Introduction

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that many women in New York City consider for various reasons, including enhancing their figure, boosting self - confidence, and restoring breast volume. When it comes to softening prosthetic breast augmentation, choosing the right hospital is crucial. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals in New York City for this procedure, along with detailed information about the surgery, its benefits, risks, and more.

Understanding Softening Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

What is Softening Prosthetic Breast Augmentation?

Softening prosthetic breast augmentation involves the use of breast implants to increase the size, shape, or symmetry of the breasts. The term “softening” often refers to achieving a more natural - looking and feeling result. Breast implants are typically made of a flexible silicone casing filled with either saline (sterile salt water) or silicone gel (a soft gelatin - like substance). According to Mount Sinai, silicone gel implants generally feel softer and more like a natural breast compared to saline implants. Both types are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are considered safe.

Benefits of Softening Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

• Enhanced Appearance: It can restore fullness to breasts that have lost volume due to factors such as pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. As stated in Cangello Plastic Surgery, it also adds balance to a feminine figure and enhances the size and shape of smaller breasts.
• Improved Self - Confidence: Many women report an increase in self - esteem and body image after the procedure. They feel more comfortable and confident in their clothing, including swimsuits and form - fitting dresses.
• Symmetry: It can correct breast asymmetry, where one breast is a different size or shape from the other.

Top Hospitals in New York City for Softening Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

1. Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Columbia University is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - renowned medical center. Their plastic surgery division has extensive experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including breast augmentation. According to Columbia Surgery, their plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, ranging from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations. In the field of breast augmentation, they use the latest techniques to ensure natural - looking and soft - feeling results. The division is also at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research, which means patients can benefit from the most advanced treatment options.

The hospital’s commitment to research also extends to stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy related to wound healing. This research - based approach can potentially lead to better surgical outcomes and faster recovery times for breast augmentation patients. Their team of board - certified surgeons, including Dr. Christine Rohde, Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, and others, are highly skilled and dedicated to providing personalized care.

2. Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine is another top - ranked academic medical center in New York City. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field and offer the full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast augmentation. As mentioned in Weill Cornell Medicine, they focus on individualized breast surgery for each patient’s unique body, aiming to achieve a natural look. Their surgeons work closely with patients from the initial consultation to understand their goals and discuss the best options.

The hospital partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in the city and the U.S., which provides additional resources and support. They also prioritize patient comfort throughout the process, using the latest anesthetics and medications to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After surgery, their care team manages pain and provides detailed instructions for post - operative care.

3. Mount Sinai Hospital

Mount Sinai is at the forefront of breast reconstruction surgery, and its expertise extends to breast augmentation. Dr. C. Andrew Salzberg, chief of the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital, pioneered the direct - to - implant approach for breast reconstruction, which can also be applied in breast augmentation. As described in Mount Sinai - New York, this approach avoids the use of a tissue expander in eligible patients and inserts the implant immediately behind the pectoralis major muscle, using innovative techniques to provide additional soft tissue support.

The hospital has a team of highly skilled reconstructive surgeons who are available to advise patients about different breast augmentation options, such as the choice between saline and silicone implants. Mount Sinai also emphasizes patient education, ensuring that patients understand the procedure, its risks, and the expected outcomes before making a decision.

Other Facilities and Surgeons in New York City

1. Cangello Plastic Surgery

Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City who is well - known for his expertise in cosmetic breast surgery. According to Cangello Plastic Surgery, he offers personalized treatment plans for breast augmentation, taking into account each patient’s aesthetic goals. He has perfected the art of breast surgery through extensive experience, meticulous surgical techniques, and an eye for artistic detail. His superior results have earned the trust of professional models from some of the world’s top agencies.

Dr. Cangello offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast lift, breast revision, and natural augmentation with fat transfer. He takes an artistic approach to breast augmentation, combining medical precision with aesthetic principles to create elegant results that maintain the body’s natural proportions.

2. Spiro Plastic Surgery

Dr. Spiro and his large, professional, and experienced staff at Spiro Plastic Surgery are dedicated to meeting all patient needs. As stated in Wimgo, 13% of their service focus is on breast augmentation. Dr. Spiro received his medical doctor degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School in 1988. Their team strives to exceed patient expectations and provides comprehensive care throughout the breast augmentation process.

3. 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. According to Wimgo, 36% of her service focus is on breast augmentation. She is specifically interested in women's health issues as they relate to plastic surgery and offers personalized treatment options for breast augmentation patients.

Preparing for Softening Prosthetic Breast Augmentation

Initial Consultation

The first step in the breast augmentation process is the initial consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss the patient’s goals and expectations. The surgeon will also explain the different types of implants available (saline or silicone), their placement options (submuscular or subglandular), and the potential risks and complications. As recommended by Cangello Plastic Surgery, patients should come prepared with a list of questions and be honest about their medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption.

