Introduction to Breast Augmentation in New York City
Breast augmentation has long been a popular cosmetic procedure, with a significant number of women in New York City opting for it to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. The shape and size of breasts play a crucial role in a woman's self - perception, and breast augmentation offers a solution to those who are not satisfied with their natural breast characteristics. Over the past decade, breast augmentation has remained the number one cosmetic procedure in the United States, with over 5 million women in the country having undergone the surgery. In New York City, a vibrant hub of beauty and fashion, the demand for high - quality breast augmentation services is constantly on the rise.
Understanding the Concept of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of a woman's breasts. It can be achieved through the use of breast implants, which are typically made of silicone or saline, or through fat transfer from other parts of the body. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation has been one of the top five cosmetic procedures in the United States for nearly 20 years. In 2020 alone, despite the global pandemic, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation in the country.
Reasons Women Choose Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Appearance: Many women feel that their breasts are too small or have lost volume due to factors such as pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Breast augmentation can help them achieve a more proportionate and attractive figure.
- Boosted Self - Confidence: A well - proportioned bustline can have a positive impact on a woman's self - esteem and body image. It allows women to feel more confident in their clothing choices and in social situations.
- Restoring Breast Volume: Women who have experienced significant weight loss or pregnancy may notice a loss of breast volume. Breast augmentation can help restore the fullness and shape of their breasts.
- Correcting Asymmetry: Some women have naturally asymmetrical breasts, and breast augmentation can help correct this issue, creating a more balanced appearance.
Top Breast Augmentation Surgeons in New York City
New York City is home to some of the best breast augmentation surgeons in the world. These surgeons have extensive experience, excellent reputations, and are known for delivering natural - looking and satisfying results. Let's take a closer look at some of the top surgeons based on netizen feedback and professional rankings.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He specializes in breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgery procedures. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. As an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he stays at the forefront of advancements in plastic surgery.
- Procedures Offered: In addition to breast augmentation, Dr. Kolker offers a wide range of breast procedures, including breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, and tuberous breast correction. He also performs various facial and body procedures.
- Patient Testimonials: Patients praise Dr. Kolker for his attention to detail, artistic vision, and personalized approach. Many patients have reported that he was able to achieve their desired results, making them look and feel more confident. For example, one patient said, “He made the impossible, possible. I could not believe my eyes. He corrected my asymmetrical breasts and made me so happy.”
- Rankings and Awards: Dr. Kolker has been featured in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 - 2024. He was also named one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 by Newsweek, ranking 16th in the breast augmentation category in 2021. He is also distinguished in Castle Connolly's America's Top Doctors from 2016 - 2024.
- Cost: The estimated cost of breast augmentation with Dr. Kolker ranges from $9000 – $11000, which may vary depending on the material used (silicone breast implants are $1000 more expensive than saline implants) and the combined effort of his surgical and anesthesia team.
Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Nadia Afridi is a popular surgeon in NYC when it comes to the breast augmentation procedure. She is known for her professional yet caring approach towards patients.
- Procedures and Considerations: When performing breast augmentation, Dr. Afridi considers four key factors: the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision to insert the breast implant, the type of implant (silicone or saline), and the size of the breast implant. Her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are typically made in unnoticeable areas to minimize scarring.
- Patient Experience: Patients appreciate her willingness to answer their post - operation calls and the helpfulness of her staff. She also offers the “try on the look” method to help patients determine the best size and shape for their implants.
- Cost: The estimated cost of breast augmentation with Dr. Afridi is $8900.
- Pros and Cons: Her pros include being a board - certified plastic surgeon, being very helpful and informative, having an accommodating staff, offering several breast augmentation procedures, and accepting credit cards and insurance. The main con is that her services are by appointment only.
Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC. He offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments to enhance natural beauty.
- Patient Care: Dr. Swift provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. He is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction.
- Recovery Instructions: Before the breast augmentation procedure, patients are advised to refrain from vigorous exercise the day before and shower with antimicrobial soap the night before. After the surgery, patients may experience swelling and tenderness, and they need to wait a couple of days before returning to work. They are also required to wear a surgical bra and refrain from strenuous activities until approved by Dr. Swift.
- Cost: The estimated cost of breast augmentation with Dr. Swift ranges from $5000 - $10000, depending on the extent of surgery and the number of treatments needed.
- Pros and Cons: His pros include being board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, having over 25 years of experience, providing detailed consultations and pre - and post - operative care, and having a caring and helpful staff. The con is that his services are by appointment only.
