Introduction
Breast enlargement surgery has become a popular cosmetic procedure among women seeking to enhance their physical appearance and boost their self - confidence. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, numerous hospitals and surgeons offer this service. However, choosing the right hospital can be a daunting task. Word - of - mouth rankings can serve as a valuable resource for patients, as they reflect the real - life experiences of those who have undergone the surgery. This article delves into the word - of - mouth rankings of hospitals for breast enlargement surgery in New York City, exploring the top facilities, the procedures they offer, and what patients can expect.
Importance of Word - of - Mouth Rankings
Word - of - mouth rankings are based on the personal experiences and recommendations of patients. Unlike some official rankings that may rely on statistical data and institutional factors, word - of - mouth takes into account the patient's entire journey, from the initial consultation to the post - operative care. Here are some reasons why word - of - mouth rankings are crucial:
- Real - Life Experiences: Patients share their actual experiences, including how they were treated by the staff, the quality of the surgical results, and any complications they may have faced. This gives potential patients a more accurate picture of what to expect.
- Trust and Credibility: Recommendations from friends, family, or other patients are often more trustworthy than marketing materials. People are more likely to trust the opinions of those they know or those who have been in similar situations.
- Personalized Insights: Word - of - mouth can provide personalized insights that may not be available in general hospital reviews. For example, a patient may mention the surgeon's bedside manner or the level of attention they received during the recovery period.
Top Hospitals in New York City for Breast Enlargement Surgery
NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is a highly respected institution in the medical field. It has been recognized as a top hospital in New York and has a high national ranking. According to U.S. News & World Report, it has been ranked among the top in the nation in multiple specialties.
In the context of breast enlargement surgery, the hospital benefits from its overall surgical excellence. Its nationally - ranked surgical specialties, such as heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery, reflect the high - level of surgical expertise available. The high - quality surgical oncology expertise in areas like breast surgery also indicates that the surgeons are well - versed in dealing with breast - related procedures. However, specific word - of - mouth regarding breast enlargement surgery may be more related to the individual plastic surgeons within the hospital. Patients can expect a comprehensive approach to treatment, with access to advanced technologies and a team of experienced medical professionals.
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies, such as advanced 3D imaging technology, to help patients visualize the results of the surgery. This technology allows patients to see how different sizes of breasts will look on their unique bodies, which is a significant advantage in the decision - making process.
Patients who have had breast augmentation at Mount Sinai often praise the personalized approach of the surgeons. The surgeons take the time to understand the patient's desires for enhancing their breast size and help them decide on the best option, whether it's silicone or saline implants or a natural fill (fat transfer) technique. The word - of - mouth for Mount Sinai is generally positive, with patients highlighting the quality of the results and the support they received throughout the process.
Doctors and Their Practices
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He is known for his commitment to patient care and excellent results. Dr. Sherman works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach to breast augmentation.
Patients appreciate his in - depth knowledge of breast implants. He has worked closely with leading manufacturers like Allergan and was involved in the development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. During the consultation, he explains all the aspects of the procedure, including the different types of implants (material, shape, size, and texture), and helps patients make informed decisions. Word - of - mouth about Dr. Sherman often mentions his professionalism, his ability to achieve natural - looking results, and his support during the recovery period.
Dr. David L. Cangello
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a focus on cosmetic breast surgery. He is known for his artistic approach, combining medical precision with aesthetic principles.
Patients choose Dr. Cangello because of his ability to deliver elegant, natural - looking results. He has gained the trust of professional models, which is a testament to his skills. His personalized treatment plans take into account the patient's tastes and preferences. The use of techniques like the "no touch" method during breast augmentation with silicone helps minimize incision size and reduce the risk of infection. Word - of - mouth about Dr. Cangello often highlights his attention to detail, his ability to create beautiful results, and his commitment to patient satisfaction.
Dr. Lara Devgan
Dr. Lara Devgan is a female plastic surgeon based in New York City. Many women seek her out because of her discreet approach to this sensitive topic and her reputation for achieving beautiful, natural results.
During the consultation, Dr. Devgan examines, measures, and photographs the patient's breasts. She shows samples of implants, allows patients to "try on" different sizes, and presents before - and - after photographs. Her surgical approach is efficient, with most surgeries taking about an hour. Patients appreciate the fast recovery and the subtle results. Word - of - mouth about Dr. Devgan often mentions her professionalism, her ability to understand the patient's goals, and the high - quality care she provides.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon with a wide range of expertise in plastic surgery, including breast augmentation. His education and training from prestigious medical institutions, such as Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia, contribute to his high - level of skill.
Dr. Kolker combines scientific knowledge with artistic creativity. He has been featured in multiple top - doctor lists, such as New York Magazine's Best Doctors and Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons. Patients often praise his ability to achieve proportionate and natural results. Word - of - mouth about Dr. Kolker mentions his personalized approach, his attention to detail, and his commitment to patient satisfaction.
