Introduction to Breast Augmentation in New York City
Breast augmentation is a life - changing decision for many women in New York City. It is not just about enhancing physical appearance but also boosting self - confidence and self - esteem. New York is a hub of advanced medical technology and highly skilled plastic surgeons, making it an ideal place for women considering breast augmentation. In this article, we will explore some of the top plastic hospitals and surgeons in New York City that offer fast and simple breast augmentation procedures.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the size and shape of a woman's breasts. There are several reasons why a woman might choose to undergo this procedure. For some, it is to enhance their body contour, while for others, it may be to correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy, age, or due to a congenital deformity. Some women also opt for breast augmentation as part of the reconstructive process after breast cancer surgery.
There are different techniques and options available for breast augmentation, including the use of implants and fat transfer methods. Implants can be made of either silicone gel or saline solution, and each type has its own unique characteristics and advantages.
Top Plastic Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City for Breast Augmentation
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons are highly experienced in performing breast augmentation procedures. They use the latest technologies to ensure patient satisfaction. For instance, they employ advanced 3D imaging technology that allows patients to visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. Before scheduling the surgery, surgeons consult with patients to understand their desires for breast size enhancement and help them decide on the most suitable size and shape for their bodies.
There are different treatment options available at Mount Sinai. They offer two types of breast implants - silicone and saline, as well as a non - implant option called Naturalfill. Silicone breast implants look and feel natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. The Naturalfill procedure, pioneered by Mount Sinai surgeons, uses a fat transfer technique. Fat is first removed from the patient's buttocks or abdomen through liposuction and then inserted into the breasts to increase their size.
Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Dr. David P. Rapaport at Rapaport Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon and a world - recognized expert in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures performed at his facility, and it is consistently among the top cosmetic plastic surgery procedures carried out by American Society of Plastic Surgeons members.
The incision for breast augmentation at Rapaport Plastic Surgery can be placed in the underarm, under the breast, or within the areola. Many patients prefer the underarm incision as it eliminates visible scarring on the breast. Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure, allowing for precise muscle division and accurate implant positioning.
Patients considering breast augmentation here have multiple choices regarding implants, including different shapes, sizes, and textures. Both saline and silicone implants are offered, with each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The surgery can be performed with general anesthesia or IV sedation, and patients are usually able to go home the same day after a brief monitoring period. Full recovery takes about two to three weeks, and patients typically experience a significant confidence boost after the procedure.
Greenwald Plastic Surgery
Dr. Greenwald, a leading New York City board - certified plastic surgery specialist, focuses on quick recovery breast augmentation. He has performed thousands of breast surgeries and is known for achieving natural results. He has significant experience in both primary and secondary breast augmentation procedures and is a member of the Mentor® lead advisory board.
Dr. Greenwald's patients can often return to normal activities within 24 hours of surgery and usually require little to no pain medications. He performs several special surgical maneuvers, such as precise release of the pectoralis muscle under direct vision with electrocautery, to minimize trauma to the tissues and bruising after surgery. No drains are used in primary augmentations, and sutures are dissolvable when possible. Most primary augmentations take approximately 30 - 45 minutes, allowing for a quick recovery from anesthesia.
Adam Kolker, MD
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified, Harvard - trained plastic surgeon with a clinical focus on aesthetic breast surgery. He believes that beautiful always supersedes bigger when it comes to breast augmentation, and the goal is to achieve a natural and proportional outcome.
His breast augmentation procedures are tailored to each patient's unique goals and physique. There are several factors to consider when planning breast augmentation with Dr. Kolker, including the type of implant (silicone gel or saline), the access incisions (inframammary crease, periareolar, or transaxillary), the position of the implant (submuscular or subglandular), and the style, profile, and sizing of the implant. He uses a Keller funnel to insert silicone gel implants, which minimizes incision length and allows for a “no - touch” technique.
After the surgery, patients recover in a private recovery room and are discharged home with a friend or relative. Dr. Kolker provides detailed post - operative instructions, including guidelines for returning to work, wearing bras, and resuming exercise.
Olivia Hutchinson, MD
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, a fellowship - trained, board - certified plastic surgeon, offers breast augmentation in New York City. Her goal is to deliver natural - looking, personalized, and elegant results tailored to each patient's wishes. Her breast augmentation surgery allows women with small, underdeveloped, or unevenly sized breasts to achieve a fuller, firmer, and better - proportioned look.
Before the surgery, Dr. Hutchinson spends a significant amount of time with patients during a preoperative consultation to understand their goals and decide on the ideal implant type and placement. There are three main types of breast implants available: saline - filled implants, ideal implant structured breast implants, and silicone gel - filled implants. The breast augmentation procedure usually lasts 1 - 1.5 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility.
Most patients can return to work within a week, but vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 2 - 4 weeks. Dr. Hutchinson also provides breast revision services for patients who are not satisfied with their initial breast augmentation results or are experiencing complications.
Choosing the Right Implant
Selecting the right breast implant is a crucial part of the breast augmentation process. There are two main types of implants commonly used: silicone and saline, and each has its own pros and cons.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They tend to have a more natural look and feel compared to saline implants. The current generation of silicone breast implants is considered very safe and is approved by the FDA. They are available in different shapes, including round and teardrop, and different profiles, which affect the projection of the implant. For example, high - profile implants offer more projection for a given base dimension, while low - profile implants have less projection.
