Public Release of the Hospital Ranking for Breast and Body Beauty Breast Augmentation Surgery in New York City!

New York City, a global hub of beauty and innovation, offers a plethora of options for women considering breast augmentation surgery. This article provides an in - depth look at breast augmentation, including the top hospitals and surgeons in the city, along with detailed information about the procedure itself.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase both the volume and projection of bilateral breasts. It is especially popular among women who have naturally small breasts or those with deflated breasts after breastfeeding. This is typically achieved through the use of breast implants. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women in the United States underwent breast augmentation, despite the onset of a global pandemic.

There are mainly two age groups that commonly seek breast augmentation. Young ladies in their 20s and 30s may have been bothered by their small - breasted appearance since a young age. They often feel self - conscious when wearing swimsuits or light - colored clothes in the summer. On the other hand, older women, usually mothers, want to restore the youthful look they had before childbirth. They aim to regain the projection of nipples and the volume lost due to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

• Increased self - confidence: Many patients report that the surgery significantly boosts their self - confidence as they feel more satisfied with their appearance.
• Enhanced appearance: Women can look sexier in their clothes, and the surgery gives them rounder, fuller breasts while reducing breast sagging.
• Improved body image: It can help in cases of congenital breast problems, where the absence or very small size of breasts can cause social distress. Breast augmentation restores confidence and improves the overall body image.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

The ideal candidates for breast augmentation should meet the following criteria:

• Be in overall good physical health.
• Be psychologically stable.
• Have fully developed breasts.
• Maintain realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure.
• Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

Specifically, those who are bothered by small breasts, dissatisfied with breast shape or volume changes after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, have elongated or asymmetrical breasts, or possess one or both breasts that have failed to develop normally are good candidates.

Top Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City for Breast Augmentation

Leading Hospitals

New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

This hospital is highly regarded, ranked No. 4 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals. It ranks nationally in 15 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties. In the realm of breast surgery, it reflects high - quality surgical oncology expertise provided by many specialists, including those in breast surgery. The breadth and depth of its services, not just clinical but also cultural and socioeconomic, set it apart. US News & World nationally - ranked surgical specialties at NYP/Columbia include heart surgery, GI surgery, lung surgery, and in the children’s category, pediatric heart surgery, pediatric GI surgery, and pediatric lung surgery.

Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. Its plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field. They offer the full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery (mastopexy), breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery. The surgeons work closely with patients to understand their goals and provide individualized breast surgery for a natural look. The hospital also focuses on patient comfort, using the latest anesthetics and medications for a quicker recovery.

Top Surgeons

Dr. William Lao

Dr. William Lao is a highly regarded plastic surgeon in NYC. He is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan with over 10 years of experience. A double major graduate of Johns Hopkins University, followed by a doctorate of medicine from Johns Hopkins, he is a member of multiple prestigious plastic surgery societies. He has successfully performed over 500 breast surgeries throughout his career. Dr. Lao specializes in the scarless breast augmentation technique, where implants are inserted through the armpit, leaving no visible scar. This is particularly beneficial for Asian patients, as he offers a demographically inspired surgery considering their smaller frames. His patients can expect a surgery time of 2 - 3 hours, a recovery period where most return home on the day of surgery and get back to normal routine in 2 - 3 weeks, and instant improvements with final results taking a few months as the swelling subsides. The cost of the procedure is approximately $9,000 - $20,000, and it is recommended to book a consultation for the most up - to - date costs.

Dr. Nadia Afridi

Dr. Nadia Afridi is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Canada, an associate fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She is specifically interested in women's health issues related to plastic surgery. Her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours under general anesthesia. She makes incisions in unnoticeable areas like the armpit, the underside of the breast, and around the areola to minimize scarring. Dr. Afridi is experienced with both saline and silicone implants and offers several breast augmentation procedures. She also performs breast augmentation for patients not satisfied with previous results and can correct various breast - related issues. Her estimated breast augmentation cost is $8,900.

Dr. Adam Kolker

Dr. Adam Kolker is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He graduated with honors from the highly selective accelerated six - year biomedical education program at Union College and Albany Medical College. He specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. Dr. Kolker offers a number of breast procedures, including breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, fat transfer breast augmentation, tuberous breast correction, and more. His service can be quite expensive, with the estimated breast augmentation cost ranging from $9,000 - $11,000, depending on the material used (silicone breast implants are $1000 more expensive than saline implants). His office has a nice and clean environment, and his staff is friendly and helpful.

Types of Breast Implants

Saline Implants

Saline implants consist of an empty silicone outer shell that is inserted into the breast pocket through a tiny incision and then filled with a sterile saline liquid. They are often less expensive compared to silicone - gel implants. However, they typically have a less organic feel, and there is a greater potential for a noticeable rippling effect through the skin, especially in thinner patients.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are pre - filled with a silicone gel. Although they come at a higher price point and require a larger incision, they provide a more natural look and feel. The gel inside creates a more natural movement and has a lesser chance of producing a rippling effect. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants. Among silicone implants, cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants, are increasingly popular. They feature better projection, can be manufactured in a larger range of dimensions, and are thick enough to keep their form, minimizing the risk of leakage if the implant becomes compromised.

