Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure, and in New York City, the demand for Korean - style breast augmentation has been on the rise. Korean - style breast augmentation focuses on achieving natural - looking, proportionate results that enhance a woman's overall appearance. In this article, we will explore the top 5 Korean - style breast augmentation surgeries available in New York City, along with detailed information about each procedure, the surgeons, and what to expect.
Understanding Korean - Style Breast Augmentation
Korean - style breast augmentation is characterized by its emphasis on natural aesthetics. It takes into account a patient's unique body frame, skin type, and ethnic features. For Asian patients, in particular, there are some special considerations. According to the National Institutes of Health, Asian women tend to be shorter and more slender, with smaller breasts, small areolas, and relatively large nipples. Korean - style surgeries aim to enhance the breasts in a way that looks harmonious with the rest of the body, creating a more natural and beautiful appearance.
Top 5 Korean - Style Breast Augmentation Surgeries in New York City
1. MINE Plastic Surgery - HD Endoscopic Breast Surgery
MINE Plastic Surgery offers a unique HD endoscopic breast surgery approach. This method allows for the creation of a dry pocket for the implant insertion, which has several advantages.
- Advantages of Dry Pocket Technique: The dry pocket technique, developed with extensive clinical experience, allows for the implant to feel natural and effectively prevents capsular contracture. It also minimizes pain and enables a quick recovery without the need for blood transfusions. In contrast to surgeries without a dry pocket, which may have bleeding, a higher chance of capsular contracture, and an artificial - feeling implant, MINE's dry pocket surgery ensures a more natural touch and movement of the implant.
- Personalized Surgery Approach: MINE uses 3D scanners for accurate analysis. This technology helps predict the surgery results by accurately measuring the chest cavity and breast volume difference. Surgeons can then personalize the surgery according to the patient's overall body ratios and chest cavity shape. For example, for inverted - type chest cavities, they delaminate less towards the middle to achieve a pretty breast shape; for narrow - type chest cavities, they accurately measure the size before choosing the implant; and for asymmetric - type chest cavities, they insert implants with different heights during surgery.
- Implant Options: The clinic has several FDA - approved premium implants. They recommend the implant closest to the natural shape and touch, depending on the patient's condition and requests. The implants are designed to have softness and elasticity that mimics breast tissue and a memory - gel type that naturally restores the breast shape.
- After - Care Services: To prevent side effects such as capsular contracture, implant movement, and change in shape, MINE provides thorough after - care services. These include using Smart - Lux to help with wound healing and lower the chances of capsular contracture, high - frequency treatment to increase blood and lymph circulation, decrease swelling and inflammation, and prevent capsular contracture, ultrasound to check for abnormalities and prevent rupture and implant movement, and scar laser treatment to improve the appearance of scars.
2. Dr. William Lao - Scarless Breast Augmentation
Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan, with over 10 years of experience. He is one of the top surgeons in New York City specializing in the scarless breast augmentation technique.
- Transaxillary Endoscopic Approach: Dr. Lao performs transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation, which is often referred to as “scarless breast augmentation” because the incisions are made in the armpit. This technique is particularly suitable for Asian patients who are concerned about scarring. With his training, he can effectively use endoscopic equipment to see all blood vessels clearly and perform a bloodless dissection to create the pocket for the breast implants.
- Breast Implant Selection Process:
- Saline or Silicone Implants: He offers patients the choice between saline and cohesive silicone gel implants. Saline implants are an empty silicone outer shell filled with sterile saline liquid after insertion, and they are often less expensive but may have a less organic feel, especially for thinner patients. Silicone implants are pre - filled with a silicone gel, providing a more natural look and feel but require a larger incision and are more costly.
- Breast Implant Sizes: Dr. Lao will recommend an appropriate implant size based on the patient's body type, but also takes into account the patient's personal preference. It's important to note that breast implant sizes and bra cup sizes are not the same.
