Introduction
Breast silicone prosthesis implantation and repair are popular cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in New York City. Many women opt for these procedures to enhance their physical appearance, regain confidence after breast cancer treatment, or correct breast asymmetry. With numerous hospitals and surgeons offering these services, it can be challenging to choose the right one. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals for breast silicone prosthesis implantation and repair in New York City, as well as provide detailed information about the procedures, their benefits, risks, and what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.
What are Breast Silicone Prostheses?
Breast implants are devices used to change the size, shape, and contour of a woman's breast. Silicone breast implants consist of a flexible silicone casing filled with silicone gel, a soft gelatin - like substance. They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, such as round and teardrop - shaped. Compared to saline implants, silicone gel implants are often preferred by many women because they feel softer and more like natural breast tissue. Both silicone and saline implants are considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Procedures for Breast Silicone Prosthesis Implantation
Tissue Expander Process
Breast implant surgery is usually a two - step process. First, the surgeon inserts a tissue expander (similar to an empty balloon) under the chest muscles. Over several weeks, the expander is inflated until the desired size and shape are achieved. Then, a second surgical procedure is performed to replace the expander with the saline or silicone implant of the patient's choice. For example, at Mount Sinai, this method is commonly used, especially when the patient does not have enough natural tissue to cover the implant initially.
Direct - to - Implant Process
Some eligible patients may be recommended for a direct - to - implant breast reconstruction. This approach avoids the use of a tissue expander. The surgeon inserts the implant immediately behind the pectoralis major muscle, using innovative techniques to provide additional soft tissue support. C. Andrew Salzberg, MD, chief of the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital and professor of surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, pioneered this approach.
Top Hospitals for Breast Silicone Prosthesis Implantation and Repair in New York City
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai stands at the forefront of breast reconstruction surgery. Their team led by experts like C. Andrew Salzberg, MD, offers advanced surgical techniques for breast silicone prosthesis implantation. They are experienced in both the tissue expander process and the direct - to - implant approach. The hospital has a reputation for providing high - quality care, from the initial consultation to the post - operative follow - up. Patients can expect a personalized treatment plan based on their unique needs and goals. The staff at Mount Sinai is committed to ensuring patient safety and satisfaction throughout the entire process.
NewYork - Presbyterian
NewYork - Presbyterian plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field of breast reconstruction. They offer a wide range of breast reconstruction options, including autologous reconstruction and implant - based reconstruction. When it comes to breast silicone prosthesis implantation, they utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers to best meet the clinical needs of their patients. The hospital has a long - standing history of performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction, which has positioned them as leaders in this technique. Their team provides comprehensive support to patients from preparation to the healing process.
Columbia Surgery
Columbia University's plastic surgery program is one of New York’s best. Their breast reconstructive care program is dedicated to empowering individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery. The plastic surgeons on their clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization. They offer breast augmentation as part of their cosmetic care program, with a focus on achieving natural - looking results. The hospital is also actively involved in clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery, which means patients can benefit from the latest advancements in the field. For example, their plastic surgery research laboratory is conducting studies on stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy related to wound healing, which may have implications for breast implant surgeries in the future.
Leading Surgeons in New York City for Breast Silicone Prosthesis Procedures
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City. He is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. Dr. Antell is known for his expertise in addressing common complications such as capsular contracture. He offers personalized consultations to help patients choose the right implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size based on their body type and aesthetic goals. His patients have reported high levels of satisfaction with the results of their breast augmentation surgeries, citing enhanced confidence and a more balanced silhouette. Dr. Antell also emphasizes the importance of patient education, ensuring that patients are fully informed about the procedure, risks, and recovery process before making a decision.
Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman
Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman is an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters and has been included multiple times in Castle Connolly’s list of America’s top doctors and in New York magazine’s annual list of best doctors. He has participated in humanitarian surgical missions, showing his dedication to the field. At Columbia Surgery, Dr. Ascherman uses his expertise to provide high - quality breast silicone prosthesis implantation and repair services, ensuring optimal results for his patients. He is committed to providing compassionate care and using the latest surgical techniques to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Benefits of Breast Silicone Prosthesis Implantation
Enhanced Confidence
One of the most significant benefits of breast silicone prosthesis implantation is the boost in self - confidence. Many women who feel that their breasts are too small or have experienced volume loss due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging may feel self - conscious. After the procedure, they often report a renewed sense of self - worth and empowerment as they achieve their desired breast size and shape.
Improved Proportions
Breast augmentation can enhance overall body proportions. It helps create a more balanced silhouette, making the body look more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing. For example, a woman with a larger lower body and smaller breasts may find that breast implants bring her upper body into better proportion with the rest of her figure.
Customized Volume and Shape
Silicone breast implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing for a high degree of customization. Surgeons can work with patients to choose the implant that best suits their body type and aesthetic goals. Whether a patient desires a more natural - looking result or a more dramatic enhancement, there are options available to meet their needs.
