Breast Augmentation with Silicone Prostheses in New York City: An In - depth Guide
Introduction
Breast augmentation with silicone prostheses has long been a popular cosmetic procedure for women in New York City. Whether to enhance natural beauty, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or correct asymmetry, the demand for this procedure continues to rise. With numerous hospitals and clinics offering breast augmentation services, having an updated ranking can be extremely helpful for patients to make informed decisions. In this article, we will explore the key factors related to breast augmentation with silicone prostheses, and also take a look at some of the top - ranked institutions in New York City.
Understanding Breast Augmentation with Silicone Prostheses
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. It is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation in the US despite the onset of a global pandemic.
Silicone Prostheses in Breast Augmentation
Silicone breast implants are a popular choice among patients. Developed in the early 1960s by Dow Chemical, silicone implants have undergone many important modifications and improvements over the years. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants. They are pre - filled by the manufacturer with a cohesive, silicone gel. Many patients find that they feel more natural to the touch and aesthetically look more natural too. However, the FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell, although it is only a recommendation and not mandated. Silicone implants are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation with Silicone Prostheses
- Enhanced Confidence: Many women experience a renewed sense of self - confidence and empowerment after achieving their desired breast size and shape. For example, women who previously felt self - conscious about their small breasts may feel more comfortable in their own skin and more confident in social and professional settings.
- Improved Proportions: It can enhance overall body proportions, helping create a balanced silhouette that aligns with aesthetic goals. A woman with a smaller bust relative to her hips and waist may achieve a more hourglass figure through breast augmentation.
- Restored Volume: For women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, weight reduction, or aging, breast augmentation can restore fullness and create a youthful contour. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman's breasts may lose their shape and volume, and silicone prostheses can help bring back the pre - pregnancy look.
- Corrected Asymmetry: It can help address natural asymmetry, creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast shape. Some women are born with unevenly sized breasts, and breast augmentation can correct this issue.
Considerations Before Breast Augmentation
Candidate Selection
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for breast augmentation. Ideal candidates are typically healthy adults (at least 18 years old for saline implants and 22 years old for silicone implants). They should be non - smokers or willing to quit until completing recovery, understand what the surgery entails, and be willing to follow pre - and post - operative instructions. Women who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding are not suitable candidates. Additionally, candidates should have realistic expectations for what the procedure can achieve and be aware of the risks and benefits associated with synthetic implants.
Pre - operative Preparation
- Medical Evaluation: A comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary to determine a patient's overall health. This includes a physical exam, review of medical history, and possibly some laboratory tests. For example, a patient with a history of heart disease may require additional cardiac evaluations before surgery.
- Lifestyle Changes: Patients are usually advised to quit smoking or using any nicotine product as nicotine may significantly impact the ability to heal after treatment. They should also taper off current medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort.
- Support System: Arranging for a trusted family member or friend to pick the patient up from the hospital after surgery and stay with them for the first few days is essential. Designating a comfortable space to recover at home and placing necessary items within reach is also recommended.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Implant Placement and Incision
There are different options for implant placement and incision. Implants can be placed either submuscularly (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandularly (above the pectoral muscles). The choice of placement depends on various factors such as the patient's anatomy, age, and vocation. Women with signs of ptosis or sagging skin may typically have their implants placed subglandularly.
There are also different incision options:
- Inframammary Incision: Made in the crease between the breast and the chest wall. This approach provides good access to the breast pocket and is commonly used for silicone implants.
- Periareolar Incision: Around the areola (the area around the nipple). This incision can be well - hidden, but it may have a slightly higher risk of nipple sensation changes.
- Transaxillary Incision: In the armpit. It allows for a scar that is not directly on the breast, but it may be more challenging to place the implant precisely.
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or with another form of “twilight” sedation. In either case, a board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure to ensure safety.
Surgery Duration
The breast augmentation procedure usually takes between one and two hours. During the surgery, the surgeon will create a pocket for the implant through the chosen incision, place the silicone prosthesis in the pocket, and then close the incisions with sutures.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, patients will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until they feel well enough to be discharged. They will have a surgical dressing over their incisions and will be wearing a post - surgical bra. It is normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the initial days after surgery. A prescription for pain medication will be provided to help ease discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days.
