Introduction
Breast augmentation with prostheses is a popular cosmetic procedure sought after by many women in New York City. With numerous hospitals and plastic surgeons available, it can be challenging to determine which facilities offer the best services. This article aims to carefully select the top 5 popular hospitals in the ranking of hospitals for breast augmentation with prostheses in New York City. By considering factors such as surgeon expertise, patient reviews, available technologies, and treatment options, we will provide you with comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size, shape, and volume of the breasts. It involves the placement of breast implants, which can be either silicone or saline, to achieve the desired aesthetic results. The procedure can help women feel more confident and satisfied with their appearance, whether they want to correct asymmetry, restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, or simply enhance their natural curves.
Types of Breast Implants
There are two main types of breast implants: silicone and saline. Here's a comparison of the two:
Type of Implant | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Silicone | These implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel. They are pre - filled and come in various shapes and sizes. | They look and feel more natural in the breasts. They have a more realistic texture and movement compared to saline implants. Cohesive silicone gel implants (gummy bear implants) are also popular as they maintain their shape better. | It can be more difficult to detect a rupture compared to saline implants. In case of rupture, the silicone gel may not easily show external signs. |
Saline | Saline implants have a silicone shell filled with a sterile salt - water solution. They are inserted empty and filled during the surgery to the desired volume. | If a rupture occurs, the saline solution is absorbed by the body without any harmful effects. They are generally less expensive than silicone implants. | They may have a firmer and less natural feel compared to silicone implants. There is also a higher chance of rippling or wrinkling being visible under the skin. |
Criteria for Selecting the Top Hospitals
Surgeon Expertise
The skill and experience of the plastic surgeons are crucial factors. Surgeons should be board - certified, have extensive training in breast augmentation procedures, and a proven track record of successful surgeries. For example, on Healthgrades, we can find the ratings and patient reviews of surgeons who perform breast augmentation in New York. Surgeons like Dr. Renata Khelemsky, MD, rated 5.00 out of 5 stars, have demonstrated high - quality care and patient satisfaction.
Patient Reviews
Reading patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the hospital's overall experience, including the quality of care, post - operative support, and the final results of the breast augmentation. Reviews can be found on various platforms such as Google, Healthgrades, and RealSelf.
Available Technologies
Hospitals that use advanced technologies for breast augmentation are often better equipped to provide accurate and personalized results. For instance, Mount Sinai uses advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique body before the surgery.
Treatment Options
The range of treatment options available, such as different types of implants and surgical techniques, is also important. A hospital that offers a variety of options can better meet the individual needs and preferences of patients. For example, some hospitals may offer the naturalfill technique, a fat - transfer method for breast augmentation pioneered by Mount Sinai surgeons.
The Top 5 Popular Hospitals in New York City for Breast Augmentation with Prostheses
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is a well - respected institution in New York City. It has several advantages when it comes to breast augmentation:
- Surgeon Expertise: The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They are trained to handle a wide range of cases and can provide personalized treatment plans.
- Advanced Technologies: As mentioned earlier, the hospital uses advanced 3D imaging technology. This allows patients to have a better understanding of what their post - surgery breasts will look like, helping them make more informed decisions about the size and shape of the implants.
- Treatment Options: Mount Sinai offers two main types of breast implants (silicone and saline) and also the naturalfill technique. The naturalfill procedure, which uses a patient's own fat for augmentation, is a unique option that can provide a more natural - looking and - feeling result.
- Patient Care: The hospital emphasizes patient satisfaction and provides comprehensive pre - and post - operative care. Surgeons take the time to listen to patients' desires and answer all their questions, ensuring that patients are comfortable throughout the process.
2. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is nationally recognized for its medical excellence. Here's why it's a top choice for breast augmentation:
- Surgeon Excellence: It has a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons who are affiliated with renowned medical institutions. These surgeons have access to the latest research and techniques in breast augmentation, ensuring the best possible results for patients.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The hospital can offer a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. In case of any complications or specific health concerns, patients can benefit from the expertise of other medical specialties, such as oncology or cardiology.
- High - Quality Facilities: New York - Presbyterian Hospital is equipped with state - of - the - art surgical facilities and advanced diagnostic tools. This helps in ensuring the safety and success of the breast augmentation procedure.
- Patient Reputation: It has a good reputation among patients, with many positive reviews regarding the quality of care, professionalism of the staff, and the aesthetic results of the surgeries.
3. NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone Hospitals are known for their innovation and patient - centered care in the field of plastic surgery:
- Research and Innovation: The hospital is actively involved in research related to breast augmentation. This means that patients may have access to the latest advancements in implant technology and surgical techniques.
- Comprehensive Services: NYU Langone offers a full range of breast augmentation services, from initial consultations to post - operative follow - up. They also provide support for patients who may have concerns about the emotional and psychological aspects of the procedure.
- Skilled Surgeons: The plastic surgeons at NYU Langone are highly trained and experienced. They are committed to providing natural - looking results that enhance the patient's overall appearance.
- Patient Education: The hospital places a strong emphasis on patient education. They ensure that patients understand all aspects of the breast augmentation procedure, including the risks, benefits, and recovery process.
4. Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon based in New York City. His practice stands out for the following reasons:
- Artistic Approach: Dr. Kolker combines scientific and technical mastery with artistic creativity. He believes that "beautiful" should be more important than "size" in breast augmentation, and he works to achieve a proportionate and natural - looking result for each patient.
