Introduction

Breast augmentation is a widely sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. Women from all walks of life choose this surgery to enhance their physical appearance, boost self - confidence, and achieve their desired breast size and shape. With the variety of hospitals and clinics offering breast augmentation services, it can be overwhelming to make a choice. This article presents a detailed list of the top ten hospitals for breast augmentation prosthesis shape in New York City, along with crucial information about the procedure, candidates, and after - care.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the size and shape of the breasts. It can be achieved through two primary methods: the use of breast implants (either silicone or saline) or fat transfer. The most common method is the use of implants, which involves inserting a curved silicone shell filled with a flexible substance (silicone gel or saline) into the breast through a small incision. Fat transfer, on the other hand, involves removing fat from one part of the body, such as the buttocks or abdomen, and injecting it into the breasts. Breast augmentation mainly helps in enlarging or restoring symmetry to the breast, providing a solution to those who have experienced a reduction in breast size due to weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, as well as those who want a better balance in their physical appearance.

As reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women in the United States underwent breast augmentation, despite the onset of a global pandemic, highlighting the high demand for this procedure.

Types of Breast Implants

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are known for their natural appearance and softness, making them a popular choice for many women. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants. These implants offer a more realistic look and feel, especially in women with less breast tissue.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and can be adjusted for size during surgery. They are often preferred for their flexibility in size and the fact that any leaks are safely absorbed by the body. However, they may have a firmer feel compared to silicone implants and might be more prone to rippling.

Gummy Bear Implants

Also known as form - stable implants, gummy bear implants are filled with a thicker silicone gel that maintains its shape even if the implant shell is broken. They provide a natural look and feel, with less risk of rippling. These implants are a good option for women who want a more structured and long - lasting breast shape.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation

Surgeon's Experience and Expertise

The experience and skill of the plastic surgeon are crucial. A surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation is more likely to achieve the desired results and handle any potential complications. Surgeons who have completed fellowships in aesthetic surgery or have a high volume of breast augmentation cases should be preferred. For example, Dr. Adam R. Kolker, a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City, has trained at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He also remains on the cutting edge of advancements in plastic surgery as an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Hospital Reputation

The reputation of the hospital matters significantly. Look for hospitals with a history of successful breast augmentation procedures, positive patient reviews, and high patient satisfaction rates. Hospitals that are accredited by recognized organizations and have state - of - the - art facilities are also more reliable.

Technology and Techniques

Advanced technology and innovative surgical techniques can lead to better results and a more comfortable patient experience. Hospitals that offer the latest imaging technology, such as 3D imaging, to help patients visualize their potential results are highly advantageous. For instance, Mount Sinai plastic surgeons use advanced 3D imaging technology to show patients what their larger breasts will look like on their unique body before scheduling the surgery.

Cost and Financing Options

Breast augmentation costs can vary depending on factors such as the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's fees. It is important to get a clear and upfront quote from the hospital and understand what is included in the cost. Some hospitals offer flexible financing options to make the procedure more affordable for patients.

After - care Services

Proper after - care is essential for a successful recovery and long - term results. Hospitals that provide comprehensive after - care services, including regular follow - up appointments, post - operative instructions, and support for any potential complications, are highly desirable.

The Top Ten Hospitals for Breast Augmentation Prosthesis Shape in New York City

1. Nadia Afridi, MD

Dr. Nadia S. Afridi is 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. Her service focus includes 36% breast augmentation. Dr. Afridi is specifically interested in women's health issues as they relate to plastic surgery. She has the expertise to provide personalized breast augmentation procedures, taking into account each patient's unique body type and aesthetic goals.

2. Norman Rowe, MD

Dr. Norman Rowe, MD is a board - certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with a well - known practice in New York City’s Upper East Side. His service focus shows 36% breast augmentation. He specializes in breast procedures, rhinoplasty procedures, and revision procedures. With his extensive experience, he can help patients achieve their desired breast shape and size, especially in cases where previous surgeries have not achieved the intended goals.

3. Laser Touch Aesthetics

At Laser Touch Aesthetics, the service focus for breast augmentation is 32%. They prioritize patient satisfaction and offer a personal medical spa experience. The facility utilizes the most advanced and safest laser treatment technologies for various related procedures. Their surgeons are skilled in using different types of implants to create a natural - looking breast shape.

4. New Look New Life Surgical Arts

Dr. Karlinsky - Bellini at New Look New Life Surgical Arts has a service focus of 30% on breast augmentation. She and her husband founded this clinic in 2009. Dr. Karlinsky - Bellini is a highly - trained cosmetic surgeon. The clinic offers personalized breast augmentation procedures tailored to each patient's unique needs and goals, aiming for a natural and proportionate breast shape.

5. West Village Plastic Surgery, The Natural Look

Dr. Kim at West Village Plastic Surgery has developed an algorithm for facial fillers, and his clinic has a 28% service focus on breast augmentation. He focuses on providing the highest quality of treatment and service to improve, restore, and harmonize the face and body. In breast augmentation, he uses his expertise to achieve a natural - looking breast shape that suits the patient's overall appearance.

6. Joseph Racanelli, DO

Dr. Joseph A. Racanelli is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, with offices in New York City and New Jersey. His service focus on breast augmentation is 27%. He specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery procedures such as breast implants and breast augmentation. His attention to detail, appreciation for symmetry, and aesthetic eye coalesce to provide beautiful and natural results for his patients.

7. Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery

At Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery, under the leadership of Dr. Nicholas Vendemia, the service focus on breast augmentation is 25%. They are a full - service plastic surgery practice specializing in breast augmentation, among other procedures. The clinic places a high regard on safety, innovation, and patient care, ensuring that patients get a well - shaped and aesthetically pleasing breast result.

