Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure, and New York City, being a hub of medical excellence, offers a plethora of options for those seeking such treatments. This article aims to provide an in - depth look at the top hospitals and surgeons for breast augmentation in New York City. We will explore rankings, key factors to consider when choosing a facility, details about the procedure, recovery, and more.
Understanding 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. There are mainly two common methods. One is using breast implants, which are curved silicone shells filled with either silicone gel or saline (a solution of salt and water). The other is fat grafting, where fat is harvested from another part of the patient's body, purified, and then re - injected into the breasts. This non - implant option is becoming more popular for those desiring a more natural approach.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Confidence: Many women experience a renewed sense of self - confidence and empowerment after achieving their desired breast size and shape. They may feel more comfortable in their bodies and be more confident in social and professional settings.
- Improved Proportions: It can enhance overall body proportions, helping create a balanced silhouette that aligns with one's aesthetic goals. This is especially beneficial for women who feel that their breasts are disproportionate to the rest of their body.
- Rejuvenated Appearance: For women who've experienced volume loss due to aging, pregnancy, or weight changes, breast augmentation offers a way to restore fullness and create a youthful contour.
- Corrected Asymmetry: It can help address natural asymmetry, creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
- Broader Wardrobe Options: Achieving the ideal breast size opens up more choices in clothing, providing a comfortable and flattering fit in a wider variety of styles.
Top Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospitals with Breast Augmentation Services in New York City
US News provides rankings for hospitals in New York City based on their performance in treating challenging obstetrics and gynecology patients. Some of these hospitals also offer breast augmentation services and have established themselves as leaders in the field due to their overall medical excellence, advanced technology, and experienced staff.
Hospital Name | Obstetrics & Gynecology Rank | Score | Specialties Ranked Nationally | Contact Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mount Sinai Hospital | #11 | 73.3 / 100 | 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties | 1 - 332 - 239 - 6252, New York, NY 10029 - 0310 |
Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health | #11 | 73.3 / 100 | 9 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties | New Hyde Park, NY 11040 - 1496 |
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell | #13 | 73.0 / 100 | 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties | 1 - 445 - 545 - 2492, New York, NY 10065 - 4870 |
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health | #16 | 71.4 / 100 | 10 adult specialties | New York, NY 10075 - 1850 |
NYU Langone Hospitals | #25 | 66.2 / 100 | 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties | 1 - 646 - 970 - 9951, New York, NY 10016 - 6402 |
Overview of These Hospitals
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is nationally recognized in multiple adult and pediatric specialties. It is likely to have a comprehensive medical team, including highly skilled plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff. Their experience in various medical fields means they can handle potential complications and ensure a high - quality surgical experience. For breast augmentation, they may offer advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the potential results before the surgery. This allows patients to have a better understanding of what to expect and make more informed decisions about the size and shape of their implants.
Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health
With its ranking in multiple adult and pediatric specialties, this hospital has a strong medical infrastructure. They likely have a patient - centric approach, with personalized care plans for breast augmentation patients. Their large number of ranked specialties indicates that they have the resources and expertise to manage any pre - existing medical conditions a patient may have during the breast augmentation process.
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
Affiliated with two prestigious institutions, this hospital has access to cutting - edge research and the latest medical techniques. The surgeons here are likely to be well - trained and experienced in performing breast augmentation procedures. They may offer a wide range of implant options, including the latest silicone and saline implants, and be up - to - date on the best practices for minimizing scarring and ensuring natural - looking results.
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
This hospital's ranking in adult specialties suggests a high level of medical proficiency. They may have a specialized cosmetic surgery department that focuses on breast augmentation. The staff at Lenox Hill may be particularly attuned to patient needs, providing detailed pre - operative consultations and comprehensive post - operative care. This includes follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone is known for its innovative research and educational programs. In the context of breast augmentation, this could translate into the use of new and improved surgical techniques. They may also offer alternative options such as natural fill (fat transfer) in addition to traditional implant - based breast augmentation. Their multidisciplinary approach may involve plastic surgeons working closely with other medical professionals to ensure the best possible outcome for patients.
Top Breast Augmentation Practices and Surgeons in New York City
In addition to large hospitals, there are several specialized breast augmentation practices and renowned surgeons in New York City. These professionals offer a variety of services and have different areas of expertise.
