Introduction
Breast augmentation has long been a sought - after cosmetic procedure, with many women in New York City looking to enhance their breast size, shape, or symmetry. In a city like New York, renowned for its high - end medical facilities and top - notch plastic surgeons, there is a wide array of options for those considering breast augmentation. This article aims to rank some of the formal plastic surgery hospitals for breast augmentation in New York City and provide a cost preview to help potential patients make informed decisions.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job or breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure that involves placing breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. The two main types of implants are saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt - water solution and are placed in the breast pocket and filled to the patient’s desired volume during the procedure. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are pre - filled and produced ready to be inserted. Silicone implants are by far the most popular, as they offer a more natural feel, but they are also a bit more expensive.
Ranking of Formal Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Sophie Bartsich, MD FACS
Dr. Bartsich is a top - notch cosmetic surgeon in Manhattan. With a 5.0 rating, she has been highly praised for her excellent hands and meticulous care during each step of the operation. She also has great bedside manners, which is an important factor for patients during a potentially stressful procedure. She offers breast augmentation procedures, although specific pricing is on request. Her practice focuses on delivering customized and natural - looking results, understanding that natural beauty is not a one - size - fits - all concept.
2. Nadia Afridi, MD
Dr. Nadia S. Afridi 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 36% on breast augmentation. She is specifically interested in women's health issues as they relate to plastic surgery. Dr. Afridi offers a range of breast augmentation procedures, taking into consideration factors such as the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision, the type of implant, and the size of the breast implant. She has received impressive reviews from clients due to her quality of work and patient - centric approach. Her estimated breast augmentation cost is around $8900.
3. Adam Kolker, MD, FACS
Dr. Adam Kolker is well - known in New York for his plastic surgery expertise. He is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Specializing in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face, he offers a number of breast procedures aside from breast augmentation, such as breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, and breast reduction. His estimated breast augmentation cost ranges from $9000 – $11000. However, some patients note that his service can be a bit expensive due to the combined effort of his surgical and anesthesia team, and his staff usually answers patient calls instead of him directly.
4. Richard Swift, MD
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments to enhance natural beauty. He has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise. His practice focuses on providing detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. He is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality care. His estimated breast augmentation cost is between $5000 - $10000, and his price is considered fair compared to other board - certified plastic surgeons.
5. RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center
Located in Brooklyn, RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center offers patients breast augmentation procedures among its total of 31 available procedures across 2 different specialties. Currently, there's no pricing information for breast augmentation procedures at the center, as all prices are available on request only, while the national average price is approximately $5,352. All procedures and treatments are undertaken by the lead specialist at the clinic, and they are accredited by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
6. Leonard Grossman, M.D.
Based in Brooklyn, Dr. Leonard Grossman offers patients breast augmentation procedures among his total of 36 available procedures across 3 different specialties. There's no pricing information for breast augmentation available as of now, with all prices on request. The national average price stands at around $5,352. However, the clinic is not accredited by any recognized accreditation institutes. Dr. Grossman is the first plastic surgeon in the world focusing on organic plastic surgery (OPS) techniques, which use the patients' own tissues to build and rebuild the face and body.
7. New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery
This Manhattan - based center offers breast augmentation as part of its 39 available procedures across 4 different specialties. Pricing for breast augmentation is on request, with the national average at approximately $5,352. The center is not accredited by any recognized accreditation institutes. Their mission is to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals through various plastic surgical procedures.
Cost Preview of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors. These factors include the surgeon's fee, facility costs, the type of implants used, and any additional fees for anesthesia, post - operative care, and medications.
Factors Affecting the Cost
- Surgeon's Fee: This is a significant portion of the total cost. Experienced and well - known surgeons with a high success rate usually charge more. Their expertise and reputation contribute to the value they offer. For example, surgeons like Dr. Nadia Afridi and Dr. Adam Kolker, who are highly regarded in the field, have relatively higher fees.
- Type of Implants: Silicone implants are generally more expensive than saline implants. The cost of silicone implants can range from $1,600 – $2,500, while saline implants typically cost $1,000 – $1,500.
- Facility Costs: If the surgery is performed in a hospital, the costs may be higher compared to an accredited ambulatory surgical center or a surgeon's in - house surgical suite. Surgeons with their own accredited ambulatory surgical centers may seem to have the potential to offer lower rates since they don't have to pay hospital fees. However, they often raise their fees to cover the operating and upkeep costs of the center.
- Anesthesia Fees: A board - certified anesthesiologist is an essential part of the surgical team. The cost of anesthesia and the anesthesiologist's services can range from $800 – $1,500. Using a qualified anesthesiologist is crucial for patient safety during the procedure.
- Additional Costs: There may be costs for recovery garments, prescription pain medication, medical clearance, mammograms, and blood work. Recovery garments can cost around $65, and medical clearance and blood work may incur a fee if not covered by insurance.
Overall Cost Range
On average, the cost of breast augmentation in New York City ranges from $4,000 – $10,500 according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. However, non - board certified surgeons in New York may offer it for $4,000 - $6,000. Patients should be cautious of extremely low prices, as they may indicate a lack of proper safety protocols or a lower - quality service.
