Breast Augmentation in NYC
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph A. Racanelli has performed more than 10,000 breast augmentations over 20+ years. New York City patients meet with him at his Upper East Side office at 30 East 60th Street, between Madison and Park Avenues, and have surgery with him at Clara Maass Medical Center in New Jersey, where he is Chief of Plastic Surgery.



How breast augmentation works for NYC patients
1
Consultation in Manhattan
Your first visit is at our Upper East Side office, steps from Central Park. Dr. Racanelli examines you personally, talks through your goals, and gives you an honest recommendation on implant type, size range, profile and placement. Consultations are $250, applied toward your surgery if you move forward.
2
Surgery at Clara Maass Medical Center
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Racanelli himself in a fully accredited hospital operating room at Clara Maass Medical Center, where he serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery. A board-certified anesthesiologist manages your anesthesia. Dr. Racanelli keeps a deliberately limited surgical schedule, so your case has his full attention. Our team will help you plan the day of surgery, including travel to and from the hospital.
3
Follow-up in NYC
Your follow-up visits are with Dr. Racanelli at the Manhattan office, or virtually when appropriate, so you don't have to travel to New Jersey for routine checkups.
Why NYC patients choose a hospital-based surgeon
While many breast augmentations in Manhattan take place in office-based surgical suites, Dr. Racanelli chooses to operate only in a hospital, with a board-certified anesthesiologist, and no other surgeons, residents or physician assistants operate on his patients. The surgeon you meet at your consultation is the surgeon who performs your procedure and sees you at every follow-up.
Dr. Racanelli's approach to breast augmentation
Size confirmed in the operating room
Rather than locking in an implant size at your consultation, Dr. Racanelli uses temporary sizers during surgery to confirm the size that looks right on your actual frame before placing your final implants.
Natural, dual-plane placement
For most patients, implants are placed partly beneath the chest muscle (dual-plane), which supports a natural upper-breast shape and long-term implant support.
Saline, silicone and gummy bear implants
Dr. Racanelli works with MENTOR®, Motiva® and Natrelle® implants. Learn more on our breast implant options page.
For a full guide to the procedure, recovery and implant choices, see our main breast augmentation page.

How much does breast augmentation cost in NYC?
The cost of breast augmentation in NYC varies depending on the surgeon, implant selection, surgical facility, anesthesia, and complexity of the procedure.
At the practice of Dr. Joseph A. Racanelli, breast augmentation is performed in a hospital operating room with a board-certified anesthesiologist. Each procedure is personally performed by Dr. Racanelli, with an individualized surgical plan based on the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
During your consultation at our Upper East Side office, Dr. Racanelli will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your implant options, and provide a personalized surgical recommendation. Our team will then walk you through your quote and financing options.
Consultations are $250, which is applied toward the cost of surgery if you decide to proceed. Financing options are available through Cherry, subject to approval.
Breast augmentation recovery: what NYC patients can expect
Breast augmentation recovery time varies depending on the patient’s anatomy, implant placement, surgical technique, and individual healing process. Dr. Joseph A. Racanelli provides personalized postoperative instructions and follow-up care to support a safe, comfortable recovery.
When can I return to work?
Many patients with desk-based or non-physical jobs can return to work within approximately one week, depending on their recovery. Patients with physically demanding occupations may require additional time before resuming their usual responsibilities.
When can I exercise after breast augmentation?
Gentle walking is encouraged early in recovery to promote circulation. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and upper-body workouts should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Racanelli. Most patients return to activities gradually based on their healing progress and postoperative evaluation.
What should I expect during the first few weeks?
Temporary swelling, tightness, and discomfort are common following breast augmentation. As healing progresses, swelling gradually improves and the implants begin to settle into their position. Final results take time to develop, and individual healing timelines vary.
Postoperative care for our NYC patients
Patients who visit Dr. Racanelli’s Manhattan office for their consultation receive detailed guidance regarding surgical scheduling, recovery, and follow-up care. Surgery takes place at Clara Maass Medical Center in New Jersey, and follow-up visits can be scheduled at our Upper East Side office.
Breast augmentation vs. breast lift: which is right for you?
Breast augmentation and breast lift surgery address different aesthetic concerns. Breast augmentation enhances breast volume and shape using implants, while a breast lift (mastopexy) repositions and reshapes existing breast tissue to address sagging.
The most appropriate procedure depends on your anatomy, skin elasticity, nipple position, and desired outcome.
When is breast augmentation the better option?
Breast augmentation may be appropriate for patients who want to increase breast volume, restore fullness lost after pregnancy or weight changes, or improve breast proportions.
Implants can enhance fullness and projection, but they do not reliably correct significant breast ptosis (sagging). Patients with substantial skin laxity or a low nipple position may require a different surgical approach.
When is a breast lift recommended?
A breast lift is designed to reshape and elevate breasts affected by sagging, stretched skin, or changes in nipple position.
Unlike breast augmentation, a lift does not substantially increase breast volume. Instead, it repositions existing tissue to create a more elevated breast contour.
Can breast augmentation and a breast lift be combined?
Some patients benefit from both added volume and correction of sagging. Although augmentation and mastopexy can sometimes be performed together, Dr. Racanelli generally recommends staging these procedures when both are indicated.
His approach prioritizes tissue healing, careful surgical planning, and individualized assessment. The appropriate sequence and timing are determined during consultation, with the second procedure commonly considered approximately 6–12 months after the first, depending on healing and clinical circumstances.
How does Dr. Racanelli determine which procedure you need?
For patients weighing breast augmentation vs. breast lift surgery in NYC, that decision is made during your consultation at Dr. Racanelli’s Upper East Side office in Manhattan. He evaluates breast volume, skin quality, nipple position, chest proportions, and your desired aesthetic outcome.
He will then explain whether breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a staged approach may best address your concerns.
Before & after photos
Real, unedited results from Dr. Racanelli's patients.


