Introduction to Breast Augmentation with Prostheses in New York City
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic procedure that many women consider to enhance their appearance and boost self - confidence. In New York City, a global hub of medical excellence, there are numerous hospitals and clinics offering this service. Selecting a high - cost - performance hospital is crucial to ensure both a successful procedure and optimal value for money.
What is Breast Augmentation with Prostheses?
Breast augmentation with prostheses involves inserting implants into the breasts to increase their size, change their shape, or improve symmetry. There are two main types of implants: silicone and saline. Silicone implants more closely mimic the texture and feel of natural breast tissue, while saline implants can be adjusted for asymmetry and may require smaller incisions. The surgery is typically performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon in an accredited medical facility.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
- Enhanced Confidence: Many women experience a renewed sense of self - confidence and empowerment after achieving their desired breast size and shape.
- Improved Proportions: It can enhance overall body proportions, helping create a balanced silhouette that aligns with aesthetic goals.
- Customized Volume and Shape: With options for different shapes and sizes of implants, the procedure can be tailored to achieve the look each patient desires.
- Rejuvenated Appearance: For women who have experienced volume loss due to aging, pregnancy, or weight changes, breast augmentation can restore fullness and create a youthful contour.
- Corrected Asymmetry: It can help address natural asymmetry, creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
- Broader Wardrobe Options: Achieving the ideal breast size opens up more choices in clothing, providing a comfortable and flattering fit in a wider variety of styles.
The Top 5 High - Cost - Performance Hospitals for Breast Augmentation with Prostheses in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Expertise and Experience
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging technology, to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. This technology allows patients to virtually try on different sizes of breasts on a computer monitor, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their desired outcome.
Treatment Options
The hospital offers several options for breast augmentation. There are two types of implants: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. Additionally, Mount Sinai surgeons have pioneered and perfected a fat transfer technique called NaturalFill®. This two - step procedure involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen with liposuction and then inserting that fat into the breasts to enlarge them, using the patient's own fat deposits.
Cost - Performance
Although specific pricing is not always available, Mount Sinai provides high - quality services with state - of - the - art technology and experienced surgeons. When compared to the long - term results and the personalized care patients receive, it offers good value for money. The hospital's reputation for excellence also means that patients can have confidence in the safety and success of their procedure.
2. Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Care
Medical Team
Each plastic surgeon on the clinical staff at Columbia is proficient in multiple areas of specialization. They range from routine, non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations. Surgeons like Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, who has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters and is included in castle connolly’s list of America’s top doctors and new york magazine’s annual list of best doctors, bring a high level of expertise to the table.
Comprehensive Services
The hospital offers a wide range of services related to breast augmentation. It also has comprehensive reconstructive care options for patients who may need breast reconstruction after breast cancer. The columbia breast cancer reconstructive surgery program brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.
Cost - Performance
As one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center, Columbia can deliver high - quality care. The hospital's investment in research and development, as seen in its plastic surgery research laboratory's work on stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing, indirectly benefits patients. The overall package of expert care, advanced research, and comprehensive services makes it a cost - effective choice in the long run.
3. Dr. Antell's Practice
Surgeon's Reputation
Dr. Darrick Antell is a renowned breast augmentation surgeon in New York City. He is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has performed more than ten thousand plastic surgery procedures, including thousands of breast augmentation surgeries. He has been listed in multiple magazines, such as Harper’s Bazaar and Town and Country, as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
Patient - Centered Approach
During the consultation, Dr. Antell performs a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's general health and medical history. He has an open and honest conversation with the patient about their expectations, guiding them through selecting the proper implant type, incision type, implant placement, and size. He also discusses the risks in detail and provides patients with the manufacturer's insert for the selected implants to ensure they are fully informed.
Cost - Performance
While the cost of breast augmentation varies depending on factors such as the type of implant and other fees, Dr. Antell's high - level of expertise and the low risk of complications associated with his procedures make it a worthwhile investment. His use of advanced techniques and state - of - the - art facilities also contribute to the value for patients.
4. Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice
Credentials and Experience
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon. 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. He is also an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, which means he stays on the cutting edge of advancements in plastic surgery.
Artistic Approach
Dr. Kolker combines scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity. In breast augmentation, he believes that "beautiful" should be more important than "size". He establishes each individual woman's aesthetic goals, distinct to her body type, to attain a proportionate outcome and the most natural results. His patients often praise the natural - looking results of his surgeries.
Cost - Performance
Given his extensive experience, impressive credentials, and ability to deliver beautiful, natural results, Dr. Kolker's practice offers good cost - performance. His reputation for excellence is also reflected in the many media features he has received, including being listed in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues and Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons.
5. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Specialized Knowledge
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He has a deep understanding of breast implants, having worked closely with Allergan during the original development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. These FDA - approved devices feature an anatomically shaped silhouette, with contours that closely resemble the curve of a woman’s breast.
Personalized Treatment
Dr. Sherman works closely with each patient to develop an individualized approach. He discusses implant options, taking into account factors such as material, shape, size, and texture. He also provides patients with detailed information about the procedure, recovery, and possible complications, ensuring that they are well - informed and can make confident decisions.
Cost - Performance
While the cost of breast augmentation depends on the patient's unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, Dr. Sherman's expertise in breast implant technology and his personalized treatment approach offer good value. His long - term experience in the field and the successful outcomes he has achieved contribute to the overall cost - performance of his practice.
Comparing the Top 5 Hospitals
| Hospital | Expertise | Treatment Options | Cost - Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Experienced plastic surgeons, use of 3D imaging technology | Silicone and saline implants, NaturalFill® fat transfer | High - quality care, long - term results, personalized service |
| Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Care | Multispecialty plastic surgeons, strong research focus | Breast augmentation and breast reconstruction after cancer | Expert care, advanced research benefits, comprehensive services |
| Dr. Antell's Practice | Renowned breast augmentation surgeon with extensive experience | Saline and silicone implants, personalized implant selection | Low complication risk, advanced techniques, state - of - the - art facilities |
| Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice | Double - board - certified, combines science and art | Breast augmentation with a focus on natural results | Impressive credentials, natural - looking results, media recognition |
| Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice | Expert in breast implant technology, close work with Allergan | Anatomically shaped implants, personalized treatment plans | Specialized knowledge, long - term experience, successful outcomes |
Preparing for Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
Consultation
Before the procedure, patients should schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will perform a physical exam, discuss the patient's medical history, and understand their aesthetic goals. The surgeon will also explain the different types of implants, the surgical procedure, and the expected recovery time. Patients should ask questions about the risks, benefits, and costs of the procedure.
Medical Preparation
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can affect the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Patients should quit smoking or using any nicotine product weeks before the surgery.
- Adjust Medications: Patients may need to taper off current medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort.
- Medical Clearance: Depending on the patient's medical history, they may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor.
Practical Preparation
- Arrange for Support: Patients should arrange for someone to pick them up from the hospital after the surgery and to assist them for the first few days of recovery.
- Create a Comfortable Recovery Space: Designate a comfortable space at home to recover and place necessary items within reach.
- Take Time Off Work: Plan to take 2 - 3 weeks off work to rest and recuperate.
Recovery Process after Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, patients will recover in a monitored recovery suite. They may feel tired or sore, but a specialized, long - lasting local anesthesia is often used to decrease discomfort. Most patients can return home the same day as an outpatient procedure. It is important to follow the discharge instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include taking prescribed medications, wearing a compression garment, and avoiding strenuous activities.
Short - Term Recovery (1 - 2 Weeks)
During the first week or two, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. They should wear a surgical compression bra and take pain medication as prescribed. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, but they should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. Follow - up appointments with the surgeon are usually scheduled during this time to monitor the healing process.
Long - Term Recovery (Several Weeks to Months)
Swelling will gradually subside over several months, and the final result will typically be visible around 6 months. Scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks and may widen slightly before fading over time. Patients can gradually return to their normal activities, including exercise, but they should continue to follow the surgeon's advice on post - operative care, such as breast massages to help prevent capsular contracture.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
Capsular Contracture
This is the most common complication after breast augmentation. It occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing hardening or discomfort. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue, and if desired, placing new implants. Surgeons may use techniques such as placing an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or prescribing Accolate to reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
Infection
Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated by antibiotics. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed. To reduce the risk of infection, patients should follow the surgeon's instructions on wound care and hygiene.
Implant Rupture
Implant rupture can occur as a result of injury or from normal compression and movement of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt - water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, resulting in the breast appearing deflated. With both saline and silicone implant ruptures, a revision surgery is usually performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue.
Changes in Sensation
Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensations after the surgery. This can be temporary or permanent. Surgeons will discuss this risk with patients during the consultation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for breast augmentation with prostheses in New York City is a significant decision. The top 5 hospitals mentioned - Mount Sinai Hospital, Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Care, Dr. Antell's Practice, Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice, and Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice - all offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and a range of treatment options. Patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and budget when making a choice. It is also essential to follow the pre - operative and post - operative instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure a successful procedure and a smooth recovery.
If you are considering breast augmentation with prostheses, we encourage you to schedule consultations with these hospitals or surgeons. Ask questions, review before - and - after photos, and read patient testimonials. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and take the first step towards achieving your desired aesthetic goals.
