Selected among America’s Top Plastic Surgeons
by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.
The Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation remains a top choice for countless women seeking to enhance their body contours and uplift their self-confidence. At Dr. Steinbrech’s practice in New York City, this transformative procedure offers a symphony of aesthetic and personal benefits.
Improved Body Contours
Achieve a balanced, harmonious silhouette tailored to your desires.
Renewed Confidence
Elevate your self-esteem with fuller, natural-looking results.
Personalized Solutions
Whether post-mastectomy or after weight loss, discover your perfect enhancement.
What is Breast Augmentation
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is one of New York City’s top breast augmentation experts. He has the ability to increase breast size by one or more cups, enhance the look and feel of the breasts, and improve asymmetry while creating a natural appearance. Breast augmentation surgery, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is one of Dr. Steinbrech’s most-requested surgeries at his New York practice. He is an expert at creating natural-looking breasts that are proportionate to a woman’s frame.
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the country, year after year. Women who have naturally small breasts, have had a mastectomy, or simply want to increase their cup size can all benefit from a traditional or dual-plane breast augmentation with implants. By enhancing the size and shape of their breasts, patients can enjoy improved body contours and renewed confidence and self-esteem.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
The best candidates for breast augmentation surgery are healthy women over the age of 18 who wish to enhance their appearance by increasing the size of their breasts. Breast augmentation patients must be in good health and should be non-smokers or willing to quit well in advance of the surgery. It is also important for women who are thinking about breast augmentation surgery to have realistic expectations for the procedure. Looking at before and after pictures can be helpful in setting expectations.
Women who require breast reconstruction after a mastectomy and transgender women who would like to achieve a more feminine chest contour may also be good candidates for breast augmentation at Dr. Steinbrech’s New York, NY office. Each patient’s situation is unique, and the best way to determine individual candidacy is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steinbrech to discuss breast enhancement.
Breast implant surgery is not appropriate for women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant in the near future, or nursing. Patients who wish to restore the shape and size of their breasts after they are done having children may be better served with a breast lift procedure or a breast augmentation and breast lift combination surgery. Traditional and Dual Plane Breast augmentation is intended only to increase the size of the breasts, not to change their position on the chest wall.
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- Real Patient
A Breast Augmentation Consultation with Dr. Steinbrech
The initial doctor-patient meeting, or consultation, is an important first step in the breast augmentation process. Dr. Steinbrech will introduce himself to the patient and ask about her goals for breast implant surgery. After this discussion, the doctor will go over the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination of the breasts to assess existing soft tissue and skin elasticity. He may take measurements and/or photos to assist with the planning process. Dr. Steinbrech takes the patient’s goals, preferences, and frame into account when making treatment recommendations for breast augmentation.
During the breast augmentation consultation at our New York City office, patients will have the opportunity to view more before-and-after photos of former patients. The doctor will explain any specific limitations that apply to the patient’s case and will discuss what is and isn’t realistic before making a treatment recommendation.
Dr. Steinbrech will discuss the surgery in detail and help the patient make important decisions about the size and shape of the implants, the type of breast implants (material), and the placement of the implants and incisions. The doctor will answer any questions the patient may have and go over concerns about the surgery or recovery. During this appointment, Dr. Steinbrech will also address potential risks and complications of the procedure.
The consultation is a great first step in the breast augmentation process and provides patients the opportunity to learn more about the procedure and the doctor before deciding whether or not to move forward with the surgery.
SPECIALIST CARE YOU CAN TRUST
Dr. Steinbrech is supported by a brilliant team of caring staff members. You can trust the entire staff to help make your visit as comfortable and safe as possible! Learn more about Dr. Steinbrech and our Staff.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New York
Breast augmentation in New York costs between $9,000 and $11,000. For many patients, the cost of breast augmentation with a top New York surgeon is a major factor when deciding on the procedure. Costs vary based on the surgeon and the region, but most patients do not pay for their entire procedure up front. Financing is typically available to make the surgery more accessible. For breast reconstruction patients following a mastectomy, some of the costs may be covered by insurance, though plans vary.
When looking for affordable breast implants, be sure to consider the overall value of the surgery. Choosing a surgeon with less experience may be cheaper initially, but could be costly down the road if complications like capsular contracture arise or if the aesthetic results are unsatisfactory. It is safest to go with a surgeon who has a proven track record of safety and results, even if their fees are a little higher up front.
Preparing for Breast Implant Surgery
While many of Dr. Steinbrech’s breast augmentation patients are from New York City or the tristate area (New York/New Jersey/Connecticut), others travel from other states or countries to undergo breast augmentation at his office. Area patients should arrange to have a friend or family member drive them home after the surgery.
