Introduction
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure, and New York City, being a global hub for healthcare and beauty, has a multitude of top - notch hospitals and clinics offering this service. In this article, we will unveil the top five and top three hospitals for female breast augmentation in New York City, along with providing in - depth information about breast augmentation itself, including procedures, risks, recovery, and costs.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job, is the enlargement of the breasts either through transfer of fat from a part of the body or through surgical procedures which use breast implants or saline for enlargement of the breast. The most common one which is well - practiced is the surgical method. It mainly helps in enlarging or restoring symmetry to the breast. It provides a solution to those who have had reduction in breast size either due to weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding as well as those who want a balance in their physical appearance. For example, a woman who has lost breast volume after having children may opt for breast augmentation to regain her pre - pregnancy breast size and shape.
Top Five Hospitals for Female Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. By showing various options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts. Their goal is to give patients a natural shape and size that they will be happy with. They offer different types of implants, including silicone and saline breast implants, and also a natural fat transfer technique known as NaturalFill®, which is a two - step procedure where fat is removed from the buttocks or abdomen via liposuction and then inserted into the breasts.
2. Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Lara Devgan is known for providing beautiful, natural results in breast augmentation. During the consultation, she examines, measures, and photographs the patient's breasts, discusses the medical history and desires for surgery, shows samples of silicone and saline breast implants, and allows patients to "try on" different sizes of implants. Surgery typically takes one hour and can be performed in her fully accredited private office operating room or at a top local hospital on the upper east side. The recovery process is relatively smooth, with most patients feeling "back to normal" by one month after surgery, although some swelling and the final settling of the breasts may take a few more months.
3. Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He is highly experienced in breast augmentation and has his education and training from some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, such as Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is also an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He takes an individualized approach, establishing each patient's aesthetic goals based on their body type to achieve a proportionate and natural outcome. His work has been recognized in many prominent lists, including New York Magazine's Best Doctors and Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons.
4. Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach for breast augmentation. He has in - depth knowledge of breast implants, including the latest advancements such as cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants). During the consultation, he reviews the patient's medical history, examines the breasts, and discusses implant options such as material, shape, size, and texture. He also provides detailed information about the procedure, recovery, and possible complications.
5. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a board - certified and Ivy League educated plastic surgeon. He has more than two decades of experience and is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He prefers the transaxillary subpectoral approach for breast augmentation, which involves making a small incision in the armpit and placing the implant behind the pectoralis major muscle. This approach has several advantages, including no jeopardy to nipple sensation, no hindrance to future breastfeeding, no visible scars near the breast, less pain, less post - operative downtime, and less swelling and bruising.
Top Three Hospitals for Female Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Mount Sinai
As previously mentioned, Mount Sinai's use of advanced 3D imaging technology and the availability of multiple augmentation options make it a top choice. The hospital's surgeons are highly experienced and committed to providing patients with a natural - looking result. Their team approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care from consultation to recovery.
2. Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Devgan's patient - centric approach, from the detailed consultation process to the relatively quick recovery period, makes her practice stand out. Her reputation for delivering natural and beautiful results has attracted many patients, including those from out - of - town and international locations.
3. Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Kolker's extensive training, artistic approach, and long list of credentials give patients confidence in his abilities. His personalized approach to breast augmentation, combined with his experience in handling a wide range of body types and aesthetic goals, make him a leading choice in New York City.
Types of Breast Implants
There are several types of breast implants available for augmentation:
- Silicone Breast Implants: These implants look and feel natural in the breasts. They are pre - filled and produced ready to be inserted. Silicone implants are popular because of their natural appearance and feel, and they are the most frequently chosen by women. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants.
- Saline Breast Implants: Saline implants are placed in the breast pocket and are filled to the patient's desired volume during the procedure. They are a firmer, rounder implant option.
- Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants (Gummy Bear Implants): Developed in the 1990s, these implants feature a silicone gel that is thick enough to keep its form and minimize the risk of leakage if the implant becomes compromised. They can provide a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Procedure Process
Consultation
During the consultation, the surgeon will examine the patient's breasts, review their medical history, and discuss their aesthetic goals. They will show samples of different implants, allow patients to try on different sizes, and use imaging technology if available to help patients visualize the potential results. Surgeons will also answer any questions the patient may have and determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Preparation
Before the surgery, patients are usually advised to quit smoking or using nicotine products, as nicotine can significantly impact the ability to heal. They may also need to taper off certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John's wort. Arrangements should be made for someone to pick the patient up from the hospital after the surgery, and a comfortable recovery space at home should be prepared. Patients are typically advised to take 2 - 3 weeks off to rest and recuperate.
