Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery that many individuals in New York City consider to enhance their appearance and confidence. With the advancement of medical technology, there are multiple options available for breast augmentation, and understanding the ranking and price standards of hospitals in New York City for breast augmentation prosthetic shapes is crucial for those planning to undergo the procedure. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of these aspects, including the factors that influence costs, the different types of implants, and how to choose the right hospital and surgeon.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is an umbrella term encompassing a range of procedures that increase the size and volume of the breasts. There are two main ways to augment the size of the breasts. One is through breast implants (e.g., silicone or saline), and the other is by adding fat, known as fat transfer, which involves taking fat from another part of the body and grafting it into the breasts to increase volume.
Popularity of Breast Augmentation in New York City
Although breast augmentation isn't as popular in New York compared to some other states in the U.S., New York City still has no shortage of breast augmentation specialist surgeons. It comes in about 4th place for the “most popular” plastic surgeons after Beverly Hills, CA, Miami, FL, and Dallas, TX. In 2020, breast augmentation was one of the top five most performed cosmetic surgical procedures, with nearly 200,000 completed.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City
Implant Type
There are two main types of implants to consider: silicone breast implants and saline breast implants.
- Silicone Breast Implants: Silicone implants tend to look and feel the most natural, making them the implant of choice for most patients and surgeons. They offer a variety of shape options, including round and teardrop shapes. When modern silicone implants rupture, it may not be visible as the gel stays in place. However, the FDA recommends periodic MRI or ultrasound exams to ensure they are intact. Silicone implants are generally slightly more expensive than saline implants. “Gummy bear” implants, a type of silicone implant filled with a firmer gel, are the most expensive option due to the advanced technology used to develop them. They are good for adding structure to the breast and enhancing upper pole fullness.
- Saline Breast Implants: These implants use sterile salt water instead of silicone gel and are usually less expensive than silicone. It is immediately obvious if they deflate. However, they tend not to look or feel as natural, and rippling or scalloping is more likely with these implants.
Implant Brand
Reputable brands like Mentor, Sientra, and Allergan charge similar rates to ensure safety and quality. Less established companies may provide lower - priced alternatives, but board - certified surgeons only use implants that meet the highest industrial and ethical standards.
Surgeon’s Fee
The experience and credentials of the plastic surgeon performing the breast augmentation procedure greatly impact their fee. Surgeons with fellowship training in aesthetic surgery and who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery tend to charge higher rates due to their extensive expertise. Choosing an experienced doctor with a proven track record in natural - looking results helps ensure satisfying outcomes worth the investment. Focusing solely on cost could overlook the value of a board - certified surgeon who has performed hundreds of successful procedures. Having surgery with a less experienced or credentialed surgeon increases the risk of complications that may incur increased expenses in the future.
Anesthesia Fee
The anesthesia fee depends on the anesthesia provider, type provided, length of surgery, and location. Anesthesia for breast implant surgery performed in a private surgical center tends to be less expensive than anesthesia in a hospital setting. It is crucial to use a board - certified anesthesiologist for the procedure.
Facility Fee
The location of a cosmetic procedure—a hospital or a private surgical facility—greatly influences the quoted facility fee. This fee covers crucial items like operating rooms, recovery areas, and necessary supplies and equipment. Fees rise proportionally with longer surgeries since more time is spent utilizing such vital resources. Additional overnight stay requirements for extended monitoring can further increase facility costs. Generally, hospitals tend to be more expensive than private clinics.
Geographical Location
Location tremendously impacts breast augmentation expenses. Metropolitan areas like New York City inherently have higher living costs, which feed into all procedure components. In NYC, quotes can vary widely from around $12,000 for those just launching their practice to $22,000 for highly experienced, sought - after surgeons.
Other Procedures
Many clients choose to combine their breast implant procedure with other cosmetic surgeries, such as a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, breast lift, or lipo 360. Combining procedures can reduce recovery time and save money as you are only paying for the anesthesia and facility fees once.
Additional Costs
- Initial Consultations: Most reputable practices charge an initial consultation fee. This fee often serves as a commitment to the process and is usually applied to the surgery costs if you proceed with a breast augmentation.
- Post - surgery Care: Comprehensive post - surgery care includes follow - ups, garments, scar remedies, or adjustments if swelling shifts dimensions slightly. These visits are usually included in surgical pricing, but it is a good idea to confirm this.
- Potential Breast Revision Surgery: Tweaking positioning or size may require additional surgery, and each clinic handles these costs differently.
- Recovery: Recovery requires investment in prescription medications and other recovery aids such as specialized bra styles. Time off work should also be factored into the overall cost.
Cost Range of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary widely. Different sources provide different estimates:
- According to some sources, a breast augmentation procedure done with implants can cost between $12,000 and $22,000 depending on the type of implants, the specific technique, the surgical facility, and the surgeon’s expertise.
- The average fat transfer augmentation procedure costs between $10,000 and $20,000 depending on the details of the procedure and the board - certified plastic surgeon you choose.
- Another source states that the average cost of breast augmentation in NYC typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, but this may not include additional expenses such as pre - operative consultations, post - operative care, and any unforeseen complications.
- The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery estimates the price of breast augmentation surgery in New York City to be between $4,000 and $10,500.
Comparison between Hospitals and Private Clinics
Cost Structure in Hospitals
Hospitals often have a more comprehensive cost that includes various fees such as the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and hospital stay. The cost depends on factors like the hospital’s location, the expertise and qualifications of the medical professionals involved, the complexity of the procedure, and any necessary medical tests. In addition, potential hospital stay required after the procedure can significantly increase the overall cost. Some hospitals offer payment plans or work with medical finance companies to provide loans for patients.
