Introduction to Surgical Silicone Breast Augmentation in New York City
Breast augmentation is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure that allows women to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. Surgical silicone breast augmentation, in particular, is quite popular due to the natural look and feel that silicone implants provide. New York City, being a major hub for cosmetic surgery, is home to numerous top - notch hospitals and clinics offering this procedure. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the top three hospitals on the list of surgical silicone breast augmentation hospitals in New York City.
Criteria for Selecting the Top Hospitals
When compiling a list of the top hospitals for surgical silicone breast augmentation, several factors were considered. These include the experience and expertise of the plastic surgeons, the hospital's track record of successful surgeries, the quality of facilities and technology available, patient reviews and satisfaction rates, and the range of services and options offered to patients.
Top Three Hospitals for Surgical Silicone Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Surgeon Expertise
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons are highly experienced in performing breast augmentation procedures. They have in - depth knowledge of the latest techniques and trends in silicone breast augmentation. These surgeons take the time to consult with patients, understand their desires, and help them visualize how their larger breasts will look using advanced 3D imaging technology. For example, they can demonstrate different sizes of breasts on a computer monitor, allowing patients to virtually “try on” various options.
Implant Options
At Mount Sinai, patients have several choices for breast augmentation. They offer both silicone and saline breast implants. Silicone breast implants, the focus of our interest, look and feel natural in the breasts. The surgeons at Mount Sinai are well - versed in placing these implants to achieve a natural shape and size. In addition to traditional implant options, they also pioneered and perfected a fat transfer technique known as Natural Fill®. This two - step procedure involves removing fat from the patient's buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and then inserting it into the breasts.
Patient Care
The hospital places a high emphasis on patient care. Before the surgery, patients undergo a physical exam and a series of health - related questions to confirm their candidacy for breast augmentation. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon explains the procedure in detail, answers all the patient's questions, and helps them make an informed decision about the size, shape, and type of implants. After the surgery, the medical team provides comprehensive post - operative care, including pain management and follow - up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.
2. Columbia University's Plastic Surgery Division
Surgeon Team
Columbia University's plastic surgery division is home to a team of proficient plastic surgeons. Each surgeon is specialized in multiple areas, with extensive experience in breast augmentation procedures. They are at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery, which means they are up - to - date with the latest advancements in silicone breast augmentation. For instance, they are well - versed in using the newest types of silicone implants and the most innovative surgical techniques.
Comprehensive Services
The division offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive services. In the context of breast augmentation, they not only perform the surgery but also provide related procedures such as breast lift, which can be combined with augmentation to enhance the overall appearance of the breasts. Their holistic approach ensures that patients can achieve the most natural and aesthetically pleasing results. They also provide detailed pre - operative education and post - operative support to help patients throughout their journey.
Research and Innovation
The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is conducting numerous studies related to plastic surgery, including those on breast augmentation. Their research focuses on areas such as stem cells, tissue engineering, and the use of gene therapy in wound healing. This research - driven approach allows them to offer patients the latest and most effective treatment options, including the use of the best silicone implants available in the market.
3. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Rapaport Plastic Surgery, is a world - recognized expert in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. He has extensive experience in performing surgical silicone breast augmentation procedures. Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure, which is a significant advantage for patients concerned about visible scars. This technique allows for precise muscle division and implant positioning, reducing the risk of implant malposition.
Implant Choices
Patients at Rapaport Plastic Surgery have the option to choose between saline and silicone implants. Dr. Rapaport is well - versed in the characteristics of both types of implants and will discuss these options with the patient to help them determine the best type of implant for their anatomy and aesthetic goals. Silicone implants, which are known for their natural look and feel, are a popular choice among patients, and Dr. Rapaport has a high success rate in placing them.
Patient Experience
The clinic focuses on providing a positive patient experience. From the initial consultation to the post - operative follow - up, the staff is dedicated to ensuring the patient's comfort and satisfaction. They provide detailed information about the procedure, recovery process, and potential risks. After the surgery, they closely monitor the patient's recovery and provide support to address any concerns that may arise.
Understanding Surgical Silicone Breast Augmentation
What is Surgical Silicone Breast Augmentation?
Surgical silicone breast augmentation is a procedure where silicone implants are surgically placed into the breasts to increase their size, change their shape, or restore volume. Silicone implants are made of a flexible silicone shell filled with a silicone gel. They have become a popular choice because they tend to look and feel more natural compared to other types of implants.
