The Plastic Surgery Guide for Endoscopic Dual - Plane Breast Augmentation in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

Endoscopic dual - plane breast augmentation is a cutting - edge plastic surgery procedure that has gained significant popularity in New York City. This procedure offers a range of benefits to patients, from enhancing breast size and shape to improving body contours and self - confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore every aspect of endoscopic dual - plane breast augmentation, including what it is, who is a suitable candidate, the procedure itself, recovery, and more.

Understanding Breast Augmentation in New York City

The Popularity of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most sought - after plastic surgery procedures in the United States, and New York City is no exception. Women from all walks of life, whether they have naturally small breasts, have had a mastectomy, or simply want to enhance their appearance, turn to breast augmentation to achieve their desired look. According to the references, many top plastic surgeons in New York City, such as Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures and have been selected among America's top plastic surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

• Improved Body Contours: Breast augmentation helps women achieve a more balanced and harmonious silhouette. It can correct asymmetry and give the breasts a more proportionate look in relation to the rest of the body.
• Renewed Confidence: Fuller and more natural - looking breasts can significantly boost a woman's self - esteem. Many patients report feeling more confident in their appearance and more comfortable in various social and professional settings after the procedure.
• Personalized Solutions: Whether a woman has gone through a mastectomy or has lost weight, breast augmentation can be customized to meet her specific needs. Surgeons can choose the right type of implants, size, and placement to ensure the best possible results.

What is Endoscopic Dual - Plane Breast Augmentation?

Defining the Dual - Plane Technique

The dual - plane breast augmentation involves placing the upper portion of the breast implants in the submuscular plane (beneath the pectoralis major muscle) and the lower part in the subglandular plane (behind the existing breast tissue but above the muscle). This unique placement combines the advantages of both submuscular and subglandular implant placements. The word “dual” means two, and “plane” refers to the loose connections between two adjacent tissue layers, in this case, between the pectoralis major muscle and the overlying breast tissue.

Benefits of the Dual - Plane Approach

• Enhanced Volume and Fullness: The dual - plane technique can effectively increase the volume of the breasts and create a more natural fullness, especially in the lower part of the breasts. It can also provide a lift effect, similar to a breast lift but without the need for extensive incisions in some cases.
• Natural - Looking Results: By having the upper part of the implant covered by the muscle and the lower part in direct contact with the breast tissue, the breasts appear more natural. This approach helps to hide rippling in the upper poles of the breasts and creates a more realistic contour.
• Reduced Risk of Complications: The submuscular placement of the upper part of the implant reduces the risk of capsular contracture, a condition where scar tissue surrounds and compresses the implant. It also provides better support for the implant, reducing the likelihood of the implant “bottoming out.”

Candidates for Endoscopic Dual - Plane Breast Augmentation

Ideal Candidates

The best candidates for endoscopic dual - plane breast augmentation are healthy women over the age of 18 who wish to enhance their breast size and shape. They should be in good overall health, non - smokers or willing to quit well in advance of the surgery, and have realistic expectations for the procedure. Women who have lost weight, especially after pregnancy, and have mild breast sag are often suitable candidates for this procedure. The dual - plane technique can create a “virtual lift” by releasing the pectoral muscle from its attachment to the base of the breast at the inframammary fold, which allows the muscle to lift the breast gland, and the implant then fills in the space.

Women who require breast reconstruction after a mastectomy and transgender women who want to achieve a more feminine chest contour may also be considered for this procedure, but their cases will be evaluated on an individual basis. It's important to note that breast implant surgery is not appropriate for women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant in the near future, or nursing. Those who wish to restore the shape and size of their breasts after they are done having children may be better served with a breast lift procedure or a combination of breast augmentation and breast lift.

The Consultation Process

Initial Meeting with the Surgeon

The consultation is a crucial first step in the endoscopic dual - plane breast augmentation process. When meeting with a plastic surgeon in New York City, such as Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, the doctor will introduce himself, ask about the patient's goals for breast implant surgery, and go over her medical history. The surgeon will also perform a physical examination of the breasts to assess existing soft tissue and skin elasticity, take measurements, and may take photos to assist with the planning process.

