Introduction to Breast Augmentation in New York City

Breast augmentation, often referred to as a "boob job," has been a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure for decades. In New York City, a bustling metropolis renowned for its fashion, beauty, and self - expression, the demand for breast augmentation is exceptionally high. According to data, over 5 million women in the USA have undergone breast augmentation, with a significant portion being from large urban centers like New York City. For many women, breast augmentation is a way to enhance their confidence, improve their body proportions, or regain fullness after pregnancy or weight loss. In this article, we will explore the top - rated breast augmentation practices and surgeons in New York City, along with important considerations about the procedure.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is the enlargement of the breasts either through the transfer of fat from a part of the body or through surgical procedures using breast implants or saline. The most common method is the surgical approach, which mainly helps in enlarging or restoring symmetry to the breast. It offers a solution for those who have experienced a reduction in breast size due to weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, as well as those who seek a balance in their physical appearance.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

• Enhanced Confidence: Many women report a significant boost in self - confidence after achieving their desired breast size and shape.
• Improved Proportions: It can enhance overall body proportions, creating a more balanced silhouette.
• Customized Volume and Shape: With options for both saline and silicone implants in various shapes and sizes, surgeons can tailor the procedure to achieve the look the patient desires.
• Rejuvenated Appearance: For women who have experienced volume loss due to aging, pregnancy, or weight changes, breast augmentation can 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 clothing choices, providing a comfortable and flattering fit in a wider variety of styles.

Top Breast Augmentation Practices in New York City

1. Wimgo's Ranking

Wimgo offers unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in its ratings and reports, and does not allow paid placements in its rankings. Here are some of the practices it has highlighted:

2. Three Notable Surgeons

Dr. Nadia Afridi, MD

Dr. Nadia Afridi is one of the most popular surgeons in NYC for breast augmentation. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Canada, an associate fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Her practice focuses on women's health issues related to plastic surgery. She takes four key considerations during breast augmentation: the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision to insert the breast implant, the type of implant (silicone or saline), and the size of the breast implant. Her surgery usually lasts 1 - 2 hours under general anesthesia, and incisions are made in unnoticeable areas. The estimated cost of breast augmentation with her is $8900. Patients praise her for her professionalism, friendliness, and the helpfulness of her staff. She also performs breast augmentation revisions for patients not satisfied with previous procedures.

Dr. Richard Swift, MD

Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC. He offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments. He has earned many prestigious awards for his experience and expertise. He provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. It is recommended that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before the breast augmentation procedure and follow specific pre - and post - operative care instructions. The estimated cost of breast augmentation with him ranges from $5000 - $10000, depending on the extent of surgery and number of treatments. His team is known for being caring and helpful.

Dr. Adam Kolker, MD, FACS

Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He is well - known for his work in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. He has an impressive educational background, having graduated from highly selective medical programs. He offers a wide range of breast procedures, including breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, and more. His service is relatively expensive, with the cost of breast augmentation ranging from $9000 – $11000, partly due to the combined effort of his surgical and anesthesia team and the material used. He has been featured in many top lists, such as New York Magazine's Best Doctors, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons, and Castle Connolly's Top Doctors. Patients have given numerous positive testimonials about his work, but some note that his staff answers patient calls instead of him directly.

3. Other Reputable Surgeons

According to RealSelf, there are many other reputable breast augmentation providers in New York City. For example, Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS, a board - certified plastic surgeon with 30 years of experience, has an excellent reputation for patient care. Joshua A. Greenwald, MD, FACS, with 20 years of experience, is also highly regarded. Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS, another destination doctor with 30 years of experience, has received positive feedback from patients. These surgeons offer high - quality breast augmentation services and are trusted by many in the New York City area.

Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons Rankings

2024 Ranking

In 2024, Newsweek partnered with Statista for the fourth annual ranking of America's Best Plastic Surgeons. A total of 379 surgeons were recognized across five types of procedures, including breast augmentation. Some of the top - ranked breast augmentation surgeons in New York City from this list include David Hidalgo, MD, FACS, Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS, and Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS. To compile the ranking, thousands of medical experts were invited to an online survey in March and April, resulting in the collection of more than 8,400 votes for plastic surgeons representing all surgery categories. Only surgeons from the 20 states with the most plastic surgeons were included, and those offering only reconstructive or non - elective corrections were excluded.

Scoring Model

• In - state and Out - of - state Recommendations: Participants were asked to name leading plastic surgeons for each cosmetic procedure both within and outside their respective states. The order of recommendations was relevant, and self - recommendations were not allowed. In - state and out - of - state recommendations constituted 45 percent of the overall score.
• Quality Score: For in - state recommendations, participants rated the quality of care (e.g., consultation, complications, follow - up, outcome) on a scale from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent). This score accounted for 15 percent of the total score.
• Certification Score: Plastic surgeons with American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) accreditation received 5% towards their total score.

Important Considerations Before Breast Augmentation

Am I a Candidate?

Anyone in good health who is suffering from diminished self - confidence due to the desire for fuller breasts is likely a candidate for breast augmentation. Ideal candidates may include women who feel their breasts are too small for their body frame, those who feel self - conscious in certain clothing, women who have experienced breast size reduction after pregnancy or weight loss, or those with breast asymmetry. However, the decision should be based on personal needs, not external pressure.

Types of Implants

There are two main types of breast implants: silicone gel and saline. Silicone gel implants more closely mimic the texture and feel of natural breast tissue, while saline implants have the advantage of potentially being placed through a slightly shorter incision. Both types are FDA - approved and have been used for many years in breast augmentation surgery.

Cost of Breast Augmentation

The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on several factors, such as the type of procedure, the type of implants, and the surgeon's fee. In New York City, the cost usually ranges from $3,900 to $6,000, but this may not include the cost of the implants. Some surgeons, like Dr. Nadia Afridi, Dr. Richard Swift, and Dr. Adam Kolker, have specific estimated costs based on their services and expertise as mentioned earlier.

Payment Options

Most surgeons accept cash, credit cards (such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover), and checks. Some also accept financing options. CareCredit is a popular financing choice in NYC, offering no - interest plans up to 24 months and extended payment plans for 24, 36, 48, or 60 months with a competitive interest rate.

Free Consultation

Some surgeons in New York City offer free consultations, while others may charge a fee of about $100 - $150. It is advisable to start with an online consultation if possible. During the consultation, the surgeon will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your general health and medical history, assess your breasts, and create a surgical plan to achieve your desired outcome. You can also discuss implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size, as well as the risks involved.

Recovery and After - Care

Recovery Time

The recovery process after breast augmentation usually takes between six to eight weeks. However, many patients can return to most daily activities within days of the procedure. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two weeks. Full recovery, including the dissipation of swelling, may take several months. The final result is typically visible around 6 months.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's

• Ensure you rest very well.
• Eat healthy food.
• Take any prescribed medication to deal with pain or post - op issues.
• Do breast massages to help the implants settle well.
• Sleep on your back.
• Go for a post - op check - up if advised by your specialist.

Don'ts

• Don't sleep on your stomach.
• Don't do heavy lifting.
• Don't do intense exercises.
• Don't swim.
• Avoid smoking as it would delay the healing process.
• Don't ignore your specialist's advice post - op.

Tightness After Surgery

Tightness after breast augmentation is normal. It usually takes about six weeks or even longer to go away, depending on the type of implants. Breast massages, as advised by the surgeon, can help soften the tissue around the implants and aid in proper settling.

Risks and Complications

While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon, there are risks involved. The most common complication is capsular contracture, where the capsule surrounding the implant restricts it, causing a misshapen appearance, hardening, and pain. This can be treated by