Introduction
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic procedure that many women in New York City consider. When it comes to choosing a hospital for this procedure, the reputation, expertise, and facilities of public tertiary - grade hospitals are crucial factors. In this article, we will explore the updated ranking list of such hospitals in New York City, along with relevant information about breast augmentation procedures, surgeons, and considerations.
Overview of Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the volume and 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, despite the onset of a global pandemic.
Types of Breast Implants
There are two main types of breast implants: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants are pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel and are known for their natural look and feel. They are the most frequently chosen by women, with approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States in 2020 being performed with silicone implants. Saline implants, on the other hand, are filled with a salt - water solution at the time of surgery and have a firmer, rounder appearance.
Newer Implant Options
In the 1990s, cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants, were developed. These implants feature better projection, can be manufactured in a larger range of dimensions, and are thick enough to keep their form, minimizing the risk of leakage if the implant becomes compromised. They are increasingly popular due to their ability to provide a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel.
Key Factors in Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon Expertise
The skill and experience of the plastic surgeon are of utmost importance. A well - trained surgeon will have in - depth knowledge of different breast implant types, techniques, and the ability to create natural - looking results. Surgeons who have specialized training in breast augmentation and a proven track record of successful procedures are highly desirable. For example, Newsweek's 2024 rankings recognized several plastic surgeons for breast augmentation, including David Hidalgo, MD, FACS, Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS, and Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS, all based in New York City.
Hospital Reputation
A hospital's reputation can be an indicator of its quality of care. Hospitals that are highly ranked in national or regional listings often have advanced facilities, a team of experienced medical staff, and a commitment to patient safety. For instance, New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center was named the top hospital in New York and ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals. It was recognized for its excellence in 14 adult specialties and 8 children’s specialties, including breast surgery in its oncology expertise.
Facilities and Technology
State - of - the - art facilities and the use of advanced technology can enhance the safety and outcome of breast augmentation procedures. For example, some hospitals use 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique body before the surgery. Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons use this technology to show patients various options on a computer monitor, allowing them to virtually try on different sizes of breasts.
Patient Care and Follow - up
Comprehensive patient care, from the initial consultation to post - operative follow - up, is essential. A good hospital will provide detailed pre - operative instructions, answer all patients' questions, and ensure proper care during and after the surgery. For example, Dr. Adam Kolker and his team at their New York City practice provide thorough care throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation, where they understand the patient's desires and evaluate physical requirements, to the follow - up visits, where they provide information regarding breast health, self - examination, and exercises.
Top Public Tertiary - Grade Hospitals in New York City for Breast Augmentation
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
As mentioned earlier, New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center has a high national ranking. Its surgical excellence is well - recognized, with specialties in adult surgeries such as heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery, as well as pediatric surgeries like pediatric heart surgery, pediatric GI surgery, and pediatric lung surgery. In the field of cancer care, including breast surgery, the hospital's specialists provide high - quality surgical oncology expertise. U.S. News & World Report's procedure and conditions ratings analyze data under many categories, including patient outcomes, the volume of high - risk patients, patient experience, nurse staffing, public transparency, and advanced clinical technologies. New York - Presbyterian's performance in these areas contributes to its reputation as a top - tier hospital.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the results before the surgery. The hospital offers various options for breast augmentation, including two types of implants (silicone and saline) and a non - implant option called Natural Fill®, which is a fat transfer technique pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. Their commitment to patient satisfaction is evident in the consultation process, where surgeons listen carefully to patients' desires for enhancing breast size and help them decide on the best size, shape, and implant option for their body.
NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone Hospitals are well - known in the medical community. It has been ranked highly in several specialties by U.S. News. In the field of breast augmentation, the hospital is likely to have access to the latest research, techniques, and technologies. Its team of plastic surgeons is likely to be well - trained and experienced, providing patients with high - quality care. The hospital's overall reputation for excellence in healthcare makes it a strong contender for patients seeking breast augmentation.
Surgeons in New York City Specialized in Breast Augmentation
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified, Harvard - trained plastic surgeon with a clinical focus on aesthetic breast surgery. He brings a combination of scientific knowledge and artistic sensibility to breast augmentation. Dr. Kolker believes in achieving a natural and proportional outcome, where beauty supersedes simply increasing breast size. His patients have reported life - changing experiences, with improved self - esteem and confidence after the procedure. He carefully tailors the breast augmentation process to each patient's unique anatomy, desires, and goals, considering factors such as the type of implant, incision location, implant position, and style.
Dr. David Hidalgo, MD, FACS
Dr. David Hidalgo is recognized in Newsweek's 2024 rankings for breast augmentation. His expertise in the field suggests a high level of skill and a track record of successful breast augmentation procedures. He is likely to have in - depth knowledge of the latest techniques and implant options, providing patients with personalized treatment plans.
Dr. Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS
Another surgeon listed in Newsweek's rankings, Dr. Alan Matarasso, is also a notable figure in the New York City breast augmentation scene. With his certification and recognition, patients can expect a high standard of care, from the initial consultation to the post - operative period.
Procedure, Recovery, and Potential Complications
Procedure
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure that takes 1 - 1.5 hours. The surgeon makes an incision, creates a pocket for the implant, and then inserts the implant. Incision options include inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), or transaxillary (under the armpit). The choice of incision depends on various factors, such as the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the desired outcome. The implant can be placed either submuscular (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandular (above the pectoral muscles).
Recovery
After the surgery, patients can expect to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the initial days. They are usually given pain medication and a surgical compression bra to wear for a few weeks. Light activities and work can be resumed in 2 - 3 weeks, and more strenuous activities can be started at 6 - 8 weeks. It takes a few months for the implants to settle into place, and patients can then enjoy their final results.
Potential Complications
Although most patients have successful breast augmentation procedures, there are some potential complications. Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) is a rare but serious condition that has been associated with textured implants. Breast implant illness (BII) is another term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that some women report after having implants placed, although the cause and link to synthetic implants are still being investigated.
Cost Considerations
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's fee, the type of implant, the facility fees, and any additional procedures. Each patient's unique anatomy and aesthetic goals also play a role in determining the cost. For example, more complex procedures or the use of higher - end implants may result in a higher cost. Eligible patients may have options for financing their procedure, and they can contact the hospital or surgeon's office to learn more.
Conclusion
When considering breast augmentation with prostheses in New York City, patients have several top - notch public tertiary - grade hospitals to choose from, each with its own strengths in terms of surgeon expertise, facilities, and patient care. Hospitals like New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, Mount Sinai Hospital, and NYU Langone Hospitals offer a high standard of care and access to the latest technologies and techniques. Additionally, experienced surgeons such as Dr. Adam Kolker, Dr. David Hidalgo, and Dr. Alan Matarasso can provide personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve their desired results. However, it is important for patients to thoroughly research their options, understand the procedure, recovery, and potential complications, and have realistic expectations.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at one of these top hospitals. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and make an informed decision. You can also share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation in New York City.