- Breast Implant Shape: Currently, almost all implants used are round smooth implants because shaped (tear - dropped) implants are all textured, and texturing is associated with breast ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) and is not recommended at present.
- Implant Placement: The decision of whether to place the implants on top or beneath the muscle depends on the amount of breast tissue. For patients with less breast tissue, placing the implants below the muscle provides a more natural look, while for those with sufficient tissue, placing the implants on top of the muscle can enhance cleavage.
- Incision Placement: The most common placement options are inframammary and periareolar, but Dr. Lao also offers transaxillary and umbilical options. The transaxillary approach, when performed by a skilled surgeon like him, leaves no visible scars.
- Recovery and Results: The surgery usually takes 2 - 3 hours. Most patients return home on the day of surgery and can return to their regular routine in 2 - 3 weeks. The final results become apparent as the swelling goes down over a few months.
3. Dr. Adam R. Kolker - Artistic Breast Augmentation
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He combines scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity and perspective to deliver beautiful, natural, and proportional results.
- Personalized Aesthetic Goals: Dr. Kolker believes that true artistry in breast augmentation is based on the concept that "beautiful" should be more important than "size." He establishes each individual woman's aesthetic goals, distinct to her body type, to attain a proportionate outcome and the most natural results. For example, he takes into account a patient's height, weight, and body shape to determine the appropriate implant size and shape.
- Comprehensive Cosmetic Services: In addition to breast augmentation, Dr. Kolker offers a wide range of cosmetic surgery and non - surgical procedures, including facelifts, eyelid surgeries, liposuction, and injectables. This allows patients to combine breast augmentation with other procedures for a more comprehensive aesthetic transformation.
- High - Profile Recognition: He has been featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 - 2024 and as one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons in 2021 - 2024 by Newsweek. He is also distinguished in Castle Connolly's America's Top Doctors lists.
- Patient Testimonials: Many patients have shared positive experiences with Dr. Kolker. For instance, one patient said, “I could not believe my eyes. Dr. Kolker had done something all other surgeons had told me was not possible. He made the impossible, possible. I will forever be thankful to him for correcting my asymmetrical breasts and making me so happy.”
4. Dr. Tracy Pfeifer - Asian - Specific Breast Augmentation
Dr. Tracy Pfeifer has been practicing in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery for almost two decades and has performed breast augmentation procedures on patients of every ethnic group. She provides personalized, state - of - the - art care for Asian American patients.
- Special Considerations for Asian Patients: Asian women tend to have specific breast characteristics, such as small breasts, small areolas, and large nipples. Dr. Pfeifer takes these features into account when performing breast augmentation. She also considers the Asian tendency to produce hypertrophic scars and avoids incisions in the inframammary fold, which may result in more visible scarring. Instead, she offers surgical alternatives like the trans - umbilical approach, peri - areola approach, or transaxillary approach.
- Implant Choices: Asian women in general, according to Dr. Pfeifer, may prefer a transaxillary surgical approach, high - profile saline implants, and implant placement under the muscle. The average augmentation is approximately 300 cubic centimeters. Cohesive silicone implants are also a popular option, and she discusses all available choices with the patient to help them make an educated decision.
- Patient Ratings and Recognition: Dr. Pfeifer has been rated 4.82 out of 5 on real patient ratings, based on 253 ratings, with excellent patient reviews. She has been recognized in New York Magazine as a plastic surgeon “on the cutting edge.”
5. Dr. Theodore Diktaban - Experienced Asian Breast Augmentation
Dr. Theodore Diktaban is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon with over 35 years of experience. He has offered quality plastic surgery results to patients in Manhattan, specifically focusing on Asian breast augmentation.
- Scar - Minimizing Incision Placement: One of the primary concerns for Asian breast augmentation patients is scarring. Dr. Diktaban often prefers a transaxillary incision placement, which involves making a hidden incision in the underarm (axillary) area. He has over 25 years of experience with this approach. In other cases, a periareolar or inframammary fold incision may be used, but these are more visible on the breast.
