Introduction

New York City stands as a global hub for plastic surgery, particularly when it comes to breast implant procedures. For those considering breast augmentation or dealing with the aftermath of previous surgeries, understanding the best plastic surgeons, types of breast implants, and the recovery process is crucial. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to make informed decisions about breast implant surgeries in New York City.

Expert Plastic Surgeons in New York City

Dr. Douglas Senderoff

Dr. Douglas Senderoff is a top - rated breast implants plastic surgeon based in Manhattan. He offers free consultations, whether in - person or in - office. With a great bedside manner, he takes the time to answer all patients' questions. Dr. Senderoff uses FDA - approved saline - filled or silicone breast implants for breast augmentation surgeries. He also has expertise in breast implant revision surgery, often correcting issues from previous breast enlargement procedures.

During the free consultation, patients can discuss the placement of breast implants (above or below the muscle), the type of implants (saline or silicone), size, and shape. They can also see and hold different implants and view digital images of how they will look with varying sizes and shapes. His patients have reported excellent results, including painless recovery and improved cleavage even in challenging cases.

Dr. Adam R. Kolker

Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His education and training span prestigious institutions such as 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 at the forefront of plastic surgery advancements.

Dr. Kolker specializes in various cosmetic and breast - related procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction. He is featured in multiple "Best Doctors" lists, such as New York Magazine's Best Doctors, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons, and Castle Connolly's Top Doctors. His patients have given glowing testimonials about his ability to achieve beautiful, natural, and proportional results.

Dr. John E. Sherman

Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He works closely with patients to develop individualized approaches for breast augmentation. He has a deep understanding of different breast implants, including working on the development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants.

During the consultation, Dr. Sherman helps patients choose the right implants based on material, shape, size, and texture. He also explains the meaningful benefits of breast augmentation, such as boosting self - confidence and addressing congenital disorders like pectus excavatum. Additionally, he informs patients about possible complications, such as BIA - ALCL and breast implant illness.

Dr. Steven M. Levine

Dr. Steven M. Levine is an award - winning, board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC. He offers a variety of breast implant surgeries, including silicone, saline, gummy bear, and fat transfer breast augmentation. His main goal is to provide patients with natural - looking breasts.

Dr. Levine also specializes in breast implant revision surgery, addressing issues like hardening of breast tissue, implant rupture, and dissatisfaction with previous results. His patients have reported high satisfaction with his procedures, praising his kindness, patience, and excellent surgical skills.

Dr. David L. Cangello

Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic breast surgery. He is known for delivering elegant, natural - looking results and has earned the trust of professional models from top agencies.

Dr. Cangello offers personalized treatment plans, taking into account patients' tastes and preferences. He uses both silicone and saline implants and also specializes in natural augmentation with fat transfer. His artistic approach combines medical precision with aesthetic principles to create optimal results. He has a state - of - the - art operating room at his NYC office and provides detailed pre - and post - operative care.

Dr. Daniel Maman

Dr. Daniel Maman is a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon. He specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. He has been featured on the New York Times top doctors and super doctors in plastic surgery lists.

Dr. Maman is an expert in breast implant revision surgery. He provides comprehensive consultations, including a thorough review of medical history, in - depth physical assessment, and detailed operative plans. His practice emphasizes convenience, comfort, and smooth recovery for patients undergoing breast implant revision procedures.

Types of Breast Implants

Saline - Filled Breast Implants

Saline - filled breast implants are inserted and then filled with a saline or salt - water solution, similar to the fluid in the human body. The valve for filling can be located at the front or back of the implant. There are also saline - filled adjustable breast implants, which are a relatively new option. Through an additional small connector tube, the plastic surgeon can adjust the size of the breast after surgery by adding or draining saline fluid, possibly for several months.

Advantages of saline implants include a lower rate of capsular contracture compared to silicone implants, a smaller incision may be required for placement, and if a rupture occurs, the deflation is almost immediate, and the saline can be safely absorbed by the body. They are approved for patients who are at least 18 years old.

Silicone Gel - Filled Implants

Silicone breast implants are made of silicone gel encased in a rubber shell. In 2006, the FDA approved their use in the United States. Multiple studies have shown that the claims of silicone implants causing systemic health problems are untrue. Silicone implants have been used safely in Europe for years and offer a natural look and feel.

However, the FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell. They are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old. The cohesive nature of the silicone gel helps the implant maintain its shape, and they are less likely to ripple compared to saline implants.

Gummy Bear Implants (Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants)

Gummy bear implants are a type of cohesive silicone gel implant. They were developed to provide better projection and a wider range of dimensions. These implants have a thick gel that keeps its form, minimizing the risk of leakage if the implant is compromised. They are popular because they can provide a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel, with an extensive variety of shapes and sizes to fit different chest dimensions.

