Breast Augmentation

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY

breast augmentation new york city

With the latest techniques and technology, breast augmentation surgery has never been more convenient or better-looking than now. Under the expert guidance of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Wallach, you can expect great breast volume enhancement with minimal downtime in New York City.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size, shape, and contours of the breasts with implants. 

Commonly called a “boob job,” this popular procedure has long remained one of the most frequently performed aesthetic surgeries, and nearly 300,000 women undergo breast augmentation surgeries every year. (1) Besides the appeal of having more voluminous breasts, another reason for the popularity of this surgery is that it’s customizable and versatile. Today’s breast implants are safer than ever, and come in a wide array of sizes and shapes, so women are certain to find the implant that satisfies their desires. 

Dr. Steven Wallach has performed thousands of breast augmentation procedures in New York City over the course of his career, helping women achieve feminine curves they love. To find out if you are a good candidate for a breast augmentation, schedule a personal consultation at Dr. Wallach’s Manhattan offices. You can reach us by calling (212) 861-6400 or by filling out our online contact form at your convenience. If you’re ready to boost your self-confidence and feel great in every outfit you wear, let’s get the conversation started! 

About Breast Augmentation

There’s no one like you. And, it’s important to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure that your breast augmentation achieves the results you desire safely while taking your individual anatomy and lifestyle into consideration. Women pursuing breast augmentations do so for a wide variety of reasons. Whether you’re looking to improve upon what Mother Nature gave you, or are looking to resolve changes to the breasts that may have occurred as the result of pregnancy and nursing, fluctuations in weight, or the aging process, a breast augmentation can help. Carefully chosen implants can also improve on existing asymmetry for more even fullness. You may be after high impact volume or just a subtle boost to your bustline, but whatever your desired result, there are implants and surgical techniques that can be tailored to suit your needs. Breast augmentation has an extremely high satisfaction rate, and studies have shown that women who underwent this procedure would be willing to undergo the surgery again. (2)

About Breast Implants

The majority of breast augmentations performed today utilize synthetic silicone implants. Today’s silicone implants are safer than ever. These medical devices are designed with a realistic feel and are constructed out of several layers of durable silicone to further minimize the risk of rupture and leakage. Saline breast implants are also widely used and feature a saltwater filling that can be adjusted in volume after the implant is placed. And while some women prefer saline implants, the options available extend far beyond implant material. When it comes to achieving the bustline of your dreams, you certainly have choices!

Breast Implant Features to Consider

Size

Breast implant size is measured in cc’s, or cubic centimeters, rather than cup size. The size that’s best for you will depend on the effect you’d like to achieve, and your amount of existing breast tissue. Some women may require smaller implants to reach the desired level of fullness if they currently have adequate tissue in the area, or are only seeking a subtle difference in size. But for others, larger implants may be needed to appear proportional to their shoulder and hip measurements and if little breast tissue is present. Dr. Wallach works closely with each patient to ensure that the implant size will endow optimal results.

Shape

Breast implants are produced in either round or anatomical shapes. Round implants are most frequently chosen by women for voluptuous fullness and cleavage. Anatomically shaped implants have a subtle slope, imparting volume that is greatest in the lower pole of the breast, and more similar to the appearance of a natural breast. However, studies have found that overtime breasts having either the round or anatomical shaped implants look about the same.  

Profile

The profile of an implant determines how far the implant “projects” from the chest at its largest point. Your lifestyle and desired results will determine the amount of projection that’s right for you. You’ll be able to choose from moderate profile implants, moderate plus implants, high profile implants, and ultrahigh profile implants. Implants with a higher profile and more projection have a narrower base width compared to implants of the same size with a lower profile. 

Implant Placement

Breast implants can be placed in a breast pocket that is created below the parenchyma, or glandular mass. They can also be placed under the pectoral muscle. Dr. Wallach performs most breast augmentations using dual plane placement. This allows the implant to receive partial coverage from both the muscle and glandular tissue at ideal locations, and enjoy the benefits that each of these locations offer. (3)

Incision Locations

In order to gain access to the ideal location for implant placement, there are a variety of incision techniques that can be used. The incision can be placed in the armpit (transaxillary), under the breast (inframammary), or the border of the areola and breast skin (periareolar). For those looking to avoid any visible scarring on the breast itself, saline implants can be inserted through the umbilicus (transumbilical) via tunnels that extend upwards from the incision around the navel into the breast pocket. This is known as a TUBA (transumbilical breast augmentation). Women that are combining breast augmentation and tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, procedures as part of a mommy makeover can have their implants placed via the incision that is created during their tummy tuck. This is known as trans-abdominal breast augmentation or TABA. There are pros and cons to each approach, all of which can be discussed during your personal consultation with Dr. Wallach. 

Candidates

The results of a breast augmentation can be truly life-changing, but it’s important to establish your candidacy and ensure that this procedure can be performed safely to deliver the desired results. 

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation in New York City are:

  • In good overall health
  • A person that desires larger breasts 
  • A non-smoker, or willing to quick in the weeks before their surgery and for the duration of their recovery
  • Have reasonable expectations
  • Are willing to commit to a responsible recovery period 
  • Have minimal to no sagging of the breasts. 

For those with a degree of sagging, a breast lift can be performed at the same time as the breast implantation for comprehensive breast rejuvenation. The best way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Wallach. If you’re ready to learn more about how to achieve the breasts of your dreams and a transformational boost to your self-esteem, why wait? Call (212) 861-6400 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment.

