Breast Augmentation in New York, NY
Women with smaller breasts or who have a bustline that doesn’t enhance their feminine figure may find that they lack confidence in their appearance. Some women have naturally small breasts, while others find that their breasts have diminished in size following pregnancy or weight loss. It doesn’t matter the cause if you believe your breasts are poorly proportioned; all that matters is that there is a solution.
Breast augmentation is the leading procedure for providing women with their ideal physique by increasing breast size and improving breast shape. Breast augmentation has steadily grown in popularity through the years, with nearly 300,000 procedures performed in 2022, according to a report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Your vision of yourself is one you deserve to see become a reality, whether that’s to restore the feminine curves you once had or to finally achieve the dream of the hourglass silhouette for which you have longed.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. It involves placing implants or using fat transfer to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Women considering breast augmentation surgery should be in good health and have realistic expectations about their results. The breast augmentation procedure is designed to improve the appearance of the breasts using implants.
Thin women or women with little breast tissue should carefully consider which size implants or which techniques can be used for their procedure, especially if they desire a natural, proportional look.
Women who can benefit from breast augmentation may wish to change one or more of the following:
- Disproportionately small breasts
- Breasts that lack definition and cleavage
- Mildly sagging breasts
- Breasts that don’t flatter the overall figure
- Asymmetrical breasts
How Is a Breast Augmentation Performed?
Consultation
At Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery in New York, NY, you will meet with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Eric Cha, to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Cha will examine your breasts, discuss the different options available, and help you choose the implant type and size, incision location, and implant placement that will best achieve the results you desire.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
All breast augmentations in NYC are performed with the patient under general anesthesia to ensure a painless procedure. Dr. Cha will make the incisions in inconspicuous locations to minimize any visible scarring. He will then insert the appropriate breast Implants to increase the volume and improve the shape of the breasts. Cleavage may be enhanced, and a more pronounced breast crease definition can be made. Dr. Cha will then close the incisions with sutures.
What Are My Breast Implants Options?
The type of breast implant you choose for your breast augmentation can impact how your breasts look and feel. There are primarily two types of breast implants: saline and silicone.
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt and water and offer a firmer feel, while silicone implants are filled with silicone gel and provide a more natural look and feel.
Saline Implants
Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for women 18 years or older and are made of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Some women feel saline implants provide a firmer feel and a rounder and more noticeably augmented appearance. Saline implants often require a smaller incision because the implants can be filled after insertion.
Silicone Implants
Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for women 22 years or older. They are made of a silicone shell filled with a highly cohesive gel. Silicone implants better simulate the natural look and feel of breast tissue.
What Are My Breast Augmentation Incision Options?
Your incision location will depend on personal preference and the type of implant used for breast augmentation. Silicone implants are limited to inframammary and periareolar incisions.
Inframammary Incision
The inframammary incision is located along the lower breast crease. This is the most common incision location, providing the surgeon with the best access and visibility. The inframammary incision scar will be easily hidden under swimsuits and undergarments.
Periareolar Incision
The periareolar incision is located around the outer edge of the areola (the darker-colored skin surrounding the nipple). The periareolar incision scar is often imperceptible after it heals. This incision location may not be recommended for larger silicone implants. Although low, the periareolar incision poses a risk of altered nipple sensation and not being able to breastfeed.
Transaxillary Incision
The transaxillary incision is made in the armpit. Although this location shows no scarring on or around the breasts, the scar may be noticeable when wearing sleeveless clothes.
Transumbilical Incision (TUBA)
With a transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), the surgeon places the incision in the belly button and creates a pocket from the belly button to the chest area, where the implants are positioned. This incision technique is sometimes called the “scarless breast augmentation” because there is no visible scarring. This incision option is only available for saline implants since they are inserted empty and filled after insertion.
What Are My Breast Implant Placement Options?
Implant placement will affect the slope of the upper pole of the breast and overall appearance. When making a decision about implant placement, it is important to discuss your desired aesthetic with your surgeon. Your surgeon will recommend the breast implant placement based on the type of implant you choose, the amount of enlargement wanted, and your body type.
Subglandular Placement (Above the Muscle)
With subglandular placement, the implants are placed under the breast tissue but over the pectoral muscles. Subglandular implant placement may create a more significant breast slope and can correct mild ptosis or breast sagging.
