Silicone breast augmentation has become a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. The ability to enhance the size and shape of the breasts while achieving a natural look and feel has made it popular among women of various ages and backgrounds. In this article, we will explore the top 5 ranking silicone breast augmentation providers in New York City, as well as important aspects related to the procedure such as implant types, benefits, risks, and more.
What is Silicone Breast Augmentation?
Silicone breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of silicone - filled breast implants to increase the volume and improve the shape of the breasts. It is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation, and approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the US were performed with silicone implants.
The first silicone implants were developed in the early 1960s by Dow Chemical. Since then, there have been many improvements in the design and safety of these implants. Today, silicone breast implants are approved by the FDA and are known for their ability to mimic the feel and appearance of natural breast tissue.
Types of Silicone Breast Implants
Texture
- Smooth Implants: These implants have a smooth surface and are normally transparent. They are the softest implant choice, drop more which looks more natural, may settle into the final position faster, and may have better overall longevity. They can move around within the breast pocket without distorting the look of the breasts. For example, a patient who wants a more natural - looking drop of the breasts over time may prefer smooth implants.
- Textured Implants: Textured implants minimize scarring around the implant, prevent the implant from moving in the breast pocket, and may decrease the risk of capsular contracture by preventing too much scar tissue formation. They integrate with tissues and are beneficial for breast revision and breast reconstruction patients. However, it's important to note that there has been a worldwide alert regarding a small increased risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) with textured implants, especially in patients who develop a seroma.
Shape
- Round Implants: Round implants can be either smooth or textured. They evenly provide more fullness to both the upper and lower poles, may help create more cleavage, and were once the only shape available, so patients are often familiar with what the final result will look like. They also provide more lift and look slightly bigger than teardrop implants. For instance, a patient who wants more fullness in the upper part of the breast and more cleavage may choose round implants.
- Anatomical (Teardrop) Implants: These implants better mimic the natural shape of the breast, keep their shape when laying down, create a natural sloping shape to the breasts, and may benefit petite patients without enough breast tissue to hide a round implant. Their less movement contributes to a more stable shape, and they are considered the most natural - looking option.
Silicone Gel Type
- Traditional Silicone Implants: These use a silicone gel where the implant is cohesive but maintains an extremely soft feel. They are a popular choice for patients who want a soft and natural - feeling breast.
- Gummy Bear Implants: Gummy bear implants, developed by Sientra, have a more cohesive and form - stable gel filling. The special cohesive gel makes the implants strong and durable, while remaining soft and pliable to the touch. They are named so because their feel is comparable to a gummy bear. These implants retain their shape longer, with minimal risk of complications like leakage, even in the rare event of a tear.
Benefits of Silicone Breast Augmentation
Silicone breast augmentation offers numerous benefits to patients:
- Enhanced Self - Confidence: Many patients report that the surgery increases their self - confidence. For example, a woman who has always felt self - conscious about her small breasts may feel more confident in her appearance after the procedure and may be more willing to wear certain types of clothing, such as swimsuits or low - cut tops.
- Improved Body Proportions: It can help create better body proportions by adding volume to the breasts. This is especially beneficial for women who have a smaller bust in relation to the rest of their body.
- Natural Look and Feel: Silicone implants are known for providing a more natural look and feel compared to other types of implants. The silicone gel mimics the texture of natural breast tissue, making the augmented breasts look and feel more real.
- Restoration after Pregnancy or Weight Loss: Women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss can use silicone breast augmentation to restore their pre - pregnancy or pre - weight loss breast size and shape.
Risks and Complications
Although silicone breast augmentation is a generally safe procedure, there are some risks and complications associated with it:
BIA - ALCL
Over the past few years, researchers have found that women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL). While the actual number of cases worldwide is not confirmed, it appears to be approaching 400 cases. This is not breast cancer but rather a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can be effectively treated. It seems to be associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma. As of now, there have only been two cases associated with smooth implants, and those patients had previously placed textured implants.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Breast implant illness is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed. These symptoms include memory loss, “brain fog,” joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.
Other Complications
- Capsular Contracture: This is a rare but possible complication where the body forms a tight scar tissue around the implant, causing the breast to harden and malposition.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Although modern silicone implants are designed to be more durable, there is still a risk of rupture or leakage. In the case of silicone implants, a rupture may go unnoticed for a long time as the gel may stay within the capsule formed by the scar tissue.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection after the surgery, which can usually be treated with antibiotics. However, in severe cases, the implant may need to be removed.
- Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which can be temporary or permanent.
The TOP 5 Ranking of Silicone Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is one of the top plastic surgeons specializing in breast implants in New York City. He is on a shortlist of surgeons in the country who specialize in the scarless breast augmentation technique, in which the implants are inserted through the armpit, leaving no visible scar. Dr. 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, followed by a doctorate of medicine from Johns Hopkins. He has successfully performed over 500 breast surgeries throughout his career and has been voted top doctor in 2022 by New Beauty.
Dr. Lao offers two options for breast implants: saline and cohesive silicone gel. He will work with patients to determine the best implant size, shape, and placement based on their body type and aesthetic goals. His surgery time is usually 2 - 3 hours, and the price ranges from approximately $9,000 - $20,000. Most patients return home on the day of surgery and return to their regular routine in 2 - 3 weeks, with final results taking a few months as the swelling goes down.
