Introduction
New York City, the bustling metropolis that never sleeps, is a hub for a wide range of cosmetic and surgical procedures, especially when it comes to breast shaping. Whether you're looking to enhance the size, improve the shape, or correct any asymmetry, the city offers a plethora of options. In this article, we'll explore the top breast - shaping procedures and some of the leading practitioners in New York City in 2025.
Common Breast - Shaping Procedures
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular breast - shaping procedures in the United States, and New York City is no exception. It involves enhancing the volume and shape of the breasts using either implants or fat transfer.
- Implant Types:
- Saline Implants: These implants are placed in the breast pocket and filled with saline solution to the patient's desired volume during the procedure. They have the advantage of a potentially smaller incision size and the ability to adjust the fill volume. For example, if a patient decides they want a slightly different size during the surgery, it can be more easily accommodated with saline implants. However, they may have a slightly less natural feel compared to silicone implants.
- Silicone Implants: Pre - filled and ready to be inserted, silicone implants are the most frequently chosen by women in the US. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants. They offer a more natural look and feel. Over the years, advancements in silicone technology have led to the development of cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants. These implants are thick enough to keep their form and minimize the risk of leakage if the implant becomes compromised. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, mimicking most breast shapes and fitting a wider range of chest dimensions.
- Incisions:
- Inframammary Incision: Made under the breast, this incision allows the surgeon good access to the breast pocket. It is a common choice as it can provide a relatively easy placement of the implant and is usually well - hidden in the breast crease. However, it may leave a more visible scar compared to some other incision types if not healed properly.
- Periareolar Incision: Around the areola, this incision can be advantageous as the scar can blend in with the natural color and texture of the areola. It is often used for patients who want a less visible scar. But it may carry a slightly higher risk of affecting nipple sensation and areola shape.
- Transaxillary Incision: Made under the armpit, this incision offers the benefit of a scar that is hidden in the natural fold of the armpit. However, it can be a more technically challenging procedure as the surgeon has to work from a distance to place the implant.
- Implant Placement:
- Submuscular Plane: Placing the implant under the pectoral muscles can provide more natural - looking results and may reduce the risk of visible rippling. It is often recommended for patients with little natural breast tissue. However, it may result in more post - operative pain and a longer recovery time as the muscle is disrupted during the procedure.
- Subglandular: Above the pectoral muscles, this placement is quicker and less invasive as the muscle is not involved. It may be suitable for patients with enough natural breast tissue to cover the implant. But there is a slightly higher risk of visible rippling and implant palpability.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. It addresses breasts that have sagged or lost volume due to aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or genetics.
- Incisions:
- Periareolar (Donut Lift): An incision is made around the areola. It is suitable for mild sagging and can also reduce the size of the areola. This type of lift has the advantage of minimal scarring, but its corrective ability for severe sagging is limited.
- Vertical (Lollipop Lift): An incision is made around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. It addresses moderate sagging and offers a significant reshaping while limiting scarring compared to more extensive lifts.
- Anchor (Inverted - T Lift): Involves an incision around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast fold. It is recommended for more extensive lifting needs, providing comprehensive reshaping for significant sagging. However, it leaves the most noticeable scar.
- Procedure Steps:
- Preparation and Marking: The surgeon will mark the planned incision sites while the patient is standing to ensure the most precise placement and optimal lift.
- Tissue Reshaping: Excess skin is removed, and underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve contour and firmness.
- Areola Repositioning: The areola may be reduced in size if necessary and moved to a higher, more youthful position on the breast.
- Closing the Incisions: Sutures are placed in layers within the breast tissue to create and support its new shape, and the skin is closed with meticulous technique to minimize scarring.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, is performed to decrease breast size in women with excessively large breasts. The procedure not only reduces the size but also adjusts breast projection, position, and shape.
- Benefits:
- Relief from physical discomfort such as back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of large breasts.
- Improved ability to engage in physical activities.
- Enhanced self - confidence and body image.
- Procedure: Similar to breast lift procedures, breast reduction involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The nipple and areola may also be repositioned to a more aesthetically pleasing location. The surgeon uses a combination of techniques to ensure a balanced and natural - looking result.
Breast Revision
Some women who have previously chosen breast implants or undergone prior cosmetic breast surgery may seek breast revision surgery. This can be due to dissatisfaction with the outcome, changes in the appearance of their breasts over time, or complications associated with breast implants.
- Reasons for Revision:
- Change of Implant Size: A woman's preferences may change over time, or her breasts may change due to factors such as pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations. She may choose to replace her original implants with new ones of a different size.
- Change of Implant Type: With advancements in implant technology, some women may want to change from saline to silicone, from round to shaped implants, or to a newer generation of silicone implants with better features.
- Correction of Implant Problems: This can include issues such as implant rupture, leakage, deflation, malposition, capsular contracture, visibility and rippling, or breast asymmetry.
- Removal of Breast Implants: Some women may decide they no longer want breast implants and opt for removal. In some cases, a secondary procedure like a breast lift may be necessary to achieve the best aesthetic results.
Top Practitioners in New York City
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His education and training span some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. He is also an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
- Credentials: Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a plastic surgery specialty fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a member of several renowned plastic surgery societies.
