Introduction
Changing the breast shape is a significant decision that many individuals in New York City may contemplate for various reasons. Whether it's for aesthetic enhancement, reconstruction after breast surgery, or correcting congenital abnormalities, there are several excellent hospitals and medical professionals in the city that offer high - quality services. In this article, we will explore some of the top options in New York City for breast - shape changing procedures, discussing the services they offer, the associated doctors, and important aspects such as consultation, recovery, and risks.
1. Mount Sinai - New York
1.1 Breast Enhancement and Augmentation
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in breast - related procedures. When it comes to breast augmentation, they use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. This allows patients to make more informed decisions about the size and shape they desire.
There are multiple options for breast augmentation at Mount Sinai. The typical method is using implants. There are two main types of implants: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants look and feel natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. Additionally, Mount Sinai surgeons have pioneered and perfected a fat - transfer technique called NaturalFill®. In this two - step procedure, fat is first removed from the buttocks or abdomen via liposuction and then inserted into the breasts to enlarge them using the patient's own fat deposits.
During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will listen to the patient's desires, explain the procedure in detail, and perform a physical exam to confirm the patient's candidacy for breast augmentation.
1.2 Breast Reconstruction
If a patient is planning to have a mastectomy, Mount Sinai can assist in making the decision about breast reconstructive surgery. They understand that this is a very personal decision and will carefully guide the patient through the process. Some of the key considerations include whether to have reconstruction, when to have it (immediate or delayed), and what type of reconstruction to choose.
Immediate reconstruction has several advantages, such as fewer surgical procedures, often only one set of surgical scars, and the fact that the remaining breast skin remains stretched to the original size and shape. There are also two main types of reconstruction: using implants or the patient's own body tissue. The surgeons will take into account factors like the patient's overall health, the size and location of the tumor, breast size, and other medical treatments when recommending the best option.
2. Dr. Darrick Antell
2.1 Breast Reconstruction in NYC
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - rated plastic surgeon in New York City, board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has focused his career on aesthetic procedures and is among the most respected breast augmentation surgeons in the country.
Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is one of his areas of expertise. The ideal candidate for breast reconstruction with Dr. Antell is a woman who wishes to restore her breast and body image and understands that a reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation as a natural one. Most mastectomy patients are medically appropriate for reconstruction, especially those whose cancer has been completely removed and who do not require further treatment.
There are two main types of reconstruction techniques. Flap reconstruction uses tissue (skin, fat, and muscle) from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Examples include the TRAM flap, free TRAM flap, DIEP flap, tug and dug flaps, and gluteus flap. Implant - based reconstruction uses a silicone or saline implant. Typically, a tissue expander is first placed under the pectoral muscle, and a saline solution is gradually added to stretch the skin before the actual implant is placed.
2.2 Consultation and Care
Dr. Antell works closely with the patient's breast surgeon to develop a reconstruction strategy. During the consultation, he provides a thorough explanation of the reconstruction options based on the patient's age, health, anatomy, and goals. He also walks the patient through the risks associated with the surgery. His sympathetic and caring nature helps put patients at ease, especially during this emotionally challenging time.
3. NewYork - Presbyterian
3.1 Advanced Breast Reconstruction
NewYork - Presbyterian plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field of breast reconstruction. They offer the most advanced surgery options and techniques. For example, they have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years.
There are different types of breast reconstruction at NewYork - Presbyterian. Autologous reconstruction uses the patient's own body tissue to reconstruct nerves and breast structure. They can use tissue from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. A novel reinnervation procedure is also available during autologous reconstruction, which only takes about 20 minutes to reconnect a nerve in the abdominal flap to a nerve in the chest. During implant reconstruction, the nerves that supply the skin and nipple are preserved and reconnected to the breast skin and nipple.
The DIEP flap reconstruction is an innovative technique that uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts. Surgeons also utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers to meet the patients' clinical needs.
4. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
4.1 Breast Augmentation
Dr. David P. Rapaport is a board - certified plastic surgeon and a world - recognized expert in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. Breast augmentation is a popular procedure at his New York plastic surgery facility.
Good candidates for breast augmentation are women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts, are overall healthy, and have realistic expectations. The procedure can enhance body contour, correct breast volume reduction due to aging or pregnancy, balance breast size, correct congenital deformities, or be used as a reconstructive technique after breast surgery. However, it may not adequately address breast sagging, which often requires a breast lift in conjunction with augmentation.
The incision for breast augmentation can be placed in the underarm, under the breast, or within the areola. Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope for the scarless breast augmentation procedure with an underarm incision. He offers both saline and silicone implants. Saline implants can be filled after placement and are suitable for the scarless technique, while silicone implants typically have a more natural look and feel.
4.2 Recovery and Results
Full recovery from breast augmentation at Rapaport Plastic Surgery takes approximately two to three weeks, but patients with non - strenuous jobs can return to work in just a few days. Swelling, bruising, and soreness are normal during recovery, and strenuous exercise is restricted for the first ten days. After breast augmentation, women often experience a significant confidence boost, and the results typically last a lifetime, although implants can be replaced if needed.