Recovery Timeline
| Time Frame | Expected Recovery Milestones |
|---|---|
| First few days | Stay at home, rest, take pain medication as prescribed. Avoid strenuous activities. Swelling and bruising are common. |
| One week | Most patients can resume non - strenuous and non - contact sport activities. However, they should still avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise. |
| 2 - 3 weeks | Symptoms such as swelling and discomfort will have subsided enough for patients to resume light activities and work. |
| 6 - 8 weeks | Patients can continue more strenuous activities, including going to the gym. By this point, swelling will have subsided significantly, but the breasts may still feel a bit firm. |
| Several months | The implants will have settled into place, and patients can celebrate their final results. |
Follow - up Appointments
Regular follow - up appointments are crucial for ensuring proper healing. Surgeons usually schedule an appointment one week after the procedure, then at four weeks and 12 weeks. These appointments allow the surgeon to evaluate the healing process, remove sutures if necessary, and address any concerns the patient may have.
Potential Complications
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 hardening or discomfort. In severe cases, it can result in a misshapen appearance of the breast. Capsular contracture can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue, and if desired, placing new implants. Some surgeons use an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) such as Strattice or Alloderm to help prevent capsular contracture.
Bleeding and Infection
Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery. If it is significant, it may require additional intervention to stop the bleeding. Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated by antibiotics. In some cases, removing the implant may be necessary if the infection does not respond to treatment.
Implant Rupture
Implant rupture can occur as a result of injury or from 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 both saline and silicone implant ruptures, a revision surgery is performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL)
Although rare, researchers have found that women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL. It is a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can be effectively treated. It appears to be associated with implants that are textured and in patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). To date, there have only been two cases associated with smooth implants, and those patients had previously placed textured implants.
Top - Ranked Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City specializing in breast augmentation and cosmetic surgery procedures. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Kolker is featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York Magazine's best doctors issues from 2008 - 2024 and is one of America's best plastic surgeons in 2021 - 2024 according to Newsweek. He is also distinguished in Castle Connolly's America's top doctors. Patients praise him for his ability to achieve beautiful, natural, and proportional results in breast augmentation.
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City and a board - certified plastic surgeon. He has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he has been honored for his groundbreaking research. He has been listed in multiple magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar and Town and Country, as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Dr. Antell's breast augmentation patients report high levels of satisfaction, and he is known for his expertise in preventing and treating complications such as capsular contracture.
Dr. David L. Cangello
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in the art of cosmetic breast surgery. He offers personalized treatment plans to meet patients' aesthetic goals. His superior results have earned the trust of professional models from some of the world’s top agencies. Dr. Cangello takes an artistic approach to breast augmentation, combining medical precision with the principles of aesthetics. He is one of only two surgeons in the world trained in fat grafting techniques by one of the pioneers in the field, Dr. Sydney Coleman.
How to Choose the Right Hospital or Surgeon
Credentials and Experience
Check the surgeon's board certification. A board - certified plastic surgeon has completed the necessary education, training, and examinations. Look at their experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries, especially with silicone prostheses. Surgeons with a high volume of successful procedures are more likely to have the skills and expertise to handle potential complications.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of other patients' experiences. Positive reviews can indicate a surgeon's professionalism, bedside manner, and the quality of their results. You can also ask for before - and - after photos of previous breast augmentation patients to see the surgeon's work.
Facility Accreditation
Ensure that the hospital or clinic where the surgery will be performed is accredited. Accredited facilities meet certain standards of safety and quality. You can also visit the facility beforehand to see the environment and meet the staff.
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During the consultation, ask questions about the procedure, recovery, potential complications, and the surgeon's approach. A good surgeon will take the time to listen to your concerns and goals and provide honest and detailed answers.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation with silicone prostheses is a popular and effective way to enhance the appearance of the breasts. However, it is a major surgical procedure that requires careful consideration. By understanding the procedure, its benefits, potential complications, and recovery process, patients can make informed decisions. In New York City, there are many highly qualified hospitals and surgeons who can provide excellent breast augmentation services. Whether you are looking to enhance your natural beauty, restore volume, or correct asymmetry, choosing the right surgeon and facility is crucial for a successful outcome.
If you are considering breast augmentation with silicone prostheses in New York City, we encourage you to schedule consultations with multiple surgeons. Take the time to research, ask questions, and make a decision that is right for you. You can also share this article with friends or family who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation.
