Overview of Breast Augmentation in New York City
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City, with numerous hospitals and surgeons offering a range of options to help patients achieve their desired aesthetic. The use of Max implants is among the techniques available, and patients often look for the best - ranked hospitals to ensure a safe and successful procedure. In this article, we will explore some of the top - ranked hospitals for breast augmentation in New York City and provide in - depth information about the procedure itself.
Why Breast Augmentation is Popular
Breast augmentation can have a profound impact on a woman's self - confidence and body image. It can restore volume lost after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, improve breast symmetry, and enhance the overall feminine silhouette. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation has been one of the top five cosmetic procedures in the United States for nearly the past 20 years. In 2020 alone, nearly 200,000 women underwent breast augmentation in the US, even with the onset of a global pandemic.
Top - Ranked Hospitals for Breast Augmentation in New York City
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is highly regarded in New York City for breast augmentation. Its plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation to enlarge breasts. They use the latest technologies to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look. The advanced 3D imaging technology can demonstrate what the larger breasts will look like on the patient's unique body, allowing patients to virtually try on different sizes of breasts before making a decision.
When it comes to breast implants, Mount Sinai offers two main types: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants look and feel natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. Additionally, they offer a new way to augment breasts using a fat transfer technique called Natural Fill®, which was pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons.
Doctors and Specialties at Mount Sinai
The doctors at Mount Sinai are board - certified plastic surgeons with a wealth of experience in breast augmentation. They are trained to handle a variety of cases, from simple augmentations to more complex revisions. They work closely with patients to understand their goals and recommend the most suitable treatment options. The hospital also has a multidisciplinary team that can address any medical concerns that may arise during or after the procedure.
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is nationally ranked in multiple specialties, including those relevant to breast augmentation. Their plastic surgery department is well - equipped to perform high - quality breast augmentation procedures. They offer personalized treatment plans based on each patient's body type, desired outcome, and medical history. The surgeons at New York - Presbyterian are known for their meticulous surgical techniques and attention to detail, which contribute to achieving natural - looking results.
Facilities and Patient Care
The hospital has state - of - the - art facilities, including fully accredited operating rooms and advanced recovery areas. The patient care team at New York - Presbyterian is committed to providing comprehensive support throughout the entire breast augmentation process, from the initial consultation to post - operative follow - up. They ensure that patients are well - informed about the procedure, potential risks, and expected recovery time.
NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone Hospitals have a strong reputation for breast augmentation in New York City. Their plastic surgeons are experts in the field and are actively involved in research to improve breast augmentation techniques. They offer a wide range of breast implant options, including the latest advancements in implant technology. The hospital also emphasizes patient education, providing detailed information about the procedure, recovery, and long - term care.
Research and Innovation
NYU Langone is at the forefront of research in breast augmentation. Their surgeons are involved in clinical trials to test new implant materials and techniques, which allows them to offer the most up - to - date and effective treatment options to their patients. This commitment to research ensures that patients receive the highest level of care and the best possible results.
Breast Augmentation Procedures and Options
Types of Breast Implants
| Implant Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | These implants are filled with a solution of salt and water. They are placed in the breast pocket and filled to the patient's desired volume during the procedure. | They have fewer risks. If they break, the salt water is absorbed into the body with no side effects. They typically require a smaller incision for insertion. | In thin women with small amounts of breast tissue, visible rippling at the implant edges may be seen. They may feel less natural compared to silicone implants. |
| Silicone Implants | Silicone implants are pre - filled by the manufacturer with a cohesive, silicone gel. They are the closest to the real thing in how they feel. | They feel and look more natural. Even if a silicone breast implant leaks, the gel usually doesn't cause the implant to collapse immediately. | The FDA suggests MRI scans every few years to monitor the condition of the implant shell. They typically require a larger incision compared to saline implants. |
| Structured Implants | They are filled with saline but are placed in an inner mold that makes them feel more like natural breasts. | They offer a more natural feel and appearance compared to traditional saline implants. | They may be more expensive than some other implant types. |
| Gummy Bear Implants | These are cohesive silicone gel implants that won't lose their shape even if the shell is compromised. The consistency of the silicone gel is thicker. | They provide a natural and proportionate breast shape and feel. They are less likely to cause rippling or wrinkling. | They may be firmer than traditional implants, and the choice of size and shape options may be more limited. |
Non - Implant Options: Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, also known as natural breast augmentation, involves taking subcutaneous fat from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or buttocks, and using it to enhance the breasts. This technique offers a more natural alternative to implants. However, it may not be suitable for patients who want a significant increase in breast size, as the amount of fat that can be transferred is limited. Additionally, some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time.
Implant Placement and Incision Options
Implant Placement
- Submuscular Placement: The implant is placed under the pectoral muscle. This can make the outlines of the breast implant less obvious and may interfere with mammography exam results less frequently. It is often recommended for patients with less breast tissue.
- Subglandular Placement: The implant is placed on top of the pectoral muscle, just below the breast skin. Implant definition may be more prominent with this placement, and some patients prefer it because the implant feels closer to the surface.
