Introduction
New York City is a global hub for plastic surgery, especially when it comes to breast augmentation using Allergan products. With a plethora of options available, choosing the right plastic surgery department can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore the top four plastic surgery departments in New York City, known for their excellent reputation in Allergan breast augmentation.
Understanding Allergan Breast Augmentation
Allergan is a well - known name in the field of cosmetic and medical devices. Their breast implants are popular for several reasons. They come in a variety of types, including silicone and saline implants. Silicone implants are known for their natural look and feel. They closely mimic the texture and movement of natural breasts. According to research, in 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants, and Allergan's silicone implants are among the most trusted options.
Saline implants, on the other hand, are filled with a saline solution, which is a mixture of salt and water. They are often chosen for their safety and the ability to adjust the volume during the procedure. Allergan continuously improves its products, with advancements such as the development of cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants. These implants provide a more natural and proportionate breast shape and feel, and have a lower risk of leakage if the implant becomes compromised.
Top Four Plastic Surgery Departments in New York City
1. Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His educational background is truly impressive, spanning 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 top of the latest advancements in plastic surgery.
When it comes to breast augmentation, Dr. Kolker believes in the concept that "beautiful" should be more important than "size." He takes the time to understand each patient's aesthetic goals, which are distinct to their body type, to achieve a proportionate outcome and the most natural results. His expertise is not limited to breast augmentation; he also performs a wide range of other procedures, including facelifts, eyelid surgeries, and body contouring.
Dr. Kolker's achievements are numerous. He has been featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 to 2024. Newsweek has also recognized him as one of America's best plastic surgeons in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, specifically for breast augmentation, facelift, eye lift, rhinoplasty, and liposuction. He is also distinguished in Castle Connolly's America's Top Doctors list from 2016 - 2025 and Top Doctors: New York Metro Area from 2008 - 2025.
Real patient testimonials speak volumes about his skills. For example, one patient, Kristen Foodim, had a full facial rejuvenation surgery plan with Dr. Kolker for her 50th birthday, which included a facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, facial fat grafting, and a lip lift. She was extremely satisfied with the results. Another patient, N.S. from New York City, was thankful to Dr. Kolker for correcting her asymmetrical breasts, saying that he made the impossible possible.
2. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon renowned for his commitment to patient care and excellent results. He works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach for breast augmentation.
When it comes to breast implants, Dr. Sherman has in - depth knowledge. He worked closely with Allergan during the original development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. These FDA - approved devices have an anatomically shaped silhouette that closely resembles the curve of a woman's breast and are popular for both augmentation and breast reconstruction.
During the patient consultation process, Dr. Sherman reviews the patient's medical history, examines the breasts, and discusses implant options. He takes into account various factors such as the patient's existing breast shape, skin laxity, and aesthetic goals. For instance, when choosing implants, he considers the material (saline or silicone), shape (round or anatomical), size (measured in cubic centimeters), and texture. He helps patients make informed decisions to achieve the best possible results.
The breast augmentation procedure at Dr. Sherman's practice typically takes 1 - 1.5 hours and is an outpatient procedure. After the surgery, patients are given a prescription for pain medication and a surgical compression bra. They usually experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the initial days, which subside over time. In 2 - 3 weeks, patients can resume light activities, and at 6 - 8 weeks, they can engage in more strenuous activities.
3. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is Ivy League educated at the Weill - Cornell Medical Center. He is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has over two decades of experience in the field.
Dr. Weintraub has a unique approach to breast augmentation. Whenever possible, he performs the procedure in his NYC facility 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 breastfeeding, no visible scars near the breast, less pain, less post - operative downtime, and less swelling and bruising.
He is very particular about safety. His breast augmentation patients are placed in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. He insists on the most sterile conditions in the operating room, with board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. Every step of the surgery is executed with precision and care.
Dr. Weintraub's patients appreciate his aesthetic sense and attention to detail. Over 60% of his practice is comprised of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices. He takes great pride in getting the best results and is not afraid to turn away patients if he feels they are not good candidates for surgery.
4. Mount Sinai Plastic Surgery
The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging technology, to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. This technology allows patients to virtually try on different sizes of breasts, which helps them make more informed decisions about their desired breast size and shape.
When it comes to breast augmentation options, Mount Sinai offers a variety of choices. Patients can choose between silicone and saline breast implants. Silicone implants look and feel natural in the breasts, while saline implants are firmer and rounder. In addition, they offer a non - implant option called Naturalfill®, which is a fat transfer technique. In this procedure, fat is removed from the patient's buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and then immediately inserted into the breasts to enlarge them.
