Category: Breast Augmentation

Top Questions to Ask Your Breast Surgeon

Posted on by Matthew Schulman

Are you considering breast augmentation surgery?  Often called a “boob job,” breast augmentation is the enlargement of your breasts through the transfer of your own fat or the placement of saline or silicone breast implants.

Before undergoing breast augmentation, you will have a consultation with surgeon so that you can be properly evaluated.  It’s not a bad idea to schedule consultations with two or three different surgeons, so that you can get multiple options about what is best for you. At these appointments, you will be examined and have the opportunity to ask questions. The answers you receive will help you select the right surgeon for you.

Below is a list of the most important questions to ask your plastic surgeon before undergoing breast augmentation.

1. Are you board certified in Plastic Surgery?

The plastic surgeon you choose should be certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many patients simply assume that all plastic surgeons are board certified, however, this isn’t necessary true. In order to be board certified, surgeons must undergo years of training, difficult written and oral exams, ongoing education by attending national meetings and educational courses, maintain admitting and operating privileges at a nearby hospital, and operate in fully accredited surgical facilities. You want to select a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and not a “Cosmetic Surgeon”.

2. What is your training and experience?

It’s important to only put your trust in a surgeon with adequate training and experience. In addition to choosing a surgeon who is board certified, you should look for one who has several years of breast augmentation experience. Ask them about where they went to school, where they did their residency, and how long they’ve had their own practice. In general, you want to select a surgeon who has done “several hundreds” of the procedure you are requesting.

3. Can I see before and after pictures from previous patients?

All plastic surgeons should have a gallery of before and after pictures from their previous patients. Take a look at these pictures, and look for those patients who have had the breast augmentation procedures you’re looking to have.

Examine the photos with care. You should look for after photos that look like something you would be satisfied with as a patient. You also need to to understand that every patient is different so pay attention to the before photos as well. If the before doesn’t look like you, then it is not fair for you to expect to look like that particular after. It’s important to remember that every plastic surgeon has a distinct aesthetic to their work. In other words, not every plastic surgeon will facilitate the same outcome, even when they’re given the same patient goals. Before and after photos can be a great way to see how your procedure will likely turn out when working with a particular plastic surgeon.

4. What individual procedures would you recommend for my augmentation procedure?

Depending on your goals for surgery, breast augmentation may include a single procedure or several procedures.

For example, some women choose to get breast augmentation as part of a “Mommy Makeover” procedure. A Mommy Makeover is a potentially full-body makeover meant to address physical issues that may occur during aging, pregnancy, weight changes, and breastfeeding. If you choose to have a Mommy Makeover, breast augmentation may be part of this procedure. Other singular procedures that may be involved include tummy tucks, liposuction, or buttock augmentation.

You may also do better with a breast augmentation (implants) and a breast lift. The breast augmentation procedure can make the breasts appear fuller and better shaped while the breast lift can eliminate excess skin and make the breasts appear perkier and less droopy.

Ask the potential surgeons you are speaking with how they would approach your individual procedure. From surgeon to surgeon, you may hear different approaches that can help you decide which is best for you. Does your surgeon prefer saline or silicone implants? Is fat transfer an option for you as an alternative to implants?

5. How long is the surgery?

Breast augmentation as a procedure is a fairly standard surgery. Most of the time, the augmentation itself takes just over an hour. But naturally, you’ll want to get a time estimate from your surgeon. There are various factors that will influence the overall time, such as your breast volume, the thickness of your skin, your body type, and the type of implant selected. Of course, the surgery time will also depend on whether you’re going to have other procedures at the same time such as tummy tuck, liposuction, or Brazilian Butt Lift.

6. Where is the surgery performed?

Your surgery may be performed in a hospital, an ambulatory center, or an accredited office operating room.

7. What nearby hospital are you affiliated with?

If your surgery is not being done in a hospital, it is important to ask what nearby hospital your surgeon works at. This is so you know where you will be sent in the rare event of an emergency. Your surgeon should have admitting and operating privileges at a reputable, nearby hospital.