Rejuvenated Appearance
Women who have experienced volume loss due to aging, pregnancy, or weight changes can use breast implants to restore fullness and create a youthful contour. The procedure can help reverse the effects of these factors, giving the breasts a more youthful and perky appearance.
Corrected Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry is a common concern among many women. Breast silicone prosthesis implantation can help address this issue by creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast shape. The surgeon can carefully select the appropriate implant size and placement to correct any differences in breast size or shape.
Risks and Complications of Breast Silicone Prosthesis Implantation
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications after breast augmentation. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing the implant to be restricted, resulting in a misshapen appearance, hardening of the area, and pain. Treatment may involve removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants. Using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) such as Strattice or Alloderm has shown promising results in resisting capsular contracture. This may also be combined with prescribing Accolate to significantly lower capsular contracture rates.
Bleeding and Infection
Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery. Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed if the infection cannot be controlled. Surgeons take precautions to minimize the risk of bleeding and infection, such as using sterile techniques during surgery and prescribing antibiotics post - operatively.
Numbness
Some patients may experience numbness in the breasts or nipples after the surgery. This is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent. The risk of numbness depends on factors such as the incision location and the extent of tissue manipulation during the surgery.
Implant Rupture
Implant rupture can occur as a result of injury or normal compression and movement of the breast causing friction with the man - made shell of the implant. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, resulting in the breast appearing deflated. With a silicone implant rupture, the silicone gel may stay within the capsule, but a revision surgery is usually performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Breast Silicone Prosthesis Implantation
Before the Procedure
Before the surgery, patients will have an initial consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of the breasts. They will discuss the patient's expectations and goals for the surgery and create a surgical plan accordingly. Patients will also be informed about the different types of implants, incision options, and the risks and benefits of the procedure. They may be asked to stop smoking, adjust certain medications, and make arrangements for someone to accompany them to and from the surgery and assist them during the recovery period. For example, they may need to arrange for childcare if they have young children.
During the Procedure
Breast augmentation is typically performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another form of “twilight” sedation. The surgeon will make an incision either below the crease near where the breast meets the chest, around the areola, or in the armpit. The implant will then be placed either directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the pectoral (chest) muscle (submuscular placement). The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete. Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures will be used to close the incisions, and the surgeon may place a layer of gauze and a bandage over the new breasts to speed healing.
After the Procedure
After the surgery, patients will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is used to decrease discomfort. Most patients can return home the same day as it is an outpatient procedure. They will be provided with discharge instructions, including information on pain management, wound care, and follow - up appointments. Patients may feel tired or sore following surgery, but many are able to return to most daily activities within days. However, they should refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The swelling in the breasts will take several months to fully dissipate, and the final result is typically visible around 6 months. It is important to follow all post - operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Cost of Breast Silicone Prosthesis Implantation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary significantly depending on several factors. These factors include the surgeon's fees, facility costs, the type of implants (saline or silicone), and any additional procedures or services. Saline implants are generally less costly than silicone implants, but surprisingly, about 85% of patients opt for the more expensive silicone implants. To determine the full and final cost of the procedure, other factors such as operating room and anesthesia fees, and a consultation fee (which may be rolled into the procedure) are also considered. It is recommended that patients consult with multiple surgeons to get a better understanding of the costs involved and to compare different options. Some surgeons may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon
Choosing the right hospital and surgeon for breast silicone prosthesis implantation and repair is crucial for a successful outcome. When selecting a hospital, consider factors such as the hospital's reputation, the experience of the surgeons, the available facilities and technology, and the quality of patient care. Look for hospitals that are accredited and have a good track record in performing breast implant surgeries. It is also important to read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of other patients' experiences.
When choosing a surgeon, ensure that they are board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. A board - certified surgeon has completed the necessary training and education to perform the procedure safely and effectively. Check the surgeon's experience, especially in performing breast augmentation surgeries. Ask about their success rates, complication rates, and how they handle potential complications. Additionally, have a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations. A good surgeon will take the time to listen to you and provide you with honest and accurate information. You should feel comfortable and confident with the surgeon before making a decision.
Conclusion
Breast silicone prosthesis implantation and repair are important procedures that can have a significant impact on a woman's physical appearance and self - confidence. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and experienced surgeons who offer these services. However, like any surgical procedure, it is not without risks. It is essential for patients to do thorough research, understand the procedure, its benefits, and risks, and choose the right hospital and surgeon.
If you are considering breast silicone prosthesis implantation or repair, take the time to explore your options, have in - depth consultations with surgeons, and ask all the questions you may have. By making an informed decision, you can increase the chances of a successful outcome and a positive experience. Reach out to the hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article to start your journey towards achieving your desired breast appearance.
