Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can enhance a woman's appearance, boost self - confidence, and improve body image. In New York City, a vibrant hub of medical excellence, numerous hospitals and clinics offer breast augmentation services. However, finding a place that offers fast and simple breast augmentation with good results can be a challenging task. This article aims to guide you through some of the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City for this procedure, while also providing comprehensive information about breast augmentation itself.
Understanding Breast Augmentation
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. It can be achieved through different methods, such as using breast implants (either silicone or saline) or through fat transfer (Naturalfill). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation in the United States.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Enhanced self - confidence: Women who are unhappy with their breast size often experience a boost in self - esteem after the procedure. They feel more comfortable in their own skin and may have a more positive body image.
- Improved clothing options: Larger breasts can open up a whole new world of clothing choices. Women can wear styles that were previously unflattering or difficult to find in their size.
- Restoration after pregnancy or weight loss: Pregnancy and significant weight loss can cause the breasts to lose volume and shape. Breast augmentation can help restore the pre - pregnancy or pre - weight loss appearance of the breasts.
Top Hospitals and Clinics in New York City for Breast Augmentation
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. This technology allows patients to try on different sizes of breasts virtually, helping them make a more informed decision about the size and shape they desire.
Treatment Options
- Silicone breast implants: These implants look and feel natural in the breasts. They are pre - filled and produced ready to be inserted. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants.
- Saline breast implants: A firmer, rounder implant. They are placed in the breast pocket and are filled to the patient's desired volume during the procedure.
- Naturalfill: A two - step procedure pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. First, fat is removed from the buttocks or abdomen with liposuction, and then it is immediately inserted into the breasts to enlarge them using the patient's own fat deposits.
Weill Cornell Medicine
At Weill Cornell Medicine, plastic and reconstructive surgeons work closely with patients to understand their goals and discuss the best options for them. They provide a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast augmentation with implants.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?
- Exemplary surgeons: The surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team is equipped to promote comfort throughout the process.
- Partnership with New York - Presbyterian: It partners with one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S., ensuring high - quality care.
- Individualized breast surgery: Surgeons are highly skilled and able to help patients achieve the natural look they want, catering to patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities.
Greenwald Plastic Surgery
Dr. Greenwald, a leading New York City board - certified plastic surgery specialist, is known for his quick recovery breast augmentation approach. He has performed thousands of breast surgeries and is named a top doctor in New York every year since 2012.
Advantages of Greenwald Plastic Surgery
- Quick recovery: Patients are typically able to return to normal activities within 24 hours of surgery and require little if any pain medications. Special surgical maneuvers are performed to minimize pain, swelling, and bruising.
- Experience: Dr. Greenwald has significant experience with primary and secondary breast augmentation procedures. He is a member of the Mentor® lead advisory board.
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon renowned for his commitment to patient care and excellent results. He works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach for breast augmentation.
Breast Implant Options
- Material: He offers both saline and silicone implants, helping patients choose based on their preferences and desired results.
- Shape: Patients can choose between round implants for more upper fullness or anatomical (teardrop - shaped) implants for a more natural look.
- Size: Implant sizes range from 120cc to 800cc, and Dr. Sherman helps patients select the size that best suits their body and aesthetic goals.
- Texture: Textured implants can prevent rotation and displacement, and Dr. Sherman can guide patients on the best texture option for them.
Maman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Daniel Maman, a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon, specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. The clinic offers a personalized approach to breast augmentation.
Services Offered
- Comprehensive consultation: A 90 - minute consultation includes a thorough review of the patient's medical history, in - depth physical assessment, and detailed operative plans.
- Customized implant options: With a focus on the patient's desired outcome and lifestyle, Dr. Maman helps patients choose the best implant material, incision location, shape, and placement.
- Excellent aftercare: The clinic provides multiple pre - op visits, attentive aftercare, and complimentary custom post - operative support garments and scar treatment regimens.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Consultation
The first step in breast augmentation is a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, you should discuss your expectations, medical history, and any concerns you may have. The surgeon will examine your breasts, take measurements, and provide information about the different types of implants and techniques available. For example, at Mount Sinai, the plastic surgeon will explain what happens during the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Medical Evaluation
Before the surgery, you will need to undergo a medical evaluation to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for breast augmentation. This may include a physical exam, blood tests, and possibly a mammogram. You should inform your surgeon about any medications, supplements, or allergies you have.