Types of Silicone Implants
There are different types of silicone implants available. One type is the traditional silicone gel implant. Over the years, these implants have undergone significant improvements in terms of the thickness of the shell and the viscosity of the silicone gel. Another type is the cohesive silicone gel implant, also known as gummy bear implants. These implants are popular because they are thick enough to keep their form and minimize the risk of leakage if the implant becomes compromised. They also come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, allowing for a more customized result.
Advantages of Silicone Implants
The main advantage of silicone implants is their natural look and feel. They closely mimic the texture and movement of natural breast tissue. Additionally, silicone implants can provide a more rounded and shapely appearance. Compared to saline implants, they are less likely to cause visible rippling under the skin. Many patients also report that silicone implants give them a more confident and comfortable self - image.
Possible Complications
While surgical silicone breast augmentation is generally considered safe, there are some potential complications. One such complication is breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), which is a rare form of non - Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although the actual number of cases worldwide is not confirmed, it appears to be associated with textured implants and the development of a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). Another concern is breast implant illness (BII), which refers to a variety of symptoms such as memory loss, joint pain, and fatigue reported by some women after having implants placed. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is still being investigated.
Pre - operative Considerations for Surgical Silicone Breast Augmentation
Consultation
Before undergoing surgical silicone breast augmentation, patients should schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will review the patient's medical history, examine the breasts, and take measurements. The patient should discuss their aesthetic goals, including the desired size and shape of their breasts. The surgeon will also discuss the different types of implants, the surgical procedure, potential risks, and the recovery process. It is important for patients to ask questions and have a clear understanding of what to expect.
Pre - operative Preparation
Patients are usually advised to quit smoking or using any nicotine products before the surgery, 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. It is essential to arrange for a trusted family member or friend to pick the patient up from the hospital after the surgery. Patients should also designate a comfortable space at home for recovery and place necessary items within reach. They should plan to take 2 - 3 weeks off work to rest and recuperate.
The Surgical Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia, depending on the patient's preferences and the surgeon's recommendation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer and monitor the anesthesia to ensure the patient's safety and comfort during the procedure.
Incisions
The surgeon will make small incisions to create a pocket for the implant. There are several incision options, including inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), and transaxillary (under the armpit). The choice of incision depends on factors such as the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's preference. Each incision has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, an underarm incision can hide the scar, while an inframammary incision may provide better access for implant placement.
Implant Placement
The silicone implant can be placed either in the submuscular plane (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandular (above the pectoral muscles). The decision on implant placement depends on the patient's anatomy, age, and vocation. Patients with signs of ptosis or sagging skin may have their implant placed subglandularly, while submuscular placement is often preferred for a more natural - looking result and to reduce the risk of visible rippling.
Closure and Aftercare
Once the implant is in place and the desired enhancements are achieved, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. The area will then be wrapped with a compression garment to protect the results. The patient will stay in the recovery area until they are comfortable returning home. If the patient lives more than an hour outside of New York City, they may be advised to stay in the city overnight for closer monitoring. Suture removal is usually one week after the surgery.
Recovery and Results
Immediate Post - operative Recovery
In the initial days after surgery, it is normal for patients to experience moderate fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. They will be given a prescription for pain medication to ease the discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. A surgical compression bra will also be provided, which the patient should wear for the next few weeks to support the healing process. Patients should rest and limit their activity during this time.
Long - term Recovery
Within 2 - 3 weeks, the symptoms will have subsided enough for patients to resume light activities and work. At 6 - 8 weeks, they can gradually start more strenuous activities, such as going to the gym. It may take a few months for the implants to fully settle into place, and during this time, the breasts may feel overly firm and tight. However, as the swelling continues to subside, the final results will become more apparent, and patients can enjoy their enhanced breasts.
Maintenance and Follow - up
Patients should attend regular follow - up appointments with their surgeon to monitor the healing process and the condition of the implants. The surgeon may recommend breast massages to help the implants settle and to reduce the risk of capsular contracture. It is also important for patients to be aware of any changes in their breasts and to report them to their surgeon immediately.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wide range of options for surgical silicone breast augmentation, with top - notch hospitals like Mount Sinai, Columbia University's Plastic Surgery Division, and Rapaport Plastic Surgery leading the way. These hospitals have experienced surgeons, advanced facilities, and a commitment to providing excellent patient care. However, it is crucial for patients to carefully consider their options, have realistic expectations, and follow all pre - and post - operative instructions. By doing so, they can achieve the beautiful and natural - looking results they desire.
Call - to - Action
If you are considering surgical silicone breast augmentation in New York City, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with the top hospitals mentioned in this article, and discuss your goals with qualified plastic surgeons. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation, and explore related topics such as post - operative care tips and the latest advancements in breast implant technology.