Fat Transfer for Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation via fat transfer is a method where fat from the patient's own body, typically from the hips, thighs, or abdomen, is harvested through liposuction and then injected into the breasts. This method offers a natural - looking and feeling result, as the breasts are enhanced with the patient's own tissue. It also has the added benefit of body contouring in the areas where the fat is removed.

However, not all of the transferred fat cells will survive, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired result. There is also a limit to how much volume can be added through fat transfer compared to using implants.

Choosing the Right Breast Implants

Material Considerations

When choosing between saline and silicone implants, patients need to consider factors such as the natural look and feel, the risk of complications, and personal preferences. Saline implants are generally less expensive and may be a better option for younger patients or those with concerns about long - term silicone exposure. Silicone implants, on the other hand, offer a more natural look and feel, especially for patients with less breast tissue.

Shape Selection

There are two main shapes for breast implants: round and contoured (teardrop). Round implants add volume higher on the chest and have a more uniform fullness. They contain a less cohesive gel and are softer to the touch. Contoured implants are designed to mimic the shape of natural breasts, with a subtle slope. They require a textured surface to prevent rotation in the breast pocket and are a bit firmer due to the more cohesive gel.

Size Determination

Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters, not bra cup size. The ideal implant size depends on the patient's existing breast tissue, body frame, and desired results. Plastic surgeons will consider the patient's overall proportions to ensure a natural - looking outcome. Larger implants may require more tissue and can increase the risk of complications, such as premature drooping.

Texture Decision

The texture of the breast implant can be either smooth or textured. Textured implants were designed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture, but there is limited evidence to support this. A textured surface allows the tissues to heal more closely around the implant, preventing rotation or displacement.

Breast Implant Surgery Process

Consultation

The consultation is a crucial step in the breast implant surgery process. During this phase, patients meet with the plastic surgeon to discuss their aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns. The surgeon will perform a physical examination, take measurements, and explain the different types of implants, surgical techniques, and potential risks and benefits.

Patients should come prepared with a list of questions and be open about their expectations. The surgeon will also show before - and - after photos of previous patients to give the patient an idea of the possible results.

Preparation

Before the surgery, patients need to follow specific pre - operative instructions. These may include quitting smoking or using nicotine products, as nicotine can affect the healing process. They 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.

Patients should arrange for a trusted family member or friend to pick them up from the surgical facility and designate a comfortable space at home for recovery. They should also plan to take 2 - 3 weeks off work or strenuous activities to allow for proper healing.

Procedure

Breast implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure and takes about 1 - 1.5 hours to perform. The patient will be given either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia based on their preferences. The surgeon will make an incision, either under the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or under the armpit (transaxillary), depending on the patient's anatomy and the type of implant.

The implant will then be placed either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or above the muscle (subglandular). Once the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and wrap the area with a compression garment to protect the results.

Recovery

In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients will be prescribed pain medication to manage the pain, which is usually most pronounced in the first few days. They will also be required to wear a surgical compression bra for several weeks.

Most patients can resume light activities and work within 2 - 3 weeks, and more strenuous activities, such as going to the gym, can be restarted at 6 - 8 weeks. It may take a few months for the implants to fully settle into place and for the final results to be visible.

Potential Complications of Breast Implant Surgery

BIA - ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma)

Over the past few years, researchers have found that women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL. This is a form of non - Hodgkin's lymphoma, not breast cancer. It appears to be associated with textured implants and the development of a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). While the number of cases worldwide is relatively small, it is important for patients to be aware of this risk.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Breast implant illness is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms that some women report after having breast implants. These symptoms can include memory loss, "brain fog", joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is still not well - understood and is being investigated.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing the breast to feel hard and possibly distorted. It can be caused by factors such as infection, bleeding around the implant, or a foreign body reaction. Treatment may involve removing the implant and the scar tissue or using medications to soften the scar.

Implant Rupture

Implant rupture can occur due to trauma, aging, or normal wear and tear. Saline implants will deflate immediately if they rupture, while silicone implants may not show obvious signs of rupture. If a rupture is suspected, an MRI or other imaging tests may be needed to confirm it. In most cases, the ruptured implant will need to be removed and replaced.

Cost of Breast Implant Surgery in New York City

The cost of breast implant surgery in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the type of implant used, the surgical facility, and any additional procedures. On average, breast augmentation can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $9,000. However, this is just an estimate, and patients should get a detailed cost breakdown during their consultation.

Some patients may be eligible for financing options, such as medical loans or payment plans. It is important to discuss the cost and payment options with the surgeon's office before making a decision.

Conclusion

Breast implant surgery in New York City offers a range of options for patients looking to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. With a variety of expert plastic surgeons, different types of breast implants, and a comprehensive understanding of the surgery process and potential complications, patients can make informed decisions.

If you are considering breast implant surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. Take the time to research different surgeons, ask questions, and view before - and - after photos to ensure you find the right match for your needs. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast implant surgery and continue exploring related topics to stay informed about the latest advancements in the field.