Introduction
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, and New York City is a hub for top - notch plastic surgeons. In 2025, with the advancement of medical technology and techniques, choosing the right breast augmentation and breast plastic surgeon is crucial for achieving the desired results. This article will present a fresh look at the top 5 breast augmentation and breast plastic surgeons in New York City, considering factors such as experience, patient reviews, certifications, and specialized skills.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the size, shape, and symmetry of a woman's breasts. It can involve the use of implants, such as silicone or saline, or fat transfer techniques. The procedure has become increasingly popular over the years, with many women seeking to improve their self - confidence and body image. According to research, over 5 million women in the USA have had breast augmentation, and 79% of those who undergo the procedure report satisfaction. The benefits of breast augmentation include enhanced confidence, improved body proportions, and customized volume and shape. However, it is also important to be aware of the potential risks, such as capsular contracture, bleeding, infection, and implant rupture.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
- Certification and Training: A board - certified plastic surgeon has met strict standards of education, training, and experience. Look for surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or other relevant national boards. For example, Dr. Adam R. Kolker is double - board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
- Experience: The number of years a surgeon has been performing breast augmentation surgeries is a significant factor. Surgeons with more experience are likely to have encountered a wider range of cases and developed advanced techniques. Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg has 30 years of experience in performing plastic surgeries, including breast augmentations.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Reading reviews from past patients can provide insights into the surgeon's skills, bedside manner, and the overall patient experience. Positive reviews and testimonials are an indication of a surgeon's ability to meet patient expectations.
- Specialization: Some surgeons may specialize in breast augmentation or have a particular focus on breast - related procedures. Specialized surgeons are likely to have in - depth knowledge and expertise in the field.
- Portfolio of Before - and - After Photos: Reviewing a surgeon's portfolio can give you an idea of the quality of their work and the type of results they can achieve. Look for natural - looking and proportionate results.
Top 5 Breast Augmentation and Breast Plastic Surgeons in New York City
1. Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a well - known double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He specializes in breast augmentation, along with various other cosmetic surgery procedures addressing all aspects of the body. 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. As an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he stays on the cutting edge of advancements in plastic surgery.
Dr. Kolker has an impressive list of credentials. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Surgery, and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has been featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 - 2024 and as one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek in 2021 - 2024. He is also distinguished in Castle Connolly's America's Top Doctors from 2016 - 2024 and Top Doctors: New York Metro Area from 2008 - 2024.
His approach to breast augmentation focuses on achieving beautiful, natural, and proportional results. He tailors each procedure to the individual woman's aesthetic goals, taking into account her body type. The cost of breast augmentation with Dr. Kolker ranges from $9000 - $11000, depending on factors such as the material used (silicone breast implants are $1000 more expensive than saline implants) and the combined effort of his surgical and anesthesia team.
2. Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City. He is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has focused his professional career on aesthetic procedures. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he has demonstrated extraordinary skill and talent throughout his education. He has been honored for his groundbreaking research study on identical twins and the aging process, with his work displayed in the Smithsonian Museum.
Dr. Antell 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. He has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. His expertise lies in providing beautiful, long - lasting results, reducing the risk of complications, and achieving a look that is perfectly balanced with the patient's frame.
During the consultation process, Dr. Antell performs a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He guides the patient through selecting the proper implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size. The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on factors such as operating room and anesthesia fees, consultation fees, and the type of breast implants selected (saline or silicone). His surgical approach involves customized incision methods and implant placement to ensure natural - looking results.
3. Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Nadia Afridi is a popular surgeon in NYC when it comes to breast augmentation. She is a board - certified plastic surgeon and has received impressive reviews from clients due to her quality of work and the way she handles patients. She is very professional and caring, always ready to answer patients' calls post - operation.
When performing breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Afridi considers four key factors: the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision to insert the breast implant, the type of implant (silicone or saline), and the size of the breast implant. Her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made in unnoticeable areas like the armpit, the underside of the breast, and around the areola to minimize scar visibility. She is experienced with both saline and silicone implants, giving patients a wider option for the gel to use.
If a patient is not satisfied with a previous breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Afridi can perform corrective surgeries to address issues such as wrinkling, bottoming out, implant palpability, symmastia, severe implant displacement, and capsular contracture. The estimated breast augmentation cost with Dr. Afridi is $8900.
4. Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC. He offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments to help patients enhance their natural beauty. He has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise.
Dr. Swift provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. He is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care to ensure the patient's complete comfort and satisfaction. Before the breast augmentation procedure, he recommends that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before and shower and wash with antimicrobial soap the night before. They should also avoid applying lotions, creams, or moisturizers on the area to be treated.
