Introduction

Breast augmentation has been one of the most sought - after cosmetic procedures for decades. In the United States, over 5 million women have undergone breast augmentation, and it has been the number one cosmetic procedure for over a decade. 90% of women opt for this surgery after having kids, and a significant 79% of those who undergo the procedure report satisfaction. If you're in New York City and considering female prosthetic breast augmentation, this article is for you. We'll review three well - done hospitals on the ranking list, along with providing valuable information about breast augmentation in general.

Why Choose Breast Augmentation?

The shape and size of our breasts directly influence our confidence. Many women feel self - conscious about their breasts due to various reasons such as pregnancy, weight loss, or simply genetics. Breast augmentation can be a long - term solution to enhance the shape and size of the breasts, making them look natural and boosting self - esteem. It's not just about vanity; it can also help with physical concerns like pectus excavatum, where the chest is sunken, and breast augmentation can improve the appearance of the chest.

Before Considering Breast Augmentation

Before deciding to go ahead with breast augmentation, it's important to ask yourself a few questions. These questions can help you determine if you're a suitable candidate for the surgery:

• Do you feel that your breasts are too small for your body frame?
• Do you feel self - conscious when you wear a swimsuit or any form - fitting and low - cut tops?
• Have your breasts become smaller or less firm after giving birth?
• Have your breasts become smaller due to weight loss?
• Is one of your breasts smaller than the other?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may have valid reasons to consider breast augmentation. However, it's crucial to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about your medical history, the procedure, and the expected outcomes.

Types of Breast Augmentation

Implants

There are different types of breast implants available:

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer breast augmentation uses your own body fat to enhance breast size and shape. Fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks through liposuction and then injected into the breasts. This method offers a more natural look and feel and is ideal for those seeking a modest increase in breast size with the added benefit of body contouring.

Review of 3 Well - Done Hospitals in New York City

1. Clinic Associated with Dr. Nadia Afridi

Dr. Nadia Afridi is one of the most popular surgeons in NYC when it comes to the breast augmentation procedure. She is a board - certified plastic surgeon, 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.

Service Focus: Her practice has a 36% focus on breast augmentation, along with 27% on body contouring, 9% on Botox, 25% on liposuction, and 2% on tummy tuck, with 1% on other services.

Approach to Breast Augmentation: Dr. Afridi has four main considerations for 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. Her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made in unnoticeable areas like the armpit, the underside of the breast, and around the areola to minimize scar visibility. She is experienced with both saline and silicone implants.

Patient Reviews: She has received impressive reviews from clients due to her quality of work and the way she handles patients. She is very professional but cares like a friend, always ready to answer post - operation calls. Her staff is also very helpful and accommodating.

Cost: The estimated breast augmentation cost is $8900.

Location: 815 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021, between 75th St & 74th St, Upper East Side. Phone number: (212) 421 - 5100.

2. Clinic Associated with Dr. Richard Swift

Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments. He has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise.

Service Focus: His practice has an 18% focus on breast augmentation, with 49% on body contouring, 2% on Botox, 7% on liposuction, and 2% on tummy tuck, and 22% on other services.

Pre - and Post - operative Care: He provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. It is recommended that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before the breast augmentation procedure, shower and wash with antimicrobial soap the night before, and avoid applying lotions, creams, or moisturizers on the area to be treated. After surgery, patients need to wait a couple of days for the swelling and tenderness to subside, can return to work within a week, but need to wear a surgical bra and refrain from bending, lifting, or engaging in strenuous exercise until approved by Dr. Swift.

Patient Reviews: He has a great team of staff, from the receptionist to the operating room nurse and anesthesiologist. His prices are fair and in line with other board - certified plastic surgeons.

Cost: The estimated breast augmentation cost ranges from $5000 - $10000.

Location: 110 E 87th St, New York, NY 10128, between Park Ave & Lexington Ave, Upper East Side. Phone number: (212) 828 - 9906.

3. Clinic Associated with Dr. Adam Kolker

Dr. Adam Kolker is well - known in New York for his plastic surgery skills. He is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery and was raised in a family of physicians and surgeons.

Service Focus: He offers a number of breast procedures aside from breast augmentation, such as breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, fat transfer breast augmentation, tuberous breast correction, breast procedure by age, inverted nipple correction, male breast reduction, and gummy bear breast implants.

Expertise and Background: At age 17, he was accepted to medical school, and at 23, he graduated with honors from the highly selective accelerated six - year biomedical education program at Union College and Albany Medical College. He specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face.

Patient Concerns: One point that some patients may have an issue with is that his staff usually answers the calls, while some patients prefer more personal interaction with the surgeon for follow - ups.

Cost: The estimated breast augmentation cost ranges from $9000 – $11000.

Location: 710 Park Avenue, New York City, New York, 10021. Phone: (212) 744 - 3900 / (212) 744 - 6500.

Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City

The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary widely. Factors that affect the cost include the type of procedure (implants or fat transfer), the type of implants used, the surgeon's fees, and the facility costs. On average, the cost can range from $3,900 to $6,000, but it can be higher depending on the specific circumstances. Some surgeons, like those mentioned above, have different pricing structures. For example, Dr. Nadia Afridi charges an estimated $8900, Dr. Richard Swift's cost ranges from $5000 - $10000, and Dr. Adam Kolker's cost is between $9000 – $11000.

There are also different payment options available. Many doctors accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc.), and checks. Some surgeons also accept financing. Popular financing options in NYC include CareCredit, which offers no - interest plans up to 24 months if the account - holder makes the required minimum monthly payment and pays off the remaining balance within the promotional period, and extended payment plans for 24, 36, 48, or 60 months with a competitive interest rate, a fixed monthly payment, and a longer term.

Recovery Process

The recovery process after breast augmentation typically takes between six to eight weeks. During this time, it's important to follow the surgeon's instructions carefully for optimal healing:

Immediate Post - surgery

After the surgery, patients can expect swelling, tenderness, and some pain. A prescription for pain medication will be provided to manage the discomfort. A surgical compression bra will need to be worn for a few weeks. It's normal to experience fatigue in the initial days.

First Week

Most patients can return to non - strenuous work within a week. However, it's important to avoid bending, lifting, or engaging in strenuous exercise. If the patient has young children, arrangements should be made for their care.

2 - 3 Weeks

By the 2 - 3 - week mark, symptoms like swelling and bruising will start to subside, and patients can resume light activities.

6 - 8 Weeks

After 6 - 8 weeks, patients can gradually return to more strenuous activities, including going to the gym. However, each patient's recovery may vary depending on their overall health and the nature of the procedure.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation comes with its own set of risks and potential complications:

• Infections: Infections can occur at the incision site or around the implant. This may require antibiotics or, in severe cases, removal of the implant.
• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
• Alterations in Nipple or Breast Sensations: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent.
• Implant Leakage or Rupture: Implants can leak or rupture, although this is rare. In the case of saline implants, the saline is safely absorbed by the body, but silicone implants may require replacement.
• Development of Scar Tissue: Scar tissue can form around the implant, which may cause the breast to feel firm or change shape.
• Unsatisfactory Outcomes: The results may not meet the patient's expectations, which could necessitate further surgeries.
• Anesthesia - related Complications: Some individuals may encounter complications related to anesthesia, such as respiratory problems and reactions to medication.
• Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): There is a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL, especially with textured implants. This is a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma but can be effectively treated.
• 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, joint pain, and fatigue. The cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is still being investigated.

Preparing for Breast Augmentation

Thorough preparation is key to the success of your breast augmentation:

• Medical Consultation: Have a detailed conversation with your surgeon about your medical background, allergies, current medications, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption. You may need to stop certain medications and habits, including smoking, weeks before the procedure as they can affect the healing process.
• Practical Arrangements: Arrange for someone to be with you on the day of the surgery and for the initial recovery period. Schedule sufficient time off work for recovery. Establish a comfortable space at home for recuperation with necessary items within reach.
• Pre - operative Guidelines: Follow your surgeon's pre - operative fasting and hygiene guidelines. For example, some surgeons recommend showering and washing with antimicrobial soap the night before the surgery and avoiding lotions or creams on the area to be treated.

Common Misconceptions about Breast Augmentation

There are several misconceptions surrounding breast augmentation:

• Breast Implants are Permanent: In reality, breast implants may require replacement after 10 - 15 years, depending on individual health and lifestyle factors.
• Breast Augmentation is Only for Vanity: While many women choose breast augmentation for cosmetic reasons, it can also be used for reconstruction after mastectomy or as part of gender - affirming surgery.
• Breast Augmentation Hinders Breastfeeding: While some cases may affect breastfeeding, the majority of individuals with breast implants can successfully breastfeed. The ability to breastfeed depends on the procedure conducted, the location of the implants, the level of damage to breast tissue, and any scars in the milk ducts.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women in New York City. It can enhance self - confidence, improve body proportions, and provide a more satisfying physical appearance. The three hospitals and their associated surgeons reviewed in this article - Dr. Nadia Afridi, Dr. Richard Swift, and Dr. Adam Kolker - are all well - respected in the field of breast augmentation, with their own unique skills, expertise, and patient - centered approaches. However, the decision to undergo breast augmentation should not be taken lightly. It's important to weigh the benefits against the risks, have realistic expectations, and choose a qualified and experienced surgeon.

If you're considering breast augmentation, take the time to research further, schedule consultations with different surgeons, and discuss all your concerns and questions. By making an informed decision, you can ensure a successful and rewarding breast augmentation experience. If you have any more questions or would like to learn more about the hospitals or the procedure, feel free to reach out to the surgeons directly or continue exploring reliable sources of information.