Introduction
Breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. The pursuit of fuller, shapelier breasts is not only about enhancing physical appearance but also about boosting self - confidence and improving self - image. With the authoritative release of the ranking of natural breast prosthesis augmentation in New York City, patients now have more information to make informed decisions about their breast augmentation journey. This article will explore the different aspects of breast augmentation in New York City, including the ranking, top surgeons, types of implants, procedures, and more.
The Ranking of Natural Breast Prosthesis Augmentation in New York City
Source and Methodology of the Ranking
The ranking of natural breast prosthesis augmentation in New York City provides valuable insights for patients seeking this procedure. Newsweek partnered with Statista in 2024 for the fourth annual ranking of America's Best Plastic Surgeons. To compile this ranking, thousands of medical experts with knowledge of plastic surgery were invited to an online survey in March and April. Over 8,400 votes were collected for plastic surgeons representing all surgery categories. Only surgeons from the 20 states with the most plastic surgeons were included, and those who offer only reconstructive or non - elective corrections were excluded. In the breast augmentation category, a score was calculated for each surgeon based on the number of recommendations (both in - state and out - of - state), a quality assessment, and relevant certification.
Top Surgeons in New York City
Some of the top - ranked plastic surgeons for breast augmentation in New York City as per the 2024 ranking include:
- David Hidalgo, MD, FACS
- Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS
- Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS
These surgeons have earned their spots through their experience, skill, and patient satisfaction. For example, Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified, Harvard - trained plastic surgeon with a clinical focus on aesthetic breast surgery. He believes in achieving a gorgeous, natural, and proportional outcome, with beautiful always superseding bigger in his approach to breast augmentation.
Types of Breast Implants
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are one of the most popular choices for breast augmentation. The current generation of silicone breast implants is pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They offer a more natural look and feel compared to some other types of implants. There are different generations of silicone implants:
- Fourth Generation: Developed in the early 1990s under strict quality, safety, and performance standards. Filled with a more viscous, higher cross - linked gel and termed “cohesive”. Manufacturers like Mentor and Allergan offer round smooth and textured devices in various widths and projections. For example, the Allergan Natrelle round cohesive gel implants and the Mentor Memory Gel round implants. The 10 - year core study of Allergan Natrelle implants showed high patient satisfaction, with an overall rupture rate of 7.7% for implants in subjects undergoing serial MRI and a capsular contracture rate of 24.6% for reconstruction cases.
- Fifth Generation: Generally considered cohesive form - stable devices that retain their anatomic shape despite pressure from surrounding tissue. Most devices are textured to maintain proper positioning and orientation. Examples include the Sientra high - strength cohesive (HSC) filled devices, the Mentor MemoryShape, and the Allergan Natrelle 410. The Allergan Natrelle 410 matrix consists of 12 categories of implants based on implant height and projection, allowing for a wide range of breast reconstruction options.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a salt - water solution at the time of surgery. They have a similar silicone elastomer outer shell to silicone implants. Saline implants are typically uniform in shape and firmness and come with fewer risks. If they break, the salt water is absorbed into the body with no side effects. However, they may not provide the same natural feel as silicone implants. The development of saline implants has evolved over time, with improvements to address issues such as high spontaneous deflation rates in the early designs.
Other Types of Implants
- Structured Implants: Filled with saline but placed in an inner mold that makes them feel more like natural breasts.
- Gummy Bear Implants: A type of silicone implant that won’t lose their shape even if the shell is compromised. The consistency of the silicone gel is thicker, and the breasts are usually firmer than with traditional implants. They are popular because of their ability to provide a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to mimic most breast shapes and fit different chest dimensions.
Breast Augmentation Procedures
Consultation
The consultation process is a crucial first step in breast augmentation. A reputable plastic surgeon will take the time to understand the patient's desires, goals, and medical history. During the consultation, the surgeon will perform a physical examination of the breasts, including an evaluation of the skin and soft tissue health, the base width of the breast, and the quality of the breast skin. Photographs may be taken to aid with planning. The surgeon will also discuss the different types of implants, their advantages and disadvantages, and help the patient choose the most suitable implant based on their body type, aesthetic goals, and medical considerations. For example, Dr. John E. Sherman works closely with his patients during the consultation to identify the implant specifications that will deliver optimal results, taking into account factors such as material, shape, size, and texture.
Incision Options
There are several incision techniques used in breast augmentation:
- Inframammary Incision: Made under the breast in the natural crease where the lower part of the breast meets the skin of the chest. It leaves a tiny scar, often only 1 - 2 inches long, and offers the best scar concealment. It also poses the fewest breastfeeding complications.
- Periareolar Incision: Made all the way around the areola’s outer edge. The scar is disguised by the natural pigmentation change of the areola. There is extremely little chance that this type of incision will prevent the patient from breastfeeding.