8. Shafer Plastic Surgery & Laser Center

Dr. David Shafer at Shafer Plastic Surgery & Laser Center has a 16% service focus on breast augmentation. He is a double - board certified plastic surgeon specializing in all aspects of cosmetic surgery. He was trained at the Mayo Clinic and completed a world - class aesthetic fellowship for face, breast, and body. His ability to combine non - invasive and surgical procedures can contribute to achieving a natural and desired breast shape.

9. Doctors Plastic Surgery

Dr. Michael Bruck at Doctors Plastic Surgery has a 15% service focus on breast augmentation. The clinic offers affordable breast augmentation in NYC without compromising on quality. Their board - certified surgeons bring years of experience and have performed thousands of successful procedures. They can help patients choose the right implants and surgical techniques to achieve a good breast shape.

10. Daft Plastic Surgery

Dr. Melissa Doft at Daft Plastic Surgery has a 14% service focus on breast augmentation. She is board - certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery and is a clinical assistant professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. She seamlessly combines traditional surgical methods with the most state - of - the - art, data - proven new technology to achieve natural - looking breast augmentation results.

Shaped Implants for Breast Augmentation

What are Shaped Implants?

Shaped implants, also known as anatomical or teardrop implants, are a revolutionary advancement in breast augmentation. These specialized silicone or saline breast implants are meticulously designed to mimic the natural contours of the female breast, with a fuller lower portion and a tapered upper portion, resembling a teardrop shape. They offer a more natural and subtle enhancement compared to traditional round implants and are particularly favored for breast augmentation procedures where achieving a natural - looking result is a priority, as well as in breast reconstruction surgeries following mastectomy.

Who is a Good Candidate for Shaped Implants?

• Desire for a natural look: Candidates should have a preference for results that closely resemble the shape of natural breasts.
• Adequate breast tissue: Ideal candidates typically have a sufficient amount of existing breast tissue. Shaped implants are often recommended for women who want to enhance their breasts but do not require a significant increase in size.
• Thin or athletic build: Shaped implants can be an excellent choice for individuals with a slender or athletic build. They can help create a balanced and harmonious appearance without making the breasts appear overly large.
• Willingness to follow post - operative instructions: Shaped implants may require more careful post - operative care and follow - up appointments than round implants to ensure they settle into the desired position correctly.
• Realistic expectations: It's crucial for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcome of their surgery. While shaped implants can provide a natural look, they may not be suitable for those seeking a significant increase in breast size.
• Good overall health: Candidates should be in good general health and free from any medical conditions that could pose a risk during surgery or the recovery process.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Consultation

The first step in the breast augmentation process is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will listen to the patient's goals and expectations, examine the breasts, take measurements, and discuss the different options for implants, incision locations, and implant placement. The surgeon will also review the patient's medical history and determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure. Some surgeons, like those at Mount Sinai, use advanced 3D imaging technology during the consultation to help patients visualize their potential results.

Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery is typically an outpatient procedure that takes about 1 - 1.5 hours to perform. The patient will be given either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia. The surgeon will make a small incision in an inconspicuous area, such as under the breast, around the areola, or under the armpit. The implant will then be placed either under the chest muscle (submuscular plane) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular). The choice of incision location and implant placement depends on various factors, including the patient's anatomy, the type of implant, and the desired outcome.

Recovery

After the surgery, the patient will be fitted with a surgical bra to provide support to the newly enlarged breasts. Drainage tubes may also be left in place to ensure that fluid accumulation does not interfere with the healing process. The patient may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the initial days after the surgery, which can be managed with pain medication. The surgeon will restrict certain activities, like heavy lifting and workouts, for several weeks post - operatively. Most patients can return to light activities and work in 2 - 3 weeks and resume more strenuous activities, including going to the gym, at 6 - 8 weeks. It may take a few months for the implants to fully settle into place.

Potential Complications of Breast Augmentation

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. This is not breast cancer but rather a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can be effectively treated. It appears to be associated with implants that are textured and in patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). While the actual number of cases worldwide is not confirmed, it appears to be approaching 400 cases.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Breast implant illness is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed. These symptoms include memory loss and “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 potential complications of breast augmentation include breast pain, breast numbness, loss of sensation in nipples, implant leak, issues with breastfeeding, and capsular contracture (a condition in which the scar tissue that naturally surrounds the implant begins to compress). Some of these complications may require surgery or total removal of the implant.

After - care and Do's and Don'ts

Do's

• Rest well: Adequate rest is crucial for a smooth recovery. The body needs time to heal after the surgery.
• Eat healthy food: A balanced diet rich in nutrients can help the body recover faster and support the healing process.
• Take prescribed medication: Whether it is for pain management or to prevent post - op issues, it is important to take the medication as prescribed by the surgeon.
• Do breast massages: Breast massages can help the implants settle well and reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
• Sleep on your back: Sleeping on your back helps prevent pressure on the breasts and allows the implants to settle properly. It is recommended to wait at least two to three weeks before sleeping on your side after breast augmentation.
• Go for post - op check - ups: Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.

Don'ts

• Don't sleep on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on the breasts and may cause the implants to move out of place.
• Don't do heavy lifting: Lifting heavy objects can strain the chest muscles and interfere with the healing process. It is best to avoid heavy lifting for several weeks after the surgery.
• Don't do intense exercises: Strenuous exercises should be avoided for a few weeks to allow the body to recover. Light activities can be gradually introduced as the healing progresses.
• Don't swim: Swimming should be avoided until the incisions have fully healed to prevent infection.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It is recommended to quit smoking before the surgery and avoid it during the recovery period.
• Don't ignore your specialist's advice: The surgeon's instructions are based on their expertise and experience. Following their advice is crucial for a successful outcome.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation is a significant decision that can have a profound impact on a woman's physical appearance and self - confidence. Choosing the right