Introduction
New York City is a hub for cosmetic procedures, and breast augmentation is one of the most sought - after surgeries. In 2025, with the latest advancements in German - American breast implants, women in NYC have more options than ever before. This article will explore everything you need to know about breast augmentation in New York City, including top surgeons, types of implants, procedures, costs, and more.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery is designed to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. By inserting an implant into each breast, your breasts can be increased by one or more bra cup sizes. It is a popular aesthetic procedure that can have a significant impact on a woman's self - confidence and body image.
According to Dr. Antell, a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City, breast augmentation can be beneficial for various reasons. For example, it can help women who feel their breasts are too small, correct volume loss after pregnancy and breastfeeding, resolve breast asymmetry, or provide reconstructive surgery following breast cancer treatment.
Top Surgeons for Breast Augmentation in New York City
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over ten thousand plastic surgery procedures under his belt, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he has a remarkable reputation for producing beautiful, long - lasting results with reduced risks of complications. His work has been recognized in multiple magazines, such as Harper’s Bazaar and Town and Country, naming him one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
Dr. Antell addresses common complications like capsular contracture and provides comprehensive guidance on various aspects of breast augmentation, including implant types, placement, sizing, and breastfeeding after the procedure. He also takes the time to ensure that patients are well - informed and have realistic expectations.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions globally, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, staying at the forefront of plastic surgery advancements.
Dr. Kolker approaches breast augmentation with an artistic touch, aiming for natural and proportional results. He has extensive experience in various breast - related procedures, including breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reconstruction, and breast reduction. His work has been featured in numerous publications, and he has a high patient satisfaction rate.
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald is a board - certified New York plastic surgeon known for achieving natural results in breast augmentation. He has significant experience in breast implant surgery, performing hundreds of primary and revision breast augmentations yearly. He offers a choice of breast implant types, incisions, and placement options.
Dr. Greenwald is a top - rated doctor in New York and has been selected for the Mentor® lead program advisory board. He operates in a state - of - the - art surgical center focused on patient safety, and most of his patients experience minimal pain and a prompt return to normal activities.
Dr. David L. Cangello
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon experienced in cosmetic breast surgery. He offers personalized treatment plans, incorporating patients' tastes and preferences. His superior results have earned the trust of professional models from top agencies.
Dr. Cangello takes an artistic approach to breast augmentation, combining medical precision with aesthetic principles. He offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery, including breast lift, breast revision, and natural augmentation with fat transfer. He uses techniques like the “no touch” method with a Keller funnel to minimize incision size and infection risk.
Dr. Oren Z. Lerman
Dr. Oren Z. Lerman is a Manhattan - based breast surgery expert. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and has held leadership positions in professional organizations. He performs breast augmentation for women reconstructing after breast cancer treatment and those dissatisfied with their breast size, shape, or symmetry.
Dr. Lerman offers two options for breast enhancement: using breast implants (silicone or saline) or a patient's body fat. He carefully evaluates each patient's situation to determine the best approach and takes measures to prevent complications like capsular contracture.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a fellowship - trained, board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. Her breast augmentation surgeries focus on delivering natural - looking, personalized, and elegant results tailored to each patient's wishes.
She spends significant time with patients during consultations to understand their goals and determine the ideal implant type and placement. Dr. Hutchinson offers a variety of implant options and has experience in combining breast augmentation with other procedures for enhanced results.
Types of Breast Implants
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They closely mimic the texture and feel of natural breast tissue, providing a more natural appearance and touch. The gel is less likely to shift or slosh compared to other fillers. However, they arrive pre - filled from the manufacturer, so slightly larger incisions are required for insertion.
There is a risk of “silent rupture,” where the implant ruptures but the patient may not be aware as the body cannot absorb silicone. The FDA recommends that women with silicone breast implants undergo a breast imaging exam such as an MRI or mammogram every three years, starting the third year after the initial breast enhancement procedure. Allergan manufactures several types of silicone gel implants, like Natrelle Inspira Reps onsive, Natrelle Inspira Soft Touch, and Natrelle Inspira Cohesive, which are all “gummy bear” implants known for their more natural feel and shape retention.
Saline Implants
Saline implants have a silicone outer shell filled with a saline solution (sterile saltwater). One of the main advantages is that the body can safely absorb the saline filling in case of a rupture. Also, smaller incisions can be used as the implants are filled after insertion into the implant pocket. However, they do not resemble the look and feel of natural breast tissue as closely as silicone implants and are more prone to folding or wrinkling, especially in thin patients. Saline implants are also more likely to be visible under the skin surface.
“Gummy Bear” Implants
“Gummy bear” implants are a type of silicone implant made of a more cohesive silicone gel. They are form - stable, meaning they maintain their shape better than traditional silicone implants. Even if cut in half, no liquid will come out, similar to a gummy bear. They provide a very natural look and are less likely to ripple or fold. However, they require relatively large incisions for insertion and are usually the most costly type of breast implant.
Ideal Implant Structured Breast Implants
Ideal implant structured breast implants are round and contain two chambers and a layered system of external shells. They are filled with a variable amount of saline solution. These implants are designed to provide a more natural shape and reduced risk of rippling compared to some other saline implants.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Selecting the right surgeon is crucial for a successful breast augmentation procedure. Here are some factors to consider:
- Medical Credentials: Ensure the surgeon is board - certified in plastic surgery. This indicates that they have completed the necessary training and have met the standards set by the medical board. For example, all the surgeons mentioned above are board - certified, which is a sign of their expertise.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation. A surgeon who has performed many procedures is more likely to have encountered a variety of cases and can handle potential complications effectively. For instance, Dr. Antell has performed over ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentations.
