Introduction
New York City, a global hub of culture, fashion, and innovation, is also a prominent destination for breast augmentation procedures. Physical breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular choice for individuals looking to enhance their appearance, boost their self - confidence, and address various aesthetic concerns. In this article, we will explore the top public doctor institutions and surgeons for physical breast augmentation in New York City, their specialties, patient reviews, and the overall experience they offer. We will also cover important aspects such as the procedure itself, recovery, costs, and frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Physical Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the volume and projection of bilateral breasts. It is typically performed on women who have naturally small breasts, deflated breasts after breastfeeding, or who want to improve the symmetry of their breasts. There are two main types of breast implants used in the procedure: saline and silicone - gel. Saline implants are an empty silicone outer shell that is inserted into the breast pocket and then filled with a sterile saline liquid. They are often less expensive but may have a less natural feel. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are pre - filled with a silicone gel, providing a more natural look and feel, but they usually require a larger incision and come at a higher price.
There are several reasons why women choose to undergo breast augmentation. Some younger women have been bothered by the small - breasted appearance since they were young and desire breasts that better fit their ideal body. Older women, especially mothers, often want to restore the youthful look they had before childbirth, regain the projection of nipples, and restore the volume lost due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. In some cases, congenital breast problems can cause social distress, and breast augmentation can be considered a form of body reconstruction to restore confidence and improve body image.
Top Doctors and Institutions for Breast Augmentation in New York City
Doctor Rankings by Healthgrades
Healthgrades is a well - known platform that provides ratings and reviews for doctors. In New York, they found 119 doctors who perform breast augmentation. Some of the highly rated doctors are:
| Doctor Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mark Sultan, MD | 4.20 out of 5 stars | 1100 Park Ave #1b, New York, NY 10128 |
| Dr. Evan Matros, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 51 West 51st street suite 380, New York, NY 10019 |
| Dr. Jess Ting, MD | 4.30 out of 5 stars | 10 Union Sq E #3 - g, New York, NY 10003 |
| Dr. Paul Weiss, MD | 3.30 out of 5 stars | 1049 5th ave ste 2d, New York, NY 10028 |
RealSelf's Top Doctors
RealSelf is another platform that provides verified reviews and ratings for cosmetic procedures. Some of the top breast augmentation doctors in New York City according to RealSelf are:
| Doctor Name | Experience | Location | Patient Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS | 30 years | 45 E. 72nd st., Manhattan, New York | “My experience with Dr. Greenberg and his staff was excellent. They thoroughly explained everything.” |
| Joshua A. Greenwald, MD, FACS | 20 years | 166 fifth avenue NY, NY, New York, New York | “I did a ton of research on where to go for my breast augmentation, and could not be happier that I went here.” |
| Irena Karanetz, MD | 6 years | 330 9th st., Brooklyn, New York | “I found Dr. Karanetz through RealSelf, and I couldn't be happier with my decision to choose her as my doctor.” |
| Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS | 30 years | 150 e. 61st st., New York, New York | “I am very happy with the experience that I had with Dr. Haramis. I would 100% suggest him and the facility.” |
Zocdoc's Best Breast Augmentation Surgeons
Zocdoc offers online appointment booking and doctor ratings. Here are some of the highly recommended breast augmentation surgeons on Zocdoc:
| Doctor Name | Rating | Board Certifications | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Francesco Gargano, MD | 5.00 | American Board of Plastic Surgery, Surgery of the Hand (American Board of Plastic Surgery) | Extensively trained around the world, emphasizes individualized care and patient satisfaction. |
| Dr. Adam Schaffner, MD, FACS | 4.61 | American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology | Trained at multiple prestigious institutions, has a wide range of professional memberships. |
| Dr. George Lefkovits, MD | 4.72 | American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery | Has been in private practice in New York since 1981, extensive experience in plastic and cosmetic surgery. |
| Dr. Sophie Bartsich, MD, FACS | 4.85 | American Board of Plastic Surgery | Specializes in cosmetic breast surgery, offers unique procedures like no - implant lift. |
Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024
Newsweek, in partnership with Statista, released the rankings of America's best plastic surgeons in 2024. Some of the New York - based surgeons recognized for breast augmentation are:
| Doctor Name | Location | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| David Hidalgo, MD, FACS | New York - New York | 5 |
| Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS | New York - New York | 6 |
| Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS | New York - New York | 11 |
The Procedure Process
Consultation
The first step in the breast augmentation process is a consultation with your chosen surgeon. During this consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals for the surgery, your medical history, and any concerns you may have. The surgeon will conduct a physical examination of your breasts, take measurements, and may also discuss the different types of implants, sizes, shapes, and placement options available. For example, Dr. William Lao, a well - known breast augmentation surgeon in New York City, takes the time to understand each patient's specific issues and desired results during the consultation. He then creates a customized surgical plan based on this information.
