Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can enhance a woman's physical appearance and self - confidence. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons that offer high - quality McGhan breast augmentation surgeries. This guide will provide comprehensive information on the hospitals, procedures, types of implants, and other crucial aspects related to this type of surgery.
Top Hospitals in New York City for Breast Augmentation
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai is a well - known medical institution in New York City. Their plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. Before scheduling the surgery, they use the latest 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. This allows patients to virtually try on different sizes of breasts, making it easier to make an informed decision.
The hospital offers two main types of implants: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants look and feel natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. They also have a unique fat - transfer technique called NaturalFill®, which is a two - step procedure. First, fat is removed from the buttocks or abdomen using liposuction, and then it is immediately inserted into the breasts to enlarge them.
During the consultation, the plastic surgeon at Mount Sinai will listen carefully to the patient's desires for enhancing breast size. They will also help the patient decide on the size and shape that will look best for their body, explain the procedure in detail, and answer any questions the patient may have. A physical exam and a series of health - related questions are also part of the pre - surgery process to confirm the patient's candidacy for breast augmentation.
NewYork - Presbyterian
NewYork - Presbyterian's plastic and reconstructive surgeons are passionate about helping patients feel their best. They offer a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast augmentation with implants. Starting from the initial consultation, the surgeons work closely with the patients to understand their goals and discuss the best options according to their needs.
Patients can either visit the hospital in person or through a video visit, and they can be assured of the highest standards of care with compassion. The hospital takes every step to keep its facilities safe for patients to continue their care.
NYU Langone Health
Plastic surgeons at NYU Langone are experts in breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery and cosmetic breast surgery. They offer all the latest reconstruction techniques, such as breast reduction using the short - scar method, breast lift surgery, and secondary breast reconstruction and augmentation surgery.
One of the unique offerings at NYU Langone is the “Breast in a Day” surgery. This innovative procedure is for women diagnosed with breast cancer or those at increased risk for cancer. It involves performing a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day, reducing the number of surgeries and the time spent in the hospital. The hospital uses three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care after breast reduction, reconstruction, or augmentation.
Columbia Surgery
Columbia University's plastic surgery division is one of the best in New York City. Their plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast augmentation. The hospital's cosmetic care program provides surgical options to improve a patient's cosmetic health, and breast augmentation is one of the key procedures offered.
The plastic surgery team at Columbia is also involved in clinical and laboratory research, which ensures that they are at the forefront of the latest techniques and best practices in the field. They are dedicated to providing personalized care to each patient, whether it's a simple cosmetic procedure or a complex reconstructive operation.
Breast Implants in McGhan Breast Augmentation
Types of Implants
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. They feel and look much more like natural breast tissue compared to other types of implants. They are now available in both round and anatomic (teardrop) shapes. The “gummy bear” implants are a type of anatomic silicone gel implant, which when cut, have a cohesive gel that does not leak. However, patients with silicone implants must be monitored regularly by their physician to assess for rupture.
Silicone implants require a slightly larger incision and are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old. They provide a more natural look and feel, especially when it comes to the movement of the breasts. The upper pole fullness is also more similar to that of natural breasts, which can result in a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are structured like a balloon filled with sterile salt water. They are less expensive than silicone implants and require a smaller incision. One of the major benefits of saline breast implants is that if the implant leaks or is damaged, the body can easily absorb the saline solution. However, some people feel that they do not look or feel as natural as silicone implants and are prone to rippling and wrinkling. Saline breast implants are approved for patients who are at least 18 years old.
Implant Type | Material | Approved Age | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|---|
Silicone | Silicone gel | At least 22 years | Natural look and feel, various shapes available | Requires regular monitoring, larger incision |
Saline | Sterile salt water | At least 18 years | Less expensive, body can absorb solution if leaked, smaller incision | May look and feel less natural, prone to rippling |
Implant Shape
Both saline and silicone breast implants are available in round shapes. Silicone implants also come in a teardrop (anatomic) shape. Round implants typically achieve a fuller upper pole of the breast, while teardrop implants provide a more natural, gently sloping look to the breast profile. Surgeons usually recommend round implants for most cosmetic breast augmentation cases, but the final decision depends on the patient's preferences and body type.
For example, if a patient has lost a significant amount of breast tissue due to surgery, injury, or congenital conditions, a teardrop implant may be a better option as it can better mimic the natural shape of the breast.
Implant Texture
The surface of the implant can be either smooth or textured. Smooth implants move easily and feel soft, while textured implants have a slightly bumpy surface. The benefit of textured implants is that they are less likely to move within the breast pocket, which is especially important for teardrop implants. However, they have a higher risk of visible wrinkling, and in rare cases, if a teardrop implant shifts in position, a secondary surgery may be required. Most surgeons, like Dr. Nina Naidu, frequently use smooth, round implants for breast augmentation patients.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Consultation Process
The consultation is the first and most important step in the breast augmentation process. During the initial consultation, patients meet the medical staff and the surgeon. They should be prepared to explain what they would like to achieve with the breast enhancement procedure. The surgeon will then perform a physical examination of the breasts, including measuring the base width of the breast and noting the quality of the breast skin.
The surgeon will also request information about the patient's medical history, including previous surgical procedures, health conditions, mammograms, breast biopsies, current medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. If applicable, they will also need to know about the patient's alcohol consumption, nicotine, and/or recreational drug use. Based on this information, the surgeon can determine if the patient is a good candidate for breast augmentation and recommend the most suitable implant type, size, and shape.
