Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. Many women desire fuller, more shapely breasts to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. With a plethora of plastic surgery hospitals in the city, it can be a daunting task to choose a reliable and experienced one. This article aims to provide an authoritative list of the top ten regular plastic surgery hospitals for breast augmentation in New York City, along with in - depth information about breast augmentation procedures, considerations, and more.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that enhances the volume and shape of the breasts. It involves the use of implants or fat transfer techniques to increase breast size, restore lost volume due to pregnancy or weight loss, or correct breast asymmetry. As per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women in the United States underwent breast augmentation.
Available Options for Breast Augmentation
There are mainly two types of implants used in breast augmentation and one non - implant option:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Silicone Breast Implants | These implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They look and feel natural in the breasts. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants. |
| Saline Breast Implants | They are filled with a saline solution (salt and water). Saline implants are firmer and rounder. They come with fewer risks as if they break, the salt water is absorbed into the body with no side effects. |
| NaturalFill (Fat Transfer) | This is a two - step procedure. First, fat is removed from the buttocks or abdomen through liposuction, and then it is immediately inserted into the breasts. Mount Sinai surgeons pioneered and perfected this technique. |
Top Ten Regular Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. The hospital offers both implant - based and fat - transfer breast augmentation options. Surgeons at Mount Sinai take the time to understand each patient's desires and help them choose the best option for a natural - looking result.
2. Rowe Plastic Surgery
Dr. Norman Rowe, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Rowe Plastic Surgery, is known for his skills in breast augmentation. The hospital provides a variety of breast augmentation services, including using saline implants, silicone implants, and fat transfer. Their team takes into account the patient's body type, aesthetic goals, and overall health to determine the most suitable implant size and type. They also offer detailed consultations and personalized treatment plans.
3. 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. His in - depth understanding of breast implants, including cohesive silicone gel (gummy bear) implants, allows him to offer patients a wide range of options. He also educates patients about possible complications and recovery processes.
4. Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker, a double - board - certified plastic surgeon, is highly respected in New York City. His scientific and artistic approach to breast augmentation enables him to deliver beautiful, natural, and proportional results. He has been featured in numerous prestigious lists, including New York Magazine's Best Doctors and Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons. His practice offers comprehensive consultations and a wide range of breast - related procedures.
5. Columbia Surgery
Columbia University's plastic surgery department is one of the best in New York. The hospital's plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast augmentation. They offer a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures and are at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery. Their craniofacial surgery program and breast cancer reconstructive surgery program are also well - known.
6. Dr. David L. Cangello
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon with an artistic approach to breast augmentation. He offers personalized treatment plans, taking into account the patient's tastes and preferences. His expertise includes using both silicone and saline implants, as well as fat grafting techniques. He has perfected the "no - touch" method during breast augmentation with silicone, which minimizes incision size and infection risk.
7. Aristocrat Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kevin Tehrani at Aristocrat Plastic Surgery is nominated as one of the top 10 plastic surgeons in New York. The hospital offers a wide range of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, lift, revision, and more. They have a fully equipped and certified operating room in Great Neck, Long Island, and provide a personalized consultation to help patients define their breast - related goals.
8. Dr. Ernest S. Chiu
Dr. Ernest S. Chiu is a plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in general plastic surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and plastic & reconstructive microsurgery. His extensive experience and skills make him a reliable choice for breast augmentation procedures.
9. Dr. Jarrod T. Bogue
Dr. Jarrod T. Bogue is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell. He has experience in burn, plastic & reconstructive microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and general plastic surgery. His work in breast - related procedures is backed by his surgical training and experience.
10. Dr. David L. Abramson
Dr. David L. Abramson, affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health, has more than 20 years of experience in plastic surgery. His areas of specialization include aesthetic/cosmetic plastic surgery, breast reconstruction, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. His long - standing practice and focus on breast - related work make him a notable option for breast augmentation.
Important Considerations Before Breast Augmentation
Candidate Assessment
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for breast augmentation. Ideal candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Be healthy, both physically and mentally, without breast - related health concerns or other underlying health issues.
- Be a non - smoker or willing to quit until completing recovery, as smoking can significantly impact the healing process.
- Understand what the surgery entails and be willing to follow pre - and post - operative instructions.
- Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have realistic expectations for what the procedure can achieve. It is important to note that breast augmentation is mainly for enhancing breast size and shape, not for solving other non - related issues such as fixing a relationship or landing a job.
- Be aware of the risks and benefits associated with synthetic implants.
