Introduction
Breast augmentation surgery has become increasingly popular in New York City, attracting numerous individuals who aspire to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. Whether it's a private or public hospital, the pursuit of the best facilities and top - notch experts is a common goal for those considering this procedure. In this article, we will delve into the rankings of public and private dental hospitals (which should be assumed as plastic surgery hospitals in this context of breast augmentation) for breast augmentation in New York City, present a list of renowned experts, and provide an in - depth analysis of the associated price ranges.
Importance of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is not just a cosmetic procedure; it holds significant psychological and emotional value for many women. According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation in the United States. The desire for fuller, shapelier breasts has been prevalent for a long time, and it has the potential to positively impact a person's self - image and overall quality of life. It can help women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, weight loss, or other factors to regain their pre - existing shape and confidence. Moreover, it can also be a solution for those who have always felt self - conscious about the size of their breasts.
Top Plastic Surgeons for Breast Augmentation in New York City
Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2024 - Breast Augmentation
Newsweek partnered with Statista for the fourth annual ranking of America's best plastic surgeons. In the breast augmentation category, several surgeons from New York City were recognized:
- David Hidalgo, MD, FACS: He is based in New York. His high - profile position in this ranking indicates his proficiency and experience in breast augmentation procedures. The ranking considered multiple factors such as the number of recommendations, quality assessment, and relevant certifications. In - state and out - of - state recommendations from medical experts accounted for 45 percent of the overall score, with participants naming leading plastic surgeons for each cosmetic procedure both within and outside their states, and the order of recommendations being relevant to the ranking.
- Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS: Also from New York, Dr. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon. He is not only recognized by Newsweek but also featured in New York Magazine's best doctors issues from 2008 - 2024. 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. As an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he is at the forefront of plastic surgery advancements. In breast augmentation, he believes that "beautiful" should be more important than "size" and tailors each procedure to the individual woman's aesthetic goals and body type.
- Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS: Based in New York, Dr. Matarasso's inclusion in this ranking attests to his skills and reputation in the field of breast augmentation. The quality score, which accounted for 15 percent of the total score, is based on the assessment of the quality of care by in - state recommenders, rating aspects such as consultation with the doctor, complications, follow - up, and outcome.
Healthgrades' Best Breast Augmentation Doctors in New York, NY
Healthgrades identified 119 doctors who perform breast augmentation in New York, and here are some of the highly - rated ones:
- Dr. Renata Khelemsky, MD: She has a 5.00 rating out of 5 stars. Located at 58 Prospect St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, her high rating implies excellent patient satisfaction. Patients are likely to have had positive experiences in terms of the surgical results, the pre - and post - operative care, and the overall experience at her clinic.
- Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD: With a 4.90 rating, he is situated at 51 West 51st street suite 380, New York, NY 10019. His high - rated service might be attributed to his surgical precision, patient - centric approach, and ability to achieve desirable results.
- Dr. John Pang, MD: Rated 4.60 out of 5 stars at 10 Union Sq E Ste 2m, New York, NY 10003. Patients who choose Dr. Pang may benefit from his expertise in breast augmentation and his attention to detail during the procedure.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Surgeon
Experience
A surgeon's experience is crucial in breast augmentation surgery. Experienced surgeons like Dr. Adam R. Kolker, who has been practicing for many years and has a wealth of knowledge from working at top - tier medical institutions, are more likely to handle complex cases with ease. They have likely encountered a variety of patient anatomies and can anticipate and manage potential complications during the procedure. Surgeons with a long - standing reputation are also more likely to stay updated with the latest surgical techniques and advancements in breast augmentation.
Certifications
Board certifications are an important indicator of a surgeon's competence. In the United States, the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) accreditation is a voluntary credential for plastic surgeons. Surgeons like those mentioned in the rankings who hold ABPS certification have completed appropriate training and passed oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures. This certification ensures that the surgeon has met the high standards set by the medical community for performing breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures.
Patient Reviews
Patient reviews provide valuable insights into the surgeon's practice. A surgeon with a high number of positive reviews, like Dr. Renata Khelemsky and Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman on Healthgrades, is likely to provide excellent patient care. Reviews can reveal aspects such as the surgeon's bedside manner, the quality of the surgical results, and the post - operative support. Reading multiple reviews from different patients can give a more comprehensive understanding of what to expect from a particular surgeon.