The Procedure of Breast Augmentation
Pre - operative Phase
Before the breast augmentation procedure, patients will have a consultation with their surgeon. This is a crucial step where the patient can discuss their expectations, medical history, and the surgeon can perform a physical examination. The surgeon will also outline the procedure, discuss implant options (such as material, shape, size, and texture), and explain the post - operative care.
Patients are usually advised to make several preparations, including quitting smoking or using any nicotine product as nicotine can significantly impact the healing process. They may also need to taper off certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort. Arranging for a trusted family member or friend to pick them up after the surgery and setting up a comfortable recovery space at home are also important steps.
Operative Phase
The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision to create a pocket for the implant. There are different incision options, including an inframammary incision (under the breast), a periareolar incision (around the areola), or a transaxillary (under the armpit) incision. The choice of incision depends on factors such as the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's preference.
Next, the implant is placed either under the pectoral muscles (submuscular plane) or above the pectoral muscles (subglandular). This decision is based on the patient's anatomy, age, and vocation. For example, patients with sagging skin may have the implant placed subglandularly. Once the implant is in place and the desired enhancements are made, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and wrap the area with a compression garment.
Post - operative Phase
After the surgery, patients will stay in the recovery area until they are comfortable enough to return home. It is normal to experience moderate fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the initial days. Patients will be given a prescription for pain medication and a surgical compression bra to wear for a few weeks.
Most patients can resume light activities and work in 2 - 3 weeks, and more strenuous activities, such as going to the gym, can be resumed at 6 - 8 weeks. Swelling will gradually subside, and the implants will settle into place over a few months.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery Time
The recovery time for breast augmentation generally takes between one to two weeks, with follow - up visits to the surgeon. However, full recovery may take up to 6 - 8 weeks. During this time, patients should follow all post - operative instructions carefully.
Aftercare Instructions
- Medication: Take all prescribed medications as directed to alleviate pain and prevent infection.
- Compression Garment: Wear the compression garment provided by the surgeon to support the breasts and reduce swelling.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid vigorous activities, heavy lifting, and strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. This helps prevent complications and ensures proper healing.
- Sleeping Position: Sleep on your back for the first few weeks to avoid putting pressure on the breasts.
- Follow - up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow - up appointments with the surgeon. These appointments allow the surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
Success Rate and Risks
Success Rate
In New York City, breast augmentation has a relatively high success rate. Many patients report satisfaction and enhanced confidence after the procedure. The satisfaction rate is estimated to be over 95%, which contributes to the procedure's popularity.
Risks and Complications
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when a capsule of hard scar tissue forms around the implant, causing the breast to become hard. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the scar tissue.
- Asymmetry: The breasts may become slightly or obviously uneven. This can be due to factors such as differences in the healing process or the way the implants settle.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some women with breast implants may experience a range of symptoms, including memory loss, joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of BII and its link to synthetic implants is still being investigated.
- Implant Leakage or Rupture: Although rare, implants can leak or rupture. Silicone implants may require more careful monitoring as a silicone leak may not be as obvious as a saline leak.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection after the surgery. Symptoms of infection include fever, redness, swelling, and pain. Prompt medical treatment is necessary if an infection occurs.
Alternatives to Breast Augmentation
If you're considering breast augmentation strictly for cosmetic reasons and prefer non - surgical options, there are several alternatives available in New York City:
Fat Grafting
Also known as fat transfer, this procedure involves removing fat from different body parts, such as the thighs, abdomen, or hips, through liposuction and injecting it into the breasts. This approach is considered safer as it uses the body's own tissue, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or other complications. However, the amount of volume that can be added is limited, and multiple sessions may be required.
Hormonal Therapy
Some hormonal treatments may stimulate breast growth. However, hormonal therapy should be carefully monitored by a medical professional as it can have potential side effects on the body's hormonal balance.
Natural Remedies
There are various natural remedies and exercises that claim to enhance breast size. These include using herbal supplements and performing specific chest exercises. However, the effectiveness of these methods is often limited, and results may vary from person to person.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Hospital and Surgeon
Choosing the right plastic surgery hospital and surgeon for breast augmentation is crucial for a successful outcome. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
Research and Credentials
Check the surgeon's board - certification status, training, and experience. A board - certified plastic surgeon has met the necessary standards and has the skills and knowledge to perform the procedure safely. Look for surgeons who have experience specifically in breast augmentation and have a good track record of successful surgeries.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients. This can give you an idea of the surgeon's patient - care skills, the quality of the results, and the overall experience at the hospital or clinic. You can find reviews on the surgeon's website, third - party review sites, and social media platforms.
Before and After Photos
Ask to see before and after photos of the surgeon's previous breast augmentation patients. This will help you visualize the type of results the surgeon can achieve and determine if their aesthetic style matches your preferences.
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. This is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your expectations, and get a feel for the surgeon's communication style and approach. A good surgeon will take the time to understand your goals and provide honest and realistic information about the procedure.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City, and there are many formal plastic surgery hospitals and skilled surgeons to choose from. Understanding the procedure, the associated costs, the recovery process, and the potential risks is essential for anyone considering breast augmentation. By researching the available options, choosing a qualified surgeon, and following all pre - and post - operative instructions, patients can increase their chances of a successful and satisfying breast augmentation experience.
If you're interested in learning more about breast augmentation or are considering the procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon in New York City. Take the time to explore your options, ask questions, and make an informed decision that is right for you.
