, volume, shape, projection, viscosity, and fill pressure to achieve a natural, aesthetically pleasing result.
**Surgical Approach**: Dr. Maman typically performs breast augmentation via an incision hidden within the natural breast fold or within the nipple. This approach is discreet and allows for direct placement, limiting the time spent during surgery. He almost exclusively uses a dual - plane approach, placing the top 80 - 90% of the implant below the pectoral muscle and the bottom 10 - 20% directly below the breast tissue. This technique delivers the benefits of subpectoral implant placement and allows the implants to drop slightly over time for a more natural - looking result.
**Patient Experience**: The practice emphasizes convenience, comfort, and a smooth recovery. They offer luxury recovery room options at NYC hotels and complimentary, custom post - operative support garments and scar treatment regimens. Multiple pre - op appointments are scheduled to ensure patients are fully informed, and close contact is maintained during the pre - op period. After surgery, thorough aftercare options are provided to ensure optimized recovery and results.
2. Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City and a board - certified plastic surgeon who has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. He has been listed in multiple magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar and Town and Country, as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
**Consultation and Patient Education**: During the initial consultation, Dr. Antell performs a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assesses the current condition of the breasts. He guides patients through selecting the proper implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size, and has an open and honest conversation about expectations and risks. He also provides patients with the manufacturer's insert to ensure they are fully informed.
**Implant Selection**: Dr. Antell offers both saline and silicone implants. Silicone gel implants are favored for their ability to more closely mimic the texture and feel of natural breast tissue. He is well - versed in the different types of implants and helps patients choose the one that best suits their body type and aesthetic goals.
**Surgical Expertise**: Dr. Antell is known for his expertise in addressing capsular contracture, one of the most common complications with breast implants. He has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
**Patient Reviews**: Dr. Antell has received many positive patient reviews. Patients have reported being very happy with the results of their breast augmentations, praising his and his staff's attention, expertise, and the natural - looking outcomes.
3. Dr. David L. Cangello
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City who is experienced in the art of cosmetic breast surgery. He is known for delivering elegant, natural - looking results and has earned the trust of professional models from some of the world's top agencies, including Wilhelmina Models, IMG Models, and Next Management.
**Artistic Approach**: Dr. Cangello takes an artistic approach to breast augmentation, combining medical precision with the principles of aesthetics. He incorporates the patient's tastes and preferences into the treatment plan, whether the patient desires a subtle look or bold cosmetic enhancements. His superior results are a testament to his eye for detail and his extensive experience in breast surgery.
**Implant and Procedure Options**: He offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery, including breast lift, breast revision, and natural augmentation with fat transfer. For silicone breast augmentation, he guides patients through the process of deciding on the size and shape of the implants, where they’ll be placed, and other important considerations. He uses both silicone and saline implants, with silicone implants being popular for their natural look and feel. He also uses the “no touch” method with a Keller funnel for silicone implant placement, which allows for easier insertion and a smaller incision size and may help minimize infection risk.
**Patient - Centered Care**: The foundation of Dr. Cangello's practice is patient - centered care. His park avenue office in NYC provides a warm, welcoming environment. During the consultation, he addresses all questions and concerns, determines the patient's suitability for the procedure based on medical history and current health, and develops a personalized treatment plan. He has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited (AAASF) operating room at his NYC office, and also has operating privileges at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital for patients who prefer a hospital setting.
4. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
At the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, patients can receive top - notch breast augmentation services. Dr. Jordan Jacobs, associated with the group, has received training from globally acclaimed medical leaders and experts, including time at Jefferson Medical College and fellowships at NYU.
**Advanced Technology for Consultation**: The practice utilizes Vectra XT 3D - imaging, a high - resolution imaging technology. This technology processes images of the patient's figure, considering factors like exact measurements, skin texture, and volumetric analysis. It allows patients to virtually “try on” different types of implants, providing a 3D simulation of the breast augmentation results and taking the guesswork out of the procedure.
**Implant Choices**: They offer a variety of breast implant options, including saline breast implants, structured saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, gummy bear breast implants, and round breast implants. Most patients opt for silicone implants as they mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissues. The surgeons guide patients in choosing the best implant based on personal preferences and unique anatomy.
**Surgical Incision and Safety**: The board - certified plastic surgeons at the practice can use one of three incision placements for breast implant insertion: the inframammary fold, the periareolar incision, or the transaxillary incision. The choice of incision depends on personal preference, anatomy, and the size, shape, and style of the implants selected. The practice ensures the highest standards of safety during the procedure.
**Recovery and Follow - Up**: The recovery process varies depending on the augmentation method selected. The practice provides clear aftercare instructions to patients. They also emphasize the importance of follow - up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. The practice offers a good balance of advanced technology, a wide range of implant options, and patient - centered care during the recovery process.
5. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a board - certified and Ivy League educated plastic surgeon at the Weill - Cornell Medical Center. He is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has more than two decades of experience.