After the surgery, the patient's breasts will be swollen and tender, but they can usually return to work within a week. They need to wear a surgical bra when the bandages are removed and refrain from bending, lifting, or engaging in strenuous exercise until Dr. Swift approves it. The cost of breast augmentation with Dr. Swift ranges from $5000 - $10000, depending on the extent of surgery and the number of treatments needed.
5. Dr. Steven M. Levine
Dr. Steven M. Levine is one of the top plastic surgeons in NYC, specializing in natural - looking enhancements of the face, breasts, and body. After graduating from NYU Medical School, he trained in plastic surgery for 7 years at NYU, honing his skills alongside one of the most famous plastic surgeons in the world.
He spent more than 7 years in the private practice of Dr. Daniel C. Baker before opening his own practice, along with a private operating facility, on the upper east side of Manhattan in 2019. Dr. Levine is known for his unique ability to customize the most contemporary surgical techniques. His procedures include facelift, rhinoplasty, eyelid rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast augmentation and reduction. He has been selected as one of the “best plastic surgeons” by Super Doctors and by NY Top Docs.
Dr. Levine's approach to breast augmentation focuses on providing balanced, youthful, and completely natural results. He is committed to using the latest techniques to meet the patient's aesthetic goals while minimizing the risk of complications.
Comparing the Top 5 Surgeons
| Surgeon | Certifications | Experience | Specialization | Estimated Cost | Patient - Centric Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Adam R. Kolker | Double - board certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board of Surgery, fellow of American College of Surgeons | Years of training at top institutions and extensive experience as a professor | Breast augmentation, cosmetic surgery of breast, body, and face | $9000 - $11000 | Customized approach, friendly and helpful staff, office is nice and clean |
| Dr. Darrick Antell | Board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery | Performed over ten thousand plastic surgeries | Breast augmentation, reducing complication risk, achieving balanced results | Varies (depends on multiple factors) | Comprehensive consultation, uses advanced techniques, highly regarded in the media |
| Dr. Nadia Afridi | Board - certified plastic surgeon | Experienced in breast - related surgeries | Breast augmentation, corrective breast surgeries | $8900 | Professional and caring, ready to answer post - op calls, experienced with different implant types |
| Dr. Richard Swift | Board - certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board of Surgery | Over 25 years of experience | Breast enhancement, body contouring, facial treatments | $5000 - $10000 | Detailed consultations, pre - and post - operative care, caring and helpful staff |
| Dr. Steven M. Levine | Board - certified plastic surgeon | 7 - year training at NYU and years of private practice | Natural - looking enhancements of face, breasts, and body | Not specified (varies) | Customized surgical techniques, selected as “best plastic surgeon” by multiple organizations |
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Once you have chosen a surgeon, there are several steps you need to take to prepare for breast augmentation surgery. First, you will need to have a consultation with your surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your general health, medical history, and the current condition of your breasts. You should be open and honest about your expectations, concerns, and any pre - existing medical conditions. The surgeon will then guide you through selecting the appropriate implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size.
You will also need to follow the surgeon's instructions regarding preparation for surgery. This may include adjusting certain medications, quitting smoking, and ensuring a support system for post - surgery recovery. You may be given prescriptions to fill prior to the surgery and may need to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor depending on your medical history. As the procedure is typically performed under “twilight” sedation, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and have someone to assist you for the first few days.
Recovery and Aftercare
After breast augmentation surgery, the recovery process is an important part of achieving the best results. You will recover in the surgeon's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until you are well enough to be discharged. A specialized local anesthesia is often used to decrease discomfort. Since breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day, but you will need an escort as you cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
You may feel tired or sore following surgery, but many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days. However, you should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The surgeon will provide an individualized recovery plan based on your procedure and rate of healing. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully, such as taking prescribed medications, wearing a surgical bra, and avoiding activities that could put stress on your incisions. The swelling in your breasts will take several months to fully dissipate, and the final result will typically be visible around 6 months. Your scars will fade over time but will never disappear completely.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City offers a wealth of options for breast augmentation and breast plastic surgeons. The top 5 surgeons mentioned in this article - Dr. Adam R. Kolker, Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Nadia Afridi, Dr. Richard Swift, and Dr. Steven M. Levine - each bring unique skills, experience, and patient - centric approaches to the table. Whether you are looking for a surgeon with a long - standing reputation, advanced techniques, or a personalized touch, there is likely a surgeon on this list that can meet your needs.
Before making a decision, it is crucial to do your research, schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, and carefully consider all the factors involved. Breast augmentation is a significant decision that can have a profound impact on your self - confidence and body image. By choosing the right surgeon, you can increase the likelihood of achieving the results you desire and having a positive overall experience. If you are considering breast augmentation, take the next step and reach out to one of these top surgeons in New York City to schedule a consultation.