Viewing Before - and - After Photos

During the consultation, patients will have the opportunity to view before - and - after photos of former patients. This can help them set realistic expectations for the procedure and understand what results are possible. The surgeon will explain any specific limitations that apply to the patient's case and discuss what is and isn't realistic before making a treatment recommendation.

Making Important Decisions

The surgeon will discuss the surgery in detail and help the patient make several important decisions, including:

• Implant Type: The two main options are saline and silicone implants. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, and they are inflated during the procedure. They are generally a slightly safer option in case of a rupture, as the body can safely absorb the saline solution. However, they are more likely to create a rippling effect under the skin and tend to feel firmer. Silicone implants are pre - filled with a soft silicone gel or a semi - solid cohesive silicone gel, which mimics the feel of natural breast tissue more closely. They usually provide a more natural - looking result, but regulations limit them to patients 22 and older.
• Implant Size: Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (ccs). One cup size is approximately 100 - 150 ccs, and implants can range from 150 - 800 ccs. It's important to choose an implant size that will look natural in relation to the patient's body. Sizers can be used to help patients envision their new breasts and select the ideal size.
• Incision Location: Common incision sites for breast augmentation include around the areolas, under the breasts, and in the underarms. The choice of incision location depends on various factors, such as the shape of the breast, the type of implant, and the patient's preferences. The surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each option with the patient.
• Implant Placement: In the dual - plane approach, the upper part of the implant is placed under the muscle, and the lower part is placed over the muscle. The surgeon will determine the exact placement based on the patient's body type, the requested implant size, and the overall musculature of the chest.

Preparing for Endoscopic Dual - Plane Breast Augmentation

For Local Patients

Patients from New York City or the tri - state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) should arrange to have a friend or family member drive them home after the surgery. They should also make sure to fill any prescriptions written by the surgeon, such as antibiotics or pain medications, prior to the surgery. Patients who smoke will need to quit several weeks or months prior to surgery, and all patients will need to stop taking certain over - the - counter medications and herbal supplements about two weeks before the procedure. The surgeon's staff will provide a list of these medications in advance.

For Out - of - Town Patients

Out - of - town patients need to plan their travel and hotel reservations ahead of time to ensure a comfortable recovery process. It is recommended that they either hire a caretaker or have a loved one available to help care for them for at least two days post - operatively. If the patient will receive general anesthesia, they will typically need to refrain from eating or drinking after midnight on the night before surgery.

The Endoscopic Dual - Plane Breast Augmentation Procedure

Arrival at the Surgical Facility

Patients will arrive at the doctor's office or an outpatient surgical setting at their appointment time. They may be asked to complete some paperwork before the surgery. The doctor will use a surgical marker to create a blueprint of the procedure on the skin, marking the incision sites and the areas where the implants will be placed. The surgeon will also take “before” photographs to compare with the final results after the breasts have healed.

Anesthesia

Endoscopic dual - plane breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will ensure the patient's comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

Making Incisions

The surgeon will create incisions based on the pre - determined surgical plan. These incisions will eventually develop scar tissue, but efforts will be made to minimize scarring and ensure that it is well - camouflaged. The surgeon will then use different surgical devices to stretch the skin to accommodate the size of the implants.

Placing the Implants

If saline implants were chosen, they will be inserted into place and filled to the desired size. Silicone implants, being pre - filled, do not require this additional step. The implants will be placed in the dual - plane position, with the upper part under the pectoralis major muscle and the lower part over the muscle. Once the implants are in place, they will be secured, and the incisions will be closed with stitches.

Post - Procedure Care

Patients will be fitted with breast bandages to support the new size and shape of the breasts. A medical bra may also be provided for the patient to wear during the healing process. In some cases, surgical drains may be placed to release fluids that can accumulate in the surgery site. These drains are typically removed after a few days.

Recovery from Endoscopic Dual - Plane Breast Augmentation

Initial Recovery

Patients can expect to be sore and swollen for the first couple of days after the surgery. Pain medication and ice packs will help manage the discomfort. By keeping the upper body elevated while sitting or lying down, swelling can be minimized. If the patient has drainage tubes, the area must be kept clean, and the doctor will provide instructions to the patient and their caretaker before discharging them home.

