Introduction
Prosthetic breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that allows women to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. In New York City, there are numerous plastic surgery hospitals and clinics offering this service. Among them, the top three Mentor plastic surgery hospitals, including both tertiary - grade and private ones, stand out for their high - quality care, experienced surgeons, and advanced techniques. In this article, we will explore these top - rated hospitals, the procedures they offer, the benefits of choosing them, and much more.
Understanding Prosthetic Breast Augmentation
What is Prosthetic Breast Augmentation?
Prosthetic breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that uses breast implants to increase the size, change the shape, or improve the symmetry of a woman's breasts. This procedure can be a life - changing experience for many women, whether they want to restore breast volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, correct breast asymmetry, or simply enhance their overall appearance.
Types of Breast Implants
- Saline Implants: These implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They are available to women over the age of 18. Saline implants have several advantages, such as the ability to adjust the volume after placement, a slightly smaller incision requirement compared to silicone implants, and peace of mind in case of a leak or rupture (the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body). However, they may feel firmer and less natural than silicone implants and can be more prone to wrinkling, rippling, and sloshing.
- Silicone Implants: Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are typically approved for breast augmentation in women at least 22 years of age and for breast reconstruction in women of any age. Silicone implants have a reduced risk of downward displacement, hold their shape better, and are suitable for women with modest breast tissue. But they are more expensive than saline implants, require a slightly larger incision, and in case of a rupture, it may be more difficult to detect (silent rupture).
- Gummy Bear Implants: These are a type of silicone implant with a more cohesive gel. They are sometimes preferred for patients with very small natural breasts or for breast reconstruction after breast cancer. Gummy bear implants can provide a fuller bottom to the breast in certain cases. However, they are firmer than traditional silicone gel implants and require a slightly larger incision.
The Top Three Mentor Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Hospital Overview
Mount Sinai is a well - known tertiary - grade hospital in New York City. It is renowned for its comprehensive medical services, cutting - edge research, and highly skilled medical staff. The plastic surgery department at Mount Sinai has extensive experience in performing breast augmentation procedures.
Breast Augmentation Services
- Advanced Imaging Technology: Mount Sinai uses the latest 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. This allows patients to try on different sizes of breasts virtually and make more informed decisions about their breast augmentation.
- Multiple Implant Options: The hospital offers both saline and silicone breast implants. They also have a new fat transfer technique called NaturalFill®, which was pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. This two - step procedure involves removing fat from the patient's buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and then inserting it into the breasts.
- Patient - Centered Care: The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai take the time to understand each patient's desires and concerns. They consult with patients to help them decide on the best size, shape, and type of implant for their bodies. During the consultation, they explain the procedure in detail and answer all the patient's questions.
Success Rates and Patient Testimonials
Mount Sinai has a high success rate in breast augmentation surgeries. Many patients have reported being very satisfied with their results, stating that the hospital staff was caring, professional, and that their new breasts looked and felt natural. For example, patients have noted that the use of 3D imaging technology helped them choose the right size, and the fat transfer option provided a more natural - looking result.
2. Columbia University Plastic Surgery
Hospital Overview
Columbia University Plastic Surgery is part of Columbia University, one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - renowned medical center. The plastic surgery division at Columbia has a team of highly proficient surgeons who are experts in multiple areas of plastic surgery, including breast augmentation.
Breast Augmentation Services
- Comprehensive Cosmetic and Reconstructive Care: In addition to breast augmentation, the hospital offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. This includes breast reduction, breast lift, and breast reconstruction after breast cancer. Their approach to breast augmentation takes into account the patient's overall aesthetic goals and any pre - existing conditions.
- Research - Driven Approach: The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is actively involved in research studies related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. This research - driven approach allows the surgeons to stay at the forefront of plastic surgery techniques and offer the latest advancements to their patients.
- Multidisciplinary Team: The hospital has a multidisciplinary team of plastic surgeons, cancer experts, and other healthcare professionals. This team approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care, especially in cases where breast augmentation is combined with other procedures or when patients have complex medical histories.
