Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure for women in New York City. Whether it's to enhance self - confidence, restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or correct breast asymmetry, finding the right hospital and surgeon is crucial. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City for breast augmentation, along with detailed information about the procedure, its benefits, risks, and related factors.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to change the size or shape of the breasts. This can be achieved through techniques such as implant placement or fat transfer. Refined and state - of - the - art procedures produce natural - looking, long - lasting results with a manageable recovery time. As per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. for over a decade, with more than 300,000 procedures performed annually in previous years.
Top Surgeons in New York City for Breast Augmentation
Dr. Daniel Maman
Dr. Daniel Maman is a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon specialized in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. He completed a Harvard fellowship in aesthetic breast surgery and a 6 - year plastic surgery residency at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He has appeared on the New York Times top doctors and Super Doctors in plastic surgery lists. Dr. Maman and his skilled team collaborate throughout the introduction, examination, and planning process to achieve optimal results, personalized for each patient.
During the 90 - minute consultation with Dr. Maman, patients can expect a thorough review of their medical history, an in - depth physical assessment performed by the doctor himself, comprehensive and detailed operative plans, a review of cost, accommodations, and follow - up visits, and scheduling of surgery.
Dr. David L. Cangello
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He is known for his artistic approach to breast augmentation, combining medical precision with the principles of aesthetics. His superior results have earned the trust of professional models from some of the world’s top agencies, including Wilhelmina Models, IMG Models, and Next Management.
Dr. Cangello offers personalized treatment plans to meet each patient's aesthetic goals. He has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited (AAAASF) operating room at his NYC office, and he also has operating privileges at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. His patients often report high satisfaction with the elegant, natural - looking results of their breast augmentation surgeries.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His education and training in plastic surgery 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 on the cutting edge of advancements in plastic surgery.
Dr. Kolker is featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York Magazine's best doctors issues from 2008 - 2024, and is also named as one of America's best plastic surgeons by Newsweek in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He takes a scientific and artistic approach to breast augmentation, aiming for beautiful, natural, and proportional results.
Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Nadia Afridi is a popular surgeon in NYC for breast augmentation. She is board - certified and known for her professional yet friendly approach to patient care. She and her staff are very helpful and accommodating, treating patients like royalty.
Dr. Afridi considers four key aspects during breast augmentation surgery: 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. She is experienced with both saline and silicone implants and can also perform revision surgeries for patients who are not satisfied with previous breast augmentation results.
Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise. He provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care, and is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction.
Before breast augmentation, Dr. Swift recommends that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before the procedure, shower and wash with antimicrobial soap the night before, and avoid applying lotions, creams, or moisturizers on the treatment area. After the surgery, patients need to follow specific post - operative instructions regarding activity restrictions and wearing a surgical bra.
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He has a deep understanding of breast implants, having worked closely with Allergan during the development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. He will work closely with patients to identify the implant specifications that will deliver optimal results based on their unique needs and aesthetic goals.
During the consultation, Dr. Sherman will review the patient's medical history, examine the breasts, take measurements, and discuss implant options to devise a personalized treatment plan. He will also explain the details of the surgery and provide pre - operative instructions.
Top Hospitals in New York City for Breast Augmentation
New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Ranked No. 4 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals, this hospital is a top choice for various medical procedures, including breast augmentation. The hospital's surgical excellence is reflected in its national rankings in multiple surgical specialties, such as heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery. In the context of breast surgery, the high - quality surgical oncology expertise provided by its specialists, including those in breast surgery, is highly regarded.
The surgical team at New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center uses advanced techniques and adheres to strict safety protocols to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients undergoing breast augmentation.
Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine is another leading medical institution in New York City for breast surgery. Its plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in their field and are equipped to provide comprehensive care throughout the breast augmentation process. The institution partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in the city and the U.S.
The surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine offer a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast augmentation with implants, breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery, and DIEP flap surgery. They focus on individualized breast surgery to achieve a natural look for each patient and prioritize patient comfort at every step of the process.
Breast Augmentation Options
Implant Types
Implant Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Saline Implants | Saline implants are filled with saline once they’ve been placed into the treatment site. They are approved for patients who are at least 18 years old. | Can be placed with a smaller incision size. Ruptures are immediately detectable as the affected breast will flatten within hours. Do not require long - term monitoring as they do not contain silicone. | In thin women with small amounts of breast tissue, visible rippling at the implant edges may be seen. |
Silicone Implants | Silicone implants are pre - filled by the manufacturer with a cohesive, silicone gel. They are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old. | Feel and look more natural to the touch. 99% of patients at some clinics choose smooth, round silicone implants, often called gummy - bear implants, which last longer and maintain their shape even after micro - ruptures. | Traditionally required larger incisions (although some surgeons use techniques to minimize incision size). The FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell. |
Implant Shapes
- Round Implants: These are the most common and provide the most upper fullness. They have volume and fullness all the way around and contain a gel that is less cohesive than the anatomically shaped variety. As a result, they are softer and feel natural and typically have a smooth texture.
