Many women feel that their breast size or shape doesn’t reflect how they feel inside. Breast augmentation surgery offers a way to restore balance, enhance your curves, and renew your self-confidence.
Brad Gandolfi, MD, FACS, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, combines surgical precision with an artistic eye, creating results that look natural and feel like you. Each procedure is carefully planned to achieve proportion, harmony, and elegance. Read on to learn more about Dr. Gandolfi’s refined approach to breast augmentation, or schedule a personal consultation to discuss your goals today.
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Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry. The goal is to create natural, harmonious proportions. Dr. Gandolfi specializes in a range of breast augmentation techniques, including silicone gel implants, saline breast implants, or fat transfer breast augmentation (using your own fat tissue). The most appropriate method is chosen based on your aesthetic goals, body type, and existing breast volume. Dr. Gandolfi guides each patient through an in-depth planning process to select the best breast augmentation method—and, if applicable, the best implant size, type, and placement to achieve their desired results.
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the texture of natural breast tissue. Available in round or shaped implants with either smooth or textured surfaces, they offer flexibility in achieving the correct contour. Dr. Gandolfi’s refined implant insertion technique minimizes visible scarring and preserves soft tissue coverage for beautiful, subtle results.
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution after placement, allowing for precise volume adjustments. Because they are inserted empty, saline implants typically require a smaller incision than silicone implants. Saline implants tend to feel slightly firmer than silicone gel implants. One key benefit is that if a saline breast implant ruptures, the change is immediately noticeable; the saline simply deflates and is safely absorbed by the body. These implants can provide a lifted, fuller look and are often ideal for women seeking larger breasts with less invasive access.
For those who prefer a completely natural option, autologous fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, utilizes your body’s own fat tissue. During this surgical procedure, Dr. Gandolfi uses liposuction to gently remove fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, purifies the fat graft, and injects it to enhance the breasts. While this method provides a subtler enhancement, it delivers an unmatched natural feel and shape.
Before surgery, you’ll meet with our Manhattan team for a detailed planning session.
Dr. Gandolfi will learn about your goals, guide you through your options, and help you select the best augmentation method to achieve your desired proportions. Breast surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Incisions are placed to minimize visibility, typically beneath the breast fold (inframammary incision), along the border of the areola (periareolar incision), or within the armpit area (transaxillary incision). Implants may be positioned partially beneath the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular placement) or above it (subglandular placement), depending on your individual anatomy and desired degree of projection.
For fat transfer augmentation, excess fat is removed using liposuction and put through a purification process before being transferred. The harvested fat is then meticulously injected in carefully layered increments to enhance soft tissue coverage. Dr. Gandolfi’s “no-touch” technique helps reduce the increased risk of contamination and capsular contracture. Most augmentation surgeries take one to two hours. Patients return home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments scheduled to support a rapid recovery.
This cosmetic surgery can help restore breast volume lost due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. It can balance natural asymmetry, elevate sagging breasts when paired with a breast lift, or be performed as reconstructive breast surgery following injury or illness. It can also be part of gender-affirming care.
Some of the primary benefits of breast augmentation include:
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are healthy women who wish to increase their breast size or restore fullness lost from pregnancy or weight changes. Smokers will need to stop smoking before surgery to promote better healing and reduce the risk of complications. Candidates for silicone breast implants must be at least 22 years old, and 18 years old for saline breast implants.
Breast augmentation may not be suitable for patients with active autoimmune conditions, uncontrolled health issues, or those primarily concerned with sagging rather than size, where a breast lift may be better. Dr. Gandolfi thoroughly evaluates each breast augmentation patient to ensure a safe treatment plan that delivers their desired outcome.
Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with offices in New York City and Englewood, NJ. He specializes in cosmetic surgery and is a member of The Aesthetic Society, a by-invitation-only society for doctors with experience and excellence in cosmetic surgery. He obtained his plastic surgery degree at Duke University Medical Center and completed additional training in facial surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Gandolfi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
After surgery, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to promote smooth healing and minimize scar tissue. A surgical or sports bra is worn during the early recovery phase to support the chest wall and control swelling. Some swelling and tightness around the pectoral muscle and chest muscles are normal as the implants settle. Most patients resume normal activity within a few days and can return to work in about a week.