Submuscular Placement (Below the Muscle)
With submuscular placement, the implants are placed under both the breast tissue and the pectoral muscles. Submuscular implant placement may create a more natural breast slope appearance.
Can I Combine My Breast Augmentation With Other Procedures?
Women with pronounced breast sagging at the time of their augmentation may find that they develop related complications down the line if it is left untreated. While a breast augmentation will lift the breasts somewhat, augmentation alone doesn’t address the issue of breast sagging as a lift does. If you have any degree of breast ptosis, you should consider combining a breast lift with your augmentation. A breast lift reduces excess sagging tissue and uses sutures to support the breast tissue. It will provide additional support for your implant and improve your overall breast appearance.
In a Mommy Makeover procedure, breast augmentation is often combined with body-contouring procedures, such as liposuction and a tummy tuck, to help a woman regain her pre-pregnancy body.
What Can I Expect During My Breast Augmentation Recovery?
Following your surgery, you will experience some mild bruising and swelling. Drains may be placed, and a compression garment should be worn to reduce swelling and improve healing.
Patients will be required to limit their physical activity following the procedure. Most people can return to work within two weeks of surgery and resume their regular exercise program after four weeks, but patients should avoid chest exercises for at least six weeks. Swelling can last up to six weeks, temporarily affecting the appearance of your results.
When Will I See My Breast Augmentation Results?
The results of your breast augmentation will be visible immediately after the procedure. Your breasts may initially appear larger than you expected due to swelling, but the swelling will diminish over time. Your implants may also appear higher on the chest wall and take several weeks to drop and settle into their permanent position. It may take up to 3 months to see the final results of your breast augmentation, which will last for years.
Breast Augmentation FAQ
When can I return to normal activities after my breast augmentation?
Recovery time varies for each individual but generally involves mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising for the first few days. You may be advised to wear a surgical bra or other compression garment and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. Most patients can return to work and light activities within a week, with full recovery expected within a few months.
Will a breast augmentation leave visible scars?
While every surgical procedure results in some scarring, most patients feel their breast augmentation scars are worth the long-term results. Your surgeon will strategically place the incisions in inconspicuous areas to ensure minimal scarring, and the resulting scars will be easily hidden under bras or swimsuits and only revealed in intimate situations. The severity of your scarring will depend on incision placement and your body’s natural healing process. Advancements in surgical techniques have minimized the visibility of scars, which will continue to fade over time with proper care.
Are there any risks or complications associated with breast augmentation?
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries certain risks, including infection, bleeding, implant rupture, changes in nipple sensation, and capsular contracture. However, these risks are rare, and choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon can significantly minimize the likelihood of complications.
How long do breast implants last, and will I need additional surgeries in the future?
While breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, they are designed to be long-lasting. The lifespan of implants varies depending on implant type, placement, and individual factors. Some patients may require implant replacement or revision surgery in the future due to changes in breast shape, implant rupture, or personal preferences. While some breast implant manufacturers have lifespans on their implants, many women face very few complications that require breast revision surgery.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
In most cases, breast augmentation does not interfere with breastfeeding. However, it’s essential to discuss your plans for breastfeeding with your surgeon beforehand, as the placement of implants and incision techniques can affect milk production and nipple sensitivity.
How do I choose a breast augmentation surgeon in NY?
Breast augmentation can be a life-changing procedure, enhancing your confidence and self-esteem. Always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and personalized treatment plan. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation ensures the surgeon has undergone rigorous training to make critical decisions and deliver exceptional care. Patient testimonials and before-and-after photos will also give you a good idea of the results a surgeon can produce. In addition, you want to be comfortable and confident that your surgeon has listened to your goals and desires and clearly communicated with you about what can and cannot be achieved based on your individual anatomy.
Why choose Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery for a breast augmentation?
Dr. Eric Cha is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic plastic surgery in New York, NY. Dr. Cha is known for the attention he provides each patient and his goal of empowering them to make informed decisions about their breast augmentation journey by addressing their concerns and providing accurate information. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery in New York, NY—we’re here to help you achieve the breasts you’ve always desired!
If you are looking to improve the size and shape of your breasts through breast augmentation, please schedule your consultation with Dr. Eric Cha today. Contact our office at (212) 717-2222 or fill out our online contact form for additional information.