Introduction
Breast augmentation is a sought - after plastic surgery procedure that aims to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. In New York City, there are numerous highly - reputed hospitals and skilled surgeons offering McGhan breast augmentation. This guide will provide comprehensive information about breast augmentation in NYC, including the procedures, hospitals, and important considerations for those interested in this plastic surgery option.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure. It can increase or restore the size of natural breasts using artificial implants or, in some cases, fat from the patient's own body. The procedure is not only for those who feel their breasts are too small or disproportionate but also for women whose breasts have changed due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
Reasons for Considering Breast Augmentation
- Perceived small or disproportionate breasts to the rest of the body.
- Asymmetrical breasts, where one breast is noticeably smaller than the other.
- Breast changes due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, such as reduced size or firmness.
- Desire to fill out clothing better.
- Improvement of self - esteem and femininity, especially for those with naturally small breasts.
Breast Augmentation Options
Breast Implants
Breast implants are the most common method for breast augmentation. They are devices made of a soft silicone outer shell filled with an FDA - approved silicone or saline substance and placed within the breasts under the existing breast tissue. Here are the types of breast implants:
Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Saline Breast Implants | Filled with sterile saltwater. Can be filled after being placed in the breast. | Less expensive, smaller incision required, if the implant ruptures, the saline is absorbed by the body without harm. | May not look or feel as natural as silicone, prone to rippling and wrinkling. |
Silicone Breast Implants | Filled with silicone gel, resembling the natural feel and texture of actual breasts. | Look and feel more natural, now available in round and anatomic shapes. | Small risk of gel escaping in case of rupture, requires a slightly larger incision, patients must be monitored regularly for rupture. |
Structured Saline Breast Implants | Saline breast implants with an internal structure. | More natural and realistic appearance compared to regular saline implants. | May still have some of the drawbacks associated with saline implants, such as potential rippling. |
Gummy Bear Breast Implants | Form - stable silicone breast implants that maintain their shape even when the implant shell breaks. Have a tapered top like the natural breast structure. | Look very realistic, low risk of leakage. | Require a slightly longer incision, relatively new technology, limited long - term data. |
Round Breast Implants | Rounded and evenly shaped on all sides. | No risk of external projection if they rotate out of place, provide fullness at the top of the breast. | May look less natural in some cases, depending on the body type. |
Autologous Fat Transfer
Breast augmentation through fat transfer removes viable fat cells from a region of the body with excess fat tissues, such as the thighs, abdomen, or hips. The fat is then gently extracted using liposuction, processed and purified, and finally injected strategically into the breasts. This method can only increase the breasts by one full cup size but has the benefit of being completely natural. The surviving fat will last indefinitely.
McGhan Breast Augmentation in New York City Hospitals
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in breast augmentation. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. There are different treatment options available:
- Silicone Breast Implants: Look and feel natural in the breasts.
- Saline Breast Implants: A firmer, rounder implant.
- NaturalFill: A fat - transfer technique pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. It involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen with liposuction and then inserting it into the breasts.
Before the surgery, patients have a consultation where the surgeon listens to their desires, explains the procedure, and answers questions. A physical exam and health - related questions are also part of the pre - surgery process to confirm the patient's candidacy for breast augmentation.
NewYork - Presbyterian
NewYork - Presbyterian plastic surgeons are passionate about helping patients feel their best. They offer a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast augmentation with implants. Starting with the initial consultation, they work with patients to understand their goals and discuss the best options for their needs. Whether patients visit in person or through a video visit, they can expect high - standard care with compassion.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
New York Group for Plastic Surgery provides some of the best breast implants in NYC. Dr. Jordan Jacobs, a well - trained surgeon at the facility, has received training from globally acclaimed medical leaders. The clinic offers two breast augmentation options:
- Breast Implants: Available in various shapes (round or anatomical), textures (smooth or textured), and sizes. Their surgeons recommend the ideal type based on the patient's unique needs.
- Autologous Fat Transfer: Removes fat from areas with excess tissue and injects it into the breasts for a natural enhancement.
During the consultation, they use Vectra XT 3D - imaging to help patients visualize the results and make more informed decisions.
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone's plastic surgeons are experts in performing breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery. They offer the latest reconstruction techniques, including breast reduction using the short - scar method, breast lift surgery, and secondary breast reconstruction and augmentation surgery. They also perform breast reconstruction using perforator flaps. The surgeons use three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care.
Dr. Nina Naidu
Dr. Nina S. Naidu is a board - certified female plastic surgeon in NYC dedicated to providing breast augmentation results that closely resemble the look and feel of natural breasts. She offers different types of breast implants:
- Saline Breast Implants: Less expensive, require a smaller incision, and the body can easily absorb the saline solution if there is a leak.
- Silicone Breast Implants: Feel and look much more like natural breast tissue, but patients need regular monitoring for rupture.