Dr. Gandolfi often uses long-acting pain relief (like Exparel®) for added comfort. Over-the-counter medication helps manage mild discomfort or pressure. Follow-up appointments are scheduled for periodic monitoring and to assess healing progress.
Over the first few weeks, swelling decreases and implants gradually settle into a natural position. By three to six months, your final breast augmentation results become visible, letting you enjoy soft, balanced, and proportionate contours.
Dr. Gandolfi recommends periodic breast imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to monitor silicone breast implants for potential implant rupture. Modern FDA-approved breast implant devices are designed for longevity, although they are not intended to be lifetime devices. Future revision surgery or implant removal may be considered to maintain your aesthetic goals or address any changes that occur over time.
Many patients say their breast augmentation brings not just a physical change but a renewed sense of confidence and comfort in their own skin. The results can bring balance to the figure, make clothing fit beautifully, and help patients feel naturally elegant every day.
Dr. Brad Gandolfi, a double board-certified plastic surgeon serving NYC and Englewood, NJ, is known for combining surgical precision with artistry. With training from Duke and UCLA, and membership in The Aesthetic Society and ASPS, his credentials reflect excellence in cosmetic surgery. Patients trust him for natural results, reduced downtime, and compassionate care in a boutique, AAAASF-accredited setting.
Schedule Your Consultation
Your first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gandolfi to discuss breast implant surgery and your goals. During this visit, you’ll explore different types of breast implants, review before-and-after photos, and see 3D previews. Dr. Gandolfi will recommend the best implant type and placement method to achieve your desired outcome.
Surgery always carries some level of risk. However, you can minimize that risk by choosing a well-trained and credentialed surgeon, such as Dr. Gandolfi.
While breast augmentation does not necessarily last forever, most patients enjoy their results for at least a decade, and in some cases, for more than 20 years. Dr. Gandolfi will discuss the life of your implants during your consultation.
Ultimately, only you can decide whether breast augmentation is worth it. Almost all of Dr. Gandolfi’s patients are extremely happy with their results and glad they went ahead with their breast surgery.
Silicone gel often feels more like natural breast tissue. Saline can be adjusted in volume during surgery and may allow a smaller incision. Dr. Gandolfi will evaluate your body type, activity level, and desired feel to help you make an informed decision.
Dr. Gandolfi uses 3 different approaches to breast implants, based on the individual needs of the client. These include the inframammary fold (under the breast), the axilla (underarm or armpit), and the periareolar (along the edge of the areola). Incision choice depends on your anatomy, implant type, and scar preferences. We will discuss the pros and cons of each technique during your consultation.
Dr Gandolfi uses Allergan Natrelle implants. These implants have been approved for use in the US for decades and have a very low rupture rate. Additionally, they come with a lifetime guarantee against rupture.
If there is significant sagging, a breast lift can reposition the nipple and remove extra skin. Combining a lift with augmentation can enhance both shape and position in a single surgery. Your initial consultation and exam will clarify whether a lift is recommended.
Implants do not have a set expiration date, but they are not lifetime devices. Many patients enjoy long-term results of 10 to 20 years or longer. Monitoring is important, and replacement may be considered for changes in preference, imaging findings, or device concerns.
Many patients can breastfeed after surgery. Incision placement and surgical technique are chosen to respect key ducts and nerves when possible. If breastfeeding is a priority, tell us during your consultation so we can plan accordingly.
Dr. Gandolfi is recognized for achieving natural-looking results by customizing implant sizes to your frame, carefully selecting the most suitable implants for your goals, and creating precise implant pockets during surgery. Photos and sizing tools help align choices with your goals so your result fits your proportions.
We offer revision plans for size changes, shape updates, or concerns like capsular contracture. After imaging and an exam, Dr. Gandolfi will outline options that fit your needs and goals.
The FDA has issued the following guidance to consider when choosing breast implants:
This information will be discussed in detail at any consultation for breast augmentation
