Introduction
Breast augmentation surgery has become increasingly popular over the years, with many women seeking to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are numerous hospitals and clinics offering this procedure. This article will explore the top three well - selected hospitals for breast augmentation surgery in the city, based on their expertise, patient reviews, and the range of services they offer.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Before delving into the hospitals, it's important to understand what breast augmentation entails. Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. It is typically performed using breast implants, which can be filled with saline or silicone gel, or through a fat transfer technique.
Types of Breast Implants
- Saline Implants: These implants consist of an empty silicone outer shell that is inserted into the breast pocket and then filled with a sterile saline liquid. They are often less expensive and have a more straightforward filling process. However, they may have a less organic feel compared to silicone implants, and there is a greater potential for a noticeable rippling effect, especially in thinner patients.
- Silicone Implants: Pre - filled with a silicone gel, these implants provide a more natural look and feel. The gel inside creates a more natural movement and has a lesser chance of producing a rippling effect. However, they come at a higher price point and require a larger incision for insertion.
Fat Transfer
Another option for breast augmentation is the fat transfer technique. This involves removing fat from an area of the body, such as the buttocks or abdomen, through liposuction and then injecting it into the breasts. It offers the advantage of using the patient's own body fat, but the results may be less predictable, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired volume.
Top Three Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Expertise and Experience
Mount Sinai is a renowned medical institution in New York City. Its plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries. They are well - versed in the latest surgical techniques and technologies, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. For instance, they use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. By showing various options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts, which helps them make more informed decisions.
Range of Services
Mount Sinai offers a wide range of breast augmentation options. They provide both saline and silicone breast implants, and their surgeons can advise patients based on their body type and desired outcome. Additionally, they have pioneered and perfected the natural fill® technique, a fat transfer method. In this two - step procedure, the surgeon first removes fat from the patient's buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and then immediately inserts that fat into the breasts to enlarge them. This approach allows patients to use their own fat deposits to enhance their breasts, which is a unique and appealing option for many.
Patient Care
The hospital is committed to patient satisfaction. Before scheduling the surgery, the plastic surgeon conducts a comprehensive consultation. During this consultation, the surgeon listens carefully to the patient's desires for enhancing their breast size, explains what happens during the procedure, and answers any questions the patient may have. They also perform a physical exam and ask a series of health - related questions to confirm that the patient is a suitable candidate for breast augmentation. After the surgery, they provide post - operative care instructions and support to ensure a smooth recovery.
2. Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Reputation and Research
Columbia University Irving Medical Center is one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center. It has a long - standing reputation for excellence in plastic surgery. The division of plastic & reconstructive surgery is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in the field. They are actively involved in research studies related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing, which may have future implications for breast augmentation surgery.
Plastic Surgery Team
The plastic surgery team at Columbia consists of highly skilled and board - certified surgeons. Each surgeon is proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast augmentation. For example, Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman is an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters. He has been included multiple times in Castle Connolly’s list of America’s top doctors and in New York Magazine’s annual list of best doctors. The team can provide a comprehensive range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures, and they take a personalized approach to each patient's case.
Comprehensive Services
In addition to breast augmentation, the hospital offers related procedures such as breast reduction, breast lift, and breast reconstruction. They can also address various breast - related issues, including breast asymmetry and tuberous breast correction. The hospital's multi - disciplinary approach ensures that patients receive holistic care, taking into account their overall health and aesthetic goals.
3. Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice
Surgeon's Credentials
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is also an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, which means he stays on the cutting edge of advancements in plastic surgery.
Artistic Approach
Dr. Kolker combines scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity. He believes that true artistry in breast augmentation is based on the concept that "beautiful" should be more important than "size." He establishes each individual woman's aesthetic goals, distinct to her body type, to attain a proportionate outcome and the most natural results. His skills and approach have been recognized in the media, and he has been featured as a top plastic surgeon in New York Magazine's best doctors issues and in Newsweek as one of America's best plastic surgeons.
Patient Testimonials
Patient testimonials speak highly of Dr. Kolker's work. Many patients have reported that he made the impossible possible, such as correcting asymmetrical breasts and giving them the confidence they've always wanted. His personalized approach to each patient's case, along with his attention to detail, has resulted in high patient satisfaction rates.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon's Experience and Credentials
The experience and credentials of the plastic surgeon are crucial. Look for a surgeon who is board - certified, has extensive experience in breast augmentation surgeries, and is up - to - date with the latest techniques. Surgeons with additional training or specialization in breast surgery are often a good choice. For example, those who have completed fellowships in aesthetic or reconstructive breast surgery can bring a higher level of expertise to the table.
