Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's appearance and boost her self - confidence. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several hospitals renowned for their scar - free breast augmentation surgery. This article will explore the top 5 selected hospitals in NYC for this procedure, considering factors such as the surgeons' expertise, available techniques, patient satisfaction, and overall quality of care.
1. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Overview
Rapaport Plastic Surgery is a leading name in the field of scar - free breast augmentation in New York City. Board - certified plastic surgeon David P. Rapaport, MD, is at the forefront of this specialization. He has more experience in the endoscopic underarm technique of breast augmentation than any other plastic surgeon in the New York area, having been performing underarm, endoscopic breast augmentation for over 27 years.
Candidates for Scar - Free Breast Augmentation
Women seeking breast enhancement without visible scarring may be ideal candidates. This includes those with naturally small breasts, or those who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, age, or weight loss. However, patients with sagging breasts may also need a breast lift in addition to the augmentation, and Dr. Rapaport will determine the best option during a detailed consultation.
Technique
The transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation technique used at Rapaport Plastic Surgery involves making discreet incisions hidden neatly in the underarm. A narrow tubular camera is utilized, allowing for great accuracy in implant placement. This approach helps to reduce the risk of complications and creates a result that appears organic and non - surgical.
Procedure
Before the surgery, Dr. Rapaport creates a personalized treatment plan. This includes deciding on the implants to be used, the incision placement, and whether the implants will be below or above the pectoral muscle. He generally recommends positioning the implants under the pectoralis muscle for a more natural - appearing breast. The surgery is typically performed with general anesthesia or IV sedation, and the anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout. After the incisions are made in the underarm, an endoscope is used to insert the breast implants, which are then filled, and the incisions are closed.
Implants
Scar - free breast augmentation at Rapaport Plastic Surgery primarily uses saline implants because they can be filled after insertion, enabling the use of a small incision under the arm. However, Dr. Rapaport also offers silicone implants for those less concerned with scarring. Both types have their unique advantages; saline implants are filled with a sterile saline liquid and do not require long - term monitoring, while silicone implants are pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel and feel more natural.
Recovery
Patients with non - physical jobs can usually return to work about five days after surgery. Pain medication is prescribed for the first two to three days. Patients must have an adult stay with them on the first night after surgery. Most patients can switch to Tylenol after the third day. Ice packs can help reduce discomfort during the first postoperative night. Aerobic activity, including sexual activity, is prohibited for ten days, mild aerobic activity is permitted after about ten days, and full aerobic activity after three weeks. Leisure travel is not advised for less than three weeks after surgery.
Results
Many women experience increased confidence and a more feminine appearance. The results are typically permanent, with most breast implants lasting a decade or more. In rare cases, capsular contracture may occur, but the risk is minimal.
2. Mount Sinai - New York
Overview
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in breast augmentation. They use the latest technologies to ensure patient satisfaction with the results. The advanced 3D imaging technology allows patients to visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies.
Consultation and Candidate Evaluation
During the consultation, the plastic surgeon listens to the patient's desires for enhancing breast size and helps decide on the size and shape that will suit the body best. A physical exam and a series of health - related questions are also part of the process to confirm that the patient is a candidate for breast augmentation.
Treatment Options
| Treatment Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Silicone Breast Implants | Look and feel natural in the breasts. They are pre - filled with a cohesive silicone gel. |
| Saline Breast Implants | Firmer and rounder. They are filled with a solution of salt and water and can be adjusted for size during surgery. They often require a smaller incision as they are filled after placement. |
| Naturalfill | A fat transfer technique pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. It involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen via liposuction and then inserting it into the breasts to enlarge them. |
Results and Long - Term Considerations
The results of breast augmentation at Mount Sinai are expected to last for many years. However, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and significant weight gain or loss may cause natural drooping over time. In such cases, a breast lift or implant replacement may be considered.
3. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Overview
Dr. David L. Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City who is highly experienced in cosmetic breast surgery. He is known for delivering elegant, natural - looking results and has earned the trust of professional models from top agencies.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
- Restores fullness to breasts that have lost volume.
- Rejuvenates breasts that have changed shape with age.
