Introduction
Breast augmentation surgery has become increasingly popular in New York City, as more women seek to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence. The city is home to numerous public hospitals with plastic surgery departments, each offering different levels of expertise, experience, and patient care. In this article, we will explore the ranking of plastic surgery departments of public hospitals for breast augmentation surgery in New York City, based on various factors such as surgeon qualifications, patient reviews, and available technologies.
Importance of Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Department
Selecting the right plastic surgery department for breast augmentation is crucial. A well - reputed department with experienced surgeons can significantly reduce the risks associated with the surgery, ensure better results, and provide high - quality after - care. In addition, proper surgical planning and the use of advanced techniques can lead to more natural - looking outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
Overview of Breast Augmentation Surgery
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that uses either breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts. This procedure can be used to correct breast asymmetry, restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, or enhance the overall figure.
Types of Breast Augmentation
Breast Implants
There are two main types of breast implants: silicone and saline. Silicone implants are pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel and are known for their natural look and feel. Saline implants, on the other hand, are filled with a salt - water solution once they are placed in the breast pocket. The choice between silicone and saline implants depends on factors such as the patient's age, body type, and personal preference.
Implant Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Silicone | More natural look and feel; less chance of visible rippling | Require MRI scans for monitoring; approved for patients 22+ years old |
Saline | Smaller incision size; no need for long - term silicone monitoring; approved for patients 18+ years old | May have visible rippling in thin patients; can feel firmer |
Fat Transfer (NaturalFill)
Fat transfer, also known as natural fill, is a two - step procedure. First, fat is removed from the patient's buttocks or abdomen using liposuction. Then, the fat is processed and injected into the breasts. This method uses the patient's own fat, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and providing a more natural look. However, not all of the transferred fat may survive, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.
Factors Affecting the Ranking of Plastic Surgery Departments
Surgeon Qualifications
The qualifications of the plastic surgeons in a department are of utmost importance. Surgeons should be board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which means they have completed the necessary training and passed comprehensive oral and written exams. Experience also plays a key role. Surgeons with more years of experience in breast augmentation surgery are likely to have better skills and knowledge to handle various cases. For example, Dr. Adam R. Kolker, a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City, has extensive training from prestigious medical institutions like Harvard Medical School and New York University. He also has a long - standing reputation for his work in breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures.
Patient Reviews
Patient reviews provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by a plastic surgery department. Positive reviews often indicate high - quality surgical outcomes, good communication between the surgeon and the patient, and satisfactory after - care. For instance, Dr. David L. Cangello has received many positive reviews from patients who were satisfied with their breast augmentation results. Patients often praise his artistic approach, attention to detail, and the natural - looking results he achieves.
Available Technologies
Advanced technologies can enhance the safety and effectiveness of breast augmentation surgery. Some plastic surgery departments in New York City use 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize their potential results before the surgery. This allows patients to have a better understanding of what the outcome will look like and make more informed decisions. Additionally, the use of minimally invasive techniques and modern implant materials can improve the patient's experience and reduce recovery time.
Research and Innovation
Departments that are involved in research and innovation are often at the forefront of the field. They may be using new surgical techniques, conducting clinical trials on new implant materials, or exploring novel approaches to breast augmentation. For example, Columbia University's plastic surgery division is involved in extensive research, including studies on stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing.
Ranking of Plastic Surgery Departments in New York City Public Hospitals
Columbia University
Columbia University's plastic surgery department is one of the top - ranked in New York City. As one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - renowned medical center, it has a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons. The surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, from routine cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations. In breast augmentation, they offer a range of options, including the use of both silicone and saline implants.
The department is also at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research. Their research on stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing can potentially improve the surgical process and patient recovery. For example, gene therapy may be used to expedite the healing of incisions made during breast augmentation surgery. Patients can expect personalized care, with surgeons taking the time to understand their aesthetic goals and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgery department has extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. Their plastic surgeons use the latest technologies, such as 3D imaging, to help patients visualize the results of their breast augmentation. This technology allows patients to see how different sizes and shapes of implants will look on their bodies, enabling them to make more informed decisions.
They offer a variety of breast augmentation options, including breast implants and the natural fill fat transfer technique. The natural fill technique, pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons, uses the patient's own fat to enhance the breasts, which is a popular choice for patients who prefer a more natural approach. The department also provides comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, ensuring that patients have a smooth surgical experience and optimal recovery.
NewYork - Presbyterian
NewYork - Presbyterian's plastic surgery department has a team of specialists with a wide range of expertise in aesthetic procedures, including breast augmentation. The surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian are experienced in addressing various problems related to breast surgery, such as breast asymmetry, reduction, and augmentation.