Lifestyle Changes
Several weeks before the surgery, you may need to make some lifestyle changes. These may include quitting smoking, as nicotine can significantly impact your ability to heal after the treatment. You may also need to taper off certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John's wort.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Anesthesia
Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia, depending on your preferences and the surgeon's recommendation. For instance, at Dr. John E. Sherman's practice, a board - certified anesthesiologist will administer the appropriate anesthesia.
Incisions
There are several types of incisions that can be used for breast augmentation, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These include the inframammary incision (under the breast), periareolar incision (around the areola), and transaxillary (under the armpit) incision. The choice of incision depends on factors such as the type of implant, your anatomy, and your desired outcome. At Maman Plastic Surgery, most breast augmentations are done through a breast crease incision under the natural breast fold for its discreetness and good surgical visualization.
Implant Placement
Implants can be placed either submuscularly (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandularly (above the pectoral muscles). The placement depends on your anatomy, age, and vocation. Patients with signs of ptosis or sagging skin may have their implants placed subglandularly, while subpectoral implants are often preferred for a more natural look and less visible rippling.
Closure
After the implants are placed, the incisions are closed with sutures. The surgeon will then wrap the area with a compression garment to protect the results and minimize swelling.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, you will need to stay in the recovery area until you are fully awake from the anesthesia. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which are normal side effects of the procedure. You will be given a prescription for pain medication to help manage the discomfort. At Greenwald Plastic Surgery, patients are typically able to return to normal activities within 24 hours and require little if any pain medications due to the special surgical techniques used.
Follow - up Appointments
You will need to schedule several follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery. These appointments are important for ensuring that the incisions are healing properly and that the implants are in the correct position. For example, suture removal is usually one week after breast augmentation at Dr. John E. Sherman's practice.
Activity Restrictions
You will need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise for a certain period of time after the surgery. The length of the activity restrictions depends on the type of procedure and your individual recovery. Generally, it is recommended to refrain from strenuous activities for 4 - 6 weeks. At Maman Plastic Surgery, patients are advised not to lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for a full six weeks and to avoid upper - body workouts for 4 - 6 weeks.
Aftercare Instructions
Your surgeon will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, which may include wearing a compression bra, keeping the incision sites clean, and taking any prescribed medications. Following these instructions is crucial for a successful recovery and optimal results.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York City
The cost of breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon's fees, facility costs, the type of implants used, and the complexity of the procedure. The national average price for breast augmentation is approximately $5,352, but prices in New York City may be higher due to the high cost of living and the expertise of the surgeons. At Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, and other top facilities, the final cost will be determined after a consultation with the surgeon.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation comes with its own set of risks and potential complications. These may include:
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site or around the implants. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever.
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery can occur, which may require additional treatment.
- Altered nipple or breast sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Implant leakage or rupture: Silicone implants may leak, and saline implants may rupture. If this occurs, the implant may need to be replaced.
- Scar tissue formation: Scar tissue can form around the implants, which may cause the breasts to feel hard or look distorted.
- Unsatisfactory results: The final results may not meet your expectations, which may require additional surgery to correct.
It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before the procedure and to follow all pre - and post - operative instructions to minimize the risk of complications.
Alternatives to Breast Augmentation
If you are considering breast augmentation strictly for cosmetic reasons and prefer non - surgical options, there are several alternatives available in New York City. These include:
- Fat grafting (fat transfer): This involves removing fat from different body parts and injecting it into the breasts. It is regarded as a safer option as it uses the body's own tissue, minimizing complications. However, it may have limitations, such as the potential for the fat to be reabsorbed by the body.
- Hormonal therapy: Some hormonal treatments may help increase breast size, but they can have side effects and are not suitable for everyone.
- Natural remedies: Certain herbs and supplements are claimed to promote breast growth, but their effectiveness is not scientifically proven.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation can be a life - changing procedure for many women. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer fast and simple breast augmentation with good results. Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, Greenwald Plastic Surgery, Dr. John E. Sherman, and Maman Plastic Surgery are all known for their experienced surgeons, advanced techniques, and patient - centered care. However, it is important to do your research, have a thorough consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon, and carefully consider the risks and benefits before making a decision.
If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation or scheduling a consultation, we encourage you to reach out to one of the facilities mentioned in this article. You can also share this article with friends or family who may be considering breast augmentation, as it provides valuable information to help them make an informed choice.