- Improves symmetry and balance.
- Adds balance to a feminine figure.
- Enhances the size and shape of smaller breasts.
Implant Options
Dr. Cangello offers a variety of breast implant options. There are two basic shapes: round and contoured (teardrop). Round implants have volume and fullness all around and are softer, while contoured implants are designed to match the curves of natural breasts and are a bit firmer. He also uses both silicone and saline implants. Saline implants are filled after placement, allowing for a smaller incision, and are approved for patients 18 years and older. Silicone implants are pre - filled, feel more natural, and are approved for patients 22 years and older.
Implant Placement and Incision
Breast implants can be placed under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or the breast tissue (subglandular placement). Dr. Cangello offers three incision options: periareolar, inframammary, and transaxillary. He avoids the transaxillary technique due to a higher rate of implant malposition. For silicone implants, he prefers the “no touch” method using a Keller funnel to minimize incision size and reduce the risk of infection.
Recovery
Breast augmentation surgery at Cangello Plastic Surgery typically takes one - and - a - half to two hours. Patients can expect to recover in approximately four to six weeks. Most patients are able to resume non - strenuous activities one week after surgery. Follow - up appointments are scheduled at one week, four weeks, and 12 weeks to ensure optimal healing.
4. Columbia Surgery
Overview
Columbia University's plastic surgery department is one of New York's best and a world - class medical center. The clinical staff of plastic surgeons is proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including breast augmentation.
Comprehensive Plastic Surgery Services
In addition to breast augmentation, the department offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive services. These include ear and eyelid lifts, tummy tucks, breast reconstruction after breast cancer, cleft palate/lip care, orthoplastic surgery, and more. The plastic surgery research laboratory is also conducting numerous studies related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing.
Breast Augmentation at Columbia
When it comes to breast augmentation, the surgeons at Columbia consider each patient's unique needs. They use the latest techniques and high - quality implants to achieve natural - looking results. The personalized approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care, whether they are looking for a subtle enhancement or a more significant change in breast size.
5. Dr. William Lao
Overview
Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in the USA and Taiwan, with over 10 years of experience. He is on a shortlist of surgeons in the country who specialize in the scarless breast augmentation technique, inserting implants through the armpit to leave no visible scar.
Patient Eligibility
Good candidates for breast augmentation at Dr. Lao's practice should be in overall good physical health, psychologically stable, have fully developed breasts, maintain realistic expectations, and not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding. This includes women bothered by small breasts, those dissatisfied with post - pregnancy or age - related changes, and those with asymmetrical or underdeveloped breasts.
Steps in the Process
- Consultation: The first step is to schedule a one - on - one consultation with Dr. Lao. During this session, patients can discuss their goals, have their questions answered, and undergo a personal evaluation.
- Choosing Implants: There are five basic steps to choosing breast implants: deciding between saline and silicone implants, choosing the size, selecting the shape, determining the implant placement (above or beneath the muscle), and deciding on the incision placement (inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary, or umbilical).
- Surgery: The surgery usually takes 2 - 3 hours. Endoscopic breast augmentation through the axilla is an option for patients who want to avoid noticeable scars on or around their breasts.
- Recovery: After the procedure, patients need to wear a special surgical bra. Most patients take around a week off work, resume normal activities in 2 - 3 weeks, and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for 4 - 6 weeks.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wealth of options for women seeking scar - free breast augmentation surgery. The top 5 hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article - Rapaport Plastic Surgery, Mount Sinai - New York, Cangello Plastic Surgery, Columbia Surgery, and Dr. William Lao - each bring their own unique expertise, advanced techniques, and commitment to patient satisfaction. Whether it's the specialized endoscopic underarm technique at Rapaport Plastic Surgery, the advanced 3D imaging at Mount Sinai, or the artistic approach of Dr. Cangello, patients have access to high - quality care and a variety of options to achieve their desired results.
If you're considering scar - free breast augmentation, we encourage you to research further, schedule consultations with these esteemed surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and goals. Don't hesitate to reach out and take the first step towards enhancing your appearance and boosting your self - confidence.
