Introduction
Breast augmentation is a widely sought - after cosmetic procedure, and in New York City, there are numerous options available. Combined endoscopic breast augmentation offers the advantage of enhanced precision and often less visible scarring. In this article, we will explore the top 5 hospitals in New York City for combined endoscopic breast augmentation. These hospitals are chosen based on their reputation, the expertise of their surgeons, available techniques, patient outcomes, and overall patient care.
1. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon, stands out as a pioneer in endoscopic breast surgery. He has over 27 years of experience performing underarm, endoscopic breast augmentation, which is more than any other plastic surgeon in the New York area. His vast experience gives patients the confidence that they are in capable hands.
Scarless Breast Augmentation Technique
The transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation technique used at Rapaport Plastic Surgery involves making discreet incisions hidden neatly in the underarm. This results in a more organic and non - surgical appearance. By using a narrow tubular camera, the endoscopic approach allows for highly accurate implant placement, reducing the risk of complications.
Patient - centered Care
During a detailed consultation, Dr. Rapaport works closely with patients to determine the best option for their needs. He creates a personalized treatment plan, which includes details about the implants to be used, the incision placement, and whether the implants will be below or above the pectoral muscle. He generally recommends positioning the implants under the pectoralis muscle for a more natural - appearing breast with less likelihood of a visible implant edge or visible rippling.
Breast Implants Options
There are two main types of breast implants available at Rapaport Plastic Surgery: saline and silicone. For scarless breast augmentation, saline implants are often used since they can be filled after they’ve been inserted, enabling the use of a small incision under the arm. Dr. Rapaport also offers silicone implants for those less concerned with scarring. Each type of implant has its own unique advantages.
Recovery and Results
Patients with non - physical jobs can commonly return to work about five days following surgery. Pain medication is prescribed for the first two to three days to manage discomfort. After three days, most patients can switch to just taking Tylenol. Many patients find ice packs helpful to reduce discomfort during the first postoperative night. Despite being allowed to return to work after five days, patients are prohibited from aerobic activity, including sexual activity, for ten days. Mild aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, is generally permitted after about ten days, and full aerobic activity after three weeks. The results of breast augmentation are typically permanent, with most breast implants lasting a decade or more.
2. Mount Sinai - New York
Advanced Technology
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons are well - known for using the latest technologies to ensure patient satisfaction with the results of breast augmentation. Their advanced 3D imaging technology can demonstrate what the larger breasts will look like on the patient's unique body. By showing various options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts before making a decision.
Range of Treatment Options
There are multiple options for breast augmentation at Mount Sinai. There are two types of implants: silicone breast implants, which look and feel natural in the breasts, and saline breast implants, which are firmer and rounder. In addition, they offer a natural - fill option, a fat transfer technique pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. 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.
Surgeon Consultation
The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai listen carefully to patients' desires for enhancing their breast size. They also help patients decide about the size and shape that will look best for their body. During the consultation, the surgeon explains what happens during the procedure and answers any questions the patient may have. A physical exam is also performed to confirm that the patient is a candidate for breast augmentation.
Long - term Results and Considerations
Patients can expect their breast augmentation results to last for many years. However, as with non - augmented breasts, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and significant weight gain or loss may cause natural drooping over time. In such cases, a breast lift or replacing the breast implants along the lift line may be considered.
3. Dr. William Lao, MD
Surgeon Qualifications
Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan with over 10 years of experience. He is a double major graduate of Johns Hopkins University and holds a doctorate of medicine from Johns Hopkins. He is a member of multiple prestigious plastic surgery societies and was voted top doctor in 2022 by New Beauty.
Endoscopic Breast Augmentation Expertise
Dr. Lao is on a shortlist of surgeons in the country who specialize in the scarless breast augmentation technique, where the implants are inserted through the armpit. For endoscopic breast augmentation through the axilla, he makes a tiny incision around the top of the armpit. An endoscope is used before implant insertion to precisely move tissue and create a pocket for the breast implant. This approach can be used for both saline and silicone implants.
Personalized Approach to Implant Selection
Dr. Lao helps patients choose the best breast implants through a five - step process. First, patients choose between saline and cohesive silicone gel implants. Then, they select the implant size, shape, placement (above or beneath the muscle), and incision placement. Dr. Lao offers his expertise based on the patient's body type, but also respects the patient's personal preference.
Recovery and Patient Experience
Most patients return home on the day of surgery. They may experience swelling, bruising, pain, and general discomfort during the early stages of recovery, for which medication can be provided. Most patients take around a week off work. Normal activities can be resumed in two to three weeks, and heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for four to six weeks. The swelling fully subsides in six to eight weeks, revealing the final results.
4. Columbia Surgery
Comprehensive Plastic Surgery Services
Columbia Surgery offers a wide range of plastic surgery services, including breast augmentation. As one of New York’s best hospitals and the world’s top medical centers, it has extensive experience in delivering high - quality care for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Expert Surgeons
The plastic surgeons at Columbia are proficient in multiple areas of specialization. They are not only skilled in routine cosmetic breast augmentation but also in complex reconstructive operations related to the breast. Each surgeon has a strong background in research and clinical practice, ensuring that patients receive the latest and most effective treatments.
