Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that many women in New York City consider to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence. Selecting the right hospital is crucial for ensuring a successful and safe breast augmentation experience. In this article, we will unveil the top five hospitals in New York City for breast augmentation, along with a detailed look at the procedure, relevant considerations, and more.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job or breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing breast size, enhancing shape, or improving symmetry. It has become one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. In 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation, as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Types of Breast Implants
- Silicone Breast Implants: These implants have a silicone shell filled with 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. Over the years, there have been significant improvements in silicone implants, such as the development of cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants. These implants are thick enough to keep their form and minimize the risk of leakage if the implant becomes compromised.
- Saline Breast Implants: Saline implants are a curved silicone shell filled with a saline solution (a solution of salt and water). They are a firmer, rounder option. Saline implants are placed in the breast pocket and are filled to the patient’s desired volume during the procedure.
- Naturalfill (Fat Transfer): A new way to augment breasts uses a fat transfer technique known as Naturalfill®. This two - step procedure involves first removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen with a liposuction technique, and then immediately inserting that fat into the breasts to enlarge them using the patient's own fat deposits.
Factors to Consider in Implant Selection
- Material: As mentioned above, silicone and saline are the two main options, each with its own characteristics.
- Shape: Round implants are frequently chosen for their ability to add volume higher on the chest. Anatomical implants are teardrop - shaped and have a slight slope to replicate the form of the natural breast.
- Size: Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters, not bra cup size. The appropriate size depends on the amount of pre - existing breast tissue and the desired results. Sizes typically range from 120cc to 800cc, and implants also come in various widths, heights, and projections.
- Texture: A textured surface allows the tissues to heal more closely around the implant and prevents the implant from rotating or becoming displaced.
The Top Five Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai is a well - known and highly respected medical institution. Its plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They utilize the latest technologies to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. The advanced 3D imaging technology can actually demonstrate what the larger breasts will look like on the patient's unique body, allowing patients to virtually try on different sizes of breasts.
The hospital offers several options for breast augmentation, including silicone and saline breast implants, as well as the Naturalfill® fat transfer technique. The surgeons at Mount Sinai will consult with patients, listen carefully to their desires for enhancing breast size, and help them decide on the size and shape that will look best for their body. Before the procedure, a physical exam is performed, and a series of health - related questions are asked to confirm that the patient is a candidate for breast augmentation.
2. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties, according to U.S. News. It has a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons who are well - versed in the latest techniques for breast augmentation. The hospital's comprehensive approach to patient care ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment from pre - operative consultation to post - operative recovery.
Patients at New York - Presbyterian can expect personalized treatment plans. The surgeons take into account the patient's overall health, body type, and aesthetic goals when recommending breast implant options. They also provide detailed information about the procedure, potential risks, and aftercare to ensure that patients are well - informed and prepared for the surgery.
3. NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone is a leading medical center in New York City. It is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. The plastic surgery department at NYU Langone offers a wide range of breast augmentation services. The surgeons use state - of - the - art techniques and high - quality implants to achieve natural - looking results.
One of the advantages of choosing NYU Langone is its commitment to research and innovation. The hospital's surgeons are involved in ongoing studies to improve breast augmentation techniques and patient outcomes. They also provide comprehensive patient education and support throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to long - term follow - up.
4. Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
Lenox Hill Hospital is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. The hospital's plastic surgery team has a reputation for excellence in breast augmentation. They offer a variety of breast implant options and are dedicated to providing individualized care to each patient.
Lenox Hill Hospital emphasizes patient safety and satisfaction. The surgeons take the time to understand the patient's concerns and goals, and they work closely with patients to develop a treatment plan that meets their specific needs. The hospital also provides a comfortable and supportive environment for patients during their recovery.
5. Stony Brook University Hospital
Stony Brook University Hospital is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties. Its plastic surgery department offers breast augmentation procedures with a focus on using the latest surgical techniques and high - quality materials. The surgeons at Stony Brook are committed to achieving the best possible aesthetic results while ensuring patient safety.
The hospital also provides educational resources to patients, helping them understand the breast augmentation process, including the different types of implants, the surgery itself, and the recovery period. Stony Brook University Hospital's multidisciplinary approach involves other departments, such as anesthesia and nursing, to provide comprehensive care to patients.