Cost Structure in Private Clinics
The cost of breast augmentation in private clinics varies considerably. It depends on factors such as the reputation and expertise of the surgeon, geographical location of the clinic, and the specific type of augmentation procedure chosen by the patient. Private clinics often charge a premium due to the personalized care they provide and the luxurious amenities. They may employ top - tier, highly experienced plastic surgeons who command higher fees. However, they also often offer more flexible financing options.
Factors Influencing Cost Differences
- Overhead Costs: Hospitals typically have higher overhead costs due to their size, the number of staff, and the resources they have to maintain. In contrast, private clinics usually have a smaller team and fewer resources to manage, resulting in lower overhead costs.
- Surgeon Experience: Renowned surgeons with extensive experience and specialization in breast augmentation tend to charge higher fees and are often associated with private clinics known for their personalized service and attention to detail.
- Geographical Location: In urban areas with a high cost of living, both hospitals and private clinics tend to charge more for breast augmentation. Private clinics in upscale neighborhoods or cities often have higher prices compared to hospitals.
- Type of Augmentation and Materials: Advanced procedures such as fat transfer or composite augmentation and the use of more expensive implants like silicone contribute to higher costs, and these are often offered in private clinics.
Value for Money Analysis
The analysis of value for money is a critical aspect when choosing between hospitals and private clinics for breast augmentation. It's not just about the outright cost but also includes factors such as the quality of care, the expertise of the surgeons, the post - operative care, and the overall patient experience.
- Hospitals: May be more affordable due to economies of scale, insurance coverage, and public funding. The cost of the procedure might be bundled with other services such as pre - operative tests, post - operative care, and follow - up visits. Surgeons in hospitals often have a vast experience due to the higher volume of procedures.
- Private Clinics: While generally more expensive, they may offer more personalized care and a wider array of options for surgery. The surgeons may have more specialized experience, potentially offering a higher quality of service. They also provide a more detailed cost breakdown, allowing patients to understand where their money is going.
Top New York Breast Augmentation Surgeons
Cost alone should never be the only factor when choosing a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation surgery. A surgeon’s board - certification status, training, and experience should be important parts of your research. Some of the top - rated breast augmentation surgeons in New York and NYC in 2022 include:
U.S. Rating | Plastic Surgeon | City, State |
---|---|---|
2 | Dr. David Hidalgo, MD, FACS | NYC, NY |
9 | Dr. Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS | NYC, NY |
10 | Alan Matarasso, MD | NYC, NY |
32 | Dr. Dean DeRoberts | Syracuse, NY |
46 | Mihye Choi, MD | NYC, NY |
60 | Matthew S. Kilgo, MD, FACS | Garden City, NY |
61 | Rachel - Blue Bond Langner, MD | NYC, NY |
86 | Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS | NYC, NY |
108 | Laurence T. Glickman, MD, FACS | Garden City, NY |
118 | Dr. Enrique J. Armenta, MD | Syracuse, NY |
119 | Nolan Karp, MD | NYC, NY |
131 | Daniel C. Baker, MD | NYC, NY |
136 | Dr. Andrew P. Giacobbe, MD, FACS | Hamburg, NY |
150 | Dr. Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS | Garden City, NY |
Financing Options for Breast Augmentation in New York City
Many patients find that financing is the best way to pay for breast augmentation surgery. The plastic surgery industry has its own financial providers, which are more likely to approve you for a line of credit than a regular bank. They accept lower credit scores and usually offer 0% APR on certain loan amounts. Some of the financing providers include:
- CareCredit: $25,000 limit
- Alphaeon: $25,000 limit
- LendingUSA: $47,500 limit
- United Medical Credit: $35,000 limit
- Prosper: $35,000 limit
However, patients should be aware of “promotional offers” and “0% APR for x months” as lenders may charge interest on the entire amount loaned if the full amount is not paid off within the agreed - upon period. It is crucial to fully read and understand the terms of any loan, credit line, or credit card before agreeing to it.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon for Breast Augmentation
- Research Surgeons: Look for board - certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in breast augmentation. Check their before - and - after photos, patient reviews, and credentials.
- Consultation: Schedule consultations with multiple surgeons. This is an opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions about the procedure, recovery, and costs, and see if you feel comfortable with the surgeon and their team.
- Consider the Facility: Whether it's a hospital or a private clinic, ensure that the facility is accredited and has a good reputation for safety and quality of care.
- Understand the Cost: Get a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved in the breast augmentation procedure, including any potential additional costs.
- Discuss Payment Options: Talk to the surgeon's office about financing options if needed.
Potential Complications and Their Impact on Cost
While breast augmentation has low risks, it's important to consider possible complications, which can increase your immediate and long - term expenses.
- Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue forming around implants can shrink and harden over time. In some instances, the capsule may need to be surgically corrected, which means added fees for anesthesia, facility use, and the surgeon’s time and skill, as well as extra recovery costs.
- Implant Malposition: If an implant shifts out of place over time, another surgical procedure may be needed to reposition it, requiring additional funds.
- Implant Rupture: Replacing a ruptured implant is its own procedure with a new implant, and surgical costs may be similar to a primary breast augmentation surgery.
- Infection: A post - op breast infection could require oral or IV antibiotics prescribed by your surgeon. In some instances, the removal of implants may become necessary for persistent infection, increasing treatment and medication costs.
- Hematoma: Internal bleeding and swelling can take place after surgery, sometimes necessitating drainage in the operating room. Additional time under anesthesia and facility