For out-of-town patients, travel and hotel reservations should be planned ahead of time to ensure the most comfortable recovery process possible. It is recommended that patients either hire a caretaker or have a loved one available to help care for them for two or more days postoperatively.
Any prescriptions written by Dr. Steinbrech should be filled prior to the surgery so antibiotics or pain medications are available as needed. Patients who smoke will need to quit several weeks or months prior to surgery and all patients will need to stop taking certain over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements about two weeks before the procedure. Dr. Steinbrech’s staff will provide a list of these medications in advance.
If the patient will receive general anesthesia, they will typically need to refrain from eating or drinking after midnight on the night before surgery.
Breast Augmentation: A Fully Customizable Surgery
There are several different decisions breast augmentation patients will need to make prior to their surgical procedure. Breast implant surgery with Dr. Steinbrech in New York City is fully customizable and focused on creating a natural breast appearance. Dr. Steinbrech goes over the different breast enhancement options with each patient to create a treatment plan that will help the patient reach their goals and emphasize their natural beauty. Prior to surgery, patients will need to decide on several components of surgery, including:
IMPLANT TYPE – SALINE OR SILICONE
The two main options for breast enlargement surgery are silicone implants and saline implants. Both types of modern implants are safe for cosmetic use and have been approved for augmentation and reconstruction procedures.
Silicone implants may be composed of two forms of the material: a soft silicone gel within a silicone shell that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue, or a semi-solid cohesive silicone gel implant that also feels very natural. The exterior shell texture may vary depending on which of the five FDA-approved silicone implant types is used. While silicone breast implants are available in a wide variety of sizes, individual implants cannot be altered.
Saline implants are another popular option. The exterior material is similar to that of silicone implants, but rather than being pre-filled with a gel, saline implants are inflated with sterile salt water, or saline, solution once they have been put into place during the procedure. Using this technique, surgical incisions are smaller, reducing the amount of scar tissue.
There are pros and cons to each breast implant option. Saline implants are still the slightly safer option in the case of a rupture, as the body can safely absorb the saline solution. Unfortunately, they are also more likely to create a rippling effect under the skin. Compared to silicone implants, saline implants also tend to feel firmer and less fixed to the chest (“bouncier”). Overall, silicone gel tends to provide a more natural-looking result. Younger patients who don’t want to wait may not even have an option, however: regulations limit silicone breast implants to patients 22 and older.
IMPLANT SIZE
Implant sizes are based on volume and are measured in cubic centimeters, also known as “ccs”. As a point of reference, one cup size is approximately 100-150 ccs. Implants can range in size from 150-800 ccs, but most hold approximately 400 ccs of material. Because the elasticity of the skin has its limits, further enlargements may require additional surgeries to give the skin a chance to stretch.
When considering which implant size to choose, it’s important to take into account that the breasts should appear natural in comparison to the other features of the body. Breast implants that are too large will suggest obvious surgical modification, while implants that are too small will not significantly enhance a woman’s breast size. Patients can attend their consultation with an existing size request, or consult with Dr. Steinbrech when determining which size would best suit their aesthetic ideals. Sizers can help patients envision their new breasts when choosing their ideal breast size.
SURGICAL INCISIONS
Breast augmentation requires underlying breast tissue to be accessed through surgical cuts, which can be created in different areas of the general breast region, the underarms, or even the navel. However, Dr. Steinbrech’s preferred incision sites are in the underarms, around the areolas, and under the breasts. Because there are many factors that determine incision placement, such as the shape of the breast, their specific characteristics, and the type of implant selected for the surgery, the best options will be discussed at the breast augmentation New York consultation.
BREAST IMPLANT PLACEMENT
After the incisions have been made, the implants can be placed within the chest in one of two locations: under the muscle or over the muscle. In submuscular pocket placement, the breast implant will be inserted below the pectoralis major, also referred to as the pectoral muscle. This approach generally provides the patient with the most natural-looking breasts because more of the body’s natural tissues cover the implants.
In patients with a naturally smaller breast size prior to breast augmentation, this surgical approach is particularly advantageous. Submuscular placement also provides better support for the implant and reduces the risk of capsular contracture, a condition that occurs when scar tissue surrounds and compresses the implant, causing an uneven or irregular appearance.
The second surgical placement option during breast augmentation is to place the implant between the existing breast tissue and the muscle, known as a subglandular placement. This technique is considered a bit less invasive than the submuscular placement and recovery time may be shorter. Implants in this position may also produce enhanced cleavage and feel a bit softer to the touch. However, this is not a good choice for women with thin skin or insufficient breast tissue as rippling or visible implants may result.