Steps in Choosing Breast Implants

Step 1: Saline or Silicone Implants

Surgeons like Dr. Lao offer patients in New York City the choice between saline and cohesive silicone gel implants. The decision depends on various factors such as budget, body type, and the desired look and feel. Some patients are attracted to the lower cost of saline implants, while others prefer the more natural appearance and feel of silicone implants.

Step 2: Breast Implant Sizes

Implants sizes are measured in cubic centimeters, not bra cup size. The appropriate size depends on the patient's existing breast tissue and the desired results. Surgeons will offer recommendations based on the patient's body type, but personal preference also plays a crucial role. For example, if a patient has a petite frame, a very large implant may not be the best choice for a natural look.

Step 3: Breast Implant Shape

Patients can choose between round and anatomical (tear - dropped) implants. Round implants are popular for adding volume higher on the chest, while anatomical implants replicate the form of the natural breast with a slight slope. Currently, almost all implants used are round smooth implants because shaped (tear - dropped) implants are all textured, and texturing is associated with breast ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) and is not recommended.

Step 4: Implant Placement

The placement of implants can be either on top or beneath the muscle. This decision is determined by the amount of breast tissue. For patients with insufficient tissue, placing the implants below the muscle provides a more natural look. When there is a sufficient amount of tissue, putting the implants on top of the muscle can enhance cleavage.

Step 5: Incision Placement

The most common incision placement options are inframammary (just below the crease of the breast) and periareolar (around the nipple). There are also less common options like transaxillary (through the armpit) and umbilical (through the belly button). Transaxillary placement leaves no visible scars, but it requires a surgeon with specific skills like Dr. Lao, who can perform the procedure with an endoscope to ensure a precise and bloodless dissection.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Initial Consultation

The first step in the breast augmentation process is the initial consultation. During this consultation, the surgeon will ask about the patient's goals for the surgery, answer questions and concerns, review the patient's medical and health history, and perform a personal evaluation. For example, at Weill Cornell Medicine, surgeons start by understanding the patient's goals and then discuss the best options for the individual. Based on this information, the surgeon will create a customized surgical plan.

Pre - surgery Preparation

Patients are advised to take several steps before the surgery. They should quit smoking or using any nicotine product as nicotine can significantly impact the healing process. They also need to taper off current medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort. Arrangements should be made for a trusted family member or friend to pick the patient up from the office after the surgery. A comfortable recovery space at home should be designated, and necessary items should be placed within reach. Additionally, patients should plan to rest and recuperate for 2 - 3 weeks.

The Surgery

Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure that takes 1 - 3 hours. The patient will be given either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia, depending on their preferences. The surgeon will make small incisions to create a pocket for the implant. As mentioned earlier, the choice of incision location depends on various factors such as the type of implant and the patient's goals. After the incisions are made, the implant is placed either submuscular (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandular (above the pectoral muscles). Once the desired enhancements are achieved, the incisions are closed with sutures, and the area is wrapped with a compression garment.

Recovery

In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients will be given a prescription for pain medication to ease discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. A surgical compression bra will be provided to be worn for the next few weeks. Most patients can return home on the day of surgery. They can resume light activities and work in 2 - 3 weeks, and more strenuous activities like going to the gym can be resumed at 6 - 8 weeks. It may take a few months for the implants to fully settle into place and for the final results to be visible.

Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City

The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary widely. The average cost typically starts at $7,000 and can range up to $20,000 or more. This variation is based on factors such as the type of implants chosen (saline or silicone, and the brand of silicone implants), the surgical technique used (e.g., endoscopic breast augmentation through the axilla is a more specialized technique), anesthesia costs, and surgeon fees. Some clinics may offer payment plans, and financing options like CareCredit are also available. CareCredit has no - interest plans up to 24 months and extended payment plans for 24, 36, 48, or 60 months.

Potential Risks and Complications

Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)

Over the past few years, researchers have found that women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL. It is a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can be effectively treated. It appears to be associated with textured implants and in patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). However, the actual number of cases worldwide is not confirmed but appears to be approaching 400 cases. As of now, there have only been two cases associated with smooth implants, and those patients had previously placed textured implants.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

BII is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed. These symptoms include memory loss and “brain fog,” joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.

Other Complications

Other possible complications include bleeding, changes in nipple or breast sensation, fluid accumulation (seroma), formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture), hematoma, implant leakage or rupture, infection, persistent pain, poor scarring, the possibility of revision surgery, wrinkling of the skin over the implant, and wrong or faulty position of the implant.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation surgery in New York City offers women the opportunity to enhance their appearance, boost their self - confidence, and achieve their desired body image. With top - notch hospitals like New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, along with highly skilled surgeons such as Dr. William Lao, Dr. Nadia Afridi, and Dr. Adam Kolker, patients have access to world - class care. However, it is important for patients to thoroughly research their options, understand the procedure, potential risks, and costs, and have a clear consultation with their chosen surgeon. This will help ensure that they make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results.

If you are considering breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to one of the top surgeons or hospitals mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and learn more about the procedure. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation to spread awareness and help them make an informed choice.