Breast Enlargement Surgery Procedures
Breast Implants
Breast implants are the most common method of breast enlargement. There are two main types: silicone and saline.
Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Silicone Implants | Pre - filled with a cohesive, silicone gel. They are available in different shapes, including round and anatomical (teardrop - shaped). | Feel more natural to the touch and look more natural aesthetically. There is a wide range of shapes and sizes available. Cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants) can provide a more natural and proportionate breast shape and are less likely to leak if the implant becomes compromised. | Traditionally required larger incisions, although some surgeons use techniques to minimize incision size. The FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell. |
Saline Implants | Filled with saline (a solution of salt and water) once they are placed in the breast pocket. | A smaller incision size can be used for insertion. They do not contain silicone, so long - term monitoring is not required. In the rare case of rupture, the saline can be safely absorbed by the body. They are approved for patients who are at least 18 years old. | In thin women with small amounts of breast tissue, visible rippling at the implant edges may be seen. |
Natural Fill (Fat Transfer)
Some hospitals, like Mount Sinai, offer a natural fill technique using fat transfer. This procedure involves two steps. First, the surgeon removes fat from an unwanted area of the body, such as the buttocks or abdomen, using liposuction. Then, the removed fat is immediately inserted into the breasts to enlarge them.
The advantage of this technique is that it uses the patient's own fat, which can result in a more natural - looking and feeling outcome. It also provides a win - win situation by removing fat from an area where it is unwanted. However, not all of the transferred fat may survive, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.
What to Expect During the Breast Enlargement Surgery Process
Consultation
The consultation is a crucial step in the breast enlargement surgery process. During this stage, the patient meets with the surgeon to discuss their goals, medical history, and expectations. The surgeon will examine the patient's breasts, take measurements, and may show samples of implants. The patient may also have the opportunity to "try on" different sizes of implants or view 3D images of how their breasts will look after surgery. Surgeons like Dr. Cangello and Dr. Devgan are known for their thorough consultations, where they answer all the patient's questions and ensure that the patient has realistic expectations.
Preparation
Before the surgery, patients are usually advised to make certain preparations. These may include quitting smoking or using any nicotine products, as nicotine can significantly impact the ability to heal. Patients may also need to taper off current medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John's wort. It is also important to arrange for a trusted family member or friend to pick the patient up from the hospital and to designate a comfortable space at home for recovery.
Surgery
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure that takes about 1 - 1.5 hours. The patient will be given either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia, depending on their preferences. The surgeon will make small incisions to create a pocket for the implant. There are different types of incisions, such as inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), and transaxillary (under the armpit). The choice of incision depends on factors like the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the desired outcome. After the implant is placed, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and wrap the area with a compression garment.
Recovery
Recovery time can vary from patient to patient. In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients will be given a prescription for pain medication to ease discomfort. They will also need to wear a surgical compression bra for a few weeks. Most patients can resume light activities and work in 2 - 3 weeks and more strenuous activities, such as going to the gym, in 6 - 8 weeks. It may take a few months for the implants to settle into place and for the final results to be visible.
Possible Complications and Risks
Although breast enlargement surgery is generally considered safe, there are some possible complications and risks:
- Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): Research has found that women with breast implants may have a small but increased risk of developing BIA - ALCL. It is not breast cancer but a form of non - Hodgkin's lymphoma. It appears to be associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). However, the actual number of cases worldwide is relatively small.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed, such as 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.
- Infection and Bleeding: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection and bleeding. Surgeons take precautions to minimize these risks, but they can still occur.
- Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after surgery. This can be temporary or permanent.
Patient Testimonials and Their Impact on Word - of - Mouth Rankings
Patient testimonials play a significant role in word - of - mouth rankings. Positive testimonials can attract more patients to a particular hospital or surgeon, while negative testimonials can have the opposite effect. For example, at Dr. Adam R. Kolker's practice, patients have left testimonials like "He made the impossible, possible" and "Dr. Kolker changed my life." These testimonials highlight the high level of satisfaction and the quality of the results achieved. Similarly, patients at Dr. David L. Cangello's practice have praised his professionalism and the natural - looking results. Sharing these testimonials on websites and social media can spread the word and influence potential patients' decisions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital and surgeon for breast enlargement surgery in New York City is a significant decision. Word - of - mouth rankings can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other patients. Hospitals like NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Mount Sinai - New York, and individual surgeons such as Dr. John E. Sherman, Dr. David L. Cangello, Dr. Lara Devgan, and Dr. Adam R. Kolker have established reputations for providing high - quality breast augmentation services. By understanding the procedures, the possible risks, and what to expect during the process, patients can make more informed decisions. It is also important to have realistic expectations and to communicate openly with the surgeon throughout the journey.
If you are considering breast enlargement surgery in New York City, take the time to research hospitals and surgeons, read patient testimonials, and schedule consultations. This will help you find the best option for your needs and ensure a positive surgical experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to these medical professionals to learn more about the services they offer and how they can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.