In some cases, a second consultation may be scheduled. During this consultation, the surgeon will help the patient choose the specific breast implant characteristics, such as size and texture. Sizers suited to the patient's measurements are often used to assist in selecting the optimal implant size. The surgeon will also explain the surgical plan, including the length of the surgery, the location of the incisions, and what to expect during the recovery process.
Surgery Day
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgery usually lasts 45 - 60 minutes, but the length may increase if multiple procedures are being performed during the same surgical session. The patient will need a responsible adult to escort them home after the surgery, as they are anesthetized during the procedure.
There are three common incision placement options during a breast augmentation procedure:
- Peri - areolar incision: Placed between the pigmented skin of the nipple - areolar complex and the breast skin. This incision is often used when a mild to moderate breast lift is also being performed.
- Infra - mammary incision: Created within the crease at the base of the breast. It leaves a thin, 1 to 2 - inch scar that is easily concealed within the crease. This incision provides a wider access point, allowing the surgeon to place larger silicone or gummy bear implants with precision.
- Axillary incision: Placed within the armpit. This incision results in no scar on the breast itself, and the surgeon uses a specialized camera and instruments to ensure optimal placement of the implant.
After making the incision, the surgeon inserts the implant into the breast. The implant can be placed either submuscularly (beneath the pectoralis muscle) or subglandularly (above the pectoralis muscle but beneath the breast tissue). In some cases, a “dual - plane” placement is used, where the implant is placed underneath the muscle in the upper pole of the breast and beneath the tissue in the lower pole. This placement provides optimal coverage of the implant, avoids visible implant edges and rippling, and reduces the risk of capsular contracture.
Recovery Process
Immediately after the surgery, the patient will remain in the recovery area for 1 - 2 hours. Detailed instructions about recovery will be provided before leaving. Surgeons usually recommend that patients take a 2 - 3 - hour nap after returning home and then have something to eat with their pain medication. Patients can shower the same day to remove any markings left on the skin.
Patients should begin to perform gentle arm exercises as described by the surgeon. By returning to gentle, controlled activity quickly, patients can experience a shorter and less uncomfortable recovery time. They will be seen in the office 2 - 3 days following surgery to ensure that recovery is progressing well. Silicone gel strips or a cream may be provided to reduce scarring.
Any tenderness should resolve a few days after the procedure. Patients should avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for at least two weeks after the breast augmentation. Light activity, such as walking, is permitted and encouraged immediately following surgery. Most swelling will resolve within one month, and the breasts will achieve their final shape and size within six months.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries some risks. These risks should be discussed in detail during the consultation process. Some of the common risks associated with breast augmentation include:
- Infection: Infection after breast augmentation usually begins with drainage from the incision, redness of the breast or incision, or pain. It can be treated with antibiotics, but in severe cases, the implant may need to be removed.
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery. This may require additional treatment, such as a blood transfusion or a return to the operating room to stop the bleeding.
- Scarring: All surgical incisions result in scarring. However, an experienced surgeon will take steps to minimize the appearance of scars, such as placing the incisions in inconspicuous areas. Some patients may develop thick or raised scars, which can be treated with various scar - reduction techniques.
- Rippling: This is more common with saline implants. Rippling is the visible or palpable wrinkling of the breast implant, which can occur due to thinning of the overlying tissues.
- Rupture: Both silicone and saline implants can rupture. In the case of saline implants, the body will absorb the saline solution, and the breast will deflate. With silicone implants, a rupture may be more difficult to detect, and regular monitoring is required. If a rupture occurs, the implant will need to be replaced.
- Capsular contracture: This is a complication in which the scar tissue capsule around the breast implant hardens irregularly, causing the breast to feel tight or firm. It can range from mild to severe and may require surgical intervention to correct.
To reduce the risk of complications, it is important to choose an experienced, skilled, board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Patients should also follow the surgeon's recommendations, provide a thorough medical history, and adhere to the pre - operative and post - operative instructions.
Cost of McGhan Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of McGhan breast augmentation in New York City can vary widely. It depends on several factors, such as the surgeon's experience, the type of implant used, the complexity of the procedure, and the hospital or surgical facility. On average, breast augmentation can cost between $3,000 and $12,000, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
Since breast augmentation is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is usually not covered by health insurance companies. However, many cosmetic surgeons offer multiple financing options to help patients fit the procedure into their budget.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon is crucial for a successful breast augmentation procedure. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Check board certification: Make sure the surgeon is board - certified by a recognized organization, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This ensures that they have the necessary training and experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries.
- Look at before - and - after photos: During the consultation, ask to see before - and - after photos of the surgeon's previous breast augmentation patients. This will give you an idea of their aesthetic style and the quality of their work.
- Read patient reviews: Check online reviews and testimonials from other patients who have had breast augmentation surgery with the surgeon. This can provide insights into the surgeon's bedside manner, the quality of care, and the overall patient experience.
- Consider experience: Find out how many breast augmentation surgeries the surgeon has performed. An experienced surgeon is more likely to be familiar with different techniques and be able to handle any complications that may arise during the procedure.
- Have a good communication: You should feel comfortable communicating with the surgeon. They should listen to your concerns and goals, answer all your questions, and provide you with honest and realistic expectations about the results of the surgery.
Conclusion
McGhan breast augmentation surgery in New York City offers women the opportunity to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence. With a variety of hospitals, experienced surgeons, and different types of implants available, patients can find the best option to suit their needs. However, it is important to understand the procedure, the potential risks, and the recovery process before making a decision.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. They can provide you with personalized information and guidance based on your specific situation. Remember, your safety and satisfaction are the top priorities, so take the time to make an informed choice.