Introduction
For women in New York City considering prosthetic breast augmentation, finding a reliable public hospital is of utmost importance. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the public hospitals in New York City that offer female prosthetic breast augmentation services. We will also delve into important aspects such as the procedure, types of implants, suitability, recovery, and costs. By the end of this article, you will have a well - informed understanding of the options available to you.
List of Public Hospitals in New York City for Female Prosthetic Breast Augmentation
New York City is home to several top - notch medical institutions that offer high - quality breast augmentation services. Here are some well - known public hospitals and medical centers:
- Mount Sinai: Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in breast augmentation. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize their new breasts before the surgery. The hospital offers a variety of breast augmentation options, including silicone and saline implants, as well as a natural fill technique using fat transfer. Their goal is to provide a natural - looking and long - lasting result.
- NewYork - Presbyterian: The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian are dedicated to helping patients achieve their desired appearance through cosmetic breast surgery. They offer a full range of services, including breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation with implants, and diep flap surgery. The hospital focuses on providing personalized care and the highest standards of treatment.
- Weill Cornell Medicine: Weill Cornell Medicine partners with NewYork - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are highly skilled and can help patients achieve a natural look. They offer a variety of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast augmentation, and prioritize patient comfort throughout the process.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job or breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing breast size, enhancing shape, or improving symmetry. In New York City, this procedure is carried out by board - certified plastic surgeons in accredited medical facilities to ensure both safety and quality.
Types of Breast Implants
There are two main types of breast implants commonly used in breast augmentation:
Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Silicone Breast Implants | These implants have a silicone outer shell and are filled with a silicone gel. They are known for looking and feeling more like natural breast tissue. |
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Saline Breast Implants | They have a silicone outer shell and are filled with a saline solution (sterile saltwater). |
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Natural Fill (Fat Transfer) Option
Some hospitals, like Mount Sinai, offer a natural fill technique for breast augmentation. This is a two - step procedure. First, the surgeon removes fat from the patient's buttocks or abdomen using liposuction. Then, the fat is immediately inserted into the breasts. This method uses the patient's own fat, which can be a more natural - looking and - feeling option.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
While only a board - certified plastic surgeon can determine if someone is an appropriate candidate for breast augmentation, in general, suitable candidates include:
- Those who desire larger or fuller breasts
- Individuals who want a greater degree of cleavage or outward projection from the chest wall
- Women who wish for breasts that appear higher up on the chest wall
- People who have a positive self - image but are frustrated with certain aspects of their breasts
- Individuals in good physical and mental health overall
- Those with sensible expectations for the outcome of the surgery, seeking aesthetic improvement rather than perfection
- Women who are pursuing breast augmentation of their own volition
- Non - breastfeeding women (women who are currently nursing should wait 12 weeks after they have stopped breastfeeding to undergo breast surgery to establish their true breast size)
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - surgery Consultation
Before the surgery, patients will have an initial consultation with the plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will listen to the patient's goals, examine the patient's body, and discuss the available options. The surgeon will also explain what happens during the procedure and answer any questions the patient may have. Some hospitals may use advanced 3D imaging technology to help the patient visualize the results.
Implant Placement Options
There are two main implant placement options:
- Subglandular Placement: The breast implants are placed under the glandular, or breast, tissue. However, this may not be a suitable option for women with thin skin or little body fat as the implant might be visible under the skin.
- Submuscular Placement: The implants are positioned under the pectoral, or chest, muscle. This option often results in a lower incidence of capsular contracture, better mammogram results, and a more natural look. Many surgeons prefer this option, with some placing over 95 percent of their implants in the submuscular position.
Incision Approaches
Surgeons offer different incision approaches for breast augmentation:
- Inframammary (Crease Incision): The incision is made in or near the breast's natural crease. It is easily concealed by the overlying breast and is rarely visible during normal activities. This approach allows for precise creation of the implant pocket and has a low incidence of capsular contracture and sensory changes of the nipple - areola complex.
- Periareolar: An incision is created around the outer perimeter of the areola. It can be the least visible in properly selected patients as it is concealed by the darker skin of the areola. It can be reused for revision surgery and is the preferred approach if a breast lift is needed.