Choosing the Right Implant
When choosing breast implants, several factors need to be considered:
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone implants feel more natural but require MRI scans for monitoring. Saline implants are filled at the treatment site, have fewer long - term monitoring requirements, and are suitable for patients aged 18 and above. |
| Shape | Round implants add volume higher on the chest, while anatomical (teardrop - shaped) implants replicate the form of natural breasts. |
| Size | Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (ccs), ranging from 80 ccs to 800 ccs. The right size depends on the patient's existing breast tissue, body frame, and desired results. |
| Texture | A textured surface allows tissues to heal more closely around the implant, preventing rotation or displacement. |
Incision Options
There are several incision techniques for breast augmentation:
- Inframammary Incision: Made under the breast in the natural crease. It offers the best scar concealment and poses the fewest breastfeeding complications.
- Periareolar Incision: Made around the areola's outer edge. The scar is often well - concealed due to the natural pigmentation change. The chance of this incision affecting breastfeeding is extremely low.
- Transaxillary Incision: Made in the armpit, creating the least visible scar tissue. It is the least invasive to the mammary gland, making it a preferred option for younger women who want to retain their ability to breastfeed.
Implant Placement
Breast implants can be placed in two ways:
- Submuscular Placement: Under the pectoral muscles. The outlines of the implant are typically less obvious, and it may interfere less with mammography exam results.
- Subglandular Placement: On top of the pectoral muscles. Implant definition may be more prominent, and some patients prefer this placement as the implant rests just below the breast skin.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Consultation
The initial consultation is a crucial step. During this time, patients meet the medical team and the plastic surgeon. The surgeon evaluates the patient's medical history, including past surgical operations, health issues, mammograms, breast biopsies, and current medications. A physical examination of the breasts is also performed, and photographs are taken to aid in planning. If the patient has not completed their family, the surgeon will discuss how pregnancy and nursing may impact the outcomes of breast enhancement.
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the surgery, patients are usually advised to:
- Quit smoking or using any nicotine product, as nicotine can significantly affect the body's ability to heal.
- Taper off current medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John's wort.
- Arrange for a trusted family member or friend to pick them up from the hospital and stay with them during the initial recovery period.
- Designate a comfortable space at home for recovery and place necessary items within reach.
- Set aside 2 - 3 weeks to rest and recuperate.
Surgery
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure carried out under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes the chosen incision, creates a pocket for the implant, and then inserts the implant either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. After positioning the implant, the incision is stitched and covered with a dressing. The average breast implant procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes, and the patient is kept under observation for an extra hour or two before being allowed to go home.
Recovery and Results
Immediate Post - operative Period
In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients are usually given a prescription for pain medication to ease discomfort, which is most pronounced during the first few days. They are also provided with a surgical compression bra to wear for the next few weeks as they heal.
Recovery Timeline
- First 48 hours: Sleep upright, usually in a recliner.
- Within a few days: Return to work as long as it does not involve heavy lifting.
- Two weeks: Usually safe to sleep on the side. Can stop wearing the surgical bra and start wearing a sports bra or non - underwire support bra.
- Two to three weeks: Avoid strenuous activity.
- Four weeks: Continue wearing a bra 24 hours a day.
- Eight weeks: Resume all normal routines.
Long - term Results
Breast implants are not intended to be permanent. The lifespan of an implant typically lasts between 10 and 15 years before needing to be replaced. Over time, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight gain or loss, and the natural aging process may cause changes to the breasts, and patients may need additional procedures, such as a breast lift, to maintain the desired appearance.
Possible Complications
Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)
Although rare, 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 refers 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.
Other Complications
Other common complications of breast augmentation surgery include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, and the risks associated with general anesthesia. Choosing an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon can significantly reduce these risks.
Cost and Insurance
The average cost of breast augmentation in New York City is about $4,500, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, this average usually does not include other fees, such as the anesthesiologist's fees, operating room charges, prescription medications, blood tests, and imaging tests. Most insurance policies do not cover breast augmentation, as it is considered a purely cosmetic, non - medical procedure.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a complex but rewarding procedure for many women in New York City. The top ten regular plastic surgery hospitals mentioned in this article have demonstrated their expertise, experience, and commitment to patient satisfaction in the field of breast augmentation. When considering breast augmentation, it is essential to do thorough research, choose a qualified plastic surgeon, and have realistic expectations.
Call to Action: If you are interested in breast augmentation or have more questions about the procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended plastic surgery hospitals in this article. Take the first step towards achieving your desired breast appearance and boosting your self - confidence today!
