Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that has helped countless women achieve their desired aesthetic goals. In New York City, a bustling metropolis renowned for its medical excellence, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of breast augmentation techniques. This article aims to evaluate the top five hospitals in New York City for breast augmentation, delving into the different techniques they offer, their medical expertise, patient satisfaction, and more. Whether you're a local resident or someone traveling to the city for the procedure, this guide will provide you with valuable insights to make an informed decision.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as a boob job or breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing breast size, enhancing shape, or improving symmetry. There are different methods to achieve this, including the use of breast implants (either silicone or saline) and fat transfer techniques. This procedure has evolved over the years, with continuous advancements in technology and surgical techniques.
The desire for breast augmentation can stem from various reasons. Some women may want to restore breast volume lost after pregnancy, weight loss, or due to aging. Others may wish to correct breast asymmetry or simply enhance their natural breast size to boost self - confidence. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women in the United States underwent breast augmentation, despite the onset of a global pandemic.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Hospital for Breast Augmentation
Surgeon Expertise
The skill and experience of the plastic surgeon performing the breast augmentation are of utmost importance. A highly experienced surgeon is more likely to have encountered a wide range of cases and be able to handle any potential complications. Surgeons who are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have met strict standards of education, training, and experience. For example, a surgeon like Dr. Adam R. Kolker is double - board certified and has extensive training from prestigious medical institutions such as Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Available Techniques
Different hospitals offer a variety of breast augmentation techniques. The two main types of implants are silicone and saline, each with its own characteristics. Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural, while saline implants are firmer and rounder. Some hospitals also offer non - implant options like the fat transfer technique (Natural Fill®). The availability of these different techniques allows patients to choose the option that best suits their body type, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the results achieved at a particular hospital. Positive reviews from satisfied patients indicate that the hospital and its surgeons are reliable and provide good patient experiences. For instance, many patients of Dr. Lara Devgan have shared their positive experiences, including quick recovery times and natural - looking results.
Technology and Facilities
Hospitals that invest in the latest technology and have state - of - the - art facilities are more likely to offer better results and a safer surgical experience. For example, some hospitals 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 of their implants.
Cost and Financing Options
The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on factors such as the surgeon's fees, facility costs, and the type of implants used. It's important to understand the total cost of the procedure and inquire about financing options. Some hospitals offer payment plans or work with financing companies to make the procedure more affordable for patients.
Top Five Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in New York City
Mount Sinai - New York
Surgeon Expertise
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They are well - trained and up - to - date with the latest advancements in the field. These surgeons take the time to consult with patients, understanding their desires for enhancing breast size and helping them choose the most suitable options.
Available Techniques
Mount Sinai offers two main types of breast implants: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants look and feel natural in the breasts, while saline implants are firmer and rounder. Additionally, the hospital is known for its Natural Fill® technique, a fat transfer method. In this two - step procedure, fat is removed from the patient's buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and then immediately inserted into the breasts to enlarge them. This approach allows patients to use their own fat deposits, providing a more natural - looking and - feeling result.
Technology
The hospital uses advanced 3D imaging technology. This technology enables patients to visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. By showing different options on a computer monitor, patients can virtually try on different sizes of breasts, helping them make more informed decisions about their breast augmentation.
Patient Experience
Mount Sinai places a strong emphasis on patient satisfaction. Surgeons listen carefully to patients' needs during the consultation process and ensure that patients are well - informed about the procedure. They also perform a physical exam and ask a series of health - related questions to confirm that patients are suitable candidates for breast augmentation.
NYU Langone Health
Surgeon Expertise
NYU Langone's plastic surgeons, including Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and Dr. Nolan S. Karp, specialize in the latest techniques for breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery. They are experts in treating various breast conditions such as breast sagging, hyperplasia, and hypoplasia.
Available Techniques
The hospital offers a comprehensive range of breast plastic surgery services. These include breast reduction using the short - scar method, breast lift surgery, and secondary breast reconstruction and augmentation surgery. They also perform breast reconstruction using perforator flaps, such as the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and superior gluteal artery perforator (S - GAP). In addition, the innovative "Breast in a Day" surgery is available for women diagnosed with breast cancer or at high risk for cancer. This procedure involves performing a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day, reducing the number of surgeries and hospital stay.
Technology
NYU Langone uses three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care after breast reduction, reconstruction, or augmentation. This technology helps surgeons create more personalized treatment plans and provides patients with a better understanding of the expected results.
Patient Experience
The hospital's breast surgical oncologists at the Perlmutter Cancer Center and plastic surgeons maintain ongoing communication throughout the planning process. They create a customized surgical plan for each patient, ensuring that the patient's specific needs and goals are met.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has an extensive educational background, having trained at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. He is also an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, which keeps him at the forefront of advancements in plastic surgery.
Available Techniques
Dr. Kolker offers a wide range of breast enhancement procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction. In breast augmentation, he focuses on achieving natural and proportional results by establishing each patient's aesthetic goals based on their body type. His vast knowledge and expertise have been highlighted in numerous media articles and television appearances, including being featured in Bazaar's hot list for providing some of the best breast augmentation in New York City.
Artistic Approach
In addition to his surgical skills, Dr. Kolker is a highly skilled studio and visual artist. This combination of scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity allows him to deliver beautiful, natural, and well - proportioned results.
