Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. Many women desire fuller, more shapely breasts, and underarm incision breast augmentation is a popular choice as it offers the advantage of leaving no visible scars on the breast. There is a perception that most of the top 3 hospitals for underarm incision breast augmentation in New York City are public ones. In this article, we will explore breast augmentation, underarm incision techniques, and attempt to identify whether this perception holds true by looking at some of the leading hospitals and clinics in the city.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. It can be done for various reasons, including enhancing body contour, correcting a reduction in breast volume due to pregnancy, age, or balancing asymmetrical breasts. As reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation in the United States, indicating its popularity.
Types of Breast Implants
- Saline Implants: These implants are filled with a sterile saline (saltwater) solution. If the implant ruptures, the saline is absorbed and expelled naturally from the body. They are FDA - approved for women 18 years of age or older. The implants are placed in the breast pocket and filled to the patient's desired volume during the procedure. For example, they are suitable for some scarless breast augmentation techniques as they can be filled after placement. However, they may have a less natural look and feel compared to silicone implants.
- Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, these implants are known for providing a more natural look and feel. They are FDA - approved for women 22 years of age or older. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants. If the implant breaks or ruptures, the gel could potentially remain inside the implant. Cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants, are increasingly popular. They are able to keep their form, minimize the risk of leakage, and provide a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Self - Confidence: Many women experience a significant boost in self - confidence after breast augmentation. Fuller and more symmetrical breasts can greatly enhance the feminine figure and allow women to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
- Body Proportion: It can help improve body proportion, especially for women who feel their breast size is too small in relation to the rest of their body.
- Correction of Congenital Deformities: Breast augmentation can correct certain congenital breast deformities, such as pectus excavatum, where the chest is sunken in, causing a concave depression.
Possible Complications
- BIA - ALCL: Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) is a form of non - Hodgkin's lymphoma that has been linked to textured breast implants. While the actual number of cases worldwide is approaching 400, it is associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma. The vast majority of breast implant patients do not develop this condition.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): A term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms reported by women after having implants placed, such as memory loss, “brain fog,” joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.
- Capsular Contracture: Occurs when the capsule around the implant contracts and squeezes the implant. This can result in breasts that appear round and high and may feel very hard to touch. Surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk, such as avoiding bleeding during surgery and using a “no - touch” technique.
Underarm Incision for Breast Augmentation
Advantages of Underarm Incision
- Scar Concealment: One of the primary advantages is that it leaves no visible scars on the breast. The scar is located in the underarm area, which is less noticeable and can be easily hidden by clothing, swimsuits, or bras.
- Less Risk to Nipple Sensation and Breastfeeding: Since the incision is made away from the breast tissue and nipple, there is a reduced risk of damage to the nerves responsible for nipple sensation and the milk ducts, which means future breastfeeding may not be hindered.
- Favorable Healing and Aesthetic Results: The underarm area generally has good healing properties, and with proper technique, the scar can become almost invisible over time, contributing to a more natural - looking breast augmentation result.
Disadvantages of Underarm Incision
- Technical Difficulty: Performing breast augmentation through an underarm incision requires a high level of surgical skill. It can be more challenging to access the breast tissue and position the implant accurately compared to other incision methods.
- Limited Visibility: The surgeon may have more limited visibility of the breast pocket during the procedure, which can increase the risk of implant malposition if not performed using advanced techniques such as endoscopic visualization.
- Scar Visibility in Certain Positions: Although the scar is usually well - hidden, it may be visible when the patient raises their arm. Tattooing of the scar may be necessary in some cases to better camouflage it.
Techniques for Underarm Incision Breast Augmentation
Surgeons may use an endoscope to perform underarm incision breast augmentation. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end, which allows the surgeon to have a better view of the breast pocket during the procedure. This helps in precise muscle division, control of bleeding, and accurate implant positioning. For example, top New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform scarless breast augmentation through an underarm incision, dividing the muscle precisely under magnified endoscopic visualization.