Success Rates and Patient Testimonials
Patients at Columbia University Plastic Surgery have commended the hospital for its high - quality care and the expertise of its surgeons. The hospital's ability to provide personalized treatment plans based on each patient's needs has led to many successful breast augmentation outcomes. Patients have also appreciated the support and guidance they received throughout the entire process, from consultation to recovery.
3. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Clinic Overview
Rapaport Plastic Surgery is a private plastic surgery facility in New York City. Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon, is a world - recognized expert specializing in breast augmentation and breast implant revision for women with previous breast surgery.
Breast Augmentation Services
- Scarless Breast Augmentation: Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure. Instead of bluntly tearing the lower border of the muscle and risking implant malposition, the muscle is precisely divided under magnified endoscopic visualization. This allows for better control of bleeding and more precise implant positioning.
- Customized Implant Selection: The clinic offers both saline and silicone implants and helps patients choose the best type of implant for their anatomy and aesthetic goals. Dr. Rapaport discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each option with the patient to ensure an informed decision.
- Comprehensive Recovery Care: Rapaport Plastic Surgery provides detailed instructions for recovery, including pain management, activity restrictions, and follow - up appointments. The clinic also takes precautions to minimize the risk of capsular contracture, such as advising patients not to engage in aerobic activity for ten days following surgery and using the “no touch” technique for augmentation.
Success Rates and Patient Testimonials
Many patients at Rapaport Plastic Surgery have reported high levels of satisfaction with their breast augmentation results. The scarless technique has been a major selling point, as patients appreciate the reduced visibility of scars. The clinic's focus on patient education and recovery care has also been well - received, with patients feeling confident and well - taken care of throughout the process.
Comparing the Three Hospitals
Cost
The cost of breast augmentation can vary between the three hospitals. Mount Sinai, as a large tertiary - grade hospital, may have a pricing structure that includes additional hospital fees and overhead costs. Columbia University Plastic Surgery also takes into account the cost of its research and multidisciplinary approach. Rapaport Plastic Surgery, being a private clinic, may have a more streamlined pricing model, but the cost can still depend on the complexity of the procedure and the type of implant used.
| Hospital | Cost Considerations |
|---|---|
| Mount Sinai | May include hospital fees, cost of 3D imaging technology, and specialized fat transfer technique |
| Columbia University Plastic Surgery | Cost may reflect research - driven approach and multidisciplinary team care |
| Rapaport Plastic Surgery | Private clinic pricing, may vary based on implant type and procedure complexity |
Surgeon Experience
All three hospitals have highly experienced surgeons. At Mount Sinai, the surgeons have a wealth of experience in performing various breast augmentation techniques, including the unique NaturalFill® method. Columbia University Plastic Surgery's surgeons are well - versed in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery due to their exposure to a wide range of cases. Dr. Rapaport at Rapaport Plastic Surgery has specialized in breast augmentation and implant revision, giving him in - depth knowledge and expertise in this area.
| Hospital | Surgeon Experience Highlights |
|---|---|
| Mount Sinai | Extensive experience in breast augmentation, pioneer of NaturalFill® |
| Columbia University Plastic Surgery | Experience in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, exposure to complex cases |
| Rapaport Plastic Surgery | Specialized in breast augmentation and implant revision |
Technology and Techniques
Each hospital uses different technologies and techniques. Mount Sinai's 3D imaging technology is a unique selling point, allowing patients to visualize their results. Columbia University Plastic Surgery's research - driven approach may lead to the implementation of the latest techniques in breast augmentation. Rapaport Plastic Surgery's scarless breast augmentation technique using an endoscope is a differentiator in the market.
| Hospital | Technology and Techniques |
|---|---|
| Mount Sinai | 3D imaging technology, NaturalFill® fat transfer technique |
| Columbia University Plastic Surgery | Research - based techniques in breast surgery |
| Rapaport Plastic Surgery | Scarless breast augmentation using endoscope |
Benefits of Choosing a Mentor - Affiliated Hospital
High - Quality Implants
Mentor is a well - known brand in the breast implant industry. Hospitals affiliated with Mentor are more likely to use high - quality Mentor breast implants. These implants are rigorously tested and meet strict safety and quality standards, ensuring a better and more reliable outcome for patients.