- Teardrop (Contoured) Implants: These have a subtle sloping shape that is intended to match the curves of natural breasts. They require a textured surface to ensure they adhere to surrounding tissue so that they do not rotate in the breast pocket once they are implanted. They are also a bit firmer to the touch due to the greater cohesivity of the gel filling.
Implant Placement
- Subpectoral Placement: In most patients, breast implants are placed between or behind the pectoral muscles. This approach creates natural - looking breasts with less risk of visible aspects of the breast implant. Implants placed behind pectoral muscles fall more naturally into the breast pocket and show less obvious rippling. However, the recovery may be more painful compared to subglandular placement.
- Subglandular Placement: For certain patients with specific anatomy, implants may be placed above the muscles behind the breast tissue. Subglandular implant surgery is more straightforward and has a less painful recovery. But these implants may look and feel less natural.
Fat Transfer
Natural breast enhancement, also known as fat transfer, increases breast volume using the patient's own tissue. This technique provides more natural - feeling breasts and doesn’t introduce any foreign material into the body. However, it has several limitations. Ideal candidates for this approach look for a small bust - size increase and have tight breast skin, no breast sagging, and adequate fat - harvest sites in the stomach or hips. The most significant risk with fat transfer augmentation is that fat can change position or texture or be reabsorbed by the body, leaving the patient with potentially misshapen or smaller - than - desired breasts.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Preparing for breast augmentation involves several important steps:
- Consultation with a Board - Certified Plastic Surgeon: This is the first and most crucial step. During the consultation, patients should discuss their goals and expectations, undergo a medical evaluation, and receive detailed information about the procedure, including risks, benefits, and recovery time. Surgeons will also take measurements of the chest wall to determine basic implant dimensions and work with patients to select the implant options that meet their needs.
- Medical Evaluations: Patients may need to undergo various medical tests, such as blood tests, mammograms, and心电图 (ECG) to ensure they are in good health for the surgery.
- Pre - surgery Instructions: Patients are usually advised to refrain from smoking and certain medications, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort, as these can increase the risk of bleeding. They may also need to make dietary changes to optimize their health before the surgery.
- Arranging for Post - operative Care: Patients should arrange for a responsible adult to accompany them to and from the hospital or surgical facility and assist them with daily tasks during the initial recovery period. It is also important to create a comfortable recovery environment at home.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Consultation Phase
The consultation phase typically includes a 60 - to 90 - minute in - depth initial consultation with a complete medical history review and physical assessment by the surgeon. Multiple pre - op visits are also scheduled to answer all the patient's questions. Specialized surgery coordinators will help the patient navigate scheduling, financial, and insurance processes.
Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery usually takes about two hours, including prep and recovery time. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia. The surgeon will make small incisions to create a pocket for the implant. The most common incision locations are the breast crease (inframammary incision), around the areola (periareolar incision), and under the armpit (transaxillary incision). Each incision location has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on factors such as the patient's anatomy, the type and size of the implant, and any concern about preserving nipple sensation.
After making the incision, the surgeon will place the implant either submuscularly or subglandularly. Once the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and wrap the area with a compression garment.
Recovery and Results
Most patients find recovery easier than expected, but it is important to follow the surgeon's instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Immediate Post - operative Period
In the initial days after surgery, patients may experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. They will be given a prescription for pain medication to help ease discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. A surgical compression bra will be provided and should be worn for the next few weeks as the patient heals.
Return to Normal Activities
Patients can typically return to work within a few days if their job does not involve physical labor. Lower body exercising, such as spinning and walking, can usually be resumed in one to two weeks. However, workouts that require significant upper body involvement, such as yoga, weight lifting, and core training, should be avoided for four to six weeks after surgery, and patients should not lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for a full six weeks.
Final Results
Although the breasts may still feel overly firm and tight initially, within a few months, the implants will have settled into place, and patients will be able to see and enjoy their final results. The new shape and size of the breasts can boost self - confidence and enhance the patient's overall appearance.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries potential risks, including:
- Infection: This can occur at the incision site or around the implant. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is usually required.
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment or surgery to control.
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture. Saline implants will deflate immediately, while silicone implant ruptures may be more difficult to detect without an MRI. Ruptured implants may need to be replaced.
- Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which can be temporary or permanent.
- Scarring: Incisions will leave scars, although surgeons use techniques to minimize their appearance. In some cases, patients may develop hypertrophic or keloid scars.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and squeezes the implant, causing pain and distortion of the breast shape. It may require surgical intervention to correct.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A very rare and treatable type of cancer associated with certain breast implants. It appears to be associated with textured implants and the development of a seroma around the breast.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): A term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that some women report after having implants placed, such as memory loss, joint pain, and fatigue. The cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is still being investigated.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the type of implant used, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the surgical facility. On average, the cost can range from $5,000 to $11,000 or more.
It is important to note that most insurance companies consider breast augmentation a cosmetic procedure and do not cover it. However, in cases where the procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as after a mastectomy due to breast cancer, insurance coverage may be available.