- Procedures: He specializes in breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reconstruction, breast reduction, and many other plastic surgery procedures. His approach combines scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity to deliver beautiful, natural, and proportional results.
- Recognition: He has been featured in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 - 2024 and was named one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek in 2021 - 2024. He is also distinguished in Castle Connolly's America's Top Doctors lists.
Dr. Philipp Franck
Dr. Philipp Franck is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He completed his training at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals and serves as a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University Hospital in New York.
- Procedures: He is highly skilled in aesthetic breast surgery, particularly advanced mastopexy techniques. He tailors each breast lift to deliver natural, proportionate results that complement the patient's body shape.
- Recognition: Named one of New York's rising star surgeons by the New York Times Magazine since 2023 and is on Castle Connolly's list of top doctors nationwide.
Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan. He has performed over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries in the last 10 years.
- Credentials: He is a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a double major and a doctorate in medicine, and is a member of multiple plastic surgery societies.
- Procedures: Offers various breast lift techniques, including augmentation mastopexy, circumareolar mastopexy, circumvertical mastopexy, and wise - pattern mastopexy. He also has experience in combining breast lift with other procedures for a more comprehensive transformation.
- Recognition: Winner of the 2022 Top Doctor award from New Beauty.
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He is renowned for his commitment to patient care and excellent results in breast augmentation.
- Procedures: Works closely with patients to choose the right breast implants based on material, shape, size, and texture. He also has experience in performing breast augmentation with a personalized approach and can combine it with a breast lift for enhanced results.
- Research and Expertise: He worked closely with Allergan during the development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants, showing his in - depth understanding of breast implant technology.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is considered a top breast revision surgeon on NYC's Upper East Side. She is trained in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
- Procedures: Specializes in breast revision procedures, including changing implant size, type, or placement, as well as removing implants and performing secondary breast reduction and lift surgeries. She can also perform capsulectomy, fat injections, and breast lift in combination with implant - related procedures.
- Education and Experience: With an educational background at Harvard and Columbia, she has been in private practice on Manhattan's Upper East Side for over two decades, helping many patients love their breasts again.
Dr. Shridharani
At Luxurgery, Dr. Shridharani offers a range of cosmetic breast surgery procedures.
- Procedures: Performs breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer, breast lift, breast reduction, and male breast reduction (gynecomastia). Her patients have praised her professionalism and the excellent results of the procedures.
Other Notable Doctors
Healthgrades lists several other doctors in New York City who perform breast surgical procedures. These include Dr. Wendy - Ann Olivier, Dr. Christina Weltz, Dr. Donna Marie Manasseh, Dr. Sarah Cate, Dr. Ashley Tsang, Dr. Stephanie Bernik, Dr. Joshua Levine, Dr. George Ferzli, Dr. Kenneth Rothaus, and Dr. Richard Reish. Each of these doctors has a different level of patient ratings, with some achieving high scores, indicating patient satisfaction with their services.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast - Shaping Procedure
Personal Goals
Your specific goals play a crucial role in determining the most suitable breast - shaping procedure. If you want to increase the size of your breasts, breast augmentation may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you are concerned about sagging, a breast lift might be more appropriate. Some patients may have a combination of concerns, such as wanting to increase size and correct sagging, in which case a combination of procedures may be recommended.
Health and Medical History
Your overall health and medical history are important considerations. You should be in good general health without uncontrolled medical issues. For example, if you have a history of breast cancer or certain medical conditions, it may affect the choice of procedure and the surgeon's approach. Non - smokers or those willing to quit before and after surgery are generally better candidates as smoking can impair healing.
Cost
The cost of breast - shaping procedures can vary widely. For example, breast augmentation in New York City can range from a few thousand dollars to over $20,000, depending on factors such as the type of implants, the surgeon's fees, and the complexity of the procedure. Breast lift surgery typically starts at around $8,000 and can go up to $20,000 or more. It's important to discuss the cost and financing options with your surgeon during the consultation.
Surgeon's Expertise and Reputation
Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon is essential. Look for a surgeon who is board - certified, has a good reputation, and has experience performing the specific procedure you are interested in. You can read patient reviews, look at before - and - after photos, and ask for referrals from friends or family members who have had similar procedures.
Recovery and Aftercare
Breast Augmentation Recovery
After breast augmentation, it's normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the initial days. You'll be given a prescription for pain medication to help ease discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. You will also be provided with a surgical compression bra that you will wear for the next few weeks as you heal. In 2 - 3 weeks, you can resume light activities and work, and at 6 - 8 weeks, you can continue more strenuous activities such as going to the gym. It may take a few months for the implants to settle into place and for you to see the final results.
Breast Lift Recovery
Most patients can go home the same day after a breast lift. Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal in the first week. You'll wear a soft surgical bra to provide gentle compression and support. Most of the sutures dissolve on their own. Many people can resume light activities within a week or two, but strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4 - 6 weeks. The final results may take a few weeks to fully appreciate as the swelling subsides.
Breast Reduction Recovery
Recovery from breast reduction is similar to breast lift recovery. You'll have some pain, swelling, and bruising initially. You'll need to wear a support bra and follow the surgeon's instructions regarding rest, activity restrictions, and wound care. Returning to normal activities gradually over a few weeks to a couple of months is typical.