Pre - operative Planning

Based on the consultation, the surgeon will develop a personalized pre - operative plan for the patient. This plan may include dietary changes, cessation of certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding (such as aspirin), and instructions on pre - operative fasting and hygiene. Patients may also be asked to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany them to and from the surgery and to assist them during the initial recovery period. As described in Medijump, it is important to follow all pre - operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Types of Implants

As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Cangello Plastic Surgery details the differences between them:

• Saline Implants: These are filled with saline once they have been placed into the treatment site. A smaller incision size can be used for insertion. They do not contain silicone, so long - term monitoring is not required. However, in thin women with small amounts of breast tissue, visible rippling at the implant edges may be seen. If they rupture, the saline can be safely absorbed by the body. Saline implants are approved for patients who are at least 18 years old.
• Silicone Implants: These are pre - filled by the manufacturer with a cohesive, silicone gel. Many patients find that they feel more natural to the touch and look more natural aesthetically. Traditionally, they required larger incisions, but modern techniques like the Keller funnel method can minimize incision size. The FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell, but this is only a recommendation. Silicone implants are approved for patients who are at least 22 years old.

Implant Placement and Incision

Breast implants can be placed under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or the breast tissue (submammary/subglandular placement). There are also three possible places for the incision:

• Periareolar: Around the nipple. This incision can result in less visible scarring as the scar is often well - camouflaged in the areola.
• Inframammary: In the crease between the breast and the chest wall. This is a common incision site and allows good access for implant placement.
• Transaxillary: In the armpit. However, some surgeons, like Dr. Cangello, avoid this method as it has a higher rate of implant malposition.

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate Post - operative Period

After breast augmentation surgery, patients will have a surgical dressing over their incisions and will be wearing a post - surgical bra. They may feel achiness or tightness in their breasts, but the surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate any discomfort. As noted in Cangello Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation surgery typically takes one - and - a - half to two hours, and most patients can go home the same day as the procedure. However, they should arrange for someone to accompany them home and assist them during the first 24 hours.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery times can vary from patient to patient, but in general, patients can expect the following timeline:

• First Few Days: It is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and tightness in the breasts. Most patients are advised to rest and limit physical activity during this time.
• One Week: Many patients are able to resume non - strenuous and non - contact sport activities. They will typically have a follow - up appointment with the surgeon at this time to check the healing progress.
• Four to Six Weeks: By this time, most of the swelling and discomfort should have subsided, and patients can gradually return to their normal activities. However, they should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least six weeks.

Aftercare Instructions

Following the surgeon’s aftercare instructions is crucial for a successful recovery. This may include:

• Taking prescribed medications as directed, including painkillers and antibiotics.
• Wearing the post - surgical bra as recommended to support the breasts and aid in the healing process.
• Avoiding smoking, as it can delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
• Attending all follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing and ensure that there are no complications.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries some risks and potential complications. As stated in Medijump, these may include:

• Infection: This can occur at the incision site or around the implant. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat infections.
• Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. In most cases, it can be controlled, but in rare cases, additional surgery may be required to stop the bleeding.
• Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which can be temporary or permanent.
• Implant Leakage or Rupture: While breast implants are designed to be durable, there is a risk of leakage or rupture over time. Silicone implants may require MRI monitoring to detect silent ruptures.
• Scar Tissue Formation: Scar tissue can form around the implant, causing the breast to feel hard or misshapen. In some cases, additional surgery may be needed to correct this.
• Unsatisfactory Outcomes: The final result may not meet the patient’s expectations. This can be due to factors such as implant size, shape, or position. Revision surgery may be an option in some cases.

Cost of Softening Prosthetic Breast Augmentation in New York City

The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s fees, facility costs, the type of implants used, and any additional procedures or medications. According to Medijump, the national average price for breast augmentation is approximately $5,352, but in New York City, prices can be higher due to the high cost of living and the expertise of the surgeons. Wimgo also mentions that the cost usually ranges from $3,900 to $6,000, but this may not include the cost of the implants or other associated fees. It is important for patients to get a detailed cost estimate from their surgeon during the consultation process.

Conclusion

Softening prosthetic breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women in New York City. By choosing a reputable hospital and an experienced plastic surgeon, patients can increase their chances of achieving natural - looking and soft - feeling results. However, it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of the procedure and to follow all pre - operative and post - operative instructions. We encourage you to explore the hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article, schedule consultations, and make an informed decision that is right for you. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about breast augmentation, don't hesitate to reach out to a qualified plastic surgeon in New York City.