8. What should I expect during my recovery from breast augmentation surgery?

The recovery period for breast augmentation surgery should be relatively easy. Naturally, if you plan on having more procedures (tummy tuck, liposuction, etc.) at the same time, your recovery will be more extensive. A simple breast augmentation, however, should allow you to be back at work and carrying out light activities within a relatively short period of time. Your surgeon will be able to tell you exactly how long you need off from school or work.

There are also ways that your surgeon can speed and recovery. Dr. Schulman, for example, offers Botox-assisted breast augmentation to some patients. The addition of a small and precise amount of Botox can make recovery easier and quicker.

9. Will I have any scars from the procedure?

Ask your surgeon what types of scars you can expect from the procedure. Naturally, some scarring is inevitably with this type of surgery. However, a good surgeon will know how best to minimize scarring and create a smooth and natural appearance you can feel good about. The specific scars may vary depending on exactly what you need done and your surgeon should be able to draw those scars on you, so you can see exactly how long they will be and where they will be located on your body.

10. How do I pick the size of my implants?

Does he or she pick the size for you or do you pick it yourself? Your surgeon should certainly guide you, but your selection should be a personal one. You want to be sure that you are clear about your implant size. This is usually done prior to surgery since you don’t want to wake up from surgery and wonder what size implant was used. Ask your surgeon how he or she specifically makes this size determination.

11.What if I am unhappy with my results?

You should be aware of what will happen in the event you are unhappy with your results. Each surgeon should have a “revision policy” and you should ask about this. If you need a revision procedure, how are the fees determined? Is there a certain amount of time you must wait before undergoing a revision? This revision policy should be provided to you in writing.

12. How much will my breast augmentation surgery cost?

After your consultation, the surgeon’s coordinator will be able to give you an exact price for your procedure. This price will depend on several factors, including the specific procedure your need, the time in the operating room required, anesthesia and facility fees, and post operative care. It should go without saying that you should never choose a breast augmentation surgeon just because they offer the lowest price. In fact, if you receive an estimate that seems unusually low, you should see this as a red flag. Keep in mind that the surgeon will likely choose to not discuss price with you during the consultation, since surgeons prefer to have medical and surgical discussions with you, and leave the financial discussions to their coordinators.

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today

Dr. Schulman is a New York City board certified plastic surgeon, operating one of the top practices in New York City. If you are considering breast augmentation, contact Dr. Schulman today to schedule your consultation!

Top 3 Cosmetic Procedures Most in Demand by the New Generation

Posted on by Matthew Schulman

In this new age of social media, everyone wants to look their best. Everyday millions of people post images on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram that showcase their best selves to the world. That includes this new generation of millennials who are signing up for plastic surgery procedures in record numbers.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in their 2019 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, an estimated 17.7 million cosmetic procedures took place. Many of those procedures were requested by the “new generation”, a subset of Millenials who are 20-39 years old. Of the procedures that were most requested, the top of the list include breast augmentation, liposuction, and rhinoplasty.

Let’s look at a little bit more about these top 3 cosmetic procedures most in demand by the new generation and why people are exploring these options in body improvements. Plus, the best part of this new generation is that they aren’t afraid to talk about the body and face improvements they want a plastic surgeon to make for them. It’s a whole new world of full transparency

Breast Augmentation New York City is the #1 Requested

Breast augmentation is by far the most requested cosmetic procedure by this new generation. This is also called an augmentation mammoplasty or more informally referred to as “breast implants” or “breast enlargement”. During this procedure, a plastic surgeon inserts implants that are filled with either silicone or saline under a patient’s existing breast tissue. The goal with implants is to get the most natural looking and feeling results as possible. The latest implant technology allows a combination of durability and natural appearing and feeling.

There are many reasons that people decide they want to enhance their body in this way. It may be that they like their breasts but desire a larger cup size. Other times it could be to even out differences in size and shape between each breast. Asymmetry is very common and is a big reason why people decide they want to undergo breast augmentation surgery with breast implants.

Some people have this type of procedure after surgery to treat breast cancer. This would be reconstructive surgery. A mastectomy to remove one or both of the breasts after cancer can contribute to the desire for implants. The rebuilding of this area with a breast implant can make a person’s recovery feel more complete by restoring their body to the form they want.

