An In - Depth Exploration of Breast Augmentation with Prosthetics in New York City
Introduction
New York City, a global hub of medical innovation and aesthetic pursuits, offers a wide range of options for breast augmentation with prosthetics. While the terms Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and Gulou Hospital seem to have a geographical or cultural - medical context that may not be directly tied to the typical New York City - based plastic surgery landscape, this article will focus on some well - known plastic surgery providers in NYC, like the practice of Dr. William Lao, MD, and will also explore relevant concepts related to breast augmentation for different ethnic groups as per available research.
Dr. William Lao, MD: A Leading Plastic Surgery Practice in NYC
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. William Lao is highly respected both in the United States and internationally. He is a double - board certified plastic surgeon, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University. His practice combines scientific knowledge with artistic sensibilities to provide a wide array of plastic surgery services, including breast augmentation, lift, and reduction. Dr. Lao has extensive experience, having seen patients from almost every continent, which gives him a unique perspective on different aesthetic ideals and patient needs.
Breast - related Procedures at Dr. William Lao's Practice
Breast Augmentation
Dr. Lao offers world - renowned NYC breast augmentation. Patients can discuss various aspects such as implants, sizing, and incision location with him. He is one of the few surgeons in the country to offer the scarless breast augmentation technique, where the incision is placed in the armpit, out of sight. This addresses a major concern for many patients regarding visible scars after the surgery. The consultation process is comprehensive, where the surgeon examines the patient's breasts, considers their medical history, and helps determine the right implant type and surgical approach to achieve the desired outcome.
Breast Lift
Also known as mastopexy, breast lift is a popular procedure at Dr. Lao's practice. It is designed to reposition the nipple and elevate the breast tissue. The severity of breast drop is judged by the relative position of the nipple to the inferior breast fold. The most common cause of breast sagging is breastfeeding, as the stretching of the breast skin during lactation and the subsequent loss of elasticity can lead to droopy breasts. Dr. Lao has performed over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries in the last 10 years. There are different techniques for breast lift, including augmentation mastopexy (combined with breast augmentation), circumareolar mastopexy, circumvertical mastopexy, and wise - pattern mastopexy. The surgery typically takes 2 - 3 hours, and patients can expect to see immediate visible changes, with swelling subsiding within a few weeks and final results becoming apparent in about 6 - 12 weeks.
Breast Reduction
For patients with overly large breasts that cause physical discomfort, Dr. Lao provides breast reduction services. This procedure can alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the breasts. The surgery involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a more proportionate and comfortable breast size.
Considerations for Asian Women in Breast Augmentation
Anatomic and Cultural Characteristics
Asian women have distinct anatomic and cultural features that influence breast augmentation. Generally, Asian women are shorter and slimmer with a lower body mass index compared to Westerners and African - Americans. They usually have small breasts with small areolas and large nipples, and the majority have B - sized cups. Many Asian women consider C - cup breasts as the ideal size when contemplating breast augmentation, but the number of augmentations performed in this group is not as high as in Western cultures. One cultural factor is the concern about visible scars. Asians are prone to hypertrophic and prolonged hyperemic scarring, which makes non - inframammary incisions, such as axillary and areolar approaches, more popular.
Techniques and Implants for Asian Women
Based on a systematic review of Asian breast augmentation literature, silicone implants are used in about 82.1% of cases, especially after 2009. More round (68.9%) than anatomic implants (31.1%) are placed. Non - inframammary incisions are used in 96.9% of cases, with the areolar approach being used in 73.5% of patients and the transaxillary approach in 21.3%. Implants are mostly placed below the muscle or fascia (98.9% of cases), with subglandular placement accounting for only 1.1%.
| Implant Type | Usage Percentage |
|---|---|
| Silicone | 82.1% |
| Saline | 17.9% |
| Incision Approach | Usage Percentage |
|---|---|
| Areolar | 73.5% |
| Transaxillary | 21.3% |
| Transumbilical | 2.0% |
| Inframammary | 3.1% |
Complications and Management
In Asian breast augmentation, the most common complications include implant or nipple malposition (average rate of 1.3%), capsular contracture (average rate of 1.9%), hematoma (average rate of 0.6%), and infection (average rate of 0.2%). Undesirable scarring is also a frequent complication, with an average rate of 7.3%. Post - operative massage is important to decrease capsular contractures and prevent high - riding implants. Established capsular contractures of Baker grade 3 to 4 may need to be managed surgically, either through a capsulotomy using an endoscope through the previous transaxillary incision or via an inframammary incision. In case of inframammary fold malposition, the implant may need to be repositioned, and a new inframammary fold may be created by fixing the dermis to the costal periosteum.
