Breast Augmentation in New York City
Introduction to Breast Augmentation
Women should have full control of their bodies, and it is the right of every woman to create a shape that makes her feel most comfortable in her own skin. Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures in the United States. The most obvious reason for seeking breast augmentation is a desire for bigger breasts. Another reason that women commonly seek breast augmentation is that they have two very different-sized breasts and they want to improve the symmetry between their two breasts. Whatever the reason for wanting breast augmentation, Dr. Chen excels in creating very natural-looking breasts using different techniques including breast implants, fat grafting, and even microvascular flap surgery. Dr. Chen listens carefully to what the aesthetic goals are for the patient’s breasts, and she strives to deliver some of the best breast augmentation results in New York while prioritizing patient safety. Below, we’ve included our guide to breast augmentation, but please call us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation usually involves the placement of either saline or silicone breast implants to increase the size of the breasts. Saline implants are filled with salt water and may feel firmer to the touch. Patients choose silicone breast implants because they believe they will be softer but silicone implants should be monitored with breast MRIs every 2-3 years. Either way, the breast implants can be placed either under or above the pectoralis muscle. If the implants are placed under the pectoralis muscle, they are much more painful and may shift under the armpit over time due to the constant action of muscle squeezing the implant. If the implants are placed on top of the pectoralis muscle, it is in the same anatomic space as the actual breast tissue and will be significantly more comfortable.
To determine the appropriate breast implant size, patients should bring in a soft supportive bra with no inserts. We will have different size breast implants for you to try on over your breast and in your bra. Some women will also want to try on their clothes over the implant. You will try on many different size implants until you reach a size that you feel is too small and a size that is too big. This is the range of breast implant sizes you feel is right for you. Every woman has a different idea of how she wants her breasts to appear. In addition, every bra company has a different sizing system so that a C cup in one company may be equivalent to a B cup in another company. Thus, the best way to determine the right size for you is to try different implants on for size yourself. It is also helpful for you to bring in photos of breasts that look like the breasts that you want in women with bodies that look like your own.
Who are the Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation?
The best candidates for Breast Augmentation meet the following criteria:
- Good physical health
- Non-smokers
- Want bigger breasts
- Have experienced changes in breast size or shape
- Have sagging, flattened, elongated, asymmetrical breasts
- Want more cleavage
- Maintain realistic expectations with surgery
What are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
Many of our breast augmentation New York City patients who receive the surgery have seen the following benefits following their procedure.
- Fuller-looking breasts post-pregnancy
- Higher Self-Esteem
- Improved confidence
- Improved breast symmetry
- Larger breasts
- More attractive cleavage
- New wardrobe options
- More voluptuous appearance
What’s the First Step?
The first step in getting Breast Augmentation in NYC is to contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Chen. When you have your personal and private consultation with her, Dr. Chen will listen to your cosmetic goals, explain your options, and provide you with a customized treatment plan.
What to Expect on the Day of Breast Augmentation?
Most breast implants are placed through one of two incisions. For patients with petite breasts, the best scar is usually a periareolar scar, which is a small curvilinear scar that is placed along the edge of the “areola,” or the dark circle in the middle of your breast. Women with small breasts usually have small areolas with sharp borders, so that their scars are well camouflaged when placed at the border. For patients with larger breasts, a periareolar or an inframammary scar can work well. This is a scar placed at the bottom edge of the breast border. Since the weight of larger breasts causes them to fall below the bottom border of the breast, or the “inframammary fold,” a scar at the inframammary fold is often well-concealed.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
After a breast augmentation, patients usually do not need drains. There are dressings on the incisions, which remain in place for at least 48-72 hours. After the dressings are removed, the patient can shower. Sometimes, we will give patients an elastic band to push the implants down for shaping. Most patients should take 2 weeks off from work to focus on healing and recovery. Patients should avoid heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks. The breasts will be swollen initially, but the swelling subsides and the breasts settle over several months.
Why Choose Dr. Chen for Breast Augmentation
As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Constance Chen stays on the cutting edge of all types of breast surgery. Using innovative techniques while customizing every breast augmentation surgery, she committed to helping every woman find confidence in her breasts and body.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in NYC?
The cost of Breast Augmentation surgery in New York City will vary on a number of factors. The best way to get the most accurate cost will be to schedule a consultation. Once a treatment plan is developed, the office will be able to provide you with an estimate of associated costs.
Schedule Your Consultation
When you are ready to take the next step to undergo Breast Augmentation surgery in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chen. She looks forward to meeting you in her Manhattan office, answering your questions, and helping you meet your aesthetic goals.
REACH OUT TO USBreast Augmentation FAQs
Is Breast Augmentation painful?
Breast Augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you should experience no pain during the procedure. Dr. Chen supports Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) so she may prepare you with medication before surgery, request special types of anesthesia for you during surgery, and administer regional blocks during surgery to minimize postoperative pain and nausea. She will also prescribe postoperative pain medication to make your recovery as comfortable as possible. You will experience expected swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the first stage of your recovery, but this will subside over time.
How many appointments will I need?
After the initial consultation, Dr. Chen will meet with you 30 days prior to surgery, 2 weeks prior to surgery, and either just before surgery or the morning of surgery for preoperative marking. Dr. Chen will then follow up with you several times after surgery to monitor your recovery. For patients who are traveling from out of town, some of these appointments may be done by telehealth.
How long until I see results?
Your breasts will be larger immediately after surgery. They may swell during the first couple of weeks, and then the swelling will subside over the next several months. Dr. Chen will monitor your progress during that time to optimize symmetrical healing.
Can I combine Breast Augmentation with other procedures?
Yes, depending on your goals, some of our NYC patients elect to combine their Breast Augmentation with a Liposuction or Tummy Tuck. If there are other areas of your body that you would like to improve, please discuss this with Dr. Chen during your consultation so that she can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
What are the risks associated with Breast Augmentation?
The risks associated with Breast Augmentation include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Asymmetric breasts
- Autoimmune diseases
- Breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
- Breast implant illness (BII)
- Breast pain
- Changes in nipple and breast sensation
- Implant leakage or rupture
- Implant position changes
- Infection
- Scar tissue that distorts the shape of the breast implant (capsular contracture)
- Unfavorable scarring