Millennials Want to Feel More Confident

As a confidence booster many women feel that having breast augmentation will make them happier with their figure. This subset of millennials is very outspoken about their desire to better themselves in any way they see can. There is less stigma associated with this surgery than ever before. With social media, the new generation isn’t afraid to document their own plastic surgery journeys to their friends, family, and followers. 

Past generations might have been more close-mouthed and secretive about visiting a plastic surgeon, but that’s not the case anymore. It’s a very accepted way to better your appearance if that’s what you choose to do. People are proud of the improvements that a plastic surgeon can do for them. It’s evident on television shows that highlight and explore the benefits of plastic surgery.

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation Surgery

After the surgery there can be some pain and swelling. It is done on an outpatient basis, with the patient being allowed to go home the same day. The stitches used for the incision are dissolvable and will be absorbed into the body within six weeks. To relieve the pain and discomfort an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen can be taken. Most patients are back to normal daily activities within a few days.

The patient will have to be careful to avoid strenuous activities for about 3-4 weeks, wear a special supportive bra, and may have to do some post-operative exercises to relieve pain and increase arm movement.

The #2 Cosmetic Procedure is Liposuction New York City

Liposuction is one of the oldest cosmetic procedures and it’s still very popular among the new generation to tone and tweak their figures. This procedure removes extra pockets of fat from various areas in the body. Those places can include the stomach, thighs, hips, neck, or arms. It’s not meant to be a weight loss solution, but rather the procedure can help to streamline and slim those hard to lose places where exercise isn’t doing the trick. It is a body contouring procedure.

This procedure is also done as an outpatient, and you are able to go home the same day, There can be soreness, bruising, and swelling after the surgery. The discomfort will vary depending on the extent of liposuction and the number of areas.

Compression garments are worn after the surgery to help minimize the pain and reduce swelling. Over-the-counter medications can also be taken as well.

The Long Term Results of Liposuction

For different people the long term results of liposuction can vary. If the person gains significant weight, the fat deposits will come back in certain areas. You have to be very careful to maintain a healthy lifestyle after having liposuction done and your body may change as you continue to age. 

Rhinoplasty New York City is the #3 Top Procedure

Finally, the third most popular procedure is rhinoplasty or what is commonly called a “nose job.” This allows the plastic surgeon to slim down, reshape, or fix bumps and asymmetry in the nose area. It can enhance the entire facial structure for a person when it’s done the right way.

The nose is one of the most common areas for improvement that makes a big difference in a person’s overall appearance. In this age of “selfies” being taken all the time, the new generation has mastered this way of taking their own photo for showing off on social media. That’s why a cosmetic procedure involving the face is still such a popular surgery for millennials to have.

Many older teens also request this surgery before they head off to college as a graduation present from their parents. This rite of passage has been popular for decades.

After a Rhinoplasty Cosmetic Procedure

This surgery is also done on an outpatient basis.  After a rhinoplasty procedure, the patient can expect to be bandaged with some swelling and pain. Over-the-counter medication can also be taken to deal with some of the minor pain that happens after the procedure. Splints will be worn on the face around the nose area for about a week after the surgery.

You will also have to be careful about any activities where something could potentially injure your face. Hardcore exercise should be avoided for a few weeks and it’s also not advisable to wear glasses or sunglasses during this time while the nose area is healing.

Dr. Matthew Schulman is Ready to Serve the New Generation of Millenials

Dr. Matthew Schulman is a board certified New York City plastic surgeon who is more than ready to serve this new generation of patients. If you are ready to make serious improvements to your face and body, this New York City based physician is going to be there for all your aesthetic goals. Be the beautiful person you want to be inside and out with any of these top 3 cosmetic procedures and all others he offers. Contact Dr. Schulman’s office with any questions or to schedule an appointment to explore how you ideally want to look today.