5. Dr. David Cangello - Cangello Plastic Surgery
5.1 Breast Revision Surgery
Dr. David Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City, known for his work in breast revision surgery. There are many reasons why women may opt for breast revision, such as dissatisfaction with implant size, type, or shape, capsular contracture, ruptured implants, implant malposition, breast rippling, or double - bubble deformity.
For capsular contracture, the scar tissue that constricts the implants needs to be surgically released, and many patients choose to have new implants placed. In the case of a ruptured implant, saline leaks out harmlessly, while silicone implants may have a “silent rupture,” which requires an MRI to detect. Implant malposition can cause the breasts to look asymmetrical, and Dr. Cangello can restore balance through revision surgery.
5.2 Customized Treatment Plans
Dr. Cangello creates customized treatment plans for breast revision based on the patient's anatomy and the extent of functional or cosmetic irregularities. The consultation involves a physical examination of the breasts, addressing the patient's questions and concerns, and guiding the patient through the options for implant size, shape, type, and additional procedures like fat transfer.
The breast revision surgery may include breast implant replacement, breast lift, capsulotomy or capsulectomy. Recovery time varies depending on the procedures performed, but patients can expect some pain or tightness in the first few days, and strenuous physical activity should be avoided for about four to six weeks.
6. Gotham Plastic Surgery
6.1 Breast Reconstruction Services
Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York City offers breast reconstruction services. The best candidates for breast reconstruction here are women whose cancer has been eliminated as much as possible, are in good general health, and do not smoke. Women with breast irregularities may also choose to undergo reconstruction to reshape their breasts for better symmetry and aesthetics.
The reconstruction process usually consists of multiple procedures over time. The first step is creating the breast mound, which can be done during or after mastectomy and is typically performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. Follow - up procedures, which may or may not involve implants, can be done in the hospital or an outpatient facility with either general or local anesthesia.
6.2 Comprehensive Plastic Surgery
In addition to breast reconstruction, Gotham Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of plastic surgery services. Their Natra Face™ approach addresses both restorative and transformative changes in the face. They have advanced techniques for eye, nose, body, and skin surgeries. For example, they use the Natra Eye™ technique for eyelid procedures and the Natra Nose™ technique for rhinoplasty.
Comparative Analysis of the Options
Hospital/Doctor | Specialty Services | Key Considerations | Patient Experience |
---|---|---|---|
Mount Sinai - New York | Breast augmentation with 3D imaging, fat - transfer technique (NaturalFill®), breast reconstruction guidance | Technology - driven approach, multiple options for augmentation and reconstruction | Surgeons focus on patient desires during consultation |
Dr. Darrick Antell | Advanced breast reconstruction techniques (flap and implant - based), personalized care | Highly respected surgeon, experience with cancer survivors | Sympathetic and caring approach during emotionally challenging times |
NewYork - Presbyterian | Nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction, DIEP flap reconstruction, nerve - preserving techniques | Leaders in breast reconstruction technology and techniques | Team provides support throughout the entire process |
Rapaport Plastic Surgery | Scarless breast augmentation, breast implant revision | Expertise in minimizing capsular contracture, tailored approach to augmentation | Relatively short recovery time for non - strenuous jobs |
Dr. David Cangello - Cangello Plastic Surgery | Comprehensive breast revision surgery for various complications | Customized treatment plans, experience with difficult cases | Patients report high satisfaction with results and recovery |
Gotham Plastic Surgery | Breast reconstruction for cancer patients and those with breast irregularities, comprehensive plastic surgery services | Multidisciplinary approach, wide range of surgical and non - surgical options | Personalized treatment plans for overall body enhancement |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital or Doctor
- Expertise and Experience: Look for doctors who have extensive experience in the specific breast - shape changing procedure you need. For example, if it's breast reconstruction after cancer, a doctor with a track record of working with cancer survivors is preferable.
- Technology and Techniques: Hospitals that use the latest technology, such as 3D imaging for augmentation or advanced reconstruction techniques, can offer better results. The availability of innovative procedures like NaturalFill® or DIEP flap reconstruction can be a plus.
- Patient - Centered Care: A caring and empathetic doctor who listens to your concerns and provides clear explanations during the consultation is essential. This helps in making informed decisions and feeling comfortable throughout the process.
- Success Rates and Patient Reviews: Check online reviews and ask for before - and - after photos to gauge the doctor's success rate. Positive patient experiences are a good indicator of the quality of care.
- Cost and Insurance: Understand the cost of the procedure and check if your insurance covers it, especially in the case of breast reconstruction after cancer. Some hospitals may offer payment plans or financial assistance.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wealth of options for those looking to change their breast shape. Whether it's for aesthetic reasons or reconstruction after surgery, hospitals like Mount Sinai, NewYork - Presbyterian, and doctors such as Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. David Rapaport, and Dr. David Cangello provide high - quality services with different specialties. Gotham Plastic Surgery also offers comprehensive breast - related and other plastic surgery services.
Before making a decision, it's crucial to thoroughly research each option, considering factors like expertise, technology, patient - centered care, success rates, and cost. By doing so, you can find the right hospital or doctor to help you achieve your desired breast shape. If you're interested in exploring these options further, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with the medical professionals mentioned in this article. Take the first step towards your new look and improved self - confidence!