The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai take the time to understand each patient's desires and goals. They perform a physical exam and ask a series of health - related questions to confirm that the patient is a suitable candidate for breast augmentation. After the surgery, patients are provided with guidance on post - operative care and follow - up appointments to ensure the best possible results.
Comparing the Four Departments
| Department | Expertise | Unique Approach | Patient - Centric Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice | Broad range of plastic surgery procedures including breast augmentation, facelifts, etc. Well - known for achieving natural and proportionate breast augmentation results. | Combines scientific knowledge with artistic creativity to deliver personalized results. | Comprehensive consultations, virtual and in - person. High - profile recognition in multiple media rankings. |
| Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice | Deep knowledge of Allergan breast implants, especially Natrelle 410 cohesive gel implants. Specializes in individualized breast augmentation plans. | Works closely with patients to choose the most suitable implant specifications based on their anatomy and goals. | Detailed pre - operative consultation, addressing all aspects of the procedure and implant options. |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice | Two - decade - long experience in breast augmentation. Skilled in complex redo surgeries. | Prefers transaxillary subpectoral approach for breast augmentation, emphasizing safety and natural results. | High - standard surgical environment, strong patient - doctor relationship, and careful selection of patients. |
| Mount Sinai Plastic Surgery | Extensive experience in breast augmentation. Offers a variety of implant and non - implant options. | Utilizes advanced 3D imaging technology for patient visualization. | Thorough patient evaluation, post - operative care guidance, and access to multiple treatment options. |
Important Considerations Before Choosing a Plastic Surgery Department
Board Certification
It is crucial to choose a plastic surgeon who is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification ensures that the surgeon has completed the necessary training and has met the high standards set by the board. All the surgeons in the top four departments mentioned above are board - certified, which gives patients an added level of confidence in their skills and expertise.
Experience
Experience matters in plastic surgery. Surgeons with more years of experience are likely to have encountered a wider range of cases and challenges, which can lead to better results. For example, Dr. Barry Weintraub has over two decades of experience, while Dr. Adam R. Kolker has a long - standing reputation in the field with his multiple achievements over the years.
Patient Testimonials
Reading patient testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the results achieved by a plastic surgery department. Real - life experiences of other patients can give you an idea of what to expect in terms of the surgical process, post - operative care, and overall satisfaction. As seen in the case of Dr. Adam R. Kolker, many patients have shared their positive experiences and the life - changing results they obtained from his surgeries.
Technology and Techniques
Advancements in technology and surgical techniques can significantly impact the outcome of breast augmentation. Departments that invest in the latest technologies, such as Mount Sinai's use of 3D imaging technology, can offer patients a more informed decision - making process. Surgeons who are updated on the latest techniques are also more likely to provide better results with less risk and faster recovery times.
Potential Risks and Complications of Allergan Breast Augmentation
While Allergan breast augmentation can provide many benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications. Some of the common issues include:
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Although the actual number of cases worldwide is relatively small (approaching 400 cases), it is a concern. This is not breast cancer but a form of non - Hodgkin's lymphoma. It appears to be associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast).
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): This term refers to a broad variety of symptoms that women report 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 still being investigated.
- Other Complications: These can include breast pain, breast numbness, loss of sensation in nipples, implant leak, issues with breastfeeding, and allergic reactions. It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before the procedure.
Recovery and After - Care
The recovery process after Allergan breast augmentation is an important phase. In the initial days, patients may experience moderate symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. They are usually given a prescription for pain medication to manage the discomfort.
Patients are advised to wear a surgical compression bra for a few weeks as they heal. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions regarding rest, activity levels, and diet. For example, patients should avoid heavy lifting and intense exercises for a certain period. They should also ensure they get enough rest and eat a healthy diet to support the healing process.
Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process and address any concerns. The tightness in the breasts after the procedure is normal and usually subsides over time, often within about six weeks or longer, with the help of breast massages and following the surgeon's instructions.
Conclusion
New York City offers some of the best plastic surgery departments for Allergan breast augmentation. Dr. Adam R. Kolker's practice, Dr. John E. Sherman's practice, Dr. Barry Weintraub's practice, and Mount Sinai Plastic Surgery stand out for their excellent reputation, expertise, and patient - centric approach. When considering breast augmentation, it is important to do thorough research, consult with multiple surgeons, and take into account factors such as board certification, experience, patient testimonials, and technology. By making an informed decision, patients can achieve the results they desire while minimizing the risks associated with the procedure.
If you are considering Allergan breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to schedule consultations with the surgeons in these top four departments. Discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations to find the best fit for your needs. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in New York City.
