Introduction

Breast implant surgery, also known as breast augmentation, is a popular cosmetic procedure that aims to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. In New York City, a hub of medical innovation and expertise, individuals seeking breast implant surgery have access to top - notch plastic surgeons and advanced techniques. This guide will provide comprehensive information about breast implant surgery in New York City, including what it is, types of implants, the procedure steps, recovery, risks, and benefits.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure to increase breast size and enhance breast shape, typically through the placement of silicone or saline breast implants. The ultimate goal, from a cosmetic surgeon’s perspective, is to enhance a patient’s natural proportions and create a more symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing breast profile. The exact procedure is tailored to meet a woman’s individual needs. There are also other reasons women choose this procedure besides the desire for larger breasts. It can correct noticeable breast asymmetry and help with tuberous breast deformities. Additionally, it can restore breast fullness lost after pregnancy and breastfeeding, make a woman feel more confident in a swimsuit, add balance to complement curvy hips, and enhance self - image.

Who Can Get Breast Implants?

To be considered for breast implants, you should meet certain criteria. You need to be finished developing, which generally means being at least 18 years old for saline - filled implants and at least 22 years old for silicone - filled implants as per FDA recommendations. You should also be in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.

Types of Breast Implants

There are several types of breast implants available, each with its own characteristics. Understanding these options is crucial for making an informed decision about your breast implant surgery.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. They provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel and are FDA - approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older. Structured saline breast implants, a variation, are also filled with sterile salt water but contain an inner structure that aims to make the implant feel more natural.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or may escape into the breast implant pocket, and a leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. Women who choose silicone implants may need to visit their plastic surgeon regularly, and an ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of the implants. Silicone breast implants are FDA - approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Form - stable implants, often called gummy bear breast implants, maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken. The consistency of the silicone gel inside is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants, and these implants are firmer. Shaped gummy bear breast implants have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. However, if a shaped implant rotates, it may lead to an unusual appearance of the breast that requires a separate procedure to correct. Placement of gummy bear implants requires a slightly longer incision in the skin.

Round Breast Implants

Round breast implants have a tendency to make breasts appear fuller than form - stable implants. Higher profile options can achieve even more projection. Since they are the same shape all over, there is less concern about them rotating out of place.

Smooth Breast Implants

Smooth breast implants are the softest feeling. They can move with the breast implant pocket, which may give more natural movement. However, they may have some palpable or visible rippling under the skin.

Textured Breast Implants

Textured breast implants develop scar tissue to stick to the implant, making them less likely to move around inside of the breast and become repositioned. Texturing also offers some advantage in diminishing the risk of a tight scar capsule. However, it's important to note that breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) occurs most frequently in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces.

Here is a comparison table of the different types of breast implants:

Choosing a Qualified Cosmetic Surgeon in New York City

If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery in New York City, the most important decision you’ll make is who will perform your procedure. When you visit a cosmetic surgeon, here are some key steps:

• Experience: Ask how many breast augmentations they have performed. A surgeon with more experience is likely to be more skilled and better able to handle any complications that may arise. Look for a surgeon who has a significant number of successful breast augmentation cases in their portfolio.
• Before - and - After Photos: Be sure to look at plenty of before and after photos during your consultation. This will help you get a feel for a cosmetic surgeon’s aesthetic style and the kind of results they can achieve. Pay attention to the naturalness of the results, symmetry, and overall patient satisfaction.
• Board Certification: Make sure your cosmetic surgeon is board certified. Board certification ensures that they are specifically trained and experienced in cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation. It also means that your procedure will take place in an accredited facility, which is essential for your safety.
• Financing Options: While price should not be the sole determining factor, most cosmetic surgeons in New York City offer multiple financing options to help a patient fit breast augmentation into their budget. Discuss these options during your consultation.

Breast Implant Surgery Procedure

The breast implant surgery procedure consists of several important steps:

Step 1: Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you based on your medical history, the type of implant, and the extent of the surgery.

