Introduction to Breast Augmentation in New York City
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. It has become increasingly popular over the years, with more and more women seeking to enhance their body contours and boost their self - confidence. Data released in November 2023 from the global intelligence platform Statista showed that in 1997, there were 900,000 cosmetic surgical procedures in the U.S., and by 2022, that number had grown to more than 1.87 million. A greater number of options for safe, less invasive surgeries and an increasing cultural emphasis on self - care and confidence have contributed to the positive societal attitude towards plastic surgery, including breast augmentation.
The plastic surgery department of the People's Hospital for Allergan breast augmentation in New York City is reported to rank at the forefront. This can be attributed to several factors such as experienced surgeons, advanced techniques, and high - quality patient care. Let's explore the various aspects of breast augmentation in New York City in detail.
Popularity of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is consistently one of the top cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed by American Society of Plastic Surgeons members. There are multiple reasons why women opt for this procedure:
- Enhancing body contour: Many women feel that their breast size is too small and want to enhance their overall feminine figure. For example, a woman who feels self - conscious about her flat chest may choose breast augmentation to achieve a more proportionate body.
- Correcting volume loss: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the natural aging process can lead to a reduction in breast volume. Breast augmentation can help restore the lost fullness. For instance, after childbirth and breastfeeding, a woman may notice that her breasts have lost their previous shape and fullness, and breast augmentation can address this concern.
- Balancing breast size: Some women have uneven or asymmetrical breasts, and breast augmentation can help correct this difference. For example, if one breast is significantly smaller than the other, the procedure can create a more balanced appearance.
- Reconstructive purposes: Women who have undergone breast surgery, such as a mastectomy due to breast cancer, may require breast augmentation as part of the reconstructive process.
Leading Plastic Surgeons in New York City for Breast Augmentation
New York City is home to many renowned plastic surgeons who specialize in breast augmentation. According to the America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024 rankings by Newsweek, some of the top plastic surgeons in New York for breast augmentation include:
Surgeon Name | Location | Notable Achievements |
---|---|---|
David Hidalgo, MD, FACS | New York - New York | Ranked highly in Newsweek's 2024 breast augmentation list. He has extensive experience and a good reputation in the field. |
Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS | New York - New York | Double - board certified. He is featured as one of America's best plastic surgeons in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 by Newsweek and is one of a few surgeons to be listed in all the featured categories: breast augmentation, facelift, eye lift, rhinoplasty, and liposuction. He is also highly regarded in New York Magazine's best doctors issues from 2008 - 2024 and Castle Connolly's America's top doctors from 2016 - 2024. |
Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS | New York - New York | Well - known for his skills in breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures, making him a top choice for many patients in New York. |
These surgeons have not only been recognized for their technical skills but also for their ability to understand patients' needs and provide natural - looking results. For example, Dr. Adam Kolker is known for his artistic approach, combining scientific and technical mastery with creativity to deliver beautiful and proportional results in breast augmentation.
Types of Cosmetic Breast Surgery in New York
New York's plastic surgery clinics offer a wide range of cosmetic breast surgery options:
Breast Reduction Surgery
Some women with overly large breasts may experience physical discomfort, such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate these problems by reducing the size of the breasts. It also improves the aesthetic appearance of the breasts and can enhance the patient's self - image. For example, a woman who has struggled with the weight of her large breasts for years may find relief and a new sense of confidence after breast reduction surgery.
Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy)
As women age, or due to factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations, their breasts may sag. Breast lift surgery can correct this sagging by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, resulting in firmer and more youthful - looking breasts. A woman who has noticed significant breast sagging after having children may choose a breast lift to restore the shape and position of her breasts.
Breast Augmentation with Implants
This is the most well - known type of breast surgery. There are two main types of implants used in breast augmentation: saline and silicone. Saline implants can be filled after placement, which makes them suitable for certain scarless breast augmentation techniques. Silicone implants, on the other hand, typically have a more natural look and feel. Surgeons will work with patients to determine the best type of implant based on their anatomy and aesthetic goals. For example, a patient who wants a more natural appearance may prefer silicone implants, while a patient who is interested in a scarless procedure may opt for saline implants.
DIEP Flap Surgery
DIEP flap surgery is a type of breast reconstruction surgery. It uses the patient's own abdominal tissue to reconstruct the breast, rather than using implants. This is a more complex procedure but can provide a more natural - looking and long - lasting result. Women who have had a mastectomy and prefer a natural tissue reconstruction option may choose DIEP flap surgery.
Breast Augmentation Process
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Most women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts are potential candidates for breast augmentation. However, they should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations. Ideal candidates include those with fully developed breasts, those who have lost breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, those with breast asymmetry, and non - smokers. For example, a 25 - year - old woman who has always been self - conscious about her small breasts and is in good health may be a suitable candidate.
Pre - operative Consultation
The pre - operative consultation is a crucial step in the breast augmentation process. During this consultation, the surgeon will have a comprehensive discussion with the patient about their medical history, including any previous surgeries, allergies, and current medications. The patient will also have the opportunity to explain their concerns about their breasts and the results they hope to achieve. The surgeon will perform a physical examination of the breasts, evaluating factors such as breast size, nipple position, skin quality, and pectoral muscle development. They will also show the patient different types of breast implants with various characteristics, such as volume, projection, and fill material (saline or silicone gel). Based on this information, the surgeon will create a customized surgical plan for the patient. For example, if a patient has loose skin and sagging breasts in addition to wanting an increase in size, the surgeon may recommend combining breast augmentation with a breast lift.
