Introduction
Breast plastic surgery has become a popular option for many individuals seeking to enhance their appearance, regain confidence, or address medical concerns. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence and cosmetic procedures, the competition in breast plastic surgery is fierce. The claim that Wuhan Zhonghan ranks fourth temporarily in breast plastic surgery in New York City is an interesting one that warrants exploration. This article will delve into the world of breast plastic surgery, including the different types of procedures, top surgeons in the United States, the impact of the COVID - 19 pandemic on the industry, and cultural aspects related to breast augmentation.
Types of Breast Plastic Surgery Procedures
There are several types of breast plastic surgery procedures available, each serving different purposes and needs.
Breast Reduction
NYU Langone Health offers breast reduction using the short - scar method. This technique involves a smaller incision than traditional methods, resulting in more cosmetically appealing outcomes. It is often sought by individuals with breast hyperplasia or macromastia, a condition where there is an overgrowth of breast cells leading to overly large breasts, which can cause physical discomfort such as back and neck pain.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is designed to address breast sagging (ptosis). As women age, or due to factors like pregnancy, weight loss, and genetics, the breasts can lose their firmness and shape. A breast lift tightens the breast tissue and repositions the nipple, restoring a more youthful appearance to the breasts.
Secondary Breast Reconstruction and Augmentation
This procedure is performed as a separate step after surgery to remove all or part of the breast. It helps in restoring the overall appearance of the breast. It is an important option for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomy and wish to regain a more normal body image.
Breast Reconstruction using Perforator Flaps
NYU Langone also performs breast reconstruction using perforator flaps. In this microvascular surgical procedure, a new breast is created by using tissue removed from either the stomach (deep inferior epigastric perforator - DIEP) or buttocks (superior gluteal artery perforator - S - GAP). This method provides a more natural - looking and long - lasting result as it uses the patient's own tissue.
Breast in a Day
Breast in a Day is an innovative surgery for women diagnosed with breast cancer or those at increased risk for cancer. It involves performing a nipple - sparing mastectomy, where the whole skin envelope of the breast is saved, leaving the nipple and areola intact, and breast reconstruction using implants all in one day. This approach requires fewer surgeries and less time in the hospital compared to traditional multi - stage reconstruction methods. It can also play a significant role in the physical and emotional recovery of the patients.
Top Plastic Surgeons in the United States for Breast Augmentation
Over the years, Newsweek has partnered with Statista to rank America's best plastic surgeons in different cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation. The rankings are based on several factors such as the number of recommendations (both in - state and out - of - state), quality assessment of care, and relevant certifications.
| Year | Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 | Rank 4 | Rank 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Dr. William P. Adams Jr. | Dr. David Hidalgo | Dr. Dennis Hammond | Dr. Garth Fisher | Marissa Tenenbaum |
| 2023 | William P. Adams Jr. | David Hidalgo | Rod J. Rohrich | Dennis Hammond | Garth Fisher |
| 2024 | William P. Adams Jr. | Rod J. Rohrich | Dennis Hammond | David Hidalgo | Adam R. Kolker |
These rankings can help patients make more informed decisions when choosing a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation. It's important to note that while rankings are a useful guide, other factors such as personal consultation, the surgeon's experience with a particular procedure, and patient reviews should also be considered.
The Impact of the COVID - 19 Pandemic on Breast Plastic Surgery
A study from a single institution in New York City (NYU Langone) analyzed the effect of the COVID - 19 pandemic on breast cancer screening, treatment, and reconstruction. The results showed that mammography volume declined by 11% in March - May 2020. Oncologic breast surgeries and reconstructive surgeries similarly declined by 6.8% and 11%, respectively, in 2020 compared with 2019, reaching their lowest levels in April 2020.
However, there was a rebound in the volume of these procedures during the summer of 2020. Mammography volumes in June and July 2020 were at pre - COVID levels, and in October - December 2020 were 15% higher than in 2019. Oncologic breast surgeries also saw a rebound in May 2020, with 24.6% more cases performed compared with May 2019. There were also changes in the types of reconstruction procedures. Oncoplastic closures were more common during the pandemic, while two - stage implant reconstruction and immediate autologous reconstruction decreased by 27% and 43%, respectively.
