Introduction

Breast augmentation has emerged as one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, not only in the United States but also in New York City. For those seeking to enhance their appearance through breast augmentation with surgical silicone, New York City offers a multitude of public institutions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking and analysis of these institutions, along with in - depth information about breast augmentation with surgical silicone, so that potential patients can make well - informed decisions.

Understanding Breast Augmentation with Surgical Silicone

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, often referred to as a “boob job,” is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts. It can restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, or enhance natural breast size. There are various methods to achieve breast augmentation, but one of the most common is through the use of surgical silicone implants. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation in the United States, despite the onset of a global pandemic. And approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States in 2020 were performed with silicone implants (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2021).

Types of Silicone Breast Implants

Over the years, silicone breast implants have undergone significant improvements. The first silicone implants were developed in the early 1960s by Dow Chemical. Today, there are different types of silicone implants:

• Traditional Silicone Implants: These are pre - filled by the manufacturer with a cohesive, silicone gel. Many patients find that they feel more natural to the touch and look more natural aesthetically. Traditionally, they required larger incisions, but some surgeons use techniques like the Keller funnel method to minimize incision size. The FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell, though this is only a recommendation and not mandated. They are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old.
• Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants (Gummy Bear Implants): Developed in the 1990s, these implants feature a silicone gel that is thick enough to keep its form and minimize the risk of leakage if the implant becomes compromised. They are known as gummy bear implants because of their firm, cohesive nature. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes that can mimic most breast shapes and fit a wider range of chest dimensions, providing a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel.

Ranking of Public Institutions for Breast Augmentation with Surgical Silicone in New York City

Methodology

The ranking is based on several factors, including the experience and expertise of the surgeons, patient satisfaction rates, the range of services offered, the quality of facilities, and the safety record of the institution. Information was gathered from multiple sources, including online reviews, official statistics, and patient testimonials.

Top - Ranked Institutions

1. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC

The board - certified plastic surgeons at the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC are top experts in the highly specialized field of breast augmentation with breast implants. They offer free consultations, where patients can discuss their options in detail. The center uses contemporary silicone breast implants that are more cohesive and have an excellent safety record. Scientific research has concluded that silicone breast implants do not cause disease or breast cancer. They also provide a wide range of breast implant options, such as saline or silicone gel, round or tear - shaped, and smooth or textured.

2. Cangello Plastic Surgery

Dr. David L. Cangello, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Cangello Plastic Surgery, is known for his artistic approach to breast augmentation. He offers personalized treatment plans to meet each patient's aesthetic goals. His superior results have earned the trust of professional models from some of the world's top agencies. He provides a full range of cosmetic breast surgery, including breast lift, breast revision, and natural augmentation with fat transfer. Dr. Cangello uses both silicone and saline implants and is meticulous in his surgical techniques, such as using the “no - touch” method with a Keller funnel for breast augmentation with silicone to minimize incision size and infection risk.

3. Millennial Plastic Surgery

Millennial Plastic Surgery is one of the best institutions in NYC that offers silicone breast implant surgery. They have years of experience and a proven track record. Patients who have undergone surgery here have been delighted with the results. The center is located on Fifth Avenue, one block from Central Park, providing convenient access. Their medical team believes that patients should have the opportunity to choose the type of material for their cosmetic procedures, so they offer both saline and silicone gel breast implants.

4. Nadia Afridi, MD

Dr. Nadia Afridi is a highly popular surgeon in NYC for breast augmentation. She 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. Dr. Afridi is very professional and caring towards her patients. She has four main considerations for breast augmentation surgery: 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. Her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours under general anesthesia, and incisions are made in unnoticeable areas to minimize scarring. She also performs breast augmentation for patients who are not satisfied with previous procedures and can correct various breast - related issues.

5. Dr. John E. Sherman

Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach for breast augmentation. He has in - depth knowledge of different types of silicone implants, including working closely with Allergan during the development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. During the consultation, he reviews the patient's medical history, examines the breasts, and helps the patient choose the most suitable implant based on factors such as material, shape, size, and texture. He also provides comprehensive pre - and post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Choosing the Right Institution

Research the Surgeon

The skill and experience of the surgeon are crucial factors in the success of breast augmentation surgery. Look for board - certified plastic surgeons who have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation with silicone implants. Check their credentials, reviews from previous patients, and before - and - after photos of their work. For example, Dr. David L. Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery has earned the trust of professional models with his elegant, natural - looking results.