Incision Placement
The incision for breast augmentation can be placed in different locations:
- Underarm (Transaxillary): This incision removes all scarring from the breast. Some top New York City plastic surgeons use an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure through this incision. For example, a patient who is very concerned about visible scars may prefer an underarm incision.
- Under the breast (Inframammary): This is a common incision location. It provides good access for the surgeon to place the implant and can be well - hidden in the breast crease. It is often used for patients who choose silicone implants.
- Within the areola (Periareolar): This incision is also a popular choice as it can be relatively well - hidden. However, it may cause some changes in nipple sensation. Patients who choose silicone implants may also opt for this incision.
- Belly button (Peri - umbilical): Although less common, this incision can be used for certain types of breast augmentation. It allows for a relatively hidden scar, but it may have some limitations in terms of implant placement and the type of implant that can be used.
Implant Placement
Breast implants can be placed either under the breast tissue (subglandular or sub - mammary position) or under the pectoralis major muscle (subpectoral or submuscular position). Placing the implant under the muscle offers some advantages, such as reduced risk of capsular contracture and less interference with mammogram examinations. However, it may cause greater patient discomfort in the first few days after surgery and a slightly longer recovery phase. The surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each placement option with the patient and make a recommendation based on the patient's body type and preferences. For example, a patient with a thin layer of breast tissue may benefit more from under - muscle implant placement to achieve a more natural look.
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation can be performed with general anesthesia or IV sedation (twilight anesthesia). The anesthesiologist will work with the patient and the surgeon to determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia based on the patient's health and the complexity of the procedure. For example, a patient who is very anxious about the surgery may prefer general anesthesia, while a patient with a relatively simple procedure may be a candidate for twilight anesthesia.
Recovery
Full recovery from breast augmentation takes approximately two to three weeks. Patients can often return to work in just a few days, depending on the nature of their job. Those with non - strenuous or desk jobs can typically resume work in five days. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication for the first few days after surgery, and patients should rest and limit activity during this time. Ice packs may also be helpful to reduce swelling and discomfort. Swelling, bruising, and soreness are normal during recovery. Strenuous exercise and aerobic activity, including sexual activity, are restricted for the first ten days after breast augmentation. The surgeon may also recommend post - operative massage to help with the healing process. For example, a patient who has a physically demanding job may need to take more time off work to ensure a proper recovery.
Quality of Care in New York City's Plastic Surgery Departments
New York City's plastic surgery departments, including the plastic surgery department of the People's Hospital, are known for their high - quality care. They follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety and satisfaction.
Accredited Facilities
Many plastic surgery clinics in New York are accredited by organizations such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). This accreditation ensures that the facility meets high standards of safety, equipment, and staff training. For example, a plastic surgery clinic with AAAASF accreditation will have state - of - the - art surgical equipment and a well - trained medical team to perform breast augmentation procedures.
Skilled Surgeons
The plastic surgeons in New York City are highly skilled and experienced. They have completed extensive training, including medical school and specialized residency programs in plastic surgery. Many of them are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which requires them to pass oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures. For example, Dr. Adam Kolker is double - board certified, demonstrating his high level of expertise in plastic surgery.
Patient - centered Approach
Plastic surgery departments in New York focus on a patient - centered approach. They start with an in - depth consultation to understand the patient's goals and expectations. Throughout the process, from pre - operative to post - operative care, they provide personalized attention to each patient. For example, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson spends a significant amount of time with her patients during the pre - operative consultation to create a customized treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs.
Challenges and Risks in Breast Augmentation
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a potential complication of breast augmentation. Whenever an implant is placed into the body, the body forms a capsule around it. In some cases, the capsule may contract and squeeze the implant, resulting in breasts that appear round and high and may feel very hard to touch. Surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk, such as exercising extreme care in minimizing bleeding during surgery and using meticulous techniques to avoid contaminating the operation with particles or bacteria. For example, Dr. Rapaport advises his patients not to engage in aerobic activity for ten days following surgery to minimize the risk of small bleeding, and he uses the “no touch” technique for augmentation whenever possible.
Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)
One specific type of breast implant made by Allergan, namely implants with textured shell surfaces, were recalled worldwide as of July 24, 2019, due to the associated risk of developing BIA - ALCL. This is a very rare complication that usually presents as a mass or fluid accumulation (seroma) that manifests late, usually several years after the initial surgery. Most cases are treatable with surgical removal of the tumor, capsule, and breast implant. The FDA currently recommends that textured shell implants be removed only in patients who have symptoms or issues with their implants. However, many patients with textured implants prefer to have their implants replaced with smooth implants to avoid the potential development of BIA - ALCL.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation in New York City, especially in the plastic surgery department of the People's Hospital for Allergan breast augmentation, offers a wide range of options for women seeking to enhance their breasts. With the availability of experienced surgeons, advanced techniques, and high - quality care, it is no wonder that it ranks at the forefront. However, like any surgical procedure, it is important for patients to be well - informed about the process, risks, and benefits. By choosing a qualified surgeon and having realistic expectations, patients can achieve the results they desire and boost their self - confidence.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon in New York City. Discuss your goals, ask questions, and make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in New York City.