Introduction
Breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for over a decade. In the USA, over 5 million women have had breast augmentation, and a significant percentage of them are satisfied with the results. The shape and size of breasts can have a profound impact on a woman's confidence. If you're in New York City and considering breast augmentation, it's crucial to choose the right plastic surgery hospital or surgeon. This article will introduce you to some of the top options for breast implant shaping in the city.
Why Breast Augmentation?
There are numerous reasons why a woman may choose to undergo breast augmentation. Some common concerns include:
- Feeling that the breasts are too small or disproportionate to the rest of the body.
- Experiencing breast asymmetry, where one breast is noticeably smaller than the other.
- Noticing a decrease in breast size or firmness after aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
- Desiring to fill out clothing better and enhance overall femininity and self - esteem.
Top Surgeons and Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in New York City
Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Nadia Afridi is a well - known surgeon in NYC for breast augmentation. She has received impressive reviews from clients due to her quality of work and the way she handles patients. Here are some details about her:
- Qualifications: Board - certified plastic surgeon, MD, FRCSC. Her professionalism and caring nature make her stand out. She treats patients like friends and is always available to answer post - operation calls.
- Procedures and Considerations: When it comes to breast augmentation, she considers four key factors - the site of breast implant placement, the site of the incision to insert the breast implant, the type of implant (silicone or saline), and the size of the breast implant. Her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are typically made in unnoticeable areas such as the armpit, the underside of the breast, and around the areola to minimize visible scarring. She is experienced with both saline and silicone implants, offering patients a wider range of options.
- Additional Services: She also performs breast augmentation for patients who are not satisfied with the results of a previous procedure. She can correct various issues such as wrinkling, bottoming out, implant palpability, symmastia, severe implant displacement, and capsular contracture that distorts the breast shape and feel.
- Location and Cost: Her practice is located at 815 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021. The estimated breast augmentation cost is $8900.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Board - certified, very helpful and informative, with an accommodating staff. She offers several breast augmentation procedures, uses a “try on the look” method to determine the best size and shape for patients, and accepts credit cards and insurance.
- Cons: Appointments are required.
Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift is another popular cosmetic plastic surgeon in NYC. He offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments to enhance natural beauty.
- Qualifications: Board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise.
- Pre - and Post - operative Care: He provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. It is recommended that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before the breast augmentation procedure. The night before surgery, they should shower and wash with antimicrobial soap and avoid applying lotions, creams, or moisturizers on the area to be treated. After the surgery, patients' breasts will be swollen and tender. They can usually return to work within a week, but need to wear a surgical bra when the bandages are removed and refrain from bending, lifting, or engaging in strenuous exercise until approved by Dr. Swift.
- Team and Pricing: He has a great team of staff, from the receptionist to the operating room nurse and anesthesiologist. His price varies depending on the extent of surgery and the number of treatments needed, but it is fair and in line with other board - certified plastic surgeons.
- Location and Cost: His office is at 110 E 87th St, New York, NY 10128. The estimated breast augmentation cost is $5000 - $10000.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Board - certified by two prominent boards, provides detailed consultations and pre - and post - operative care, has a caring and helpful staff, accepts credit cards, and has over 25 years of experience.
- Cons: Appointments are required.
Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York. He has an outstanding educational background and extensive experience in plastic surgery.
- Qualifications: He graduated with honors from the highly selective accelerated six - year biomedical education program at Union College and Albany Medical College. He is double - board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has memberships in several prestigious medical societies.
- Procedures Offered: In addition to breast augmentation, he offers a number of breast procedures such as breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, fat transfer breast augmentation, tuberous breast correction, and gummy bear breast implants.
- Cost and Reputation: His service is relatively expensive due to the combined effort of his surgical and anesthesia team. The price also depends on the material used, with silicone breast implants being $1000 more expensive than saline implants. He is featured in multiple top - doctor lists, including New York Magazine's Best Doctors, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons, and Castle Connolly's Top Doctors.
- Location and Contact: His office is at 710 Park Avenue, New York City, New York, 10021. The phone numbers are (212) 744 - 3900 / (212) 744 - 6500.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Double - board certified, has an impressive educational background, friendly and helpful staff, offers several breast augmentation procedures, and has a nice and clean office.
- Cons: Leaves staff to answer patient's concerns, and surgery is very expensive.
Other Notable Institutions and Surgeons
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. Before surgery, they use advanced 3D imaging technology to demonstrate different breast sizes on the patient's unique body. They offer several options for breast augmentation:
- Breast Implants: There are two main types - silicone breast implants, which look and feel natural in the breasts, and saline breast implants, which are firmer and rounder.