Overall, the pandemic disrupted the delivery of breast cancer care and plastic surgery procedures, but the industry showed resilience as the volumes began to increase again in 2021.
Breast Augmentation in Asian Women
Breast augmentation is also a popular cosmetic procedure in Asian women. However, Asian patients have some special characteristics that need to be considered. Asian women are usually short and slim with a low body mass index compared to Westerners and African - Americans. They typically have small breasts with small areolas and large nipples. Most women consider C - cup breasts as the ideal size when contemplating breast augmentation, but the number of augmentation mammaplasties performed in Asian women is not as high as might be expected in Western culture.
One of the reasons for this is that Asian women tend to produce hypertrophic scars, and they prefer incisions to be hidden. The transaxillary approach is therefore favored. A frequently performed adjunctive procedure is nipple reduction, often using the “modified top - hat flap” technique. This can decrease both the diameter and height of a hypertrophic nipple without damaging nipple sensation and circulation.
Cohesive silicone implants are the most popular implant type in Asia. When performing breast augmentation in Asian women, plastic surgeons often use high - profile saline - filled implants placed in a submuscular plane via an axillary incision. The average breast augmentation in Asians is around 300 cc.
Trends in Breast Plastic Surgery Among Gen Z
Plastic surgeons are seeing an increase in visits from Gen Z clientele. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 75% of plastic surgeons saw a spike in clients under 30, which is a consistently higher plateau over the five previous years.
The most common requests from 20 - somethings are breast lifts, breast augmentations, and Botox injections (which are often preventative). Many Gen Z individuals are open and honest online about their cosmetic surgery procedures. For example, content creators like Jazmyn Smith and Alix Earle have publicly shared their breast augmentation experiences. Social media may be a contributing factor to this trend, as many Gen Zers spend a significant amount of time online, and the images they see can influence their body image and desire for cosmetic enhancements.
Cultural Aspects of Plastic Surgery in South Korea
South Korea is known as the world capital of plastic surgery, with one of the highest rates of plastic surgery per capita in the world. Plastic surgery is deeply ingrained in South Korean culture, and it is common for high - school graduation gifts to be nose jobs or double - eyelid surgeries.
The desire for plastic surgery in South Korea can be attributed to several factors. Confucianism plays a role, as the external aspects of self, such as appearance, are considered important in Korean society. People believe that by looking good, they can improve their social standing and opportunities, for example, in job interviews or finding a partner. There is also a high level of competition, and keeping up with the appearance standards of the society is seen as necessary.
However, the plastic surgery industry in South Korea also faces issues. A significant number of plastic - surgery patients are dissatisfied with the results, and there are concerns about the quality of some surgeries, including the involvement of “ghost doctors” (doctors not certified in plastic surgery) and lack of proper equipment in some clinics.
Evaluating the Claim of Wuhan Zhonghan's Ranking
The claim that Wuhan Zhonghan ranks fourth temporarily in breast plastic surgery in New York City raises several questions. Firstly, it is important to understand the criteria for this ranking. Is it based on patient satisfaction, the number of successful surgeries, technological advancements, or other factors?
New York City has a highly competitive breast plastic surgery market with many renowned institutions and surgeons. To evaluate Wuhan Zhonghan's position, one would need to compare it with local players in terms of the quality of surgeons, the range of procedures offered, the use of advanced technologies, and patient outcomes. It's also crucial to consider that different regions may have different standards and approaches to breast plastic surgery.
Patients considering breast plastic surgery in New York City should thoroughly research and evaluate all options, including visiting the clinic, meeting the surgeons, and reviewing patient testimonials.
Conclusion
Breast plastic surgery is a complex and dynamic field that encompasses a wide range of procedures, from reconstruction after breast cancer to cosmetic enhancements. The industry has faced challenges such as the COVID - 19 pandemic, but it has also adapted and shown signs of recovery. Different cultures have different attitudes and practices towards breast plastic surgery, as seen in the cases of Asian women and South Korean society. The claim about Wuhan Zhonghan's ranking in New York City breast plastic surgery requires further investigation and consideration of multiple factors.
If you are considering breast plastic surgery, whether in New York City or elsewhere, it is essential to do your research, consult with qualified professionals, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and goals. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast plastic surgery and encourage them to explore the topic further.
