Introduction
New York City is a hub of medical excellence, offering a plethora of plastic hospitals for those considering Mentor breast implants. Whether for aesthetic enhancement or reconstruction purposes, the decision to undergo breast implant surgery is significant. This guide aims to provide comprehensive information on selecting the right plastic hospital in New York City for Mentor breast implants, covering aspects such as the types of implants, potential complications, suitable candidates, and top plastic hospitals in the area.
Types of Mentor Breast Implants
Memory Gel® Implants
Memory Gel® implants are composed of an outer silicone shell filled with a cohesive gel formulation. They act more like a solid than a liquid and hold together uniformly. This type of implant is known for providing a natural look and feel, similar to real breast tissue. However, like all breast implants, they come with potential risks. The most common complications for breast augmentation and reconstruction with Memory Gel® implants include reoperation, capsular contracture, and implant removal with or without replacement. According to the MENTOR® Product Selection Guide, MRI screenings are recommended three years after initial implant surgery and then every two years after to detect silent rupture, as the health consequences of a ruptured silicone gel breast implant have not been fully established.
Memory Shape® Implants
Memory Shape® implants are designed to provide a more natural shape to the breasts. For breast augmentation, the most common complications include reoperation for any reason, implant removal with or without replacement, and ptosis. In the case of breast reconstruction, common complications are reoperation for any reason, implant removal with or without replacement, and capsular contracture. These implants also require patients to receive specific educational materials, such as the patient educational brochure for breast augmentation or reconstruction, along with a copy of quick facts about breast augmentation & reconstruction with Mentor® Memory Shape® breast implants.
Saline - Filled Implants
Mentor® saline - filled implants have a silicone outer shell filled with saline solution (sterile saltwater). The main benefits of saline implants are that smaller incisions can be used during insertion as they are filled after being placed in the implant pocket, and the body can safely absorb the saline filling material in case of rupture. However, they have some drawbacks. They do not resemble the look and feel of natural breast tissue as closely as silicone implants, are more prone to folding or wrinkling in the implant pocket, and may be visible under the surface of the skin, especially in women with thin skin or little body fat. The most common complications with Mentor® saline - filled implants include reoperation, implant removal, capsular contracture, breast pain, and implant deflation. Patients should receive a copy of “Saline - filled breast implants: making an informed decision” and read and understand the information regarding the risks and benefits before surgery.
Potential Complications of Mentor Breast Implants
| Implant Type | Common Complications |
|---|---|
| Memory Gel® Implants | Reoperation, capsular contracture, implant removal with or without replacement, silent rupture |
| Memory Shape® Implants (Augmentation) | Reoperation for any reason, implant removal with or without replacement, ptosis |
| Memory Shape® Implants (Reconstruction) | Reoperation for any reason, implant removal with or without replacement, capsular contracture |
| Saline - Filled Implants | Reoperation, implant removal, capsular contracture, breast pain, implant deflation |
It's important to note that breast implants are not lifetime devices, and breast implantation may not be a one - time surgery. Rupture is a less common complication, but its consequences, especially for silicone gel implants, are not fully understood. For silicone implants, the FDA recommends regular breast imaging exams like MRI or mammogram to detect silent rupture, which is a condition where the implant has ruptured, but the patient may not be aware as the body cannot absorb silicone.
Suitable Candidates for Mentor Breast Implants
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for Mentor breast implants. In general, candidates for breast augmentation should meet the following criteria:
- Desire larger or fuller breasts, a greater degree of cleavage, or breasts that appear higher on the chest wall.
- Have a positive self - image but are frustrated with certain aspects of their breasts, such as asymmetry, sagging, or lack of volume.
- Be in good physical and mental health overall.
- Have sensible expectations for the outcome of breast augmentation surgery, seeking aesthetic improvement rather than perfection.
- Pursue breast augmentation of their own volition.
- Not be breastfeeding. Women who are currently nursing should wait 12 weeks after they have stopped breastfeeding to undergo breast surgery to establish their true breast size.
Only a board - certified plastic surgeon can accurately determine if someone is an appropriate candidate for breast augmentation. They will assess factors such as the patient's overall health, breast anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
Top Plastic Hospitals in New York City for Mentor Breast Implants
Greenwald Plastic Surgery
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald, a board - certified New York plastic surgeon, is highly experienced in breast implant surgery. He has performed thousands of breast surgeries and is known for achieving natural results. Dr. Greenwald served as a clinical investigator for cohesive silicone gel implants and has thousands of before - and - after photos for patients to review. He was selected to the Mentor® Lead Program Advisory Board in 2012 and 2013. His practice offers a choice of breast implant types, incisions, and placement options. Most patients experience minimal pain, bruising, and a prompt return to normal activities after surgery. Dr. Greenwald performs surgeries at the state - of - the - art Surgical Specialty Center of Westchester, which meets and often exceeds hospital safety standards.
740 Park Plastic Surgery
Dr. Stafford R. Broumand at 740 Park Plastic Surgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon who offers a wide range of breast implant varieties, including Mentor® implants. During the consultation, Dr. Broumand will present every implant option available, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each size, shape, type, and surface texture in great detail. He will also assess the patient's physical qualities and utilize advanced Vectra 3D imaging to show how various implants may look on the patient's body after the procedure, helping the patient make an informed decision based on their specific anatomical needs and cosmetic desires.