Hospital Reputation and Facilities
The reputation of the hospital or clinic is important. Check patient reviews, ratings, and testimonials to get an idea of the quality of care provided. A well - equipped hospital with modern facilities and a clean, safe environment is essential for a successful surgery. The hospital should also have access to advanced imaging technology, such as 3D imaging, which can aid in the pre - operative planning process.
Range of Services
Consider the range of services offered. A hospital that offers multiple breast augmentation options, including different types of implants and fat transfer techniques, gives you more choices. They should also be able to provide related procedures, such as breast lift and breast reduction, in case you need them in the future or as part of a combined treatment plan.
Patient Care and Support
Good patient care and support are vital. This includes the pre - operative consultation, where the surgeon should take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and explain the procedure in detail. Post - operative care is also crucial, as it can affect your recovery and the long - term results of the surgery. Look for a hospital that provides comprehensive post - operative instructions, follow - up appointments, and support for any concerns or complications that may arise.
Cost and Financing Options
The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of implants, the surgeon's fees, and the hospital's facilities. It's important to get a clear understanding of the total cost upfront and ask about financing options. Some hospitals accept credit cards, insurance (in some cases), or offer financing plans through third - party providers, such as CareCredit.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Consultation
The first step in preparing for breast augmentation surgery is to schedule a consultation with the plastic surgeon. During this consultation, you should discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. The surgeon will examine your breasts, take measurements, and provide you with information about the different options available. They will also discuss the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery.
Medical Evaluation
You will need to undergo a medical evaluation to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. This may include a physical exam, blood tests, and possibly other diagnostic tests. The surgeon will also review your medical history, including any previous surgeries, allergies, and medications you are taking.
Lifestyle Changes
Before the surgery, you may need to make some lifestyle changes. For example, you may be advised to quit smoking or using nicotine products, as nicotine can affect your ability to heal after the surgery. You 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.
Home Preparation
Prepare your home for your recovery. Arrange to have a trusted family member or friend pick you up from the hospital and stay with you during the initial days of recovery. Designate a comfortable space to rest at home and place necessary items within reach. You may also want to stock up on groceries and other essentials before the surgery.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Implant - Related Complications
There are several implant - related complications that can occur. These include implant leakage or rupture, which can cause the breast to change shape or feel different. Capsular contracture is another common complication, where the body forms a tight scar tissue around the implant, causing the breast to harden and potentially change its shape. There is also a small risk of developing breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL), which is a form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has been linked to textured breast implants.
Infection and Bleeding
Infection is a potential risk after any surgical procedure. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Bleeding can also occur during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment, such as a blood transfusion or a second surgery to stop the bleeding.
Changes in Sensation
Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after breast augmentation. This can range from decreased sensitivity to increased sensitivity or pain. In most cases, these changes are temporary, but in some instances, they may be permanent.
Other Complications
Other complications can include fluid accumulation (seroma), hematoma, wrinkling of the skin over the implant, and wrong or faulty position of the implant. It's important to discuss these potential risks with your surgeon before the surgery so that you are fully informed.
Recovery and Aftercare
Initial Recovery
After the surgery, you will need to stay in the recovery area until you are fully awake from the anesthesia. You may experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the initial days. You will be given a prescription for pain medication to help ease the discomfort, and you will need to wear a surgical compression bra for the next few weeks to support the breasts and reduce swelling.
Return to Normal Activities
Most patients can return home on the same day as the surgery. You will need to take at least a week off work to allow your body to heal. Light activities can usually be resumed in 2 - 3 weeks, and more strenuous activities, such as going to the gym, can be resumed in 6 - 8 weeks. However, you should avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities for at least 4 - 6 weeks.
Follow - up Appointments
You will need to schedule follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery. During these appointments, the surgeon will check the incisions, the position of the implants, and the overall healing process. They may also give you additional instructions on aftercare, such as how to massage the breasts to prevent capsular contracture.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation surgery can be a life - changing procedure for many women. In New York City, Mount Sinai Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Dr. Adam R. Kolker's practice are among the top - selected hospitals and practices for this surgery. When considering breast augmentation, it's important to carefully evaluate the factors mentioned above, such as the surgeon's experience, the hospital's reputation, the range of services, and the cost. Additionally, being well - informed about the preparation process, potential risks, and recovery is crucial. By making an informed decision and choosing a reputable provider, you can increase your chances of achieving the desired results and a successful recovery.
If you are interested in breast augmentation surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top providers mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and make sure you are comfortable with the surgeon and the facility. Remember, this is a significant decision, and your health and satisfaction are of utmost importance.