Pre - surgery Preparation
Once you and your surgeon have decided on the best approach for your breast augmentation, you will need to prepare for the surgery. This may include getting a medical clearance from your primary care physician, stopping certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, and making arrangements for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for the first few days. You may also be instructed to stop smoking and avoid alcohol in the weeks leading up to the surgery to promote better healing.
The Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2 - 3 hours. There are several incision options available, including inframammary (below the breast crease), periareolar (around the nipple), transaxillary (through the armpit), and umbilical (through the belly button). The choice of incision depends on various factors such as the type of implant, the patient's body type, and the surgeon's preference. For instance, Dr. Lao is known for his expertise in the scarless breast augmentation technique, which involves inserting the implants through the armpit using an endoscope, leaving no visible scar on the breast.
Recovery
After the surgery, you will need to wear a special surgical bra to support your breasts and reduce swelling. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the first few days, but medication can be provided to manage the pain. Most patients are able to return home on the day of surgery and take about a week off work to recover. It will take around two to three weeks before you can resume normal activities, and heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for about four to six weeks. The swelling will gradually go down over the next few months, and you will start to see the final results of your breast augmentation.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors. These factors include the type of implants used (saline or silicone), the surgical technique, the experience and reputation of the surgeon, the facility where the surgery is performed, and anesthesia costs. On average, the cost of breast augmentation in New York City typically starts at $7,000 and can range up to $20,000 or more. For example, more advanced techniques or high - quality silicone implants may cost more. It's important to note that this cost may not include additional expenses such as post - operative care, medications, and follow - up appointments. It's advisable to schedule a consultation with your chosen surgeon to get a personalized cost estimate and discuss the payment options available.
Choosing the Right Doctor and Institution
Choosing the right doctor and institution for your breast augmentation is a crucial decision. Here are some factors to consider:
- Board Certification: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification indicates that the surgeon has met the high 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 of successful surgeries is more likely to be able to achieve the results you desire.
- Patient Reviews: Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the surgeon's bedside manner, the quality of care provided, and the overall patient experience. You can find these reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, RealSelf, and Zocdoc.
- Specialties: Some surgeons may have special expertise in certain types of breast augmentation, such as scarless techniques or Asian breast augmentation. Consider your specific needs and look for a surgeon who has experience in the area that is relevant to you.
- Facility: The facility where the surgery is performed should be clean, well - equipped, and accredited. Make sure that the facility meets all the safety and quality standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?
You will need to wait at least two to three weeks before you can sleep on your side after breast augmentation. Sleeping on your side or stomach too early can cause the implants not to settle properly and may affect the final results. It's best to follow your surgeon's instructions regarding sleeping positions during the recovery period.
Is breast augmentation safe?
While breast augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure, it does carry some risks. These risks include anesthesia risks, breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) or other very rare cancers in the capsule around the breast, 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, possibility of revision surgery, and wrinkling of the skin over the implant. However, choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon can help minimize these risks.
How painful is breast augmentation recovery?
The level of pain during recovery can vary from person to person. Most patients experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the first few days after the surgery, but this can be managed with pain medication. In general, the pain is usually mild and goes away completely after a couple of weeks. However, if you experience severe or persistent pain, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation?
The recovery process after breast augmentation usually takes between six to eight weeks. During this time, you should take a good amount of rest, wear a recovery bra, take your medication as prescribed, eat a healthy diet, and follow your surgeon's instructions. You can resume normal activities gradually over the next few weeks, but heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for about four to six weeks.
Can you breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Yes, it is possible to breastfeed after breast augmentation. However, there may be some changes in milk supply or breast function. The ability to breastfeed depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, the location of the implants, and the level of damage to the breast tissue. It's important to discuss your plans for breastfeeding with your surgeon before the surgery.
Conclusion
In New York City, there is a wide range of highly qualified doctors and institutions offering physical breast augmentation procedures. From well - established surgeons with decades of experience to newer doctors with innovative techniques, patients have many options to choose from. It's essential to do thorough research, consider your specific needs and goals, and consult with multiple surgeons before making a decision. Understanding the procedure, recovery process, and potential risks is also crucial for a successful breast augmentation experience. Whether you're looking to enhance your appearance, boost your self - confidence, or address a medical concern, there is a doctor and institution in New York City that can help you achieve your desired results.
If you're considering breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to take the next step and schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you can discuss your questions, concerns, and expectations in detail and make an informed decision about your breast augmentation journey. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in New York City and help them make a more informed choice.