Incision Options
- Inframammary Incision: Made under the breast in the natural crease where the lower part of the breast meets the chest skin. It offers the best scar concealment and poses the fewest breastfeeding complications. The scar is often only 1 - 2 inches long.
- Periareolar Incision: Made around the outer edge of the areola. The natural pigmentation change of the areola helps disguise the scar. There is a very low chance that this incision will prevent breastfeeding.
- Transaxillary Incision: Made in the armpit, creating the least visible scar tissue. It is the least invasive to the mammary gland, making it a preferred option for younger women who want to retain their ability to breastfeed safely and successfully.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
The ideal breast augmentation candidate is generally a woman who is in good health, without breast - related health concerns or other underlying health issues. She should be a non - smoker or willing to quit until completing recovery. The candidate should understand what the surgery entails and be willing to follow pre - and post - operative instructions. She should not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding and have realistic expectations for what the procedure can achieve. Women who are unhappy with the size, shape, or symmetry of their breasts, or those who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or weight loss, are often good candidates.
Pre - operative Evaluation
Before undergoing breast augmentation, patients will have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon. The surgeon will review the patient's medical history, including past surgical operations, health issues, mammograms, breast biopsies, and current medications. A physical examination of the breasts will be performed, including an evaluation of the skin and soft tissue health, the base width of the breast, and the quality of the breast skin. Photographs may be taken to aid with planning. If the patient has not completed her family, the surgeon will discuss how pregnancy and nursing may impact the outcomes of breast enhancement.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. The average procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes, and the patient is kept under observation for an extra hour or two before being allowed to go home. The surgeon will make an incision based on the patient's preferences and the type of implant being used. The implant is then placed either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. After the implant is in place, the incision is stitched and covered with a dressing.
Intra - operative Considerations
During the procedure, the surgeon must take care to ensure proper placement of the implant to achieve the desired shape and symmetry. The choice of implant size and type is also crucial, as it will affect the final outcome. Surgeons may use techniques such as the Keller funnel for insertion of silicone implants, which can minimize incision size and reduce the risk of infection.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from breast augmentation varies from patient to patient, but there are some general guidelines. In the initial days after surgery, it is normal to experience moderate symptoms of fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients will be given a prescription for pain medication to help ease discomfort, which is usually most pronounced during the first few days. They will also be provided with a surgical compression bra that should be worn for the next few weeks as they heal.
Recovery Timeline
- First 48 hours: Sleep upright, usually in a recliner, to reduce swelling.
- First few days: Return to work as long as it doesn't involve heavy lifting.
- Two weeks: Wait about two weeks before sleeping on your side. Stop wearing the surgical bra after two weeks, but continue to wear a sports bra or non - underwire support bra for another two weeks.
- Two to three weeks: Reduce strenuous activity during this period.
- Eight weeks: Resume all normal routines within about eight weeks, including going to the gym and engaging in strenuous activities.
Post - operative Follow - up
Regular follow - up appointments with the plastic surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process and ensure the best possible outcome. The surgeon will check the incisions, the position of the implants, and the overall appearance of the breasts. They will also answer any questions the patient may have and provide advice on long - term care.
Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries some risks. Some of the common risks include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, and risks associated with general anesthesia. Additionally, there are specific risks related to breast implants.
Implant - Related Risks
- Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a very rare and treatable type of cancer associated with certain breast implants, mainly textured implants. The actual number of cases worldwide is approaching 400. While research continues, it appears to be associated with implants that are textured and in patients who develop a seroma (accumulation of fluid around the breast).
- Breast Implant Illness (BII): BII is a term used to refer to a broad variety of symptoms that women report after having implants placed, such as memory loss, “brain fog,” joint pain, and fatigue. However, the cause of these symptoms and their link to synthetic implants is poorly understood and still being investigated.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Over time, implants may rupture or leak. Silicone implants may require MRI scans to detect a rupture, as the gel may not leak out immediately. Saline implants will deflate if they rupture, and the salt water will be absorbed by the body.
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 experience, the type of implant used, the complexity of the procedure, and the hospital or surgical facility. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast augmentation is about $4,500, but this usually doesn't include other fees such as the anesthesiologist's fees, operating room charges, prescription medications, blood tests, and imaging tests. Patients should discuss the total cost with their surgeon during the consultation.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance policies do not cover breast augmentation, as it is considered a purely cosmetic, non - medical procedure. However, in some cases, such as breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or other medical conditions, insurance may cover part or all of the cost. Patients should check with their insurance provider to determine their coverage.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City, offering women the opportunity to enhance their appearance and boost their self - confidence. By choosing a top - ranked hospital and an experienced plastic surgeon, patients can increase their chances of a successful and satisfying outcome. It is important for patients to have a thorough understanding of the procedure, including the different options available, the potential risks and complications, and the recovery process. With proper research and preparation, breast augmentation can be a life - changing experience.
Call - to - Action
If you are considering breast augmentation in New York City, take the time to research the hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and determine if breast augmentation is the right choice for you. Don't hesitate to ask questions and get all the information you need to make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast augmentation, and explore related topics such as post - operative care and the latest advancements in breast implant technology.
