Introduction

In 2025, the demand for breast augmentation with implants and fat in New York City continues to rise. This procedure not only helps women enhance their physical appearance but also boosts their self - confidence. Among the medical institutions in the city, the Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and Gulou Hospital are often discussed in this regard. However, in the context of New York City, institutions like Mount Sinai, the practices of doctors such as William Lao and Nina Naidu, are also well - known for breast augmentation surgeries. This article will comprehensively explore the aspects of breast augmentation with implants and fat in New York City, including different surgical methods, considerations, and the role of various medical institutions.

Overview of Breast Augmentation in New York City

Breast augmentation has become a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. Many women seek this surgery to change the size, shape, or proportion of their breasts. The reasons for undergoing breast augmentation can vary, including genetic factors that result in small or asymmetric breasts, changes due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, or weight loss. According to statistics, from 2000 to 2006 in the United States, augmentation mammaplasty procedures increased by 55% (source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons).

New York City is home to numerous plastic surgeons and medical institutions that offer high - quality breast augmentation services. These providers have different areas of expertise and surgical techniques, providing patients with a variety of options.

Types of Breast Augmentation Methods

Breast Implants

Breast implants are a common method for breast augmentation. There are two main types of breast implants: silicone breast implants and saline breast implants.

• Silicone Breast Implants: These implants are filled with silicone gel and feel and look much more like natural breast tissue. They are now available in both round and anatomic (teardrop) shapes. The term “gummy bear” refers to anatomic - shaped silicone gel implants which, when cut, have a cohesive gel that does not leak. Although silicone implants have a long history of safety, patients must be monitored regularly by their physician to assess for rupture. Silicone breast implants require a slightly larger incision and are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old. For example, many patients who choose silicone implants prefer the natural look and feel they provide. However, the cost of silicone implants is relatively higher, and regular follow - up is necessary to ensure the safety of the implants.
• Saline Breast Implants: Saline breast implants are structured like a balloon filled with sterile salt water. They are less expensive than other types of implants and require a smaller incision. One of the major benefits of saline breast implants is that, if the implant leaks or is damaged, the body can easily absorb the saline solution. However, some people feel that saline breast implants do not look or feel as natural as other types of implants, and they are also prone to rippling and wrinkling. Saline breast implants are approved for patients who are at least 18 years old.

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer, also known as natural fill®, is a relatively new method for breast augmentation. This technique involves first removing fat from the patient's buttocks or abdomen using liposuction. The surgeon then immediately inserts that fat into the breasts to enlarge them. The advantages of fat transfer are that it uses the patient's own fat, which reduces the risk of rejection, and it can also help with body contouring in the donor area. However, the volume retention rate of fat transfer is often unpredictable, which may lead to the need for multiple procedures.

A study on function - preserving fat grafting in the breast found that in a group of patients, aesthetic augmentation required 1.9 ± 0.73 procedures, and the unilateral breast injection volume was 180 - 380 ml (265.5 ± 46.6); breast reconstruction required an average of 3.4 ± 0.71 procedures, and the unilateral injection volume was 140 - 370 ml (233.9 ± 67.7) (source: Function - preserving fat grafting in the breast: Results based on 18 years of experience). Also, a long - term follow - up study on autologous fat grafting to the breast for cosmetic enhancement showed that in 66 patients, 42.4% had significantly improved breast contour, 36.4% had improved contour, and 21.2% had no improvement (source: Autologous fat grafting to the breast for cosmetic enhancement: experience in 66 patients with long - term follow up).

Leading Medical Institutions and Surgeons in New York City

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging technology, to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look before surgery. This technology allows patients to try on different sizes of breasts virtually on a computer monitor, which helps them make more informed decisions.

At Mount Sinai, patients have several options for breast augmentation. The surgeons will help patients choose between silicone breast implants, saline breast implants, and the natural fill® fat transfer technique based on the patient's body type and desired outcome. They also take into account the patient's health status through a physical exam and a series of health - related questions to confirm that the patient is a suitable candidate for the surgery.

William Lao, MD

Dr. William Lao specializes in the aesthetic rejuvenation of the breasts. He offers a variety of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and fat transfer breast augmentation. One of his unique offerings is the scarless breast augmentation technique, where the incision is placed in the armpit, completely out of sight.

Dr. Lao has a high - quality patient experience, as evidenced by the many positive patient testimonials. Patients praise his kindness, consideration, and excellent medical skills. He is a graduate of Johns Hopkins Medical School, one of the finest institutions in the world, which adds to his credibility as a plastic surgeon.

Nina Naidu, MD

Dr. Nina Naidu is a female plastic surgeon in New York City dedicated to providing women with breast augmentation results that closely resemble the look and feel of their natural breasts. Her approach to breast augmentation is comprehensive and patient - centered.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Naidu will gather detailed medical information about the patient, including their medical history, previous surgical procedures, health conditions, and current medications. She will also perform a physical examination of the breasts to determine the patient's optimum breast implant size and the ideal location for the implant pocket. She takes into account various factors such as the base width of the breast and the quality of the breast skin.

For the second consultation, Dr. Naidu helps the patient choose the most suitable breast implant based on the patient's existing measurements and aesthetic goals. She uses sizers to assist in the selection process. She also explains the surgical plan in detail, including the length of the surgery, the location of the incisions, and what to expect during the recovery period.

Dr. Naidu offers a wide range of breast implants, including saline implants, silicone gel implants, and anatomic, highly - cohesive silicone gel implants. She is also experienced in different incision placements, such as the infra - mammary incision, the peri - areolar incision, and the axillary incision. Her preference is the dual - plane placement of implants, which provides optimal coverage of the implant and reduces the risk of visible implant edges and rippling.