Comparing Surgical Approaches
Inframammary Approach
The inframammary approach is globally favored for increased implant control, ease, and risk reduction. However, in Asia, it has not gained widespread popularity because of the concern about visible scars. According to some studies, this approach may also predispose to implant malposition, although data on postoperative scar appearance using this approach in Asian patients are limited. Small breasts in Asian women imply a decreased nipple - inframammary fold distance, which is a risk factor for the double - bubble deformity.
Transaxillary Approach
The transaxillary approach places the scar at a distance from the breast in an inconspicuous location. It also allows easy placement of the implant in the submuscular plane, which causes less capsular contracture and implant palpability, less sensory disturbances in the nipple - areolar complex, and better breast lesion detection by sonography or mammography. With the advent of endoscopic transaxillary augmentation, the disadvantages of the classic blind submuscular dissection, such as poor visualization and inaccurate pocket dissection, have been overcome. This minimally invasive technique allows for more accurate pocket dissection and less intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain.
Areolar Approach
The areolar approach, including peri - nipple, transareolar, and periareolar incisions, is popular in Asia, accounting for a large proportion of cases. However, Asian areolas are smaller than those of Caucasian women, which may pose challenges in adequate visualization and implantation of large silicone implants without causing collateral injury to surrounding tissue. Cosmetically, an incision at the areolar border may lead to pincushioning, contracture, and abnormal pigmentation.
Pre - operative and Post - operative Care
Pre - operative Considerations
Before any breast augmentation or related procedure, patients need to have a detailed consultation with their surgeon. This includes a review of their medical history, any previous surgeries or treatments, and the medications they are taking. For example, non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen should be stopped before surgery as they may increase the risk of bleeding. The surgeon will also examine the breasts to determine the most suitable surgical technique and treatment plan based on the patient's anatomy and desired outcome. Additionally, patients should make arrangements for someone to transport them home after the procedure as they will not be able to drive themselves.
Post - operative Care
After breast augmentation or lift, bandages are placed over the breasts, and patients are usually given a surgical support bra to wear. Bruising and swelling are common for one to two weeks, and patients may be prescribed medication to ease discomfort or pain. Strenuous activities, lifting, bending, or straining should be avoided for at least two weeks. Massages may be recommended starting a few days after surgery to help with the recovery process and prevent capsular contracture. Patients should follow all the recovery and after - care instructions provided by the surgeon and contact them if they have any concerns or questions during the recovery period.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Dr. William Lao's patients have provided numerous positive testimonials. Many patients express their satisfaction with the results of their surgeries, whether it's a facial procedure, breast augmentation, or other plastic surgeries. They mention that Dr. Lao is kind, considerate, and compassionate, and has excellent communication skills. Patients also appreciate his aesthetic sense and medical skills. For example, some patients who had uneven eyelids or desired a forehead lift were very pleased with the outcomes and the improved appearance. His willingness to go above and beyond, such as helping patients arrange for post - procedural care, is also highly valued by the patients.
Conclusion
In New York City, breast augmentation with prosthetics is a well - established and popular procedure, especially at practices like Dr. William Lao's. Understanding the diverse needs of patients, including those of Asian women with their unique anatomic and cultural characteristics, is crucial for successful surgeries. Different surgical approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages, and careful pre - operative planning and post - operative care are essential for achieving the best results and minimizing complications. As the demand for breast augmentation continues to grow, especially in Asia, more ethnicity - specific evidence - based guidelines and refined techniques are needed to better meet the expectations of patients.
If you are considering breast augmentation or related procedures in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified plastic surgeon for a consultation. You can also explore more patient testimonials and case studies to gain a better understanding of the possible outcomes. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning about breast augmentation in NYC.
