
For patients who wish to increase the size or improve the overall appearance or shape of their breasts through cosmetic breast surgery, Dr. Neal Goldberg is proud to offer breast augmentation in his Westchester County plastic surgery practice.
Due to dissatisfaction with their breast size or shape, which can affect the overall proportion of the body, many women turn to breast augmentation—nearly 300,000 of them in 2009, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Not only can breast augmentation be used to increase breast size and symmetry, but it can also be used to restore breast fullness lost over time or to correct conditions such as tuberous breast.
Ideal patients of breast augmentation should be making an autonomous choice and be capable of understanding the benefits and risks the procedure presents.
As mentioned, the patient and surgeon have many options when considering breast augmentation—the first of which is the type of implant to use. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater encased in silicone rubber during surgery. They are filled during surgery, allowing for a shorter surgical incision.
Silicone implants have a more natural feel and are lighter, but can be more expensive. Additionally, silicone implants can only be used on patients 22 and older, per the FDA. Implant size, shape, texture, profile, diameter and exact placement can also be determined prior to the procedure and will vary based on the needs and expectations of the patient.
Most breast augmentation procedures take between one and two hours and are usually performed under general anesthesia. After the incision has been made in the desired location, the breast tissue and skin are lifted to make a pocket for each implant. The implant is then inserted below or above the pectoral muscle and centered below the nipple. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures and skin adhesive or surgical tape are applied.

Following the procedure, you will wear a special bra for recovery, which can last one to two weeks. Dr. Goldberg will likely advise you to ambulate within 2 hours. After ten days, the sutures are typically removed. Pain may be controlled with medication and regular exams are recommended. Implants do not have an expiration date, but they are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future breast surgery may be necessary.
As with any surgery, the patient should be prepared for possible side effects, which may include changes in sensation, infection or inflammation and various implant issues including rupture or contracture.
To learn more about breast augmentation procedures at Dr. Goldberg's Westchester County plastic surgery offices in Scarsdale and Dobbs Ferry New York, please contact plastic surgeon Dr. Neal Goldberg at 914-722-1600.