Both placement options are safe and reliable, but depending on the patient’s body type, the requested implant size, and the overall musculature of the chest, Dr. Steinbrech will suggest the approach he feels is best.
The Breast Enlargement Procedure
Patients will arrive at the doctor’s office or another outpatient surgical setting at their appointment time. They may be asked to complete paperwork prior to breast implant surgery. Before the surgery begins, the doctor may use a surgical marker to create a blueprint of the procedure on the skin, marking the incision sites and the areas where the implants will be placed. Dr. Steinbrech may take some time to go over details of the surgery and answer any final questions the patient has. He will take “before” photographs to compare to the final results once the breasts have healed.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and takes about two hours on average. The skin of the breasts and surrounding tissues is thoroughly disinfected to prevent infection before the incisions are made.
Dr. Steinbrech will then create incisions based on his surgical plan. These locations will eventually develop scar tissue, but scarring will be minimal and well-camouflaged. The doctor will use different surgical devices to stretch the skin so that it will accommodate the size of the implants. If saline implants were selected during the consultation, they will be inserted into place and filled to size. Silicone implants will not require this additional step as they are prefilled with silicone gel. After the implants have been placed either under or over the chest muscle and secured in place, the incisions are closed with stitches.
Patients will be fitted with breast bandages to support the new size and shape of the breasts. A medical bra may also be provided for the patient to wear throughout the healing process. In some cases, surgical drains may be placed to release fluids that can accumulate in the surgery site. These are typically removed after a few days.
SPECIALIST CARE YOU CAN TRUST
Dr. Steinbrech is supported by a brilliant team of caring staff members. You can trust the entire staff to help make your visit as comfortable and safe as possible! Learn more about Dr. Steinbrech and our Staff.
The Breast Augmentation Recovery
Patients can expect to be sore and swollen for the first couple of days after the surgery. Pain medication and ice packs will help manage the worst of the discomfort. By keeping the upper body elevated while sitting or lying down, swelling can be kept to a minimum. In patients who require drainage tubes, the area must be kept clean. The doctor will provide instructions to caretakers and patients before discharging them home.
Movement should increase daily and the body will gradually adjust to the modifications. Total recovery time from breast augmentation varies from one patient to the next, but most people are able to return to work and light activity at about a week after the procedure. Any sutures used to close the incision are removed after the first week to ten days.
Breast augmentation patients will be asked to massage their breasts for the next year – more frequently for the first three months following the procedure, and less often after that time – to promote a supple, natural feeling of the breasts. This at-home technique also helps to prevent capsular contracture and the formation of excess scar tissue. In patients who undergo both breast augmentation and breast lift, massage may not be the ideal healing technique as it does encourage the breasts adjust to a lower position. Dr. Steinbrech will provide clear and concise instructions individually tailored to each patient’s treatment.
It can take months or even years for a patient’s body to heal completely, but the results can be enjoyed in a few short months. Many of the internal changes that take place to accommodate the implants are unnoticeable and follow a regular course of healing. The breasts will feel normal again with the implants functioning like they are a part of the body in about two to four months.
Breast Augmentation Complications
The risks and complications associated with breast augmentation surgery include:
- Infection
- Injury to the patient’s own breast tissue
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture or rejection
- Changes in nipple sensitivity
- Changes in milk production in women who breastfeed
The likelihood of any of these complications occurring is minimal, especially when the surgery is done by a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing breast surgeries. Like all board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Steinbrech takes precautions to prevent issues during the surgery and healing process.
If patients experience postoperative problems or have any concerns during their recovery phase, they should schedule a breast augmentation follow-up visit with Dr. Steinbrech at his New York City practice.
WHY CHOOSE DR. STEINBRECH
- Dr. Douglas Steinbrech has been ranked in the top 10 plastic surgeons in NYC.
- Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons under the American Board of Medical Specialties.
- Dr. Steinbrech underwent eight years of surgical training at New York University in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive surgery.
- He has been awarded grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation.
Transparent Process and Ethical Standards:
Dr. Steinbrech prioritizes patient education and informed consent, ensuring you fully understand each stage of your procedure. He maintains strict adherence to the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s ethical guidelines and upholds transparency in all aspects of care.
Commitment to Continued Learning
Dr. Steinbrech and his team are committed to staying at the forefront of their field. They regularly attend workshops, seminars, and advanced training programs to incorporate the latest techniques and technologies into their practice.
Trust Your Journey with Us
Choosing breast augmentation is a significant decision and the trust you place in your surgeon matters. Dr. Steinbrech and his compassionate team are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for your journey to renewed confidence. Schedule a consultation today to meet the team and start planning your customized treatment.
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