- Implant Placement and Type: Asian breast augmentations may be completed with either saline or silicone gel implants. Dr. Diktaban often recommends placing implants below the muscle for patients with less natural breast tissue, as this creates a more natural appearance. Once the incisions are made, the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.
- Recovery Process: After breast augmentation, patients can expect minor swelling, bruising, redness, and some soreness. Dr. Diktaban will prescribe pain medication and instruct the patient to wear a supportive surgical bra. Most breast augmentation patients can return to non - strenuous routines one to two weeks after their surgery.
Common Considerations for Korean - Style Breast Augmentation
Implant Types
Implant Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Saline Implants | Less expensive, empty shell can be inserted through a smaller incision and filled with saline after placement, if it ruptures, the saline is safely absorbed by the body | May have a less natural feel, especially for thinner patients, higher potential for a noticeable rippling effect through the skin |
Silicone Implants | Provide a more natural look and feel, the gel inside creates a more natural movement and has a lesser chance of producing a rippling effect | More expensive, require a larger incision, and if it leaks, it needs medical attention |
NaturalFill (Fat Transfer) | Uses the patient's own fat, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions, can also have a body - contouring effect on the area where the fat is removed | There may be some fat reabsorption over time, so multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired result |
Incision Placement
- Transaxillary: The incision is made in the armpit. It leaves no visible scars on the breast and is suitable for patients who are concerned about scarring. However, it requires more surgical skill and may cause some temporary discomfort in arm movement.
- Inframammary: The incision is placed under the breast crease. It provides good visibility during surgery and is relatively easy for the surgeon to perform. But the scar may be visible when lying down or wearing certain types of clothing.
- Periareolar: The incision is made around the areola. It can be combined with a breast lift in some cases and may be less noticeable due to the natural color and texture of the areola. However, it may affect nipple sensation in some patients.
- Trans - umbilical: The incision is made in the belly button. It leaves no visible scars on the breast, but it has some limitations in terms of implant placement and may be more suitable for certain implant sizes and types.
Recovery and After - Care
Recovery after breast augmentation typically involves some swelling, bruising, and soreness. Patients are usually advised to wear a supportive surgical bra for a few weeks. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort. It's important to follow the surgeon's instructions regarding activities, such as avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a certain period. Regular follow - up appointments are also necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure the best results.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Selecting the right surgeon is crucial for a successful Korean - style breast augmentation. Here are some factors to consider:
- Board Certification: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by a recognized medical board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This indicates that the surgeon has met certain standards of education, training, and experience.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries, especially those with a focus on Korean - style or Asian - specific techniques. Surgeons with more experience are more likely to be familiar with the unique challenges and considerations associated with these procedures.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients to get an idea of the surgeon's reputation, patient satisfaction, and the quality of their work. You can also ask to see before - and - after photos of their breast augmentation patients.
- Communication and Rapport: A good surgeon should be able to communicate effectively with you, understand your goals and concerns, and provide clear and honest information about the procedure, risks, and expected results. You should feel comfortable discussing your desires and asking questions during the consultation process.
- Facility and Staff: The surgical facility should be clean, well - equipped, and accredited. The staff should be professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. They should be able to provide you with support and assistance throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the post - operative care.
Conclusion
The top 5 Korean - style breast augmentation surgeries in New York City offer a variety of options for women looking to enhance their breasts. Whether you are an Asian patient with specific breast characteristics or a woman seeking a natural - looking breast augmentation, these surgeons and their procedures can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Each surgery has its own unique features, such as scar - minimizing techniques, personalized approaches, and advanced implant options.
If you are considering Korean - style breast augmentation, it's important to do your research, consult with multiple surgeons, and carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option. By choosing the right surgeon and procedure, you can increase your chances of a successful and satisfying breast augmentation experience. Take the first step towards enhancing your appearance and boosting your confidence by scheduling a consultation with one of the top surgeons in New York City today.