Surgery
The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure and can take 1 - 1.5 hours. An anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia based on the patient's preferences. The surgeon will make an incision, either under the breast (inframammary incision), around the areola (periareolar incision), or under the armpit (transaxillary incision). The implant will then be placed either under the pectoral muscles (submuscular plane) or above the pectoral muscles (subglandular). After the implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and wrap the area with a compression garment.
Recovery
In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients will be given a prescription for pain medication and a surgical compression bra to wear for a few weeks. Light activities and work can usually be resumed in 2 - 3 weeks, and more strenuous activities can be started at 6 - 8 weeks. It may take a few months for the implants to fully settle into place.
Risks and Complications
General Complications
Some of the general complications that can arise after breast augmentation include breast pain, breast numbness, loss of sensation in nipples, implant leak, issues with breastfeeding, breast implant illness, and allergic reactions. In some cases, surgery or total removal of the implant may be required to handle these complications.
Specific Complications
BIA - ALCL: Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a form of non - Hodgkin's lymphoma that can be associated with breast implants, particularly textured implants. Although the number of cases is small, it is a concern that patients should be aware of. Breast Implant Illness: This is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed, such as memory loss, joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.
Cost of Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation depends on several factors, including the type of procedure to be used, the type of implants, and the doctor to perform the surgery. Breast augmentation cost usually ranges from $3,900 to $6,000. However, the payment may not cover all aspects, such as the implants themselves. Geographical location also plays a role, with clinics in urban areas or regions with a high cost of living generally having higher prices. Some clinics offer financing options, such as in - house financing plans or third - party medical loans, to help patients afford the procedure.
FAQs
When can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?
You will need to wait at least two to three weeks before you can sleep on your side after breast augmentation. Sleeping on your side or stomach in the early stages is not advisable as it might ruin the whole process and cause the implants not to settle well. The ideal way of sleeping after breast augmentation is on your back.
Is breast augmentation safe?
Breast augmentation has some risks, but when performed by a qualified surgeon, the procedure can be relatively safe. Complications such as breast pain, numbness, implant leak, etc., can occur, but most women have successful outcomes. It is important to be aware of the risks before deciding to have the surgery.
How painful is breast augmentation recovery?
During recovery, individuals may feel little or no pain, and where there is pain, it usually goes away completely after a couple of weeks. Everyone handles pain differently, but the pain is usually mild unless there are complications. Taking prescribed pain medication can help manage the pain.
How long to recover from breast augmentation?
The recovery process after breast augmentation usually takes between six to eight weeks. During this time, patients should rest, wear a recovery bra, take their medication, eat well, and follow their doctor's instructions. The recovery time may be longer if there are complications or if the patient does not follow the instructions.
Can you breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Yes, breast augmentation or implants do not stop you from breastfeeding. However, milk supply might be short due to the presence of breast implants, and there may be some changes in breast size after breastfeeding. The ability to breastfeed with implants depends on the procedure conducted, the location of the implants, the level of damage to breast tissue, and if there are any scars in the milk ducts as a result of the surgery.
Conclusion
New York City offers a plethora of top - notch hospitals and clinics for female breast augmentation. The top five hospitals - Mount Sinai, Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS, Dr. Adam R. Kolker, Dr. John E. Sherman, and Dr. Barry Weintraub, and the top three - Mount Sinai, Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS, and Dr. Adam R. Kolker, all have highly skilled surgeons and advanced techniques to provide patients with natural - looking and satisfactory results. However, breast augmentation is a significant decision that involves understanding the procedure, its risks, recovery, and costs. Before making a decision, it is crucial to have in - depth consultations with qualified surgeons, ask plenty of questions, and make an informed choice.
If you are considering breast augmentation, take the time to research these top hospitals and schedule consultations to find the one that best suits your needs and aesthetic goals. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation in New York City to help them make an educated decision.