Research and Development
Mentor invests heavily in research and development. By choosing a Mentor - affiliated hospital, patients can benefit from the latest advancements in breast implant technology and surgical techniques. This may include new implant materials, improved shapes, and better methods of implantation.
Patient Support
Mentor - affiliated hospitals often provide additional patient support services. This can include educational resources about breast implants, long - term follow - up care, and access to patient support groups. These services can help patients feel more informed and supported throughout their breast augmentation journey.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Consultation
The first step in preparing for breast augmentation is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon at one of the top three hospitals. During the consultation, the surgeon will perform a physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and discuss the patient's goals and expectations. The surgeon will also explain the different types of implants, incision locations, and the surgical procedure itself.
Medical Evaluation
Patients may need to undergo a medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery. This may include blood tests, a mammogram, and other diagnostic tests. The surgeon will also discuss any pre - existing medical conditions and medications with the patient to minimize the risk of complications during and after surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
Patients may be advised to make certain lifestyle changes before surgery. This can include quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. These changes can help improve the patient's overall health and reduce the risk of complications.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation can be performed with general anesthesia or IV sedation (twilight anesthesia). A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer and monitor the anesthesia to ensure the patient's safety and comfort during the procedure.
Incision Placement
The incision for breast augmentation can be placed in different locations, depending on the patient's anatomy, the type of implant, and the surgeon's preference. Common incision locations include under the arm (axillary), under the breast (inframammary), or around the areola (periareolar). The surgeon will choose the most appropriate incision location to minimize scarring and achieve the best aesthetic result.
Implant Placement
Breast implants can be placed either under the breast tissue (subglandular) or behind the pectoral muscle (submuscular). Submuscular placement may reduce the risk of capsular contracture and provide a more natural - looking result, especially for women with little natural breast tissue. However, it may also result in a longer recovery time.
Closure
After the implants are placed, the incisions are closed with sutures. The surgeon may also place a layer of gauze and a bandage over the breasts to help with healing. The surgery usually takes between one to two hours to complete.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room until they are fully awake from the anesthesia. They may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the breasts, which is normal. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage the pain. Patients will also be given instructions on how to care for their incisions, including keeping them clean and dry.
Long - Term Recovery
Full recovery from breast augmentation takes approximately two to three weeks. Patients may need to take time off work, especially if their job involves strenuous activity. They should avoid heavy lifting, exercise, and sexual activity for several weeks to allow the incisions to heal properly. The surgeon will schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the patient's recovery and ensure that the implants are healing well.
Complications and Their Management
Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential complications, such as capsular contracture, infection, bleeding, implant rupture, and changes in nipple sensation. If a patient experiences any complications, the surgeon will provide appropriate treatment. For example, capsular contracture may be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue, and infection may be treated with antibiotics.
Conclusion
When considering prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City, the top three Mentor plastic surgery hospitals - Mount Sinai, Columbia University Plastic Surgery, and Rapaport Plastic Surgery - offer excellent options. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it's Mount Sinai's advanced imaging technology and fat transfer technique, Columbia's research - driven approach and multidisciplinary team, or Rapaport's scarless breast augmentation. By carefully researching these hospitals, understanding the breast augmentation process, and consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon, patients can make an informed decision that meets their aesthetic goals and ensures a successful outcome.
If you're considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with a surgeon at one of these top - rated hospitals to discuss your options in more detail. Share this article with friends who may also be interested in learning about breast augmentation in New York City, and explore our other resources on plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures for further information.