- Naturalfill: A fat transfer technique - known as Natural fill® - was pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. It involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and then inserting it into the breasts to enlarge them.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
This group specializes in breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Jordan Jacobs, affiliated with this group, has received training from globally acclaimed medical leaders. He offers personalized breast augmentation procedures and uses advanced imaging technology such as Vectra XT 3D - imaging to help patients visualize their potential results. They offer different types of breast implants, including saline, structured saline, silicone, gummy bear, and round breast implants. The surgeons also use various incision placements such as the inframammary fold, periareolar incision, and transaxillary incision to meet patients' preferences and anatomical needs.
Types of Breast Implants
There are several types of breast implants available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a breakdown:
Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Saline Implants | Filled with sterile saltwater. If the implant ruptures, the saline is simply absorbed by the body. | Less expensive, can be filled after placement, and the contents are harmless if the implant ruptures. | May have a higher risk of visible wrinkling or rippling, and some may consider them to feel less natural than silicone implants. |
Silicone Implants | Filled with silicone gel, which resembles the natural feel and texture of actual breasts. | Provide a more natural look and feel. | There is a small risk of the gel escaping into the breast implant pocket in the unlikely event of a rupture, and they are more expensive than saline implants. |
Structured Saline Implants | Saline breast implants with an internal structure that makes them more natural and realistic. | Offer a more natural appearance compared to regular saline implants. | Relatively newer option, and there may be limited long - term data available. |
Gummy Bear Implants | Form - stable silicone breast implants that maintain their shape even when the implant shell breaks. They have a tapered top that resembles the natural structure of the breasts. | Highly durable and provide a very natural - looking result. | More expensive than other types of implants. |
Round Breast Implants | Rounded breast implants that are evenly shaped on all sides. There's no risk of external projection if they rotate out of place. | Provide a symmetrical and youthful appearance. | May not look as natural as some other types in certain cases. |
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Before undergoing breast augmentation, it's important to take the following steps:
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. The surgeon will perform a physical examination and help you determine the most suitable type of implant, incision placement, and other aspects of the procedure.
- Medical Evaluation: Undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you are in good health and a suitable candidate for surgery. This may include blood tests, a mammogram, and other diagnostic tests as recommended by your surgeon.
- Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking at least several weeks before surgery, as smoking can interfere with the healing process. Avoid taking certain medications such as aspirin and anti - inflammatory drugs, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Arrange Support: Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and assist you during the initial recovery period. You may need help with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children.
Recovery Process
The recovery process from breast augmentation varies from patient to patient. Here are some general guidelines:
- Immediate Post - surgery: After the surgery, your chest may feel sore and stiff. You'll be required to wear a compression bra to support the breasts and aid in healing. You may also experience swelling, bruising, and some numbness in the breasts and nipples, which are normal and should resolve over time.
- Return to Work: Depending on the nature of your job, you may be able to return to work within a few days to a week. However, strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks to a month after the procedure.
- Full Recovery: Most residual swelling will resolve within a month, but it may take several months for the breasts to fully settle into their final shape. You'll need to follow your surgeon's instructions regarding wound care, medication, and follow - up appointments.
Potential Risks and Complications
While breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of:
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the capsule surrounding the implant tightens, causing the breast to become hard and misshapen. It can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue and, if desired, placing new implants.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Although rare, an implant can rupture or leak. Saline implants will deflate if they rupture, and the saline will be absorbed by the body. Silicone implants may require more extensive evaluation if a rupture is suspected.
- Infection: An infection at the incision site can occur. It usually presents within a week after surgery and can be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed.
- Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Scarring: While efforts are made to minimize scarring, all surgical incisions will leave a scar. The appearance of the scar will depend on factors such as the incision location, your skin type, and how well you follow post - operative care instructions.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women, enhancing their confidence and overall well - being. In New York City, there are several top - grade public and private plastic surgery hospitals and surgeons to choose from. Surgeons like Dr. Nadia Afridi, Dr. Richard Swift, and Dr. Adam Kolker, as well as institutions like Mount Sinai and New York Group for Plastic Surgery, offer high - quality breast augmentation services. However, it's important to carefully research and consult with a qualified professional to determine the best option for your individual needs. By understanding the different types of implants, the procedure, the recovery process, and the potential risks, you can make an informed decision and achieve the desired results.
If you're considering breast augmentation, take the next step and schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. Discuss your goals, ask questions, and learn more about the possibilities. With the right care and expertise, you can look forward to a beautiful and confident new you in 2025.