Introduction
When it comes to breast implants, especially Polytech breast implants in New York City, finding a reliable public hospital with experienced doctors is crucial. In this article, we will share three public hospitals that offer excellent services in this regard. But first, let's understand the basics of breast implants and their significance.
Understanding Breast Implants
Types of Breast Implants
There are mainly two types of breast implants: silicone gel and saline. Silicone gel implants more closely mimic the texture and feel of natural breast tissue. Saline implants, on the other hand, are filled with a salt - water solution at the time of surgery. They have the advantage of potentially being placed through a slightly shorter incision. Both types are FDA - approved and have been used for many years in breast augmentation surgery.
| Type of Implant | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone Gel | More natural feel; mimic natural breast tissue | If rupture occurs, it may not be as easily detectable immediately |
| Saline | Potentially smaller incision for placement; if rupture occurs, the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body | May feel firmer and less natural compared to silicone gel |
Benefits of Breast Implants
Breast implants can offer numerous benefits to women. They can enhance confidence, improve body proportions, correct breast asymmetry, and provide a youthful appearance. For women who have experienced volume loss due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes, breast implants can help restore fullness. Moreover, achieving the desired breast size can open up more wardrobe options.
- Enhanced Confidence: Many women experience a renewed sense of self - confidence and empowerment after achieving their desired breast size and shape.
- Improved Proportions: Breast augmentation can enhance overall body proportions, helping create a balanced silhouette.
- Corrected Asymmetry: It can help address natural asymmetry, creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
The 3 Public Hospitals in New York City
NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue
NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue is a well - known public hospital that offers comprehensive breast surgery services. The breast surgery team here is highly qualified and experienced in handling a variety of breast - related cases.
Services Offered
- Surgeries: They perform excisional biopsies for benign tumors, mastectomies, nipple - sparing mastectomies, lumpectomies, lumpectomies with savi scout localization or with needle localization, sentinel node biopsies, axillary node dissections, and terminal duct excisions (for nipple discharge).
- Other Services: Access to clinical trials, patient navigation, social work, genetic testing, tomosynthesis, MRI/MRI - guided biopsy, diep flap reconstruction/implants, psychological support, lymphedema treatment/physical therapy, nutrition, and radiation oncology.
Doctors
The breast surgery team includes Kathie - Ann Joseph, MD, who is the chief of the breast surgery service at NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue and an associate professor at the department of surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She is board - certified by the American Board of Surgery (Surgery). Erica Friedman, MD, is a breast surgery attending at the same hospital and an assistant professor at the department of surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, also board - certified by the American Board of Surgery (Surgery). The contact number for the breast PA office is (212) 562 - 2911, and the physician assistant is Aline Bedrosian, PA, with the email aline.bedrosian@nychhc.org.
NewYork - Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
NewYork - Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital has a plastic surgery department that specializes in a range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, including breast augmentation and reconstruction.
Services Offered
The plastic surgeons at this hospital address problems related to trauma, cancer, or congenital defects and provide extensive options for elective cosmetic procedures. In the area of breast surgery, they offer breast augmentation and reduction, breast reconstruction, as well as other aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries.
Contact Information
To call for an appointment, the number is 718 - 499 - 2273. The contact number for advanced and minimally invasive surgery is 718 - 780 - 3288.
Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine is renowned for its breast reconstruction services. Their goal is to make patients feel whole and complete again after mastectomies.
Services Offered
They offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. Options include autologous reconstruction (using your own tissue from different areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks), diep flap reconstruction, and implant - based reconstruction. They also have techniques for breast reinnervation during both autologous and implant reconstruction to improve sensation.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine
- Exemplary Surgeons: Their surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team is equipped to promote patient comfort throughout the process.
- Individualized Approach: They provide individualized breast reconstruction for each patient's unique body.
- Multidisciplinary Care: Patients have access to a network of doctors and specialists, including oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care.
- Focus on Comfort: The team prioritizes patient comfort at every step, from pre - surgery consultations to post - surgery pain management and recovery.
Contact Information
There are multiple locations. For the Upper East Side (525 East 68th Street, Starr 8, New York, NY 10065), the contact number is (646) 962 - 4210. For the other Upper East Side location (425 East 61st Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10065), the same number (646) 962 - 4210 can be used to call.
Considerations Before Choosing a Hospital and Doctor
Doctor's Experience and Qualifications
It is essential to choose a doctor who is board - certified and has extensive experience in performing breast implant surgeries. Check their educational background, training, and the number of similar procedures they have performed. For example, in the case of NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue, the doctors are not only board - certified but also associated with well - known medical schools, which indicates their high level of knowledge and expertise.
Hospital Facilities and Reputation
Look into the hospital's facilities, including the surgical suites, recovery areas, and the availability of advanced medical equipment. A hospital with a good reputation for patient care and safety is more likely to provide a positive experience. Weill Cornell Medicine, for instance, partners with NewYork - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S., which speaks to its high - quality services.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the breast implant procedure, including the implant itself, surgical fees, anesthesia fees, and post - operative care. Check if your insurance covers any part of the cost. In some cases, breast reconstruction after mastectomy due to cancer may be covered by insurance, while cosmetic breast augmentation may not.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of the experiences of others who have undergone breast implant surgeries at the hospital. You can learn about the doctor - patient relationship, the quality of care, and the overall satisfaction with the results.
The Breast Implant Procedure
Consultation
During the initial consultation, the doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. You will have an open and honest conversation about your expectations, and the doctor will guide you through selecting the proper implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size. You can also ask questions about the procedure, risks, recovery, and expected outcome.
Surgery
The surgery typically takes between one to two hours. The chosen incision method and placement of the implant will be customized to your anatomy to ensure natural - looking results. The incision can be made either below the crease near where the breast meets the chest, around the areola, or in the armpit. The implant is then placed either directly behind the breast tissue or behind the pectoral muscle.
Recovery
After the surgery, you will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse. Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day. You may feel tired or sore following surgery, and it is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully. Most patients can return to daily activities within a few days, but strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two weeks. The swelling in your breasts will take several months to fully dissipate, with the final result typically being visible around 6 months.
Risks and Complications
Capsular Contracture
This is one of the most common complications after breast augmentation. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing hardening, discomfort, and a misshapen appearance. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Some doctors use an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to help prevent capsular contracture.
Infection
Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated by antibiotics. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed.
Implant Rupture
Implant rupture can occur as a result of injury or normal compression and movement of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, resulting in the breast appearing deflated. With both saline and silicone implant ruptures, a revision surgery is performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
Conclusion
In summary, NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue, NewYork - Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, and Weill Cornell Medicine are three public hospitals in New York City that offer excellent services for breast implants. When considering breast implant surgery, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the doctor's experience, the hospital's facilities, cost, and potential risks. By making an informed decision, you can increase the chances of a successful and satisfying outcome.
If you are considering breast implants in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for more information and to schedule a consultation. You can also share this article with others who may be interested in learning about breast implant options in the city.