Dr. Naidu takes multiple factors into account when planning the surgery, such as the patient's existing breast measurements, aesthetic goals, and body frame. She also has specific preferences for implant placement and incision locations to ensure the best results and minimize complications.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Consultation
The consultation is a crucial step in the breast augmentation process. Surgeons at different NYC hospitals follow similar steps during this stage:
- Medical History: Patients are asked about their previous surgical procedures, health conditions, mammograms, breast biopsies, current medications, herbal supplements, and alcohol, nicotine, or recreational drug use.
- Physical Examination: The surgeon examines the breasts, measures the base width, notes the quality of the breast skin, and assesses the health of the skin and soft tissue. Photographs may be taken for planning purposes.
- Goal Discussion: Patients explain their desires for breast enhancement, such as the desired size, shape, and any specific concerns. Surgeons then recommend the most suitable breast enhancement procedure based on the patient's goals.
Pre - surgical Preparations
Patients need to take certain steps before the surgery:
- Those 35 years of age or older or with a family history of breast cancer must have a mammogram.
- Smokers must discontinue smoking for at least eight weeks before and after the surgery as smoking can inhibit the body's ability to heal and increase the risk of complications.
- Some medications and diet aids may need to be discontinued before surgery, and patients should consult their surgeon about this.
- Patients may create a recovery plan, including arranging for help at home, stocking up on pre - cooked meals, and setting up a comfortable recovery area.
The Surgery
The breast augmentation surgery typically follows these steps:
- Anesthesia: Patients can choose between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. The doctor will recommend the best option based on the patient's health and the surgical requirements.
- Incision: Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Common incision options include the inframammary fold (under the breast), the periareolar incision (around the areola), and the transaxillary incision (near the armpit). The choice of incision depends on factors such as the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and personal preference.
- Implant Placement: The breast implant is inserted into a pocket either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (subglandular placement). The placement method depends on the type of implant, the degree of enlargement desired, and the patient's body type.
- Closing the Incisions: Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time, the incision lines will fade.
Recovery
The recovery process varies depending on the augmentation method:
- Breast Implants: After the surgery, the chest may feel sore and stiff for about a week. Patients need to wear a compression bra for proper healing. Depending on the job, they may return to work after several days to a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks to a month. Most residual swelling will resolve after a month of recovery.
- Autologous Fat Transfer: This is a less invasive procedure, so the recovery timeline is shorter. Patients still need to wear a compression bra and limit strenuous activities. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work after a few days, and residual bruising and swelling typically resolve in about two weeks.
Risks and Complications
Breast augmentation, like any surgical procedure, has associated risks:
- General Surgical Risks: Reactions to medicines, breathing problems, bleeding, blood clots, and infection.
- Breast - specific Risks: Difficulty breastfeeding, loss of feeling in the nipple area, small or thickened scars, uneven position of nipples, different sizes or shapes of the two breasts, breaking or leakage of the implant, visible rippling of the implant, and the need for more breast surgery.
- Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue around the implant can thicken and cause the breast to become hard or misshapen.
- Breast Implant - Associated Lymphoma: A rare type of lymphoma has been reported with some types of implants. Symptoms include a mass or swelling around the implant and breast pain.
- Breast Implant Illness: Some patients have reported systemic symptoms such as fatigue, memory and concentration problems, joint and muscle pain, anxiety, hair loss, depression, rash, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and weight gain or loss. However, there is not enough evidence yet for it to be a recognized illness.
Costs of Breast Augmentation
The costs associated with breast augmentation vary. Since it is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is generally not covered by health insurance companies. After the initial consultation, the surgeon can determine the exact cost, which includes factors such as the type of implant, the surgical facility, the surgeon's fee, and any pre - and post - surgical care.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
Selecting the right hospital and surgeon for McGhan breast augmentation in NYC is of utmost importance. Here are some factors to consider:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for surgeons with extensive experience in breast augmentation. Check their training, certifications, and patient testimonials.
- Reputation: Research the hospital's reputation for plastic surgery. Online reviews and word - of - mouth recommendations can provide valuable insights.
- Technology and Facilities: Hospitals with advanced technology, such as 3D imaging, can offer better visualization of the expected results. Also, ensure that the surgical facilities are modern and meet safety standards.
- Patient - centered Care: The surgeon should take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and involve you in the decision - making process.
Conclusion
McGhan breast augmentation in New York City offers women the opportunity to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence. With a variety of hospitals and experienced surgeons, patients have access to advanced techniques and high - quality care. However, it is essential to thoroughly research the procedure, understand the risks, and choose the right hospital and surgeon. By doing so, patients can achieve the desired results and improve their overall quality of life.
If you are considering McGhan breast augmentation in NYC, take the time to schedule consultations with multiple surgeons. Ask questions, view before - and - after photos, and make an informed decision. This guide should serve as a starting point to help you navigate the world of breast augmentation plastic surgery in the city.