**Unique Surgical Approach**: Whenever possible, Dr. Weintraub performs breast augmentation by inserting the implant through the armpit (transaxillary subpectoral approach). This approach has several advantages, including no jeopardy to nipple sensation, no hindrance to future breast - feeding, no visible scars near the breast, less pain, less post - operative downtime, and less swelling and bruising.
**Safety and Quality Assurance**: Dr. Weintraub insists on the highest standards of safety in the operating room. He prefers patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure, and the emergence from anesthesia is crisp and clear. The operating room is equipped with state - of - the - art monitoring equipment, and board - certified anesthesiologists are involved. Every intraoperative maneuver is executed with precision and care.
**Patient Consultation and Selection**: He values patient consultation and believes in listening to the patient's needs and desires. He carefully selects patients who are well - balanced, in good general health, and have realistic expectations. He also provides detailed instructions for preparing for the procedure and ensures patients have the necessary support during the recovery period.
**Patient - Centric Philosophy**: Dr. Weintraub's patient - centric philosophy is evident in his approach. He takes his time with each patient, from pre - op to post - op care. He believes that surgery is not a race and that the patient's well - being is of utmost importance. Many patients seek him out for complex redo surgeries, which speaks to his expertise and the quality of his work.
Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals
Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Implant Options | Consultation Process | Patient Experience | Unique Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maman Plastic Surgery | Harvard - trained, on top doctor lists | Silicone (99% gummy - bear), saline | 90 - minute detailed consultation | Luxury recovery options, aftercare | Dual - plane approach |
Dr. Darrick Antell | Performed thousands of surgeries, well - renowned | Silicone, saline | Comprehensive evaluation, risk discussion | Positive patient reviews | Expert in capsular contracture |
Dr. David L. Cangello | Trusted by top models, artistic approach | Silicone, saline, fat transfer | Patient - centered consultation | Warm office environment, multiple care options | “No touch” method for silicone |
New York Group for Plastic Surgery | Surgeons trained by top experts | Multiple types of silicone and saline | 3D - imaging for consultation | Clear aftercare instructions | Advanced imaging technology |
Dr. Barry Weintraub | Ivy League educated, national spokesperson | Silicone, saline | Patient selection, listening approach | Emphasis on safety and patient - centric care | Transaxillary subpectoral approach |
Considerations Before Choosing a Hospital
When selecting a hospital for silicone breast augmentation in New York City, there are several important factors to consider:
Surgeon's Qualifications
Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Look into their experience, especially in performing silicone breast augmentations. Surgeons with a long - standing practice and a large number of successful procedures are generally a good choice. Check if they have any special training or awards related to breast surgery.
Hospital Reputation
Research the hospital's reputation in the community. Look for patient reviews and testimonials online. Consider the hospital's standing with medical organizations and its history of providing high - quality care. Hospitals that are affiliated with well - known medical institutions often have access to the latest research and best practices.
Implant Options
Different hospitals may offer a variety of silicone implant options. Understand the types of implants available, such as gummy bear implants, standard silicone implants, and their differences in terms of shape, texture, and durability. The surgeon should be able to guide you in choosing the implant that best suits your body type and aesthetic goals.
Cost
Breast augmentation costs can vary depending on factors such as the type of implants, the surgeon's fee, and the location of the hospital. Get a detailed breakdown of the costs during the consultation. Some hospitals may offer financing options to help make the procedure more affordable. However, it's important not to compromise on quality for the sake of cost.
Post - operative Care
Good post - operative care is crucial for a successful recovery. Inquire about the hospital's aftercare services, including follow - up appointments, availability of support staff to answer questions, and any additional services such as scar treatment. A hospital that provides comprehensive aftercare can help ensure the best possible results.
Potential Risks and Complications of Silicone Breast Augmentation
While silicone breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of:
Capsular Contracture
This is one of the most common complications. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing the breast to feel hard, look misshapen, and sometimes be painful. Treatment may involve removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Some surgeons use techniques such as placing an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to help prevent capsular contracture.
Implant Rupture
Although silicone implants are designed to be durable, they can rupture due to injury, normal compression, or movement of the breast. If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel may stay within the implant shell or leak into the breast tissue. Regular monitoring, such as MRI scans as recommended by the FDA for silicone implants, can help detect ruptures early. In case of rupture, a revision surgery is usually required to replace the implant.
Infection
Infection can occur after surgery and typically presents within a week. It can be treated with antibiotics, and in some cases, the implant may need to be removed. Surgeons take precautions during the procedure, such as using a sterile operating environment, to minimize the risk of infection.
Changes in Sensation
Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after the surgery. This can range from numbness to increased sensitivity. In most cases, these changes resolve over time, but in some instances, they may be permanent.
Scarring
All surgeries result in some scarring. The size and visibility of the scars depend on the incision location and the patient's individual healing process. Surgeons use techniques to minimize scarring, such as placing incisions in less visible areas and using advanced suture methods. Some patients may also require additional treatments to