Your personal consultation is an opportunity to learn more about breast augmentation approaches, and for Dr. Wallach to learn more about you! You’ll have the chance to discuss your aesthetic concerns, and Dr. Wallach will be able to determine the best approach to do so after a formal physical examination. After learning more about your goals and preferences, he’ll be able to suggest the best options for implant size, shape, texture, and contours. Dr. Wallach will be able to explain the various differences between saline and silicone implants, and review pocket placement, incision design, and other considerations based upon your individual anatomy. Once you’ve agreed on the details of your breast augmentation, we’ll schedule your surgery and give you detailed instructions on how to prepare.

Procedure

Breast Augmentations are outpatient procedures and typically take 1-2 hours to perform. Before your surgery begins, you’ll have a chance to review your treatment plan with Dr. Wallach, who will make sure that you’re comfortable with the details of your procedure, and looking forward to your results! Once you’ve been administered the appropriate anesthesia and it has taken effect, he’ll perform the procedure as discussed. After he has  sutured the last incision closed, your chest will be bandaged, and you’ll be dressed in a supportive post-operative bra. Once the anesthesia has sufficiently worn off, you’ll be released to your designated caregiver and be able to return home to begin your recovery.

Recovery

Your trusted caregiver will need to stay with you for the first 24 hours after your breast augmentation. You will still be feeling the effects of the anesthesia, so assistance will be vital.

Most patients will have some soreness after a breast augmentation. Please take only the pain medication prescribed by Dr. Wallach in the first few days of your recovery. Patients are typically allowed to shower the next morning following surgery. Dr. Wallach recommends that patients avoid aerobic activity for about three weeks and avoid upper body heavy lifting activity for about six weeks. The majority of the swelling will have dissipated by this time. However, a small amount of residual swelling may last several months after the surgery. You can take a look at before and after pictures of Dr. Wallach’s patients to see the kind of results you’ll be able to anticipate once your recovery is complete!

How Much Does a Breast Augmentation Cost in NYC?

The price of breast augmentation varies from one plastic surgeon to another and in different parts of the country. The price of your augmentation procedure with Dr. Wallach will depend on the details of your treatment plan, and so the cost of this procedure varies slightly from patient to patient. In New York City, breast augmentations range from $8k-$15K. Looking for the cheapest plastic surgery price is highly discouraged, as people offering it at lower-than-normal rates may not have the right experience or training to perform the procedure safely. Insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery. However, if an implant is needed for a breast reconstruction then it will be covered by insurance. 

FAQ

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants may last 30 or more years, but many will likely need additional surgery to replace their implants at least once or twice in their lifetime. There is no specific time for implants to be replaced. If there is no evidence of a leak, rupture, rippling, capsular contracture, or displacement then you do not need further surgery.

What are gummy bear implants?

Gummy bear implants are implants that are made of a semi-solid type of silicone that remains intact when the implant is cut in half. Natrelle implants are a proprietary name of a gummy type silicone implant that is produced by Allergan. As of November 17, 2006, the FDA has approved the use of silicone gel implants for patients that desire a breast augmentation. Patients have to be at least 22 years old to receive the gel implants for primary breast augmentation. So now along with the saline-filled implants, there are even more implant choices for patients desiring a breast augmentation.

What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast augmentation?

Many patients who have sagging breasts come into the office desiring breast implants, thinking that adding volume to the breasts may also lift them. However, implants mainly add volume. They do not lift the breasts to any significant degree. The nipple-areola complex will often stay close to the same position where it started. If a patient has sagging breast tissue and the nipple-areola complex is low, then a formal lift is most likely required. There are patients that can benefit from a breast augmentation and only need a small lift of the nipple-areola complex. In those cases, a circumareolar lift, or what some refer to as a doughnut mastopexy can be performed. More extensive lifts may employ a lollipop incision using a vertical pedicle. In those patients with a lot of loose skin, an inverted T or anchor incision is used. Commonly patients come to my office after having children, requesting that their breasts be restored to their pre-pregnancy appearance. Many of these patients have involution or loss of breast volume. In those patients that do not have breast sagging, implants are an excellent choice. In general, implants do not lift the breasts to any significant degree. Implants only restore lost volume. If a patient needs a lift, then implants alone will not accomplish this. 

Will I have normal nipple sensation after a breast augmentation?

due to swelling that usually resolves after four to six weeks. However, about 15% of patients will have a change in sensation that persists after one year. There have been no scientific studies in my opinion to definitively prove that incision location affects sensation. However, many plastic surgeons postulate that sensory changes may be related to the size of the implant used. That is, the larger the implant, the more likely sensation will change. This may be due to the stretching of the tissues in the pocket that needs to accommodate the larger implants, and therefore stretching the sensory nerves may affect the function of these nerves.

References

  1. Coombs, D. M., Grover, R., Prassinos, A., & Gurunluoglu, R. (2019). Breast augmentation surgery: Clinical considerations. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 86(2), 111–122. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.86a.18017
  2. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. [Updated 2021 Oct 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
  3. Karabeg, R., Jakirlic, M., Karabeg, A., Crnogorac, D., & Aslani, I. (2019). The New Method of Pocket Forming for Breast Implant Placement in Augmentation Mammaplasty: Dual Plane Subfascial. Medical Archives, 73(3), 178. https://doi.org/10.5455/medarh.2019.73.178-182