Considerations Before Breast Augmentation

Medical Assessment

Before undergoing breast augmentation, patients need to undergo a comprehensive medical assessment. This includes providing a detailed medical history, including previous surgical procedures, health conditions, mammograms, breast biopsies, current medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. If applicable, information about alcohol consumption, nicotine, and/or recreational drug use is also required.

For patients over the age of 35 or those with a family history of breast cancer, a screening mammogram is necessary before the surgery. The surgeon will also conduct a physical examination of the breasts to assess the health of the skin and soft tissue, measure the base width of the breast, and note the quality of the breast skin. These assessments help the surgeon determine the patient's suitability for the surgery and the most appropriate implant size and placement.

Decision - Making

Deciding to have breast augmentation is a significant decision. Patients should have a clear understanding of their aesthetic goals and communicate them effectively with the surgeon. The surgeon will then provide professional advice based on the patient's body characteristics and medical condition.

When choosing between implants and fat transfer, patients need to consider factors such as the desired outcome, the number of procedures, the potential risks, and the cost. For example, if a patient desires a significant increase in breast size in one procedure, implants may be a more suitable option. However, if a patient wants a more natural approach and has sufficient fat in other areas of the body, fat transfer may be considered.

Pre - surgical Preparation

Patients need to follow certain pre - surgical preparations. For smokers, they must discontinue smoking for at least eight weeks before and eight weeks after the surgery because smoking can inhibit the body's ability to heal itself, increase the risk of complications such as infection and poor wound healing, and lead to more scarring.

Some medications and diet aids need to be discontinued prior to surgery, and patients should consult their surgeon about their use of daily medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It is also recommended that patients create a recovery plan, which may include preparing pre - cooked meals for the family, setting up a comfortable recovery area, and arranging for someone to take care of small children or pets during the recovery period.

Surgical Process and Incision Placements

Surgical Process

Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgery typically lasts 45 - 60 minutes, and patients will be observed for an additional 1 - 2 hours after surgery before being released. If multiple procedures are being performed during the same surgical session, the length of the procedure will increase.

During the surgery, the surgeon will carefully place the implants or transfer the fat to the breasts according to the pre - determined plan. Great care is taken to ensure the symmetry and natural appearance of the breasts.

Incision Placements

There are several common incision placements for breast augmentation:

• Peri - areolar Incision: This incision is placed between the pigmented skin of the nipple - areolar complex and the breast skin. It can be a good option for patients who do not mind a small scar around the areola and may be suitable for certain types of implant placements. However, there is a small risk of affecting nipple sensation.
• Infra - mammary Incision: Created within the crease at the base of the breast, this incision provides good access to the breast tissue. It has been shown in several studies to be associated with a lower risk of capsular contracture. The scar is usually well - hidden in the breast crease, but it may be more visible in patients with little breast tissue.
• Axillary Incision: Placed within the armpit, this incision offers the advantage of a hidden scar. It is a popular choice for patients who want to avoid visible scars on the breasts. However, the surgical technique for axillary incision may be more challenging, and there may be a slightly longer recovery time in some cases.

Recovery and Potential Risks

Recovery

Immediately following surgery, patients will be provided with detailed instructions about recovery. They are recommended to take a 2 - 3 hour nap after returning home and then have something to eat with their pain medication. Patients may shower the same day to remove any markings left on the skin.

Patients should start gentle arm exercises as described by the surgeon. By returning to gentle, controlled activity quickly, patients can experience a shorter and less uncomfortable recovery time. Tenderness should resolve a few days after the procedure. Patients should avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for at least two weeks after the surgery. Most swelling will resolve within one month, and the breasts will achieve their final shape and size within six months.

Potential Risks

The risks associated with breast augmentation include infection, bleeding, and scarring. Risks specific to breast augmentation include rippling, rupture, and capsular contracture. Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, which can cause the breast to feel firm, distorted, and may be painful. The risk of these complications can be reduced by choosing an experienced, skilled, board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, providing a thorough medical history, and following the pre - operative and post - operative instructions.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Breast Augmentation

In the context of the Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, although breast augmentation is a Western - originated surgical procedure, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may play a role in the peri - operative period. For example, TCM can be used for pain management, promoting wound healing, and reducing swelling and inflammation after the surgery. Some TCM herbs and therapies may help regulate the body's qi and blood, which is beneficial for the overall recovery of the patient.

The Department of Surgery at the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine is a national regional center for traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment. It has a dedicated research team for the application of traditional Chinese medicine during the peri - operative period. While their main surgical disciplines focus on areas such as hepatobiliary surgery, pancreatic surgery, etc., the experience and research in TCM application may potentially be applied to breast augmentation cases to enhance the patient's recovery process.

Conclusion

In 2025, breast augmentation with implants and fat in New York City remains a popular cosmetic procedure. There are various surgical methods available, including breast implants and fat transfer, each with its own advantages and considerations. Leading medical institutions and surgeons in the city, such as Mount Sinai, William Lao, and Nina Naidu, offer high - quality services with advanced technologies and patient - centered approaches.

Before undergoing breast augmentation, patients need to have a comprehensive medical assessment, make informed decisions, and follow pre - surgical preparations. During the recovery period, patients should follow the post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Traditional Chinese medicine may also have a role in the peri - operative care of breast augmentation patients.

If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to consult with a professional plastic surgeon to learn more about the procedure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and understand the potential risks and benefits. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation to spread the knowledge and help them make more informed decisions.