2. Dr. Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Lara Devgan's practice in New York City focuses on providing beautiful, natural results for breast augmentation patients. She examines, measures, and photographs the breasts during the consultation. She shows patients samples of silicone and saline breast implants so they can feel the difference and choose the type they prefer. Patients also have an opportunity to "try on" different sizes of implants to figure out what is right for them.
The surgery typically takes one hour and can be performed either in her fully accredited private office operating room or at one of the top local hospitals on the upper east side. In the first 24 - 48 hours after surgery, patients may have a small amount of swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Most patients with desk jobs can return to work by the 3rd or 4th day after surgery. By one month after surgery, the vast majority of patients say they feel "back to normal," and by 6 - 8 weeks, they are cleared to do all types of physical activity again.
3. Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Nadia Afridi is a very popular surgeon in NYC when it comes to breast augmentation. She is board - certified and has received impressive reviews from clients due to her quality of work and the way she handles patients. Dr. Afridi is very professional and cares like a friend when treating patients. She is always ready to answer patients' calls post - operation, and her staff is very helpful and accommodating.
During the breast augmentation surgery, she considers 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 usually made in unnoticeable areas like the armpit, the underside of the breast, and around the areola. The estimated breast augmentation cost with her is $8,900.
4. Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC who offers a variety of cosmetic surgeries and treatments. He has earned a number of prestigious awards for his experience and expertise. Dr. Swift provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care and is dedicated to delivering personalized, high - quality, one - on - one care to ensure patients' complete comfort and satisfaction.
It is recommended that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before the breast augmentation procedure. After the surgery, the breast will be swollen and tender. Most patients can return to work within a week but need to wear a surgical bra when the bandages are removed. The estimated cost of breast augmentation with Dr. Swift ranges from $5,000 - $10,000.
5. Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is well - known in New York for his plastic surgery expertise. He is knowledgeable, skilled, and very talented in his craft. He specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face and is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Kolker was raised in a family of physicians and surgeons and graduated with honors from the highly selective accelerated six - year biomedical education program at Union College and Albany Medical College.
He offers a number of breast procedures aside from breast augmentation, such as breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, breast reduction, and more. The service with Dr. Kolker is quite expensive, with the estimated breast augmentation cost ranging from $9,000 – $11,000, mainly due to the combined effort of his surgical and anesthesia team. One point of criticism is that he leaves his staff to answer patients' concerns, which some patients may not prefer.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon for silicone breast augmentation is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:
- Credentials: Make sure the surgeon is board - certified by a recognized medical board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This ensures that the surgeon has met the necessary training and experience requirements.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in performing silicone breast augmentation surgeries. You can ask about the number of procedures they have performed and request to see before - and - after photos of their patients.
- Patient Reviews: Read online reviews and testimonials from previous patients to get an idea of the surgeon's reputation and the quality of their work. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or other healthcare professionals.
- Communication: A good surgeon should be able to communicate effectively with you, answer all your questions, and address your concerns. They should also take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
- Cost: While cost should not be the only factor in your decision, it is important to consider. Make sure you understand all the costs associated with the procedure, including the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee, and cost of the implants. Some surgeons may offer financing options to help you manage the cost.
Preparing for Silicone Breast Augmentation
Proper preparation is essential for a successful silicone breast augmentation procedure. Here are some steps you can take:
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can significantly impact your ability to heal after the treatment. It is recommended that you quit smoking or using any nicotine product at least several weeks before the surgery and avoid it during the recovery period.
- Medication and Supplements: Taper off current medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort. Consult with your surgeon before stopping any medications.
- Arrange for Help: Arrange to have a trusted family member or friend pick you up from the surgical facility and stay with you for at least the first few days after the surgery. You will need help with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of yourself.
- Prepare Your Home: Designate a comfortable space to recover at home and place necessary items within reach, such as water, snacks, medications, and entertainment. You may also want to purchase a surgical compression bra in advance.
- Take Time Off: Plan to take 2 - 3 weeks off work to rest and recuperate. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during this time.
The Procedure
Silicone breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure and usually takes 1 - 1.5 hours to perform. Here is a general overview of the procedure:
Anesthesia
A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia, depending on your preferences and the surgeon's recommendation.
Incisions
The surgeon will make small incisions to create a small pocket for the implant. There are several incision options, including:
- Inframammary Incision: This is the most common location for breast augmentation incisions. The incision is made in the natural fold under the breast, which can hide scarring. It is also ideal if a patient chooses especially large implants.
- Periareolar Incision: This incision uses the edge of the areola to disguise the incision. It is easily hidden under clothing but comes with the most risk of losing nipple sensitivity and the ability to breastfeed. It may be ideal for patients undergoing certain reconstructive surgeries.
- Transaxillary Incision: A transaxillary breast augmentation incision uses the armpit to access the breasts and pectoral muscle. This is an extremely inconspicuous location that keeps scarring off the breasts and is well - hidden. Surgeons with expertise in endoscopic techniques can perform this procedure with precision.
Implant Placement
The implant can be placed either in the submuscular plane (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandular (above the pectoral muscles). The placement depends on your anatomy, age, and vocation. For example, patients exhibiting signs of ptosis or sagging skin will typically have their implant placed subglandularly.
Closure
Once the surgeon perfects the desired enhancements, the incisions will be closed with sutures. The area will then be wrapped with a compression garment to protect the results.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from silicone breast