The department offers a full range of options for breast augmentation, with a focus on patient safety and satisfaction. They take into account the patient's body type, aesthetic goals, and medical history when recommending the most suitable implant type and surgical technique. The surgical departments at both New York - Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and New York - Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center offer extensive reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, providing patients with high - quality care in a well - equipped medical environment.
Profiles of Leading Plastic Surgeons in New York City for Breast Augmentation
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has an extensive educational background, having trained at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. As an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he stays updated on the latest advancements in plastic surgery.
Dr. Kolker specializes in breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures. He takes an artistic approach to surgery, aiming to achieve natural and proportional results. His patients often praise his attention to detail and his ability to understand their individual aesthetic goals. He has been featured in numerous magazines and media outlets, including New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues and Newsweek's list of America's Best Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. David L. Cangello
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon known for his work in cosmetic breast surgery. He is highly skilled in delivering elegant, natural - looking results in breast augmentation. His approach combines medical precision with the principles of aesthetics, and he takes the time to incorporate the patient's tastes and preferences into the treatment plan.
Dr. Cangello has experience working with professional models from top agencies, which demonstrates his high - level of skill and the quality of his results. He offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast lift, breast revision, and natural augmentation with fat transfer. He is also one of only two surgeons in the world trained in fat grafting techniques by one of the pioneers in the field, Dr. Sydney Coleman.
Dr. Lara Devgan
Dr. Lara Devgan is a board - certified New York City plastic surgeon, CEO of the luxury medical - grade skin care line Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty, and the former medical director of RealSelf. Her specialty includes cosmetic surgery of the face and body, as well as reconstructive surgery for breast cancer, skin cancer, and facial injuries.
In breast augmentation, she focuses on providing personalized care and achieving natural - looking results. She has received several awards in the field of plastic surgery, such as being selected as the #1 plastic surgeon in NYC by RateMDs and being featured on the “America’s Top Plastic Surgeons” list compiled by the New York Times Magazine.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Consultation
The first step in preparing for breast augmentation surgery is the consultation. During the consultation, the patient will meet with the plastic surgeon to discuss their aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns they may have. The surgeon will perform a physical examination, including measurements of the breasts, and may recommend different implant sizes and types based on the patient's body type. They will also explain the surgical procedure, including the risks and benefits, and answer all of the patient's questions.
Pre - operative Planning
Once the patient and the surgeon have decided on the best treatment plan, the patient will receive a pre - operative plan. This plan may include dietary changes, such as avoiding certain foods that can increase the risk of bleeding, and stopping the use of certain medications or supplements. The patient will also be instructed to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany them to and from the surgery and to assist them during the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Emotional Preparation
Breast augmentation surgery can have a significant emotional impact on the patient. It is important for the patient to have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery and to understand that the recovery process may take some time. Patients are encouraged to talk to their friends, family, or a mental health professional if they have any concerns or anxieties about the surgery.
Recovery and After - care
Immediate Post - operative Period
After breast augmentation surgery, the patient will wake up with a surgical dressing over the incisions and will be wearing a post - surgical bra. They may experience some pain, tightness, or achiness in the breasts, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. The patient will be monitored in the hospital or surgical facility for a few hours before being allowed to go home.
Recovery Timeline
The recovery timeline for breast augmentation surgery varies from patient to patient. In general, most patients can expect to experience some pain and tightness in the breasts for the first few days after surgery. By the first week, most patients feel well enough to resume their regular daily activities, although they should avoid strenuous and non - contact sport activities for at least a week. The full recovery usually takes about four to six weeks, at which time the patient can gradually return to their normal exercise routine.
Follow - up Appointments
Follow - up appointments are an important part of the recovery process. The patient will typically have an appointment with the surgeon one week after the procedure, then again at four weeks and 12 weeks. During these appointments, the surgeon will monitor the healing process, check for any complications, and answer any questions the patient may have. They may also provide additional instructions on after - care, such as scar management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City is home to some of the best plastic surgery departments for breast augmentation surgery. When choosing a plastic surgery department, patients should consider factors such as surgeon qualifications, patient reviews, available technologies, and research and innovation. The leading departments, such as those at Columbia University, Mount Sinai, and NewYork - Presbyterian, offer high - quality care, a range of surgical options, and advanced technologies.
Leading plastic surgeons like Dr. Adam R. Kolker, Dr. David L. Cangello, and Dr. Lara Devgan bring their unique skills and expertise to the field of breast augmentation, ensuring natural - looking results and high patient satisfaction. Proper preparation for the surgery and diligent after - care are also crucial for a successful outcome. If you are considering breast augmentation surgery in New York City, take the time to research and choose the plastic surgery department and surgeon that best meet your needs.
Call - to - Action
If you have further questions about breast augmentation surgery or want to learn more about the plastic surgery departments in New York City, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to a local plastic surgery professional. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation, and explore related topics such as the latest trends in breast augmentation and the long - term effects of breast implants.