Portfolio of Previous Work
Reviewing a surgeon's portfolio of previous breast augmentation surgeries can give an idea of their aesthetic style and the quality of their work. Surgeons like Dr. Kolker often showcase before - and - after photos of their patients on their websites. These photos can help patients visualize the potential results and determine if the surgeon's style aligns with their aesthetic goals. It's important to look for natural - looking results and a variety of cases to assess the surgeon's versatility.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. One of the advantages of saline implants is that in the case of a rupture, the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and the deflation of the breast is easily noticeable. They can be adjusted for asymmetry during the procedure, and the surgical incisions for saline implants are often slightly smaller. However, saline implants are more likely to create a rippling effect under the skin, and they tend to feel firmer and less fixed to the chest compared to silicone implants. Regulations also allow saline implants for patients who are 18 years and older.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that more closely mimics the texture and feel of natural breast tissue. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants. They are available in different forms, such as a soft silicone gel within a silicone shell or a semi - solid cohesive silicone gel implant (also known as gummy bear implants). Gummy bear implants are popular because they can maintain their shape and provide a more natural and proportionate breast shape and feel. However, regulations limit silicone breast implants to patients 22 and older.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Consultation
The consultation is the first and crucial step in the breast augmentation process. Surgeons like Dr. John E. Sherman and Dr. Darrick Antell will have an in - depth conversation with the patient to understand their aesthetic goals. They will review the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination of the breasts, take measurements, and note the existing breast shape, skin laxity, and ptosis. During this consultation, patients can discuss their preferences for implant type, size, shape, and placement. The surgeon will also explain the procedure, the potential risks and complications, and answer any questions the patient may have. This step is essential for building trust between the patient and the surgeon and for developing a personalized treatment plan.
Procedure Day
On the day of the procedure, the patient will arrive at the surgical facility. For most breast augmentation surgeries, a board - certified anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon will make incisions. There are several incision options, including the inframammary incision (under the breast), periareolar incision (around the areola), and transaxillary (under the armpit) incision. Each incision has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on factors such as the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the desired outcome. After making the incisions, the surgeon will create a pocket for the implant, either submuscular (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandular (above the pectoral muscles). The implant is then inserted and centered beneath the nipples. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures, and a compression garment is applied to protect the results. The procedure usually takes 1 - 2 hours.
Recovery
In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. The patient will be given a prescription for pain medication and a surgical compression bra to wear during the healing process. Swelling and discomfort are usually most pronounced in the first few days. In 2 - 3 weeks, patients can usually resume light activities and work, and at 6 - 8 weeks, they can engage in more strenuous activities such as going to the gym. It may take several months for the swelling to completely subside and for the implants to settle into place. The surgeon will provide detailed post - operative instructions, including how to care for the incisions, when to return for follow - up appointments, and how to massage the breasts to prevent capsular contracture. Full recovery can take up to a year, during which the breasts will gradually achieve their final appearance.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City varies depending on several factors. The cost of breast implants themselves is one component, with silicone implants generally being more expensive than saline implants. Additionally, the surgical fee, anesthesia fee, and operating room fee are included in the total cost. The complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience and reputation, and the type of facility where the surgery is performed also play a role in determining the cost.
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech's practice in New York City indicates that breast augmentation typically costs between $9,000 and $11,000. However, other sources suggest that the overall cost can vary significantly from patient to patient. Some patients may require additional procedures, such as a breast lift in combination with augmentation, which will increase the cost. Financing options are often available to make the procedure more accessible for patients. Eligible patients can contact the surgeon's office to learn more about the financing plans.
It's important to note that when considering the cost, patients should not solely focus on the price but also on the quality of care, the surgeon's expertise, and the safety of the procedure. Choosing a less - experienced surgeon to save money may lead to complications or unsatisfactory results in the long run, which can end up being more costly.
Potential Complications of Breast Augmentation
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications of breast augmentation. It occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) around the implant tightens, causing the breast to feel hard, look misshapen, and potentially be painful. The incidence of capsular contracture can vary, but it is a concern for many patients. Surgeons like Dr. Darrick Antell address this complication by using advanced techniques and, in some cases, placing an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) such as Strattice or Alloderm to resist capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can often be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants.
Infection
Infection is another potential complication that can occur after breast augmentation. It typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated with antibiotics. In some severe cases, the implant may need to be removed. Surgeons take precautions during the procedure, such as thoroughly disinfecting the surgical area, to reduce the risk of infection. Patients are also advised to follow post - operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the incision area clean, to prevent infection.
Implant Rupture
Implant rupture can happen as a result of injury or normal compression and movement of the breast causing friction with the implant shell. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and the breast will appear deflated. With silicone implants, a rupture may not be as immediately obvious, and it may require an MRI or other imaging tests to detect. In the case of a rupture, a revision surgery is usually performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
Changes in Nipple Sensitivity
Some patients may experience changes in nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation. This can range from increased sensitivity to decreased sensitivity or even numbness. In most cases, these changes are temporary, but in some instances, they may be permanent. The likelihood of changes in nipple sensitivity depends on factors such as the incision location, the placement of the implant, and the individual patient's anatomy.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a popular and effective procedure in New York City for those looking to enhance their appearance and confidence. When considering this surgery, it is essential to research and choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, understand the different types of implants and the procedure itself, and be aware of the potential costs and complications. We have explored the rankings of public and private hospitals through the recognition of top - tier surgeons, provided a list of experts, and detailed the price range. The information presented in this article can serve as a valuable guide for individuals considering breast augmentation in New York City.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to take the next step and schedule a consultation with a reputable surgeon. Discuss your goals, ask questions, and make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation to help them make well - informed choices on their journey to enhance their appearance and self - confidence.