Why Smaller Breast Implants are Getting Bigger in Popularity

Posted on by Matthew Schulman

Fashion trends are always shifting, and the biggest one lately is going small; not just smaller clothing, but smaller breasts. Some of the most popular celebrity busts are shrinking: Pamela Anderson, Victoria Beckham, Tamra Barney, Heidi Montag are some examples of celebrities who have clearly had smaller implants or reductions done, but they are not the only ones. If you have been researching breast augmentation trends for yourself, you have probably seen some of the recent before and after pictures of these and other female celebrities who have chosen a smaller cup size.

For years, women undergoing breast augmentation surgeries have subscribed to the “go big or go home” and “bigger is better” mantras, but the celebrity trend of having bigger implants replaced by smaller breast implants—or having them removed completely—is starting to catch on with women across the country. Every day, I am working with…

  • Women who need to have their silicone breast implants updated and are opting for smaller replacements
  • Women who are getting implants for the first time who are choosing a more modest augmentation than they might have chosen in previous years
  • Women who previously had larger breast implants, but are now choosing to get them downsized as a matter of taste.

As a New York City Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, I talk to at least a dozen women each week who want breast augmentation surgery. They bring in magazine clippings of Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry and Meghan Fox—women with the most popularly-requested celebrity bust lines in breast augmentation surgery. During these initial visits, I’ve clearly noticed a decrease in the percentage of women requesting D and DD cups, but an increase in the percentage of women requesting beautiful, but more modest C and full B cups.

Factors behind the Smaller Breast Augmentation Trend

Of course, one of the important things I have to discuss with my patients is the fact that their breast augmentation really needs to “fit” them, whether it’s a considerable size increase, or just a modest one. And frankly, my patients are very savvy and already have a good idea of what type of augmentation will enhance their figure without looking awkward and unnatural. In fact, looking natural is one of the biggest reasons behind the “smaller is better” trend in breast implant surgeries. These are some of the things women are considering as we discuss their own breast augmentation possibilities:

  • Smaller breast implants appear more natural. The larger the breast implant, the more “artificial” it will look, particularly on a woman with a smaller frame. A smaller breast implant will have a more natural shape and texture while still being larger than the originals. Another thing that surprises many women who get larger implants is the stretch marks that might occur on the skin; the risk of needing to deal with stretch marks is dramatically reduced with smaller implants.
  • Enhancement without unwanted gawking. Many women want breast augmentations to enhance their overall appearance without drawing excessive or unwanted attention to themselves. They don’t want to hear the loud whispers of, “Those can’t be real,” or worse behind their backs. A smaller implant helps you avoid these awkward moments.
  • Thinking about the future surgeries. A smaller, more natural breast augmentation surgery is less likely to look “dated” years down the line when fashions change. One of the reasons I’m seeing an increase in breast enhancement procedures is that women are going back under the knife to have larger implants reduced to smaller ones. Of course, there is always the chance that a woman who got smaller implants may want larger ones down the line. But that is why I always spend a lot of time working with my patients before surgery to make sure we plan augmentation procedures that they will love for a long time to come.
  • Medical reasons for smaller breast implants. Smaller implants mean smaller incisions, smaller scars and fewer back problems—yes, back problems. Many women who request larger breast implants have to adjust to the new chest weight, which can cause muscle strains in the neck, shoulders and back.
  • Smaller breast implants enable more versatile clothing options. As I mentioned earlier, fashion is constantly changing; a smaller breast augmentation surgery will keep you within the range of normal for looking great in most prêt-à-porter clothing options as styles change.
  • Smaller implants don’t interfere as much with athletic activities. More and more women are concerned not just with staying in shape at a baseline level; many want to compete in serious athletic competitions of their choice. The smaller the breast implant, the easier it will be to find proper support wear and to engage in rigorous activity with minimal discomfort. And as I mentioned earlier, smaller breasts look more natural on slim, fit bodies.

In the end, our ultimate goal with any breast augmentation surgery is to help you look your very best. Don’t get your heart set on a specific cup size just because it looks great on Pamela Anderson or Jennifer Aniston, or even just your best friend. Your body is unique and we need to discuss options that will work best for your shape, your lifestyle and your desired appearance goals.