Top Hospitals and Clinics in New York City for Breast Augmentation
Public Hospitals
While we do not have a definitive ranking that confirms the top 3 public hospitals for underarm incision breast augmentation in New York City, public hospitals like Mount Sinai are well - known for their plastic surgery services. Mount Sinai 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 before the surgery. They offer a range of options for breast augmentation, including different types of implants and a fat transfer technique called NaturalFill®, which was pioneered and perfected by their surgeons.
Private Clinics
There are several well - respected private clinics in New York City for breast augmentation:
- Rapaport Plastic Surgery: Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon, is a world - recognized expert specializing in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. He offers breast augmentation with both saline and silicone implants. His underarm incision breast augmentation procedure uses an endoscope for scarless results, with the muscle precisely divided under endoscopic visualization to ensure accurate implant positioning.
- Dr. John E. Sherman: An experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon, Dr. Sherman works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach for breast augmentation. He has a deep understanding of different types of breast implants, including the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. He offers various incision options, including underarm incision, and will choose the best approach based on the patient's anatomy and aesthetic goals.
- Dr. Barry Weintraub: Board - certified and Ivy League educated, Dr. Weintraub prefers the transaxillary subpectoral approach (underarm incision) for breast augmentation whenever possible. This approach has many advantages, such as no jeopardy to nipple sensation, no visible scars near the breast, less pain, and less post - operative downtime. His aesthetic judgment and attention to detail ensure high - quality results.
Evaluating the Top 3 for Underarm Incision Breast Augmentation
To determine if most of the top 3 hospitals for underarm incision breast augmentation in New York City are public ones, we need to consider multiple factors. There is no clear consensus on a definitive top 3 list as rankings can vary based on different criteria such as patient satisfaction, surgical expertise, and technological advancements.
Private clinics often have a reputation for offering personalized care and access to the latest surgical techniques. For example, private surgeons like Dr. Rapaport and Dr. Weintraub are known for their specialized skills in underarm incision breast augmentation. On the other hand, public hospitals like Mount Sinai have the advantage of large - scale resources, a team of experienced surgeons, and the ability to conduct in - depth research on breast augmentation procedures.
Without a comprehensive and objective ranking, it is difficult to conclude that most of the top 3 are public hospitals. It is possible that both public and private institutions could be included in the top 3 depending on the evaluation criteria used.
Choosing the Right Hospital or Clinic
Surgeon's Expertise
When choosing a hospital or clinic for underarm incision breast augmentation, the surgeon's expertise is of utmost importance. Look for a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation, especially the underarm incision technique. Check their before - and - after photos, patient testimonials, and any awards or recognition they have received. For example, surgeons like Dr. Sherman were select investigators during the development of certain types of breast implants, indicating their in - depth knowledge and expertise in the field.
Facility Accreditation
Ensure that the hospital or clinic is accredited by recognized organizations. Accreditation indicates that the facility meets certain standards of safety, quality, and professionalism. Many private clinics, like Dr. Rapaport's office, have their surgical suites fully accredited, which is a sign of their commitment to providing a safe and high - quality surgical environment.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of the experiences of other patients who have undergone breast augmentation at the facility. Look for reviews that specifically mention the underarm incision technique, the quality of pre - and post - operative care, and the overall satisfaction with the results. This can help you gauge the level of service and the likely outcome of your own procedure.
Cost and Financing Options
The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on factors such as the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's fees. While cost should not be the only factor in your decision, it is important to understand the financial implications. Some facilities offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure. Make sure to discuss the cost and financing options during your consultation.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a significant decision for many women, and underarm incision is a popular and attractive option due to its scar - concealing benefits. While the perception that most of the top 3 hospitals for underarm incision breast augmentation in New York City are public ones remains unproven without a clear - cut ranking, both public hospitals and private clinics offer high - quality services. Public hospitals bring large - scale resources and research capabilities, while private clinics often provide personalized care and specialized expertise.
If you are considering underarm incision breast augmentation in New York City, take the time to research different hospitals and clinics, meet with the surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you choose a public or private institution, ensure that you prioritize the surgeon's expertise, the facility's accreditation, and patient satisfaction.
Are you intrigued by the possibilities of underarm incision breast augmentation? Share this article with your friends and family who might be interested. If you have any questions or experiences to share, leave a comment below. Take the next step in your journey by scheduling a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon today!