Introduction
Breast augmentation has been a popular cosmetic procedure for over a decade, with over 5 million women in the USA having undergone the surgery. In New York City, there are numerous options for those seeking breast augmentation, but finding the best hospital or surgeon is crucial. This article will introduce the top 3 breast augmentation hospitals or surgeons in New York City, providing detailed information about their services, costs, and patient reviews.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Why Women Choose Breast Augmentation
Many women opt for breast augmentation for various reasons. For some, it is to enhance their self - confidence. The shape and size of breasts directly influence how a woman feels about herself. Around 90% of women who undergo breast augmentation do it after having kids, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to a loss of breast volume and firmness. Others may choose it to improve their figure for a particular career, or it could be part of a gender - affirming process for transgender individuals. Overall, 79% of those who have the procedure report being satisfied with the results.
Types of Breast Augmentation
- Breast Implants: The most common method involves placing implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. There are two main types of implants:
- Silicone Breast Implants: Look and feel more natural in the breasts. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants.
- Saline Breast Implants: These are firmer and rounder implants. They are filled with a saline solution (a mixture of salt and water) and can be adjusted to the desired volume during the procedure.
- Natural Fill (Fat Transfer): A newer technique that uses the patient's own fat. First, fat is removed from areas like the buttocks or abdomen via liposuction. Then, the extracted fat is immediately injected into the breasts to increase their size. This method offers the advantage of using the body's own tissue, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
The Top 3 Breast Augmentation Surgeons in New York City
Dr. Nadia Afridi
Overview
Dr. Nadia Afridi is one of the most popular surgeons in NYC for breast augmentation. She is a board - certified plastic surgeon known for her high - quality work and excellent patient care.
Services and Specialties
- Performs mommy makeovers, breast surgery, body contouring, and facial treatments in addition to breast augmentation.
- During breast augmentation, she considers four main factors: the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision (which can be in unnoticeable areas like the armpit, underside of the breast, or around the areola to minimize scar visibility), the type of implant (both saline and silicone), and the size of the breast implant.
- Experienced in performing breast augmentation for patients who are not satisfied with previous procedures and can correct issues such as wrinkling, bottoming out, implant palpability, symmastia, severe implant displacement, and capsular contracture.
Cost and Ratings
The estimated breast augmentation cost with Dr. Afridi is $8900. She has a high patient rating of 4.9. Her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Board - certified plastic surgeon | By appointment only |
| Very helpful and informative | |
| Staff is very accommodating | |
| Offers several breast augmentation procedures | |
| Uses “try on the look” to determine the best size and shape for patients | |
| Accepts credit card | |
| Accepts insurance |
Dr. Richard Swift
Overview
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified cosmetic plastic surgeon in NYC who offers a wide range of cosmetic surgeries and treatments to enhance natural beauty.
Services and Specialties
- Specializes in breast enhancement, body contouring, and facial treatments.
- Provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. He is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction.
- Advises patients on pre - operative preparations, such as refraining from vigorous exercise the day before the breast augmentation procedure, showering with antimicrobial soap the night before, and not applying lotions or creams on the treatment area.
Cost and Ratings
The estimated breast augmentation cost ranges from $5000 - $10000. He also has a high rating of 4.9. After the surgery, patients' breasts will be swollen and tender. They can return to work within a week but need to wear a surgical bra and avoid strenuous activities until approved by Dr. Swift.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery | By appointment only |
| Board - certified by the American Board of Surgery | |
| Provides detailed consultations | |
| Provides pre - and post - operative care | |
| Caring and helpful staff | |
| Accepts credit card | |
| Over 25 years of experience |
Dr. Adam Kolker
Overview
Dr. Adam Kolker is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He is highly knowledgeable, skilled, and has an impressive educational background.
Services and Specialties
- Specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. He offers a number of breast procedures aside from breast augmentation, such as breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, fat transfer breast augmentation, tuberous breast correction, inverted nipple correction, male breast reduction, and gummy bear breast implants.
- As an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he stays at the forefront of advancements in plastic surgery.