Step 2: The Incision

Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. There are several incision options:

• Inframammary: A short incision is made in the crease underneath the breast, called the inframammary fold. This leaves a thin, 1 to 2 - inch scar that is easily concealed within the crease. Advantages of this incision type include a wider access point, allowing a cosmetic surgeon to place larger silicone implants or gummy bear implants with precision.
• Periareolar: The incision is made around the outer edge of the areola, so the resulting scar is located within this natural transition in pigmentation. Cosmetic surgeons will often use this incision type if they are also performing a mild to moderate breast lift at the same time.
• Trans - axillary: A small incision is made within the armpit, through which your cosmetic surgeon will place the breast implant using a specialized camera and instruments to ensure optimal placement. This leaves a small scar within the armpit but achieves a breast augmentation with no scar on the breast itself.
• Transumbilical: This technique involves an incision just above the belly button. Each breast implant is inserted through this incision and then brought up to the breast. Advantages of the transumbilical technique include a single scar with no scarring on the breast itself. However, it is associated with a higher complication rate in some cases.

Step 3: Inserting and Placing the Breast Implant

After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (subglandular placement). The method for inserting and positioning breast implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and your surgeon's recommendations. Submuscular placement may offer better implant coverage and a more natural look in some patients, while subglandular placement may be preferred for those with more existing breast tissue.

Step 4: Closing the Incisions

Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time, the incision lines will fade. The quality of the scar depends on many things, including your genetics, exposure of your body to nicotine, and the occurrence of infection.

Step 5: Seeing the Results

The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. However, it takes time for the implants to settle into their final position and for the swelling to subside. You will see the full, final results after a couple of months.

Recovery After Breast Implant Surgery

Recovery from breast implant surgery is an important phase that requires patience and following your surgeon's instructions carefully.

Initial Recovery

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, typically performed using general anesthesia. You can expect to walk around on your own a few hours after surgery, and most patients feel up to leaving the house within the next day or two. However, you may feel sore the first week or so, and you will need to limit strenuous exercise for about 2 - 4 weeks. Your cosmetic surgeon may also ask you to wear a supportive surgical bra or sports bra for a certain period of time after breast augmentation.

Long - Term Recovery

If your breast implants are placed partially beneath the pectoral muscle, your breasts may seem to sit high on the chest at first. This is normal, and your implants will settle into their optimal position over the next several weeks, with final results after a couple of months. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks. Most people can return to work within 1 - 6 weeks, depending on the nature of their job. You should also maintain regular follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery and the condition of your implants.

Here is a general timeline of the recovery process:

Risks and Complications of Breast Implant Surgery

While breast implant surgery is generally considered safe, there are some risks and complications associated with it.

Short - Term Complications

• Bleeding: This can occur during or after surgery and may require additional treatment, such as a blood transfusion or a return to the operating room to control the bleeding.
• Infection: Infections can happen at the incision site or around the implant. Symptoms may include fever, redness, swelling, and pain. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat infections, and in severe cases, the implant may need to be removed.
• Hematoma: A collection of blood that forms outside of blood vessels, often resulting from injury or surgery. It may require drainage if it causes significant discomfort or affects the appearance of the breasts.

Long - Term Complications

• Capsular Contracture: This is a complication in which the scar tissue capsule hardens irregularly around a breast implant, causing it to feel tight or firm. It may require surgery to remove or replace the implant and the scar tissue.
• Implant Rupture or Deflation: Implants are not designed to be life - long. Silicone implants may rupture without obvious symptoms (silent rupture), while saline implants will deflate if they rupture. If an implant ruptures, it may need to be removed or replaced.
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare cancer of the immune system that has been associated with textured breast implants. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, or a lump in the breast. Treatment usually involves removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue.
• Symmastia: A condition where the breast implants migrate toward the center of the chest, creating a “uni - boob” appearance. It may require surgical correction.
• Bottoming Out: A complication in which breast implants descend to a lower position below the inframammary fold, resulting in an unnatural breast appearance. Surgery may be needed to correct this.

Other Considerations

• Breastfeeding: Breast augmentation surgery can affect the nerves and ducts within your breast, which could affect lactation. Breast implants that are placed below your muscle usually affect milk production less than implants that are above your muscle. Surgical incisions around your areola are more likely to cause reductions in milk production.
• Cancer Screenings: Implants can make it more difficult for a mammogram