Introduction
Breast augmentation and reshaping are highly sought - after cosmetic procedures in New York City. Many women in the Big Apple desire to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence through these surgeries. In this article, we will explore the top breast augmentation and reshaping hospitals in New York City, taking into account factors such as surgeon expertise, patient reviews, available techniques, and cost.
What is Breast Augmentation and Reshaping?
Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job, is the enlargement of the breasts either through the transfer of fat from a part of the body or through surgical procedures that use breast implants or saline for enlargement. Breast reshaping can include procedures like breast lift, breast reduction, and correction of breast asymmetry. These procedures not only enhance the size and shape of the breasts but also restore symmetry and provide a more natural look.
There are several reasons why women opt for these procedures. Some may have experienced a reduction in breast size due to weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Others may simply want to balance their physical appearance or achieve a more voluptuous figure.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast Augmentation and Reshaping Hospital
Surgeon Expertise
The expertise of the surgeon is one of the most crucial factors. A highly skilled and experienced surgeon will be able to understand your aesthetic goals, choose the appropriate technique, and minimize the risks associated with the surgery. Look for surgeons who are board - certified by recognized organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For example, at Columbia University's plastic surgery department, each surgeon is proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast augmentation and reconstructive procedures related to the breast.
Patient Reviews
Patient reviews offer valuable insights into the hospital's quality of care, the surgeon's skills, and the overall patient experience. Positive reviews often highlight aspects such as personalized attention, successful surgical outcomes, and good post - operative care. On the other hand, negative reviews can alert you to potential issues, such as long wait times or complications after surgery.
Available Techniques
The hospital should offer a variety of advanced techniques for breast augmentation and reshaping. These may include the use of fat grafting, anatomically shaped implants, and 3D imaging technology. For instance, in 2024, the use of 3D imaging technology revolutionized breast augmentation procedures as it allows surgeons to create a virtual model of the patient's body and simulate different breast sizes and shapes, increasing patient satisfaction and reducing the need for revision surgery.
Cost
The cost of breast augmentation and reshaping varies depending on several factors, including the type of procedure, the surgeon's fees, the type of implants, and the geographical location of the hospital. Some hospitals may offer financing options to make the procedure more affordable for patients.
Top Breast Augmentation and Reshaping Hospitals in New York City
Columbia University's Plastic Surgery
Columbia University is one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Their plastic surgery division has experienced surgeons proficient in multiple areas, from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations.
Services Offered: The cosmetic care program provides breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lift. For reconstructive purposes, they offer breast reconstruction after breast cancer. The department also conducts extensive research in areas such as stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy applications to wound healing.
Surgeon Team: Surgeons like Dr. Christine Rohde, chief of the division, is trained in a wide range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, with a focus on microsurgery and breast reconstruction. Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman has published over 75 scientific articles and has been included in prestigious lists of top doctors.
Patient Reviews: While specific patient reviews are not comprehensively available here, the hospital's reputation as a leading medical institution suggests high - quality care. Their long - standing history and commitment to research indicate a dedication to providing the latest and safest procedures.
Cost and Financing: Costs may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. Given its status as a top - tier institution, prices might be on the higher end. However, they may offer financing options or work with patients on a case - by - case basis.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has an extensive background, having trained at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Services Offered: He specializes in breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, and tuberous breast correction. He also offers a wide range of other cosmetic and non - surgical procedures, such as facelifts, eyelid surgeries, and injectables.
Surgeon Skills: Dr. Kolker combines scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity. His work has been featured in multiple media articles and television appearances, and he has been listed as a top plastic surgeon in numerous publications, including New York Magazine's Best Doctors and Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons.
Patient Reviews: Patients have praised Dr. Kolker for his personalized approach, ability to achieve natural - looking results, and high - quality care. For example, some patients have reported that he was able to correct asymmetrical breasts, something other surgeons said was impossible.
Cost and Financing: The estimated cost of breast augmentation at his practice ranges from $9000 - $11000. He may accept various payment methods, including credit cards, and could potentially offer financing options.
Dr. Nadia Afridi's Practice
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.
Services Offered: She specializes in breast augmentation, along with mommy makeovers, body contouring, and facial treatments. In breast augmentation, she considers factors such as the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision, the type of implant (silicone or saline), and the size of the breast implant.
Surgeon Approach: Dr. Afridi is known for her professionalism and caring attitude towards patients. She is always available to answer patients' post - operative calls and her staff is very accommodating.
Patient Reviews: Patients have given her high ratings and positive reviews, highlighting her quality of work and the way she handles patients. She offers several breast augmentation procedures and uses “try on the look” to determine the best size and shape for patients.
Cost and Financing: The estimated cost of breast augmentation at her practice is $8900. She may accept credit cards and insurance for the procedure.
Dr. Richard Swift's Practice
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments.
Services Offered: His services include breast augmentation, breast enhancement, body contouring, and facial treatments. He is skilled in performing breast augmentation procedures and provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care.
