Prosthetic breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure, especially in a vibrant city like New York. The shape and size of breasts can significantly impact a woman's confidence, and with the advancement of medical technology, breast augmentation has become a safe and effective solution for many. This article will explore the top hospitals and surgeons for prosthetic breast augmentation in New York City, as well as important considerations related to the procedure.
Why Consider Breast Augmentation?
Over the past decade, breast augmentation has consistently ranked as the number one cosmetic procedure. In the USA, over 5 million women have undergone breast augmentation, with 90% of them having the procedure after having kids. A significant 79% of those who undergo the surgery report satisfaction with the results. There are various reasons why women choose breast augmentation:
- They may feel that their breasts are too small for their body frame.
- They might be self - conscious when wearing swimsuits or form - fitting and low - cut tops.
- Breasts can become smaller or less firm after giving birth or due to weight loss.
- There may be breast asymmetry, where one breast is smaller than the other.
Top Surgeons for Breast Augmentation in NYC
Dr. Nadia Afridi
Dr. Nadia Afridi is a well - known cosmetic surgeon in NYC for breast augmentation. She is highly professional and cares for her patients like a friend. Her practice usually lasts 1 - 2 hours under general anesthesia. Incisions are made in unnoticeable areas such as the armpit, the underside of the breast, and around the areola to minimize scar visibility. She is experienced with both saline and silicone implants.
| Estimated Augmentation Costs | Other Specialties | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| $8900 | Mommy makeovers, breast surgery, body contouring, facial treatments | 4.9 |
Pros of choosing Dr. Afridi include being a board - certified plastic surgeon, having a very helpful and informative staff, offering several breast augmentation procedures, and using the “try on the look” method to determine the best size and shape for patients. However, she operates by appointment only.
Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift is a board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC. He has earned prestigious awards for his experience and expertise. He provides detailed consultations on surgical techniques, alternative treatments, and pre - and post - operative care. It is recommended that patients refrain from vigorous exercise the day before the breast augmentation procedure and follow specific pre - and post - op instructions regarding hygiene and activities.
| Estimated Augmentation Costs | Other Specialties | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| $5000 - $10000 | Breast enhancement, body contouring, facial treatments, more | 4.9 |
Pros of Dr. Swift include being board - certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, providing comprehensive care, having a caring and helpful staff, and having over 25 years of experience. He also only sees patients by appointment.
Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is well - known in New York's plastic surgery scene. He has an impressive educational background, having graduated with honors from a highly selective accelerated six - year biomedical education program. He specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. He offers a wide range of breast procedures, including breast asymmetry correction, breast lift, and more.
| Estimated Augmentation Costs | Other Specialties | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| $9000 – $11000 | Breast augmentation, breast lift, tuberous breast correction, more | 4.8 |
Pros of choosing Dr. Kolker are his certifications from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, his friendly and helpful staff, and the multiple breast augmentation procedures he offers. However, some patients may find it a drawback that his staff answers patient calls instead of him directly, and his surgeries can be quite expensive.
Top Hospitals and Their Approaches
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in 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 virtually try on different sizes of breasts and make more informed decisions.
The hospital offers various options for breast augmentation. There are two main types of implants: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. Additionally, Mount Sinai surgeons have pioneered and perfected the NaturalFill® fat transfer technique, which involves removing fat from the patient's buttocks or abdomen and inserting it into the breasts.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
Saline implants are round and consist of a single outer shell filled with varying amounts of saline solution. If the implant ruptures, the body can absorb the saline. They are FDA - approved for women 18 years of age or older. One advantage of saline implants is that they can be inserted through a smaller incision as they are filled after placement. However, in thin women with little breast tissue, visible rippling at the implant edges may occur.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They are known for providing a more natural feel and appearance. They are FDA - approved for women 22 years of age or older. Traditionally, they required larger incisions, but with techniques like the “no touch” method using a Keller funnel, the incision size can be minimized. The FDA recommends MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell, but this is just a recommendation and not mandatory.
Ideal Implant Structured Breast Implants
These implants are round and contain two chambers and a layered system of external shells, filled with a variable amount of saline solution. They are designed to provide a more natural shape and feel, with some unique structural advantages compared to traditional saline implants.
“Gummy Bear” Implants
Also known as anatomic or form - stable implants, these silicone gel implants have a more cohesive and viscous gel. They keep their shape even if the implant shell is damaged or broken. They are generally shaped more like a natural breast, tapered towards the top and with more projection towards the bottom. However, they may require a longer incision and there is a risk of an unnatural appearance if the implant rotates.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Before undergoing breast augmentation, patients need to take several steps to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery:
- Schedule a consultation with a surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and concerns. The surgeon will also evaluate your physical characteristics to determine the best approach for you.
- Undergo necessary medical tests, such as breast imaging (mammogram, sonogram, or MRI), and provide a detailed medical history to the surgeon.
- If you are a smoker, quit smoking or using nicotine products as nicotine can significantly impact your ability to heal after the treatment.