- Transaxillary: The incision is placed in the armpit area. An endoscope is often used to create an implant pocket behind the breast tissue. This approach is often used for inserting unfilled saline implants, but it has an increased incidence of implant malposition.
Recovery after Breast Augmentation
Immediate Post - surgery
After the surgery, patients are usually sent home in a surgical bra with incisions covered. They must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Patients are typically advised not to engage in heavy lifting or exercising immediately. They can shower 36 hours after surgery in most cases.
Follow - up Visits
Patients will have several follow - up visits with the surgeon:
- First Visit (5 - 7 days after surgery): Any sutures requiring removal are removed, and steri - strips are replaced on the incisions as needed. Patients may be advised to continue wearing a soft or underwire bra depending on the implant position and start medial massage of the implants.
- Second Visit (18 - 21 days after surgery): The incisions are checked, and silicone scar therapy may be begun. Patients can usually return to the gym at this time and start more extensive massage of the implants.
- Subsequent Visits: Patients are typically seen 3 - 4 months after surgery and then yearly.
Recovery Timeline
The recovery time can vary from patient to patient, but generally:
- Most patients can resume normal activities within days of the surgery.
- Many patients require little or no pain medication.
- Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation, but in most cases, nipple sensation returns to normal.
- Patients are usually permitted to go to the gym at three weeks.
- It is recommended to sleep in a sports bra for three months.
- Some patients look great immediately after surgery, while others' implants take up to eight weeks to settle into a more natural position.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The overall cost of breast augmentation surgery in New York City includes the plastic surgeon's fee, the anesthesiologist's fee, the operating room fee, the cost of breast implants, and miscellaneous costs such as lab testing, the surgical bra, and pain medication. The final cost can vary depending on the patient's unique anatomical needs, aesthetic desires, the complexity of the surgical procedure, if an adjunct procedure is being performed at the same time (e.g., breast lift surgery), and the type of breast implants chosen.
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, it 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).
Success Rate and Risks of Breast Augmentation
Success Rate
In New York City, breast augmentation has a relatively high success rate. Many patients report satisfaction and enhanced confidence after the procedure. However, it's important to have realistic expectations as breast implants alone may not provide perfect symmetry, and some degree of asymmetry may still remain.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation comes with risks and potential complications, including:
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Alterations in nipple or breast sensations
- Implant leakage or rupture
- Development of scar tissue
- Unsatisfactory outcomes that may require further surgeries
- Complications related to anesthesia, such as respiratory problems and reactions to medication
- Psychological ramifications, as surgical procedures can impact mental well - being
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Thorough preparation is crucial for the success of breast augmentation. Before the surgery:
- Have detailed conversations with your surgeon about your medical background, allergies, current medications, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption. You may need to stop certain medications and habits, including smoking, weeks before the procedure as they can affect the healing process.
- Arrange for someone to be with you on the day of the surgery.
- Schedule sufficient time off work for recovery.
- Establish a comfortable space at home for recuperation.
- Follow your surgeon's team's advice on pre - operative fasting and hygiene guidelines.
Common Misconceptions about Breast Augmentation
There are several common misconceptions about breast augmentation:
- Breast implants are permanent: In reality, breast implants may require replacement after 10 - 15 years, depending on individual health and lifestyle factors.
- Breast augmentation is only for vanity purposes: Many patients undergo this procedure after mastectomy or as part of gender - affirming surgery.
- Breast augmentation hinders breastfeeding: While some cases may affect breastfeeding, the majority of individuals with breast implants can breastfeed successfully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers a variety of public hospitals and medical centers for female prosthetic breast augmentation. Mount Sinai, NewYork - Presbyterian, and Weill Cornell Medicine are among the top institutions providing high - quality services. When considering breast augmentation, it's essential to understand the procedure, types of implants, suitability, recovery, costs, risks, and common misconceptions. Make sure to have an in - depth consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon to make an informed decision.
If you're interested in learning more about female prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City, schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon at one of the hospitals mentioned above. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons, and don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have. Your journey to achieving your desired appearance can start today.