Dr. David L. Cangello
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon and an experienced breast augmentation specialist in NYC. He is known for his artistic approach to breast surgery.
- Artistic Approach: Dr. Cangello combines medical precision with the principles of aesthetics to create elegant and natural - looking results. His superior results have earned the trust of professional models from top agencies.
- Breast Augmentation Options: He offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery, including breast lift, breast revision, and natural augmentation with fat transfer. He guides patients through the process of choosing the size, shape, and type of implants, as well as the implant placement and incision location.
- Patient Experience: Patients report having amazing experiences with Dr. Cangello. They appreciate his thorough consultations, attention to detail, and the natural - looking results. One patient said, “My experience was amazing. Dr. Cangello took his time, answered all my questions, and I am very satisfied with the size and results.”
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is one of New York City's top breast augmentation experts. He is known for his ability to create natural - looking breasts that are proportionate to a woman's frame.
- Benefits of Breast Augmentation: His breast augmentation procedure offers several benefits, including improved body contours, renewed confidence, and personalized solutions for patients, whether post - mastectomy or after weight loss.
- Customizable Surgery: Dr. Steinbrech offers a fully customizable breast augmentation surgery. Patients can choose between saline and silicone implants, and he helps them decide on the implant size, surgical incisions, and implant placement based on their body type and aesthetic goals.
- Patient Testimonials: Patients praise Dr. Steinbrech for his professionalism, informativeness, and ability to make them feel secure and relaxed during the consultation process. One patient said, “I had my breast augmented with Dr. Steinbrech, and it was an amazing experience. He explained the procedure thoroughly and patiently.”
Factors to Consider in Breast Augmentation
When considering breast augmentation, there are several important factors that patients should take into account to ensure they make the right decision and achieve the best possible results.
Surgeon Selection
Choosing the right surgeon is perhaps the most crucial factor in breast augmentation. Here are some key points to consider when selecting a surgeon:
- Board Certification: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by a recognized organization, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification indicates that the surgeon has met the highest standards of education, training, and experience in plastic surgery.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. A surgeon with a long track record is more likely to have the skills and expertise to handle any complications that may arise during the surgery.
- Reputation: Read patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of the surgeon's reputation. Positive feedback from previous patients is a good indicator of the surgeon's ability to deliver satisfactory results and provide excellent patient care.
- Portfolio: Ask to see the surgeon's portfolio of before - and - after photos of breast augmentation patients. This will give you an idea of the surgeon's aesthetic style and the quality of their work.
- Communication Skills: A good surgeon should be able to communicate effectively with you, listen to your concerns and goals, and provide clear and honest information about the procedure, risks, and expected results.
Implant Types
There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages:
Implant Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Saline Implants | Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water once they have been placed in the breast pocket. They are available for patients who are at least 18 years old. | Smaller incisions can be used for insertion, long - term monitoring is not required, and in case of rupture, the saline can be safely absorbed by the body. | They may cause visible rippling under the skin, especially in thin women with small amounts of breast tissue, and they tend to feel firmer and less natural than silicone implants. |
Silicone Implants | Silicone implants are pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old. | They feel more natural to the touch and look more natural aesthetically. Cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants) are popular for their ability to provide a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel. | Traditionally, they required larger incisions, and the FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell. |
Implant Size and Shape
Choosing the right implant size and shape is essential for achieving natural - looking results. Here are some considerations:
- Size: Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (ccs). One cup size is approximately 100 - 150 ccs. The ideal implant size depends on your body frame, existing breast tissue, and desired results. A good surgeon will help you choose a size that is proportionate to your body.
- Shape: There are two basic shapes for breast implants: round and contoured (teardrop). Round implants add volume all the way around and are softer and feel more natural. Contoured implants have a subtle sloping shape that mimics the curves of natural breasts and require a textured surface to prevent rotation.
Implant Placement and Incision
The placement of the implants and the location of the incisions are important factors that can affect the final outcome and the visibility of scars:
- Implant Placement:
- Submuscular Placement: The breast implant is inserted below the pectoralis major muscle. This approach generally provides a more natural - looking result, better support for the implant, and reduces the risk of capsular contracture. It is particularly advantageous for patients with a naturally smaller breast size.
- Subglandular Placement: The implant is placed between the existing breast tissue and the muscle. This technique is less invasive, and the recovery time may be shorter. It can also produce enhanced cleavage and a softer feel, but it may not be suitable for women with thin skin or insufficient breast tissue.
- Incisions:
- Periareolar Incision: Made around the areola. Scars are usually well - camouflaged due