According to new data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast augmentation was the top cosmetic surgical procedure performed in 2018. In that year, 313,735 breast augmentation procedures were performed — up 4% from the previous year.
For the top plastic surgeons in New York City, these stats are unsurprising. Breast augmentation is a consistently requested procedure among female patients who are looking for more enhanced, even, and proportional breasts.
If you are considering breast augmentation New York City is certainly the place to have your procedure performed. Here’s everything you need to know about breast augmentation surgery.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation
(augmentation mammoplasty) can be defined as “surgery to increase breast size.” The procedure “involves placing breast implants under breast tissue or chest muscles.”
It’s not uncommon to confuse breast augmentation with similar procedures like breast lifts. While similar, these two surgeries actually target different results. In nearly all cases, breast augmentation aims to increase the overall size of a woman’s bust with the use of implants. Another term for this surgery is breast implant surgery.
On the other hand, breast lifts do not use breast implants at all. Instead, the existing breast tissue is lifted or altered in such a way as to tighten and lift each breast. The result of a breast lift is perkier, more symmetrical breasts that no longer sag or droop.
In some cases, both breast augmentation surgery and breast lift surgery are performed together. For example, this is common with Mommy Makeovers.
How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?
Breast implants are a type of medical prosthesis. The breast implants used in breast augmentation procedures are filled with one of two substances: either silicone or saline (sterile salt water).
Once you are sure breast augmentation is the right procedure for you, your surgeon will help you decide on the ideal breast implant size and shape of your new breasts. This will be dictated by the implants you choose. Considerations such as firmness, overall shape, and overall feel will be discussed between you and your surgeon. Sometimes, it can be a good idea to wear different implants around in your bra for a few days. This will help give you a better idea of which implants you like best.
Other choices such as how the incisions will be made and how the implants will be placed will be decided by your surgeon. These decisions will be based upon the previous choices you’ve made concerning implant size and shape.
Most of the time, breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure. Still, you will need to meet certain requirements before the procedure. For example, you may need to stop taking certain medications or alter your dosage. You may need to stop smoking. And finally, you will need to arrange for someone to pick you up and be with you after surgery.
During the procedure, medications will be administered to keep you comfortable and may include general anesthesia. Post-surgery, you’ll need to take it easy for several days. Special garments will need to be worn, and detailed steps will need to be followed in order to keep the surgical site clean and healing well. For at least the first few weeks, some swelling and soreness may be present, but this will dissipate with time.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
The best candidates for breast augmentation surgery are non-smokers and are physically and mentally healthy. You should not be pregnant or breast-feeding, and you should be a non-smoker. Although your breast augmentation surgery will aim to increase your confidence and ultimately remedy concerns you have about the size, shape, or evenness of your current breasts, you should have realistic expectations when it comes to your results. Breast augmentation can certainly increase your confidence and help you feel better about yourself and the way you look. At the same time, you should not expect breast augmentation or any other type of plastic surgery to completely change your life and fix all of your problems.
Before your surgery, you will meet with your chosen surgeon to discuss your options. At this appointment, you should have a concrete idea of what you’re looking for in your future physique.
Speak with your surgeon about the size of breasts you hope to achieve and what you want them to look like. If you have photos of celebrities or other women who have breasts that you like the look of, you can bring these photos with you. You should also bring a list of any questions or concerns you may have about the surgery, surgery preparation, and recovery. It’s important to be as prepared as possible at your initial consultation appointment so that you can ultimately achieve the exact results you desire.
Choosing a Surgeon for Your Breast Augmentation in New York City
Once you’ve confirmed your decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to find a capable surgeon to perform the procedure. Here, you’ll want to take several factors into consideration, including each candidate’s:
- Education and training
- American Board of Plastic Surgery certification status (they should be board certified)
- Years of experience
- Patient satisfaction
This last factor can be assessed by perusing each surgeon’s breast augmentation before and after gallery and reading reviews from previous patients.
Dr. Matthew Schulman is the plastic surgeon New York City women count on when it comes to breast augmentation in New York. Dr. Schulman is board-certified and a member of both The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. His New York City office features a fully certified and accredited operating facility, meeting the absolute highest standards for safety.
If you’re ready to take the next step and begin discussing breast augmentation surgery with one of the best board-certified surgeons of breast augmentation New York City has to offer, contact Dr. Schulman at (212) 289-1851. The sooner you book your consultation appointment, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy the new breasts and body you’ve always dreamed of.