- Extensive Experience: With training from some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School and New York University, Dr. Kolker has a wealth of experience in breast augmentation procedures. He has also been featured in numerous media outlets as a top plastic surgeon.
- Patient - Centered Care: The practice offers comprehensive consultations, both in person and virtually. Dr. Kolker takes the time to understand each patient's unique goals and creates a personalized treatment plan.
- Positive Patient Testimonials: Many patients have shared positive testimonials about their experiences with Dr. Kolker. They praise his skill, professionalism, and the natural - looking results of their breast augmentations.
5. Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, FACS
Dr. Lara Devgan's practice in New York City is a popular choice for breast augmentation:
- Female Surgeon Advantage: Many women prefer a female plastic surgeon for breast augmentation, as they may feel more comfortable discussing their concerns and desires. Dr. Devgan provides a discreet and empathetic approach to patient care.
- Natural - Looking Results: Her goal is to achieve beautiful, natural, and feminine results for her patients. During the consultation, she shows patients samples of silicone and saline implants, allows them to "try on" different sizes, and presents before - and - after photos to help them visualize the potential outcome.
- Fast Recovery: Dr. Devgan's surgical techniques and post - operative care are designed to promote a fast recovery. Many patients are able to return to work within a few days, depending on their job requirements.
- Patient Satisfaction: Her practice has received numerous positive patient reviews, with patients expressing satisfaction with the results of their breast augmentations and the overall experience at the practice.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
Initial Consultation
When considering breast augmentation, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation:
- The surgeon will review your medical history to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
- You will have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals, including the desired size, shape, and projection of your breasts.
- The surgeon will examine your breasts, taking measurements and noting any existing breast shape, skin laxity, or ptosis.
- You may be shown samples of different types of breast implants and discuss the pros and cons of each option.
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the surgery, you will need to follow some pre - operative instructions, which may include:
- Quitting smoking or using any 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.
- Arranging to have a trusted family member or friend pick you up from the hospital after the surgery.
- Designating a comfortable space at home for your recovery and placing necessary items within reach.
- Taking 2 - 3 weeks off from work or other strenuous activities to rest and recuperate.
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. This ensures that you are comfortable and pain - free during the procedure.
Incisions
There are several types of incisions that can be used for breast augmentation:
- Inframammary Incision: This incision is made under the breast, in the crease where the breast meets the chest. It provides good access to the breast pocket and allows for easy placement of the implant. However, there may be a visible scar, although it is usually well - hidden in the breast crease.
- Periareolar Incision: The incision is made around the areola, the area around the nipple. This option can result in less visible scarring, as the scar blends in with the natural pigmentation of the areola. However, there is a slightly higher risk of nipple sensitivity changes.
- Transaxillary Incision: The incision is made under the armpit. This method leaves no scar on the breast itself, but it may be more challenging to place the implant accurately, especially for larger implants.
Implant Placement
The breast implant can be placed either in the submuscular plane (under the pectoral muscles) or the subglandular plane (above the pectoral muscles). The choice of placement depends on several factors, including your anatomy, age, and vocation:
- Submuscular Placement: This placement may provide a more natural - looking result, especially for patients with less breast tissue. It also offers some protection to the implant from the overlying breast tissue and can reduce the risk of capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant).
- Subglandular Placement: This option is suitable for patients with sufficient breast tissue. It may result in a quicker recovery and a more immediate appearance of the augmented breasts. However, there is a slightly higher risk of visible rippling or wrinkling of the implant.
End of Procedure
Once the implant is placed and the desired enhancements are achieved, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. A compression garment will be wrapped around the area to protect the results and reduce swelling. You will then be taken to the recovery area, where you will stay until you are comfortable enough to return home.
Recovery and Results
Initial Recovery
In the initial days after the surgery, it is normal to experience moderate symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. You will be given a prescription for pain medication to help ease the discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. You will also be provided with a surgical compression bra that you will need to wear for the next few weeks as you heal.
Returning to Normal Activities
- Light activities and work can usually be resumed in 2 - 3 weeks, depending on your individual recovery. However, you should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during this time.
- By 6 - 8 weeks, you can typically start more strenuous activities, such as going to the gym. However, it is important to follow your surgeon's instructions and gradually increase your activity level.
Final Results
Although your breasts may still feel overly firm and tight in the early stages, within a few months, the implants will have settled into place, and you will be able to see the final results of your breast augmentation. The final outcome will depend on various factors, including the type of implant, the placement, and your body's natural healing process.
Potential Complications
BIA - ALCL
Breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) is a rare form of non - Hodgkin's lymphoma that has been associated with breast implants. It appears to be more commonly associated with textured implants and patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast). While the actual number of cases worldwide is relatively small, it is important to be aware of this potential complication.
Breast Implant Illness
Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms that some women report after having breast implants placed. These symptoms may include memory loss, "brain fog," joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is still poorly understood and under investigation.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant. This can cause the breast to become hard, distorted, and painful. Treatment options for capsular contracture may include surgery to remove or replace the implant and the scar tissue.
Conclusion
When it comes to breast augmentation with prostheses in New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons to choose from. Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, NYU Langone Hospitals, Dr. Adam R. Kolker's practice, and Lara Devgan