Frequently Asked Questions: Breast
Here you can take a deeper dive into questions regarding Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift and Breast Reduction. Feel free to contact Dr. Elkowitz by telephone or E-mail/Contact us if you have any question we don’t cover here. You never know, we may add your question to the page.
Can I see examples of other patients?
Dr. Elkowitz on Before and After photos
Of course, we love before and after pictures! The Plastic Surgery of New York website, www.plasticsurgeryofnewyork.com, is full of great before and after photos, comparison sliders and tools, and even real patient discussions of their experiences with Dr Elkowitz. There are many more photos and patient discussions when we meet with you at your consultation. Please take a look at our Google reviews either on our website or on Google directly. We are very proud that at the time of the writing Dr Elkowitz has 367 Five Star Google reviews!
How has the ideal breast appearance evolved in recent years?
The ideal breast shape and proportions evolves continuously. It seems that attention to natural proportion and balance is more popular now, although the concept that big is better is not at all lost. Dr. Elkowitz generally recommends proportion, but as you will see at your consultation, sizing and the discussion of sizing is paramount. Dr. Elkowitz will teach you home techniques with sizers and wardrobe to help resolve the question of sizing for augmentation, reduction and rejuvenation. Shape expectations does not significantly fluctuate. Correction of drooping and nipple descent never seems to get old! Most women request to return lost volume, or have the size and volume they have always wanted, but a proportioned round shape is most people’s goal. Dr. Marc Elkowitz observes that women increasingly seek personalized proportions, whether fuller volume, lifted shape, or reduced burden, to align with today’s emphasis on authentic, healthy and natural results.
Why is your personal vision of beauty most important in breast surgery?
Your self-image often contributes to daily confidence. Dr. Elkowitz listens deeply to your goals—whether relieving back pain, restoring postpartum shape, or enhancing symmetry—so every procedure reflects “your” definition of beauty, not trends.
What breast concerns can Dr. Elkowitz address with surgery?
Common goals include reducing overly large breasts, adding volume, lifting sagging breast tissue, or combining techniques for total rejuvenation. From Breast Reduction (reduction mastopexy) to Breast Implants (augmentation), Breast Lift (mastopexy), and Rejuvenation (combining techniques to bring back lost volume and shape), Dr. Elkowitz tailors solutions to your anatomy, goals and lifestyle.
Who is an ideal candidate for breast surgery in New York?
Healthy women at stable weight with realistic expectations. Whether you’re post-pregnancy, experiencing age-related droop, or seeking symmetry, Dr. Elkowitz evaluates breast tissue, skin quality, and health to ensure safe, transformative results.
What is the difference between breast augmentation and breast lift?
Breast Augmentation (implants) adds volume using either saline or silicone implants for fuller, and often rounder breasts. Breast lift (mastopexy) reshapes and elevates sagging tissue without significantly changing size. Dr. Elkowitz often combines both for lifted, youthful, and fuller results.
How does breast reduction improve quality of life?
By removing excess tissue, fat, and skin, Breast Reduction may: relieve neck and back pain, improve posture, expand clothing options, and boost exercise comfort. Dr. Elkowitz’s patients report life-changing physical and emotional freedom.
Can breast surgery be customized for natural-looking results?
Absolutely. Dr. Elkowitz customizes every breast operation for your exact frame and result goals. Precise implant selection, and advanced lift techniques create results that enhance your frame—never overdone, always elegant and proportional.
Breast implants, above or below the muscle, what's better?
Dr. Elkowitz on Breast implants, above or below the muscle, what's better?
Breast implants, above or below the muscle, what’s better? There isn’t a “what’s better.” I know what’s out there on the internet, and I get consults all the time, patients come in and say, “Oh, I want it below the muscle or above the muscle, that’s better.” As a rule, and obviously every patient is different, if you don’t have a lot of breast tissue to hide the implant, we generally go below the muscle. If you have some breast tissue, like a B cup, generally, we go above the muscle. Why? Look at this before and after. This is a patient who has breast tissue. She’s not flat, she’s not an A cup, she’s probably a big B or a small C without an implant. She had implants placed elsewhere, and the implant was below the muscle. Her breast tissue sagged down, and now she has what we call a double bubble deformity. What we did to correct this was move the implants, put them above the muscle, and do a mastopexy or a breast lift to bring it all together. And you can see, how much better she looks now.
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Will breast surgery leave noticeable scars?
Dr. Elkowitz uses minimal-incision techniques whenever possible. Most breast incisions heal very well and can usually be hidden with clothing. Decisions made with Dr. Elkowitz can dramatically reduce incisions and scars such as, adding volume to reduce lift incisions, or compromises that may trade off shape for less scars. We need to decide what is right for you. All of those decisions will be made once your goals and priorities are discussed at your consultation. The goal for choosing your tailored surgical plan is striking the right balance for you.
Are breast implants safe and long-lasting?
Yes—modern silicone and saline implants are FDA-approved and highly durable. Dr. Elkowitz uses only approved brands, and will discuss with you the pros and cons of each. The best implant is the one that safely achieves your goals and preferences.
How soon after pregnancy can I have breast surgery?
It usually takes at least a few months post-breastfeeding for tissue stabilization, but everyone is different. This means that your size, shape, nipple position and inflammation etc. should level off and not still be changing.