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation with Mentor® implants. They use the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging, to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. Before scheduling surgery, the surgeons will consult with the patient, listen to their desires for enhancing breast size, and help them decide on the size and shape that will look best for their body. The hospital offers different implant options, including silicone and saline, as well as a non - implant option (NaturalFill®) that uses a fat transfer technique.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Plastic Hospital
Surgeon's Experience and Credentials
One of the most important factors is the experience and credentials of the plastic surgeon. Look for a surgeon who is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has significant experience in breast augmentation surgery, including both primary and revision procedures. A surgeon with extensive experience is more likely to achieve the desired results and handle any potential complications effectively. For example, Dr. Greenwald at Greenwald Plastic Surgery has a long - standing reputation for his expertise in breast implant surgery and has been recognized as a top doctor in New York since 2012.
Hospital Facilities and Safety Standards
The facilities of the plastic hospital should be state - of - the - art and meet or exceed hospital safety standards. Anesthesia should be provided by board - certified anesthesiologists, and the nursing staff should have significant experience caring for plastic surgery patients. At the Surgical Specialty Center of Westchester, where Dr. Greenwald performs surgeries, the facility was designed with patient safety in mind and adheres to strict safety protocols.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and results offered by a plastic hospital. Look for reviews from patients who have undergone Mentor breast implant surgery at the hospital. Positive reviews about the surgeon's bedside manner, the overall experience, and the final results can give you confidence in your decision. You can find these reviews on the hospital's website, third - party review sites, or by asking the hospital for patient testimonials.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of breast augmentation surgery with Mentor implants can vary depending on several factors, including the type of implants, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's fee. It's important to get a detailed breakdown of the costs from the hospital and understand what is included. Some hospitals may offer financing options to help make the surgery more affordable. Additionally, check if your insurance covers breast implant surgery. In most cases, breast augmentation for aesthetic reasons is not covered by insurance, but reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy may be covered. For example, Dr. Greenwald's practice offers special prices on breast augmentation surgery, with primary breast augmentation surgery with silicone breast implants costing $8,295.00 and with saline breast implants costing $7,495.00 (including the plastic surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist's fee, operating room fee, and the cost of the breast implants) for a limited time.
Pre - operative Considerations
Consultation Process
The consultation is a crucial step in the breast implant process. During the consultation, the surgeon will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss your aesthetic goals. You should ask questions about the different types of Mentor implants, the surgical procedure, potential risks and complications, and the expected recovery time. The surgeon will also use tools such as 3D imaging and implant sizing systems to help you visualize the results and choose the right implants for your body. At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, the consultation covers items such as your goals for surgery, reviewing “wish pics,” 3D imaging of expected results, looking at before - and - after photos of previous patients, taking measurements and before photos, reviewing medical history, risks, and considerations, discussing scheduling and follow - ups, and answering questions about recovery.
Preparing for Surgery
Before surgery, you will need to follow your surgeon's pre - operative instructions. This may include stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners, avoiding smoking, and making arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you during the initial recovery period. You may also need to undergo preoperative testing, such as a mammogram (if needed), and fill prescriptions for pain medications, antibiotics, and muscle relaxants. For example, at Greenwald Plastic Surgery, patients' preoperative testing and mammogram (if needed) are reviewed, and they are provided with comprehensive pre - and post - surgical care instructions.
Post - operative Care and Recovery
Immediate Post - operative Period
After breast implant surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored by the medical staff. You may experience some pain, swelling, and tightness in the breasts, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by your surgeon. Most patients are able to go home on the same day as the surgery but must be sent home with a responsible adult. You will be wearing a surgical bra to support the breasts, and the incisions will be covered with steri - strips and gauze. You should avoid heavy lifting and exercising for a few weeks and follow the surgeon's instructions on when you can shower and resume normal activities.
Long - term Recovery and Follow - up
The recovery process can vary from patient to patient, but most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days to a week after surgery. However, it may take several weeks to months for the breasts to fully heal and for the implants to settle into a more natural position. You will need to attend follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery, have the incisions checked, and begin any necessary scar therapy. For example, at Greenwald Plastic Surgery, patients typically have a postoperative visit #1 about 5 - 7 days after surgery, where any sutures are removed, and steri - strips are replaced if needed. They also have postoperative visits at 18 - 21 days and 3 - 4 months after surgery and then yearly.
Conclusion
Selecting the right plastic hospital for Mentor breast implants in New York City is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By understanding the different types of Mentor implants, potential complications, suitable candidates, and the factors to consider when choosing a hospital, you can make an informed choice. Remember to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience, a hospital with high - quality facilities and safety standards, and to follow the pre - and post - operative instructions provided by your surgeon. Whether you are seeking breast augmentation for aesthetic reasons or reconstruction after a mastectomy, the right hospital and surgeon can help you achieve your desired results and improve your quality of life.
If you're considering Mentor breast implants in New York City, take the first step and schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic hospital. Discuss your goals, ask questions, and learn more about the procedure. Don't hesitate to reach out to the hospitals mentioned in this guide or other trusted facilities in the area. Your journey to achieving the breasts you've always wanted starts now!