- Transaxillary Incision: Made in the armpit, creating the least visible scar tissue. It is the least invasive to the mammary gland, making it a preferred option for younger women who want to retain their ability to breastfeed safely and successfully.
Implant Placement
Breast implants can be placed in one of two ways:
- Submuscular Implant Placement: The implant is placed under the pectoral muscles. The outlines of the breast implant are typically less obvious, and it tends to interfere with mammography exam results less frequently. This placement also has the advantage of providing increased coverage of the breast implants, softening the upper pole of the breast for a more natural transition, and maintaining long - term stability of the breast pocket.
- Subglandular Implant Placement: The implant is placed on top of the pectoral muscles. Based on the type and amount of breast tissue present, implant definition may be more prominent. Some patients favor this placement because the implant rests just below the breast skin.
The Surgery
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure and usually takes 1 - 1.5 hours to perform. A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia, depending on the patient's preferences. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon makes the chosen incision, creates a pocket for the implant, and inserts the implant. The pocket can be formed either submuscularly or subglandularly. After the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and wrap the area with a compression garment to protect the results.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - operative Period
In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. The patient will be given a prescription for pain medication to help ease the discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. A surgical compression bra will be provided and should be worn for the next few weeks as the patient heals. The patient will need to arrange for someone to pick them up from the surgical facility and stay with them for at least the first 24 hours. They should also plan to rest and recuperate at home for 2 - 3 weeks.
Long - term Recovery
Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over time. Most patients can resume light activities and work within 2 - 3 weeks, and more strenuous activities, such as going to the gym, can be resumed at 6 - 8 weeks. It may take a few months for the implants to settle into place, and the final results can be seen after this period. During the recovery process, the patient will need to follow the surgeon's instructions carefully, which may include wearing a specific type of bra, avoiding certain activities, and attending follow - up appointments. For example, the patient may be instructed to avoid raising their arms over their head for a couple of weeks and to reduce strenuous activity for 2 - 3 weeks.
Benefits and Considerations
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced Self - Confidence: Many women who undergo breast augmentation report a significant boost in self - confidence. They feel more comfortable in their bodies and are more willing to take risks and pursue their dreams. For example, a woman who was previously self - conscious about her small breast size may feel more confident in social situations and at work after the procedure.
- Improved Body Proportion: Breast augmentation can help create a more balanced and flattering silhouette. It can improve the balance between the chest, waist, and hips, making the overall body shape more attractive. For instance, a woman with a small bust may feel that her body looks top - heavy or unbalanced, and breast augmentation can help correct this.
- Restoration of Breast Volume: It is an option for women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Breast augmentation can restore the breasts to their former shape and size, helping the woman feel more youthful and confident.
Considerations and Risks
- Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Although rare, women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL. It appears to be associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma. Research is ongoing, and with worldwide alerts, databases are expanding to better understand and treat this condition.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): A term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed, such as memory loss, “brain fog,” joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.
- Other Complications: Other possible complications include capsular contracture (the tightening of the scar tissue around the implant), implant rupture or leakage, changes in nipple sensation, and infection. The risk of these complications can be minimized by choosing an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon and following their pre - and post - operative instructions.
Choosing the Right Clinic and Surgeon in New York City
Surgeon Qualifications
When choosing a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation in New York City, it is essential to consider their qualifications. A board - certified plastic surgeon has met the highest standards of education, training, and experience in plastic surgery. Look for surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). They should also have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. You can check their educational background, training, and any awards or recognition they have received. For example, Dr. Norman Rowe, MD, is a board - certified plastic surgeon with the ABPS who specializes in breast procedures and has been acknowledged for his excellent quality of care and treatment.
Clinic Reputation
The reputation of the clinic is also crucial. You can look at online reviews and ratings from previous patients. A clinic with a high success rate and positive reviews is a good sign. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or your primary care physician. Additionally, a reputable clinic should have state - of - the - art facilities and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Personalized Care
The best clinics for breast augmentation provide personalized care. The surgeon should take the time to understand your individual goals and needs, and develop a customized treatment plan for you. They should also be available to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout the entire process, from consultation to recovery.
Conclusion
The ranking of natural breast prosthesis augmentation in New York City offers patients a valuable resource to make informed decisions about their breast augmentation journey. With a wide range of top - notch surgeons, various types of implants, and advanced procedures available, patients in New York City have access to high - quality breast augmentation services. However, it is important to carefully consider all aspects, including the type of implant, the procedure, the surgeon's qualifications, and the potential risks and benefits. By choosing the right surgeon and clinic, and following the pre - and post - operative instructions, patients can achieve their desired results and enhance their self - confidence and quality of life.
If you are considering breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to do thorough research, schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, and ask all the questions you may have. Take your time to make the best decision for your body and your future. You can also share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation.