Return to Normal Activities

Most patients are able to return to work and light activity about a week after the procedure, depending on the nature of their job. Any sutures used to close the incision are removed after the first week to ten days. However, strenuous activities, such as exercise and sexual activity, should be avoided for about six weeks to allow the body to heal properly. The surgeon will customize the recovery instructions based on each patient's individual case.

Breast Massage

Patients will be asked to massage their breasts for the next year, more frequently in the first three months following the procedure and less often after that. This helps to promote a supple, natural feeling of the breasts and prevent capsular contracture and the formation of excess scar tissue. However, if a patient undergoes both breast augmentation and breast lift, massage may not be the ideal healing technique as it can encourage the breasts to adjust to a lower position.

Full Recovery

It can take months or even years for a patient's body to heal completely, but the results can be enjoyed in a few short months. The breasts will feel normal again, and the implants will function as if they are a part of the body in about two to four months. The internal changes that occur to accommodate the implants are often unnoticeable and follow a regular course of healing.

Potential Complications of Endoscopic Dual - Plane Breast Augmentation

Common Complications

Although the risks associated with endoscopic dual - plane breast augmentation are relatively low, especially when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, there are still some potential complications, including:

• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site. The surgeon will take precautions to prevent this, such as thoroughly disinfecting the skin before the incisions are made and prescribing antibiotics. Patients should also follow proper wound - care instructions to reduce the risk of infection.
• Injury to Breast Tissue: During the surgery, there is a small risk of injury to the patient's own breast tissue. However, an experienced surgeon will use careful techniques to minimize this risk.
• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant and compresses it, causing the breast to feel firm or have an irregular appearance. The dual - plane technique can help reduce the risk of capsular contracture, but it can still occur in some cases.
• Implant Rupture or Rejection: Implants can rupture or be rejected by the body. Silicone implants may require more attention if a rupture occurs, as the gel may need to be removed. However, both silicone and saline implants are designed to be safe, and the risk of rupture is relatively low.
• Changes in Nipple Sensitivity: Some patients may experience changes in nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation. In most cases, this is temporary, but it can be permanent in some instances.
• Changes in Milk Production: For women who breastfeed, there may be changes in milk production after the surgery. However, many women are still able to breastfeed after breast augmentation.

If patients experience any postoperative problems or have concerns during their recovery phase, they should schedule a follow - up visit with their surgeon immediately.

Cost of Endoscopic Dual - Plane Breast Augmentation in New York City

Factors Affecting the Cost

The cost of endoscopic dual - plane breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the type of implants used, the length of the procedure, and any additional fees for the surgical facility and anesthesia. On average, breast augmentation in New York costs between $9,000 and $11,000. However, it's important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may be higher or lower depending on the individual case.

Financing Options

Most patients do not pay for their entire procedure up front. Financing is typically available to make the surgery more accessible. For breast reconstruction patients following a mastectomy, some of the costs may be covered by insurance, but insurance plans vary, so it's important to check with the insurance provider. When considering the cost, it's crucial to remember that choosing a less - experienced surgeon to save money may lead to more costly complications in the long run. It's safest to go with a surgeon who has a proven track record of safety and good results, even if their fees are a little higher up front.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Endoscopic Dual - Plane Breast Augmentation in New York City

Credentials and Experience

When choosing a plastic surgeon for endoscopic dual - plane breast augmentation, it's essential to look for a board - certified surgeon with extensive experience in performing this procedure. For example, Dr. Douglas Steinbrech in New York City is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons under the American Board of Medical Specialties. He underwent eight years of surgical training at New York University in general surgery, plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery and has been ranked in the top 10 plastic surgeons in NYC.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the surgeon's skills and the patient experience. Look for surgeons who have positive feedback from their patients regarding their professionalism, communication, and the quality of their results. For instance, many patients of Dr. Steinbrech have left 5 - star reviews, stating that he is extremely nice, professional, and informative and that they had an amazing experience with their breast augmentation procedure.

Commitment to Patient Education

A good surgeon will prioritize patient education and informed consent. They will take the time to explain the procedure in detail, answer all of the patient's questions, and help the patient make informed decisions about their treatment. Surgeons like Dr. Steinbrech maintain strict adherence to the American Board of Plastic Surgery's ethical guidelines and uphold transparency