Consider the Facility

A well - equipped and accredited facility is essential for ensuring patient safety. The institution should have state - of - the - art operating rooms and follow strict safety protocols. For instance, Dr. Cangello has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited (AAAASF) operating room at his NYC office, where most of his plastic surgery procedures are performed, and he only works with board - certified anesthesiologists.

Evaluate the Consultation Process

A good consultation is the foundation of a successful breast augmentation. The surgeon should take the time to understand your goals, answer all your questions, and provide detailed information about the procedure, including potential risks and complications. Many institutions, like the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, offer free consultations where patients can discuss their options and concerns.

Check Patient Satisfaction

Look for patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of the overall patient experience at the institution. Positive reviews can indicate a high level of patient satisfaction in terms of the quality of surgery, post - operative care, and communication with the medical staff. For example, patients of Dr. Nadia Afridi have praised her for her professional yet caring approach and the quality of her work.

Preparing for Breast Augmentation with Surgical Silicone

Medical Consultation

Before the surgery, you will have a detailed medical consultation with the surgeon. This will involve a review of your medical history, including any pre - existing medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are currently taking. The surgeon will also perform a physical examination of your breasts to determine the most suitable implant size, shape, and placement. For example, if you have signs of ptosis (sagging), the surgeon may recommend a different implant placement or suggest a combination of breast lift and augmentation.

Lifestyle Changes

You may need to make some lifestyle changes before the surgery. This includes quitting smoking or using any nicotine products, as nicotine can significantly impact your ability to heal after the treatment. You may also need to taper off certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort. It is also important to arrange for a trusted family member or friend to pick you up from the hospital after the surgery and to designate a comfortable space at home for recovery.

Financial Planning

Breast augmentation with surgical silicone can be a significant financial investment. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the type of implant, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's fees. It is important to discuss the cost with the institution and explore financing options if needed. Some institutions offer financing plans, and patients may also consider using CareCredit, which offers different payment options, including no - interest plans up to 24 months and extended payment plans for 24, 36, 48, or 60 months.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Anesthesia

Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia, depending on the patient's preferences and the surgeon's recommendation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia and monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.

Incisions

The surgeon will make incisions to create a pocket for the implant. There are several options for incisions, including inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), and transaxillary (under the armpit). The choice of incision depends on factors such as the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's preference. For example, Dr. John E. Sherman will consider the patient's goals for size, shape, and placement when deciding on the incision location. Some surgeons, like Dr. Cangello, avoid using the transaxillary technique due to its higher rate of implant malposition and prefer the “no - touch” method with a Keller funnel for silicone implant insertion to minimize incision size.

Implant Placement

The implant can be placed either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or above the pectoral muscle (subglandular placement). The decision on implant placement depends on the patient's anatomy, age, and vocation. Patients with signs of ptosis or sagging skin will typically have their implant placed subglandularly.

Closing the Incisions

Once the implant is in place and the desired enhancements are achieved, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. A compression garment will be applied to protect the results and reduce swelling.

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate Post - operative Period

After the surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery area until you are fully awake from the anesthesia. You may experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help ease the discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. You will also be provided with a surgical compression bra that you need to wear for the next few weeks as you heal.

Activity Restrictions

For the first few days after surgery, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities. You should also avoid lifting heavy objects and refrain from intense exercises for a few weeks. Most patients can resume light activities and work in 2 - 3 weeks, and more strenuous activities, such as going to the gym, can be resumed at 6 - 8 weeks when the swelling has subsided significantly.

Follow - up Appointments

Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor your recovery. The surgeon will typically schedule appointments at one week, four weeks, and 12 weeks after the procedure to check the healing progress, remove sutures if necessary, and address any concerns or questions you may have.

Potential Risks and Complications

General Surgical Risks

As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation with surgical silicone carries some general risks, such as bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. The most common risks of breast augmentation surgery also include changes in sensation and the risks associated with general anesthesia (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2020).

Breast - Specific Risks

There are also some breast - specific risks associated with silicone breast implants. These include:

• 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 patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast).
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed, such as memory loss, “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.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation with surgical silicone is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's appearance and boost her self - confidence. New York City offers a wide range of public institutions that specialize in this procedure, each with its own strengths and advantages. When choosing an institution, it is important to consider factors such as the surgeon's experience, the quality of the facility, the consultation process, and patient satisfaction. By doing thorough research and preparing well for the surgery, patients can increase the chances of a successful outcome. If you are considering breast augmentation with surgical silicone in New York City, take the time to explore your options, schedule consultations with different institutions, and ask all the necessary questions. Don't hesitate to reach out to these institutions for more information or to book a consultation. You deserve to look and feel your best!