Cost and Ratings
The estimated breast augmentation cost is between $9000 – $11000. He has a rating of 4.8. His service is relatively expensive due to the combined effort of his surgical and anesthesia team, and the price also depends on the material used (silicone breast implants are $1000 more expensive than saline implants).
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| American Board of Plastic Surgery certified | Leaves staff to answer patient’s concerns |
| American Board of Surgery certified | Surgery is very expensive |
| Impressive educational background | |
| Friendly and helpful staff | |
| Offers several breast augmentation procedures | |
| Office is nice and clean |
What to Consider Before Breast Augmentation
Assessing Your Readiness
Before deciding to undergo breast augmentation, it's important to answer the following questions:
- Do you feel that your breasts are too small for your body frame?
- Do you feel self - conscious when you wear a swimsuit or any form - fitting and low - cut tops?
- Have your breasts become smaller or less firm after giving birth?
- Have your breasts become smaller due to weight loss?
- Is one of your breasts smaller than the other?
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with your chosen surgeon. During this meeting, you can discuss your aesthetic goals, the surgeon will review your medical history, and examine your breasts. They will provide information about the procedure, the recovery process, and the types of implants available. It's also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Financing Options
Breast augmentation can be costly, but there are different payment options available.
- Credit Cards: Many doctors accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
- Insurance: In some cases, insurance may cover breast augmentation if it is medically necessary, such as after a mastectomy. However, for cosmetic purposes, it is usually not covered.
- Financing: There are specialized medical financing companies like CareCredit. CareCredit offers no - interest plans up to 24 months (as long as the account holder makes the required minimum monthly payment and pays off the remaining balance within the promotional period) and extended payment plans for 24, 36, 48, or 60 months with a competitive interest rate and fixed monthly payments.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
- Quit smoking or using nicotine products at least a few weeks before the surgery, as nicotine can affect the healing process.
- Taper off medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort.
- Arrange for someone to accompany you on the day of the surgery and take you home afterward.
- Set up a comfortable recovery area at home with necessary items within reach.
- Plan to take 2 - 3 weeks off work for rest and recuperation.
The Surgery
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure that takes 1 - 1.5 hours. An anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia based on your preferences.
- Incisions: The surgeon will make a small incision in one of three common locations: under the breast (inframammary incision), around the areola (periareolar incision), or under the armpit (transaxillary incision). The choice of incision depends on factors such as the type of implant and the desired outcome.
- Implant Placement: The implant can be placed either under the pectoral muscles (submuscular plane) or above the pectoral muscles (subglandular). Patients with sagging breasts may be more likely to have subglandular placement.
- Closing the Incision: After the implant is placed, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and wrap the area with a compression garment.
Recovery
In the initial days after surgery, it's normal to experience fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. You'll be given pain medication and a surgical compression bra to wear for a few weeks.
- You can resume light activities and work in 2 - 3 weeks.
- 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 fully settle into place, and you'll be able to see the final results.
Aftercare and Potential Complications
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is crucial for a successful recovery.
- Take prescribed medications as directed to manage pain and prevent infection.
- Follow the surgeon's instructions regarding wound care, including keeping the incisions clean and dry.
- Attend all follow - up appointments so the surgeon can monitor your healing process.
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for the recommended period.
Potential Complications
Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, there are potential risks and complications, including:
- Infection: Can occur at the incision site or around the implant.
- Bleeding: May require additional medical attention.
- Altered Sensation: Nipple or breast sensations may change, either temporarily or permanently.
- Implant - related Issues: Such as leakage, rupture, capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), and implant displacement.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): A rare form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma associated with textured implants in some cases.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): A term used to describe a range of symptoms reported by some women with breast implants, although the cause is not well - understood.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a popular and effective way for many women to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. In New York City, Dr. Nadia Afridi, Dr. Richard Swift, and Dr. Adam Kolker are among the top surgeons offering high - quality breast augmentation services. However, it's important to carefully consider your goals, do thorough research, and have detailed consultations with your chosen surgeon before making a decision. Understanding the procedure, the recovery process, and the potential risks is essential for a successful outcome.
If you're considering breast augmentation, take the next step by scheduling a consultation with one of these top surgeons. You can learn more about the specific services they offer and determine if breast augmentation is the right choice for you.