Surgeon/Clinic | Service Focus - Breast Augmentation (%) | Estimated Cost | Contact Information | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Nadia Afridi | 36 | $8900 | (212) 421 - 5100, 815 Park Ave New York, NY 10021 | Board certified plastic surgeon, very helpful and informative, staff is very accommodating, offers several breast augmentation procedures, uses “try on the look” to determine the best size and shape for patients, accepts credit card and insurance | By appointment only |
Dr. Richard Swift | 18 | $5000 - $10000 | (212) 828 - 9906, 110 E 87th st New York, NY 10128 | Board certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board of Surgery, provides detailed consultations, provides pre - and post - operative care, caring and helpful staff, accepts credit card, over 25 years experience | By appointment only |
Dr. Adam Kolker | Not explicitly stated but offers multiple breast procedures | $9000 – $11000 | (212) 744 - 3900 / (212) 744 - 6500, 710 Park Avenue New York City New York, 10021 | American Board of Plastic Surgery certified, American Board of Surgery certified, impressive educational background, friendly and helpful staff, offers several breast augmentation procedure, office is nice and clean | Leaves staff to answer patient’s concern, surgery is very expensive |
Overview of These Surgeons
Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Afridi is a well - respected plastic surgeon in New York City. Her high patient satisfaction is due to her personalized approach. She takes the time to understand each patient's unique goals and concerns. When it comes to breast augmentation, she carefully considers the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision, the type of implant (silicone or saline), and the size of the breast implant. Her use of the “try on the look” method helps patients visualize how different sizes and shapes will look on their bodies, which is a valuable tool in the decision - making process.
Dr. Richard Swift
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Swift has a proven track record in plastic surgery. He provides detailed consultations, which include discussing surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. His caring and helpful staff contribute to a positive patient experience. The fact that he is board - certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery gives patients confidence in his surgical skills. However, his by - appointment - only policy may be inconvenient for some patients.
Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Kolker has an impressive educational background and is highly skilled in breast procedures. He offers a wide range of breast surgeries in addition to breast augmentation, such as breast lift, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction. His office environment is professional and clean, which adds to the overall patient experience. However, his high surgical fees and having his staff answer patient concerns may be drawbacks for some patients.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast Augmentation Hospital or Surgeon
Surgeon's Expertise
The surgeon's experience and skill are crucial factors. Look for board - certified plastic surgeons who have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. You can check their educational background, the number of surgeries they have performed, and their success rate. Reading patient reviews and testimonials can also give you an idea of their surgical skills and patient satisfaction.
Hospital or Clinic Reputation
Consider the reputation of the hospital or clinic. Look for facilities that are accredited and have a good track record in patient safety and satisfaction. You can research online reviews, rankings, and any awards or recognition the facility has received. A hospital with a strong reputation in multiple medical fields may be better equipped to handle any complications that may arise during or after the surgery.
Technology and Techniques
Advanced technology can improve the accuracy and safety of the breast augmentation procedure. Look for facilities that use the latest 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the results, as well as modern implant materials and surgical techniques. For example, the use of fat grafting or anatomically shaped implants can lead to more natural - looking results.
Patient Care and Aftercare
Comprehensive patient care is essential. This includes pre - operative consultations to understand your goals and concerns, detailed explanations of the procedure and its risks, and post - operative care to ensure a smooth recovery. A good hospital or surgeon will provide follow - up appointments, guidance on self - care, and support in case of any complications. Emotional support during the recovery process is also important, as breast augmentation can have a psychological impact on patients.
Cost and Financing
The cost of breast augmentation can vary widely depending on the surgeon, the type of implants used, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the facility. It's important to get a detailed quote that includes all the costs, such as surgeon's fees, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and the cost of implants. Many clinics offer financing options to make the procedure more affordable, such as in - house financing plans or third - party medical loans.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - operative Consultation
During the pre - operative consultation, the surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your general health and medical history. This includes assessing your current breast condition, such as the size, shape, and texture of your breasts, as well as any pre - existing medical conditions that may affect the surgery. You will have an open and honest conversation with the surgeon about your expectations and desired outcome. The surgeon will guide you through selecting the proper implant type (saline or silicone), incision type, implant placement, and size. You should also inform the surgeon if you smoke or if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or drugs.
Procedure Steps
The breast augmentation procedure typically begins with the administration of anesthesia. It can be performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another form of “twilight” sedation, depending on the patient's preference and the surgeon's recommendation. Once the patient is sedated, the surgeon will make an incision. The incision can be made either below the crease near where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort is made to place the incision so that any scarring is as inconspicuous as possible.
After making the incision, the surgeon will create a pocket either directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the pectoral (chest) muscle (submuscular placement). The implants are then carefully inserted and centered beneath the nipples. Placing the implants behind the chest muscle may reduce the risk of capsular contracture, but it may also require a longer recovery time. Finally, the incisions are closed using multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures, and a layer of gauze and a bandage may be placed over the breasts to aid in healing.
Recovery Process
After the surgery, the patient will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can return home the same day. However, they should have someone to drive them home and assist them for the first few days.
Patients may feel tired or sore following surgery, but most are able to return to most daily activities within a few days. It is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks. The swelling in the breasts will take several months to fully dissipate, with the final result typically being visible around 6 months. Patients will need to follow all post - operative instructions carefully, which may include wearing a compression garment, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding activities that could put stress on the incisions.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation comes with risks and potential complications. Some of the most common risks include:
Capsular Contracture
This is a condition in which the capsule surrounding the implant restricts the implant, resulting in a misshapen appearance, hardening of the area, and pain. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue, and if desired, placing new implants. Placing an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) such as Strattice or Alloderm has shown promising results in resisting capsular contracture.
Bleeding and Infection
Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery. In most cases, it can be controlled during the procedure, but in some instances, additional treatment may be required. Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated by antibiotics. In severe