One of the advantages of silicone implants is that they closely mimic the natural feel of breast tissue. However, in the event of a rupture, it may be more difficult to detect as the gel may not leak out as obviously as saline. Regular check - ups, including MRI scans, may be recommended to monitor the integrity of silicone implants.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a salt - water solution at the time of surgery. They have a single outer shell and are typically round. One of the benefits of saline implants is that if a rupture occurs, the saline solution is absorbed by the body without any harmful effects. Saline implants can also be adjusted in size during the surgery to some extent, which may be an advantage for some patients.
On the other hand, saline implants may feel firmer than silicone implants, especially when compared to high - quality silicone gel implants. In some cases, they may also cause rippling or wrinkling, which can be more noticeable, particularly in women with less breast tissue.
Fat Transfer (Naturalfill)
Fat transfer breast augmentation, like the Naturalfill procedure offered at Mount Sinai, is an alternative to traditional implants. This method uses the patient's own fat to increase breast size, which provides a more natural look and feel. It also has the added benefit of removing unwanted fat from areas such as the abdomen or buttocks through liposuction.
However, fat transfer may not be suitable for all patients. The amount of fat that can be transferred is limited, so it may only result in a subtle increase in breast size. Additionally, some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, which may require additional procedures to maintain the desired results.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure generally follows a series of steps, from the initial consultation to the actual surgery and post - operative care.
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will have a detailed discussion with the patient. This includes going over the patient's medical history, understanding the patient's goals and expectations for the surgery, and performing a physical examination. The surgeon will also explain the different options available, such as the type of implants, incisions, and implant placement. They will use tools like 3D imaging or implant sizers to help the patient visualize the potential results.
Patients should take this opportunity to ask any questions they may have about the procedure, risks, recovery, and costs. It is important to have realistic expectations and to fully understand the entire process before making a decision.
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the surgery, patients will be given specific instructions to follow. This may include stopping certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for a few weeks before the procedure. They may also be required to undergo certain medical tests, such as blood work and breast imaging studies, to ensure they are in good health for the surgery.
Patients may also need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and to stay with them for the first night. They should also prepare their home for a comfortable recovery, including having plenty of restful areas, easy - to - prepare meals, and ice packs on hand.
The Surgery
Breast augmentation is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient will be given anesthesia, either general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the surgeon's recommendation and the patient's preference. The surgeon will make an incision in one of the predetermined locations (underarm, under the breast, or within the areola) and create a pocket for the implant. The implant is then inserted into the pocket, and the incisions are sutured closed.
The length of the surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of implant used. After the surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room until the anesthesia wears off and they are stable enough to go home.
Post - operative Recovery
Recovery time after breast augmentation can vary from patient to patient. Generally, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness in the first few days after the surgery. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort and may recommend the use of ice packs to reduce swelling.
Patients are usually advised to wear a special post - surgical bra for a few weeks to support the breasts and help with the healing process. They may also need to limit their physical activity, especially strenuous exercise and heavy lifting, for a certain period of time. The surgeon will schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process and to ensure that the patient is recovering properly.
Risks and Complications
While breast augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some risks and complications associated with it.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the body forms a capsule of scar tissue around the implant and then tightens it. This can cause the breasts to appear round and high and may feel very hard to the touch. The exact cause of capsular contracture is not fully understood, but factors such as bleeding around the implant and bacterial contamination can increase the risk. Surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk, such as minimizing bleeding during surgery and using a “no - touch” technique for implant insertion.
Implant Rupture
Both silicone and saline implants can rupture. Saline implants will deflate quickly if they rupture, and the saline solution will be absorbed by the body. Silicone implant rupture may be more difficult to detect as the gel may stay within the capsule or migrate to other areas of the body. Regular monitoring, including MRI scans for silicone implants, is recommended to detect any potential ruptures.
Infection
Infection can occur after breast augmentation surgery. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. If an infection occurs, it may require treatment with antibiotics, and in some cases, the implant may need to be removed temporarily until the infection clears.
Changes in Sensation
Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after breast augmentation. This can range from decreased sensitivity to increased sensitivity or even a complete loss of sensation. In most cases, these changes are temporary, but in some instances, they may be permanent.
Cost Considerations
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the type of implant used, the location of the surgical facility, and any additional procedures or services included. On average, the cost of breast augmentation with implants can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. This usually includes the surgeon's fee, the cost of the implants, anesthesia fees, and facility fees.
Some plastic surgeons may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure. It is important to get a detailed cost estimate from the surgeon during the consultation and to understand what is included in the price.
Conclusion
New York City is home to some of the best plastic hospitals and surgeons for breast augmentation. With advanced technologies, experienced surgeons, and a wide range of treatment options, women considering breast augmentation have many choices available to them. Whether it's using traditional implants or a fat transfer technique, each patient can find a solution that meets their specific needs and goals.
However, it is crucial to carefully consider all aspects of the procedure, including the type of implant, the risks and complications, and the cost. Patients should also take the time to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can guide them through the process and ensure a successful outcome. By making an informed decision, women can enhance their appearance and improve their self - confidence through breast augmentation.
If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the reputable plastic surgeons mentioned in this article. You can also explore other related resources to gain a better understanding of the procedure and make the best decision for yourself.