Multidisciplinary Approach
For breast augmentation, especially in cases related to breast cancer reconstruction, Columbia Surgery takes a multidisciplinary approach. Cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons work together to provide compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.
Patient - centered Research and Education
The hospital's plastic surgery research laboratory conducts numerous studies related to breast surgery, including stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing. These research efforts contribute to the continuous improvement of breast augmentation techniques and patient outcomes. Additionally, they offer educational guides to help patients make informed decisions about their breast augmentation.
5. Weill Cornell Medicine
Exemplary Surgeons and Care Team
The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are leaders in their field. The care team is well - equipped to promote comfort throughout the breast augmentation process. They work closely with patients from the initial consultation to understand their goals and discuss the best options.
Individualized Breast Surgery
Recognizing that each patient is unique, Weill Cornell's surgeons are highly skilled at helping patients achieve the natural look they want. They consider factors such as the patient's race, ethnicity, gender, and gender identity to provide individualized breast surgery that makes patients feel confident in their appearance.
Focus on Comfort
Patient comfort is a top priority at Weill Cornell Medicine. Before surgery, patients have time to ask questions and feel comfortable with the procedure. In state - of - the - art surgical suites, the latest anesthetics and medications are used to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After surgery, the care team manages pain with medication and teaches patients how to care for themselves during the recovery process.
Advanced Surgical Options
The team of surgeons at Weill Cornell offers the most advanced options for cosmetic breast surgery, including breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery, breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery. This wide range of options allows patients to choose the procedure that best suits their needs.
Comparative Analysis of the Five Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Unique Techniques | Implant Options | Patient - centered Care | Recovery Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapaport Plastic Surgery | Dr. David P. Rapaport with over 27 years of endoscopic breast augmentation experience | Transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation for scarless results | Saline and silicone implants | Personalized treatment plans and detailed consultations | Relatively short return - to - work time for non - physical jobs; clear restrictions on aerobic activity |
| Mount Sinai - New York | Experienced plastic surgeons using advanced 3D imaging technology | Natural - fill fat transfer technique | Silicone, saline implants, and natural - fill option | Listening to patient desires and using 3D imaging for result visualization | Long - term results with considerations for future changes due to life events |
| Dr. William Lao, MD | Double - board - certified surgeon with specialized scarless breast augmentation technique | Endoscopic breast augmentation through the axilla | Saline and cohesive silicone gel implants | Five - step process for implant selection and personalized approach | Most patients return home on the day of surgery; specific recovery time for different activities |
| Columbia Surgery | Proficient surgeons in multiple plastic surgery specializations | Multidisciplinary approach for breast cancer reconstruction | Standard implant options with a focus on research - driven improvements | Educational guides and comprehensive patient care | Supportive care based on the hospital's vast resources and research |
| Weill Cornell Medicine | Leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons | Full range of advanced cosmetic breast surgery options | Variety of implant - based and other surgical options | Focus on patient comfort from pre - surgery to post - surgery | Use of latest anesthetics for faster recovery and guided post - operative care |
Important Considerations for Patients
Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications
When choosing a hospital for combined endoscopic breast augmentation, the experience and qualifications of the surgeon are of utmost importance. A surgeon with extensive experience in endoscopic techniques is more likely to achieve better results and minimize complications. Board - certification is also a key factor, as it indicates that the surgeon has met the high standards set by the relevant medical boards.
Implant Options
Patients should understand the different types of breast implants available, including saline and silicone, as well as any other unique options offered by the hospital. Factors such as the feel, appearance, and potential risks associated with each type of implant should be carefully considered.
Patient - centered Care
A hospital that provides patient - centered care will listen to the patient's goals and concerns, offer personalized treatment plans, and provide clear information about the procedure, recovery, and potential outcomes. This includes detailed consultations, pre - operative and post - operative support, and addressing any questions or fears the patient may have.
Recovery Process
Understanding the recovery process is crucial for patients. This includes knowing how long it will take to return to normal activities, what kind of pain management will be provided, and any restrictions during the recovery period. A hospital that provides comprehensive recovery instructions and support can greatly improve the patient's experience.
Cost
The cost of breast augmentation can vary significantly between hospitals. Patients should consider not only the upfront cost but also any potential additional costs, such as follow - up appointments, post - operative care, and the cost of the implants. It is important to have a clear understanding of the cost breakdown before making a decision.
Conclusion
In New York City, these top 5 hospitals for combined endoscopic breast augmentation offer a wide range of options for patients. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it's the surgeon's expertise, advanced techniques, patient - centered care, or the variety of implant options. Rapaport Plastic Surgery stands out for its scarless breast augmentation technique and experienced surgeon. Mount Sinai - New York offers advanced 3D imaging and a natural - fill option. Dr. William Lao, MD is known for his specialized endoscopic approach and personalized implant selection process. Columbia Surgery provides a multidisciplinary approach and extensive research. Weill Cornell Medicine focuses on patient comfort and a full range of advanced surgical options.
If you are considering combined endoscopic breast augmentation, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with the surgeons at these hospitals, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences. Don't hesitate to reach out to the hospitals or surgeons directly to learn more about their services and what they can offer you. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast augmentation to help them make the right choice.