I suggest looking through our breast augmentation surgery FAQ and the other pages in our
library to learn more about the surgery and what is involved. You may also find out a lot by
visiting my Instagram page (@nycplasticsurg) and my Snapchat plastic surgery channel (@nycplasticsurg) where you can see the surgeries, office visits, recoveries and results, almost as they happen, on a daily basis. Of course, the best way to get started on your breast augmentation journey is to schedule an appointment for a consultation online or just call us at 212-289- 1851 today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Newest Implant Options for Breast Augmentation

Posted on by Matthew Schulman

Breast implants have evolved quite significantly since they were first introduced in the 1960s. They have gone from thin shells filled with liquid silicone that ruptured frequently and were thought to cause systemic health issues, to thicker shells filled with salt water that still ruptured but the salt water content was thought to be “safer” when a leak or rupture did happen. More recently in 2007, the FDA approved a newer generation of silicone implants. These newer implants had a silicon gel, not a liquid, and were thought to provide a safer and more cosmetic alternative to the older silicone implants. These implants were certainly a huge advance and the surgical results were tremendous. Little had changed since 2007 until very recently. Continue reading “Newest Implant Options for Breast Augmentation”

Top 3 Most Requested Celebrity Breasts

Posted on by Matthew Schulman

As a specialist in breast augmentation, I see over a dozen women per week requesting breast augmentation. Some want that very natural girl-next-door look, while others want that voluptuous curvy figure. No matter what they want, women undoubtedly will bring a photo with them to show me what they want – and what they don’t want. Continue reading “Top 3 Most Requested Celebrity Breasts”

Breast Enlargement – How to choose the size of your implant

Posted on by Matthew Schulman

Even harder than deciding to undergo breast enlargement with implants, is deciding what size implant to choose. The implants can range in size from very small to very large. Choosing the actual implant size can be an incredible source of stress for the patient, her family, and the surgeon.

There are several ways to choose a size – from photos of other patients, from computer imaging, and by trying on some implants. I feel that the best way to successfully choose an implant size is to try on the implants. I have all my patients come to the office a few weeks before surgery and bring the following items with them – a friend/family member/spouse, a bathing suit top, a tank top, a blouse, and a t-shirt. Continue reading “Breast Enlargement – How to choose the size of your implant”

What happens if my breast implants are too big?

Posted on by Matthew Schulman

Many women that undergo breast enlargement surgery with implants want to be very large. It is the responsibility of the surgeon to guide them and let them know if the implant size they are selecting to too big for them. What can happen if the implant is too large?

An implant that is too large can cause many problems. These problems may occur soon after surgery or may occur many years later. The incidence of infection, capsular contracture, and implant malposition increases as the size of the implant increases. Continue reading “What happens if my breast implants are too big?”

Did Taylor Swift get Breast Implants?

Posted on by Matthew Schulman

Pictures have recently emerged showing popular singer Taylor Swift looking more “endowed”. The singer is known for her long, thin body and her bustier appearance is spurring rumors that she has been surgically enhanced with breast implants.

While I have many celebrity clients (which I will never name), Taylor is not one of them, so I can only comment on the Taylor Swift Breast Implants photographs that have appeared on popular websites like Hollywoodlife.com. Continue reading “Did Taylor Swift get Breast Implants?”

Kristen Stewart’s New Breasts – Padded Bra or Implant?

Posted on by Matthew Schulman

Recent photographs of Twilight Star Kristen Stewart show her with a significantly larger chest. The actress has always been known for her petite figure, including her small breasts. Her new appearance has sparked rumors about possible breast implants. The classic question arises: Is it the result of breast implants or a padded bra? Continue reading “Kristen Stewart’s New Breasts – Padded Bra or Implant?”

Breast Implants for $214 per month – Financing your Plastic Surgery in NYC

Posted on by Matthew Schulman

There are countless procedures to improve your body, but because these are elective cosmetic procedures, they are not covered by insurance or flex-spending accounts. For obvious reasons, plastic surgeons require payment in full prior to the procedure and this can be in the form of check, cash, or credit card. There is another method of payment that is becoming extremely popular – financing. Continue reading “Breast Implants for $214 per month – Financing your Plastic Surgery in NYC”