Patient Experience
Dr. Kolker offers comprehensive consultations, both virtually and in person. His team is dedicated to facilitating a meeting at a time and location that is most convenient for the patient. Many patients have shared positive testimonials about their experiences with Dr. Kolker, including successful breast augmentation procedures that have had a significant impact on their lives.
Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He worked closely with Allergan during the development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. His in - depth understanding of different types of breast implants allows him to guide patients in choosing the most suitable implant for their needs.
Available Techniques
Dr. Sherman offers breast augmentation using various types of implants. Patients can choose between saline and silicone implants, and also have options regarding the shape (round or anatomical), size, and texture of the implants. He also discusses corresponding and complementary procedures like breast lift with patients during the consultation process to enhance the overall results of breast augmentation.
Patient - Centered Care
Dr. Sherman takes a personalized approach to each patient. He spends time with patients during the consultation, discussing their aesthetic goals, reviewing their medical history, and examining their breasts. He then devises a customized treatment plan and explains the details of the surgery to the patient.
Patient Experience
Patients have reported positive experiences with Dr. Sherman, including successful breast augmentation procedures that have met or exceeded their expectations. The office staff is also noted for being helpful and accommodating in scheduling consultations and surgeries.
Dr. Lara Devgan's Practice
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Lara Devgan is a well - respected plastic surgeon in New York City. Many women seek her out, especially those who prefer a female plastic surgeon who can be discreet about this sensitive topic. She has extensive experience in performing breast augmentation surgeries and is committed to achieving beautiful, natural, and feminine results for her patients.
Available Techniques
Dr. Devgan offers breast augmentation using silicone and saline implants. During the consultation, she shows patients samples of these implants so they can feel the difference and choose the type they prefer. Patients also have the opportunity to "try on" different sizes of implants to determine what is right for them.
Recovery Process
Dr. Devgan provides clear guidance on the recovery process. In the first 24 - 48 hours after surgery, patients may experience a small amount of swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but she offers pain management strategies. Most patients can return to work within a few days if their job is not strenuous, and by one month after surgery, the vast majority of patients feel "back to normal."
Patient Experience
Many patients have shared their positive experiences with Dr. Devgan, including the fast recovery times and the natural - looking results of their breast augmentation surgeries. Her practice also accommodates out - of - town and international patients.
Different Breast Augmentation Techniques
Silicone Implants
Silicone breast implants consist of a curved silicone shell filled with a silicone gel. They are known for their natural look and feel. Since the 1960s, silicone implants have undergone many improvements in terms of the thickness of the shell and the viscosity of the gel. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants. Cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants, are increasingly popular because they can provide a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different chest dimensions.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a solution of salt and water. They are placed in the breast pocket and filled to the patient's desired volume during the procedure. Saline implants are firmer and rounder compared to silicone implants. They have the advantage of a lower risk of long - term complications, and if an implant ruptures, the saline solution is absorbed by the body without causing harm.
Fat Transfer (Natural Fill®)
The fat transfer technique, such as the Natural Fill® pioneered by Mount Sinai surgeons, is a two - step procedure. First, fat is removed from an unwanted area of the body, such as the buttocks or abdomen, using liposuction. Then, this fat is immediately inserted into the breasts to enlarge them. This method uses the patient's own body tissue, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions and provides a more natural - looking result. However, the amount of fat that can be transferred may be limited, and some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - Surgery
After breast augmentation surgery, patients can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Pain medication is usually prescribed to manage the pain. Patients are also required to wear a compression garment to support the breasts and reduce swelling. The initial recovery period typically lasts for a few days to a week, during which patients should rest and avoid strenuous activities.
Short - Term Recovery
In the first few weeks after surgery, patients can gradually resume light activities. However, they should still avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise. Follow - up appointments with the surgeon are important during this time to monitor the healing process and ensure that there are no complications. Sutures are usually removed about one week after the surgery.
Long - Term Recovery
It takes several months for the breasts to fully heal and for the implants to settle into their final position. During this time, patients may notice a decrease in swelling and the breasts will become softer and more natural - looking. It's important for patients to follow the surgeon's advice regarding aftercare, including wearing a proper bra and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Potential Complications
As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation comes with some risks and potential complications. These may include infections, bleeding, changes in nipple or breast sensations, implant leakage or rupture, the development of scar tissue, and unsatisfactory outcomes that may require further surgeries. Some women may also experience breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) or breast implant illness (BII), although these are relatively rare. It's crucial for patients to discuss these potential risks with their surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
Conclusion
New York City offers a plethora of options for breast augmentation, with some of the top hospitals and surgeons in the field. The five hospitals and practices discussed in this article - Mount Sinai, NYU Langone Health, Dr. Adam R. Kolker's practice, Dr. John E. Sherman's practice, and Dr. Lara Devgan's practice - each have their own unique strengths, including experienced surgeons, a variety of available techniques, and a focus on patient satisfaction. When considering breast augmentation, it's essential to thoroughly research and evaluate your options, taking into account factors such as surgeon expertise, available techniques, patient reviews, technology, and cost. By making an informed decision, you can increase the likelihood of achieving the best possible results and a positive surgical experience.
If you're interested in learning more about breast augmentation or scheduling a consultation, we encourage you to reach out to one of the hospitals or practices mentioned in this article. You can also continue to educate yourself on the topic by reading more medical resources and patient testimonials. Remember, breast augmentation is a personal decision, and it's important to take the time to make the choice that is right for you.