- Patient Reviews: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of the surgeon's bedside manner, the quality of their work, and patient satisfaction. Online platforms and word - of - mouth recommendations can be valuable sources of information. For example, many patients of Dr. Hutchinson have left positive reviews about her thoroughness and the excellent results of their breast augmentations.
- Portfolio of Before - and - After Photos: Request to see a portfolio of the surgeon's previous breast augmentation cases. This will give you an idea of their aesthetic style and the results they can achieve. Surgeons like Dr. Greenwald review before - and - after photos with patients during consultations to help them understand sizing and expectations.
- Communication Skills: A good surgeon should be able to communicate clearly and answer all your questions. They should listen to your goals and concerns and provide honest advice. Dr. Cangello, for example, takes the time to have in - depth consultations with patients to understand their desires and develop a personalized treatment plan.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Consultation
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your general health and medical history. They will also assess the current condition of your breasts. Together, you will discuss your aesthetic goals and create a surgical plan. The surgeon will guide you through selecting the proper implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size.
They will also talk through the risks associated with the procedure and answer any questions you may have. It is important to be honest about your smoking habits, any medications you are taking, and your overall health during this consultation. For example, if you are a smoker, the surgeon may advise you to quit before the surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
Pre - operative Preparation
You will be given detailed instructions to prepare for the surgery. This may include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You may need to have pre - operative tests, such as a mammogram, and provide clearance from another doctor if required. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and have support for the first few days of recovery.
The Surgery
Breast augmentation is typically performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety.
The surgeon will make an incision in one of several locations: below the crease near where the breast meets the chest (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). They will then create a pocket either directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the pectoral (chest) muscle (submuscular placement) and insert the implant. Placing the implant behind the chest muscle may reduce the risk of capsular contracture but may also require a longer recovery time. After inserting the implants, the incisions are closed with multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a bandage is applied. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours.
Recovery
After the surgery, you will recover in a state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse. A specialized local anesthesia is used to reduce discomfort. Most patients can return home the same day as the procedure, but they should not drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
You may feel tired or sore following surgery, but many patients can return to most daily activities within days. However, it is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. You will need to wear a surgical bra, and the swelling in your breasts will take several months to fully dissipate, with the final result typically visible around 6 months. The scars will gradually fade over time but may never disappear completely.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Confidence: Many women experience a renewed sense of self - confidence and empowerment after achieving their desired breast size and shape. They may feel more comfortable in their own skin and more confident in social and professional situations.
- Improved Proportions: Breast augmentation can enhance overall body proportions, creating a more balanced silhouette. This can help clothing fit better and give a more harmonious look to the body.
- Customized Volume and Shape: With options for different types of implants in various shapes and sizes, surgeons can tailor each breast augmentation to achieve the look you desire. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic change, there are options available.
- Rejuvenated Appearance: For women who have experienced volume loss due to aging, pregnancy, or weight changes, breast augmentation can restore fullness and create a youthful contour.
- Corrected Asymmetry: Breast augmentation can help address natural asymmetry, creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
- Broader Wardrobe Options: Achieving your ideal breast size can open up more choices in clothing, providing a comfortable and flattering fit in a wider variety of styles.
Risks and Complications
While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, there are still some risks involved:
- Capsular Contracture: This is one of the most common complications. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing hardening, discomfort, and a misshapen appearance. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Surgeons may use techniques like placing an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or prescribing Accolate to lower the risk of capsular contracture.
- Bleeding and Infection: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, and infection can occur within a week after the procedure. Infection is usually treated with antibiotics, and in some cases, the implant may need to be removed.
- Numbness: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation, including numbness, pain, or tenderness.
- Implant Rupture: Rupture can occur due to injury or normal compression and movement of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and the breast will appear deflated. With silicone implants, a “silent rupture” can occur, and an MRI or mammogram is recommended for detection. In case of rupture, a revision surgery is usually performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's fee, the type of implants used (saline or silicone), the complexity of the procedure, and any additional fees such as operating room and anesthesia fees.
Saline implants are generally less costly than silicone implants. For example, Dr. Greenwald is temporarily offering special prices on breast augmentation surgery: primary breast augmentation surgery with silicone breast implants costs $8,295.00, and with saline breast implants costs $7,495.00 (these prices include the plastic surgeon’s fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee, the operating room fee, and the cost of the breast implants). However, the final cost can be different for each patient based on their specific needs.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation in New York City in 2025 offers women a range of options to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. With top - notch surgeons like Dr. Antell, Dr. Kolker, Dr. Greenwald, Dr. Cangello, Dr. Lerman, and Dr. Hutchinson, patients can expect high - quality care and excellent results. The availability of different types of breast implants, from silicone gel to saline and “gummy bear” implants, allows for customization based on individual preferences and body types.
However, it is important to thoroughly research the procedure, understand the risks and benefits, and choose a qualified surgeon. If you are considering breast augmentation, take the time to schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, ask questions, and review before - and - after photos. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you achieve the results you desire. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards a more confident you. Contact a reputable surgeon in New York City today to learn more about breast augmentation.