Real Patient - Dr. Racanelli
Visiting our NYC office
- Address: 30 E 60th St, Suite 307, New York, NY 10022 (between Madison and Park Avenues)
- Phone: (888) 409-0801 · Español / Português: (973) 349-0624
- Subway: Lexington Av/59 St (4, 5, 6, N, R, W) and 5 Av/59 St (N, R, W)
- More about the office
Frequently asked questions
Where will my breast augmentation surgery take place?
Dr. Joseph A. Racanelli performs breast augmentation at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, New Jersey, a fully accredited hospital where he is Chief of Plastic Surgery. Surgery is not performed in Manhattan; NYC patients have their consultation and follow-up visits at our Upper East Side office at 30 East 60th Street, Suite 307.
Why have surgery in a hospital instead of an office surgical suite?
Dr. Racanelli prefers the resources of a fully accredited hospital operating room, with a board-certified anesthesiologist managing your anesthesia. He performs every surgery in this setting, for every patient.
Do I have to travel to New Jersey for follow-up visits?
No. Follow-up visits can take place at our Upper East Side office in Manhattan, or virtually when appropriate.
Will Dr. Racanelli perform my surgery himself?
Yes. Dr. Racanelli personally performs every procedure. No other surgeons, residents or physician assistants operate on his patients.
How do I choose the right breast implant size?
Implant selection involves more than cup size. During your consultation, Dr. Racanelli evaluates your chest width, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, and body proportions alongside your aesthetic goals. Rather than finalizing a size in the office, he uses temporary sizers during surgery to confirm the volume and profile that suit your frame. Learn more about breast implant options.
Are breast implants permanent?
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. They do not need to be replaced after a set number of years, but additional surgery may eventually be needed because of complications, changes in breast appearance, or personal preference. Patients with silicone implants should follow current FDA recommendations for periodic MRI or ultrasound screening to check for silent rupture.
How much does a consultation cost?
Consultations are $250, applied toward the cost of your surgery if you decide to move forward. A personalized surgical quote is provided at your consultation.
How do I schedule a breast augmentation consultation in NYC?
Call (888) 409-0801 or request a consultation online, and our team will contact you within 24 hours. At your consultation at our Upper East Side office, Dr. Racanelli evaluates your anatomy, discusses implant options, and develops an individualized surgical recommendation.
Schedule your NYC breast augmentation consultation
Meet with Dr. Racanelli at his Upper East Side office to talk through your goals.