Surgeon Reputation: Dr. Swift has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise. He is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care to ensure patients' complete comfort and satisfaction.
Patient Reviews: Patients have commended his caring and helpful staff, and his fair pricing. His practice has a great team from receptionists to operating room nurses and anesthesiologists.
Cost and Financing: The estimated cost of breast augmentation at his practice ranges from $5000 - $10000. He may accept credit cards and provide detailed information on financing options during the consultation.
Other Notable Hospitals and Surgeons
Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Lara Devgan is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. Her practice focuses on providing beautiful, natural results in breast augmentation.
Consultation Process: During the consultation, she examines, measures, and photographs the breasts, discusses the medical history and desires for surgery, shows samples of silicone and saline breast implants, and allows patients to "try on" different sizes of implants. She also shows before - and - after photographs to give patients an idea of what to expect.
Surgery and Recovery: Surgery typically takes one hour and can be performed in her fully accredited private office operating room or at a top local hospital. The recovery process is relatively quick, with most patients able to return to desk jobs within 3 - 4 days and feeling "back to normal" within a month. By 6 - 8 weeks, patients are usually cleared for all types of physical activity.
Wimgo - Listed Practices
Wimgo has listed several practices in New York City that offer breast augmentation. These include Spiro Plastic Surgery, Elite Body Sculpture – New York, Nadia Afridi, MD, Shafer Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery, West Village Plastic Surgery, Joshua Greenwald, MD, Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics, Richard Swift, MD, Joseph Racanelli, DO, Norman Rowe, MD, Dana Khu Thaila, MD, Doctors Plastic Surgery, David P Rapaport, MD FACS, Doft Plastic Surgery, New Look New Life Surgical Arts, Michael A Fiorillo, MD, NYC Surgical Associates, Laser Touch Aesthetics, T.Y. Steven Ip, M.D., and Jonathan H. Sherwyn, MD.
Each of these practices has its own service focus, with varying percentages dedicated to breast augmentation, body contouring, botox, liposuction, tummy tuck, and other procedures. For example, Nadia Afridi, MD has 36% of her service focus on breast augmentation, while Elite Body Sculpture – New York has only 2% dedicated to it.
Breast Augmentation and Reshaping: Procedure and Recovery
The Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure typically involves placing breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. Patients can choose between saline or silicone implants based on the desired feel and appearance. The surgeon will make an incision in an unnoticeable area, such as the armpit, the underside of the breast, or around the areola. The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the complexity but usually takes around one to two hours.
Recovery
Recovery after breast augmentation usually takes between six to eight weeks. During the first 24 - 48 hours, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort and may need to take pain medicine. It is recommended to rest for the first 1 - 2 days. After 48 hours, patients can shower normally. If the patient has a desk job, they can usually return to work by the 3rd or 4th day. Most swelling and discomfort will disappear within a month, but the breasts will continue to “settle” into their final position over the next few months. By 6 - 8 weeks, patients can resume all types of physical activity, with some exceptions for elite athletes.
During the recovery period, patients are advised to wear a recovery bra, take prescribed medications, eat a healthy diet, and follow the surgeon's instructions carefully. They should also avoid sleeping on their stomach, doing heavy lifting, intense exercises, and swimming for a certain period.
Cost of Breast Augmentation and Reshaping in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can range from $3900 to $11000 or more. The price depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, the type of implants, the surgeon's fees, and the facility costs. Some clinics may offer financing options to help patients afford the procedure. Financing options can include in - house financing plans, third - party medical loans, and credit card payment. Insurance coverage for breast augmentation is typically limited, but there may be exceptions in cases where the procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as after a mastectomy due to breast cancer.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation and Reshaping
As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation and reshaping come with certain risks and potential complications. These may include infections, bleeding, alterations in nipple or breast sensations, implant leakage or rupture, development of scar tissue, and unsatisfactory outcomes that could necessitate further surgeries. Some individuals may also encounter complications related to anesthesia, such as respiratory problems and reactions to medication. Psychological ramifications should also be considered, as surgical procedures can impact mental well - being. It is essential to have an in - depth conversation with your healthcare provider about these potential risks before making a decision.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital and surgeon for breast augmentation and reshaping in New York City is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. Factors such as surgeon expertise, patient reviews, available techniques, and cost all play important roles. Columbia University's plastic surgery department, Dr. Adam R. Kolker's practice, Dr. Nadia Afridi's practice, and Dr. Richard Swift's practice are among the top options in the city, each with its own strengths and offerings. Additionally, other notable surgeons like Lara Devgan and the practices listed on Wimgo also provide high - quality services.
Before undergoing any procedure, it is important to have a thorough consultation with the surgeon, understand the risks and benefits, and make an informed decision. Remember, the goal of breast augmentation and reshaping is to enhance your appearance and boost your self - confidence in a safe and effective manner.
If you are considering breast augmentation or reshaping, we encourage you to reach out to these top hospitals and surgeons for a consultation. Compare their services, prices, and patient reviews to find the best fit for your needs. Take the first step towards achieving your aesthetic goals and a more confident you!