- Taper off current medications or supplements that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John’s wort.
- Arrange for a trusted family member or friend to pick you up from the hospital or surgical facility and to assist you during the initial recovery period.
- Designate a comfortable space at home for recovery and place necessary items within reach.
- Plan to take 2 - 3 weeks off from work or other strenuous activities to rest and recuperate.
The Procedure
Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure that takes 1 - 1.5 hours. General anesthesia is commonly used, although local anesthesia with intravenous sedation may be an option for some patients having subglandular breast augmentation.
Incisions
There are several possible incision sites:
- Periareolar (around the areola): This incision is well - hidden upon healing. However, it may restrict the size of silicone implants as they are pre - filled, and there is a risk of nipple sensation loss and reduced ability to breastfeed in the future.
- Inframammary (under the fold of the breast): The surgeon has a good view and control with this incision. Implants can be placed above or below the chest muscle. But it may result in more visible scarring, and cutting the muscle (if implants are placed below) can lengthen the recovery.
- Transaxillary (in the armpit): There is no scarring on the breasts, and the scar in the armpit usually becomes almost invisible over time. It's a good option for larger implants, but there can be rubbing of the implant against the skin during insertion, and patients can't wear deodorant for a few weeks after surgery.
- Transumbilical (through the belly button): This is the rarest type of incision. There is almost no scarring as the incision is inside the belly button, and it's the least invasive with an easier recovery. However, revision or implant replacement usually can't be done through the same incision, and silicone breast implants can't be placed using this method.
Implant Placement
Implants can be placed either under the breast tissue (subglandular or sub - mammary position) or under the pectoralis major muscle (subpectoral or submuscular position). Placing implants beneath the muscle offers advantages such as reduced risk of capsular contracture and less interference with mammogram examinations. However, it may cause greater patient discomfort in the first few days after surgery and a slightly longer recovery phase.
Recovery
The recovery process varies from patient to patient, but generally:
- In the first few days, it's normal to experience fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. A prescription for pain medication is usually provided to ease the discomfort.
- Patients are required to wear a surgical compression bra for a few weeks to minimize swelling and support the implants.
- Most patients can return to work within a week if it's a desk job, but those with implants placed under the muscle may need a full week. Non - impact activity can start in about a week, while exercise involving impact should be avoided for at least a month. Certain upper body exercises can be resumed in six weeks, and lifting anything above the head should be avoided for the same period.
- Stitches are absorbable and will gradually break down over time. Scars will begin to fade in a few months and continue to improve for months after surgery.
- Multiple follow - up visits with the surgeon are necessary to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns.
Possible Complications
Although breast augmentation is generally a safe procedure, there are some possible complications:
- Bleeding and infection: These are common risks associated with any surgical procedure. Surgeons take precautions to minimize these risks, but patients should still be aware and monitor for signs such as excessive bleeding, fever, or increased pain at the incision site.
- Capsular contracture: The body builds scar tissue around the implants. If this tissue builds up too aggressively, it can cause the implants to feel overly hard or firm and may deform the implants. In such cases, the implants may need to be replaced, and the excess scar tissue removed.
- Implant rupture or leakage: Over time, implants can rupture or leak. Silicone implants may require more attention as the gel may not be as easily detectable if it leaks, while saline implants will deflate if they rupture. Replacement of the implants is usually necessary.
- Loss of sensation: There is a risk of losing nipple or breast sensation after the surgery, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a very rare form of non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma associated with certain breast implants, particularly those with a textured surface. The risk is still being studied, and textured implants of a specific type have been recalled.
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some women report a variety of symptoms such as memory loss, joint pain, and fatigue after having implants placed. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still under investigation.
Cost and Payment Options
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City varies depending on factors such as the surgeon's experience, the type of implants used, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the surgical facility. Estimated costs for the top surgeons mentioned earlier range from $5000 - $11000.
There are several payment options available:
- Many surgeons accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc.), and checks.
- Some surgeons also accept financing. Popular surgery financing options in NYC include CareCredit, which offers no - interest plans up to 24 months if the balance is paid off within the promotional period and extended payment plans for 24, 36, 48, or 60 months with a competitive interest rate.
- Insurance coverage for breast augmentation is rare, as it is usually considered a cosmetic procedure. However, in some cases where breast reconstruction is necessary due to medical reasons such as mastectomy, insurance may cover part or all of the cost.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women, enhancing their confidence and improving their body image. In New York City, there are several top - rated hospitals and surgeons with the expertise to perform this procedure safely and effectively. When considering breast augmentation, it's crucial to thoroughly research your options, choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, and have realistic expectations about the results and the recovery process.
If you're interested in learning more about breast augmentation or scheduling a consultation with a surgeon, take the next step and reach out to the professionals mentioned in this article. Whether you're in your twenties or forties, or have specific concerns about your breasts, breast augmentation may be the solution you've been looking for. Don't hesitate to explore this option and take control of your body and your confidence.