Comparing the Top Five Hospitals
Hospital Name | National Ranking | Implant Options | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|
Mount Sinai Hospital | 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties | Silicone, saline, Naturalfill® | 3D imaging technology for visualization |
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell | 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties | Silicone, saline | Comprehensive approach to patient care |
NYU Langone Hospitals | 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties | Silicone, saline | Commitment to research and innovation |
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health | 10 adult specialties | Silicone, saline | Emphasis on patient safety and satisfaction |
Stony Brook University Hospital | 2 adult specialties | Silicone, saline | Multidisciplinary approach and patient education |
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Proper preparation is essential for a successful breast augmentation procedure. Before the surgery, patients should have detailed conversations with their surgeon about their medical background, allergies, current medications, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption. Some key steps in preparation include:
- Quit Smoking: Nicotine may significantly impact the ability to heal after treatment, so patients are usually advised to quit smoking or using any nicotine product weeks before the procedure.
- Medication Adjustment: Taper off current medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort.
- Arrange Support: Arrange to have a trusted family member or friend pick you up from the hospital after the surgery.
- Prepare the Recovery Space: Designate a comfortable space to recover at home and place necessary items within reach.
- Take Time Off: Designate 2 - 3 weeks to rest and recuperate.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure and usually takes 1 - 1.5 hours to perform. Here's a step - by - step overview of what happens during the procedure:
- Anesthesia: A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia, depending on the patient's preferences.
- Incisions: The surgeon will make small incisions to create a pocket for the implant. There are several options for incisions, including inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), or transaxillary (under the armpit). The choice of incision depends on the type of implant, the desired size, shape, and placement, as well as the patient's unique case.
- Implant Placement: The implant can be placed either in the submuscular plane (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandular (above the pectoral muscles). The decision on placement depends on factors such as the patient's anatomy, age, and vocation. Patients with sagging skin may typically have their implants placed subglandularly.
- Closure: Once the desired enhancements are achieved, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and wrap the area with a compression garment to protect the results.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the breast augmentation procedure, patients need to follow a strict aftercare regimen to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Here are some key aspects of recovery and aftercare:
- Initial Recovery: In the initial days after surgery, it's normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. A prescription for pain medication will be provided to help ease discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. A surgical compression bra should be worn for the next few weeks as the patient heals.
- Resuming Activities: In 2 - 3 weeks, symptoms should have subsided enough for patients to resume light activities and work. At 6 - 8 weeks, more strenuous activities, including going to the gym, can be resumed. By this time, swelling will have subsided significantly.
- Follow - up Appointments: Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are crucial to monitor the healing process, check for any complications, and remove sutures (usually one week after the surgery).
- Long - term Considerations: Although the implants will settle into place within a few months, patients should be aware that breast implants may require replacement after 10 - 15 years, depending on individual health and lifestyle factors.
Possible Complications
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation comes with potential risks and complications. Some of the possible complications include:
- Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Over the past few years, researchers have found that women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL. It appears to be associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). Although it is not breast cancer, it is a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that 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, “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: These may include infections, bleeding, alterations in nipple or breast sensations, implant leakage or rupture, development of scar tissue, and unsatisfactory outcomes that could necessitate further surgeries. Some individuals may also encounter complications tied to anesthesia, such as respiratory problems and reactions to medication.
Alternatives to Breast Augmentation
If a patient is considering breast augmentation strictly for cosmetic reasons and prefers non - surgical options, there are several alternatives available in New York City:
- Fat Grafting: Also known as fat transfer, this involves removing fat from different body parts and injecting it into the breasts. It is regarded as a safer option because it uses the body's own tissue, minimizing complications.
- Hormonal Therapy: In some cases, hormonal therapy may be recommended to stimulate breast growth. However, this option should be carefully considered due to potential side effects.
- Natural Remedies: Some natural remedies, such as herbal supplements, claim to enhance breast size. However, their effectiveness is not scientifically proven, and they may also have potential risks.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a popular and life - changing procedure for many women in New York City. The top five hospitals - Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, NYU Langone Hospitals, Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health, and Stony Brook University Hospital - offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and a variety of implant options. However, it is important for patients to carefully consider all aspects of the procedure, including the hospital selection, implant choices, potential risks, and aftercare.
If you are considering breast augmentation, take the time to research these hospitals, schedule consultations with their surgeons, and make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation, and explore more resources on breast health and cosmetic surgery to ensure a successful and satisfying experience.