Breast Reduction Surgery in New York City: Ranking and Pricing
New York City is a hub of medical excellence, offering a wide range of options for those considering breast reduction surgery. This article will explore the ranking of hospitals, the cost associated with the procedure, and other important aspects to help you make an informed decision.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. This surgery is often sought by individuals who experience physical and emotional distress due to overly large breasts. Some of the common physical discomforts associated with large breasts include back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, skin irritation, and limitations in clothing style and fit.
Emotionally, large breasts can lead to self - consciousness and poor self - esteem. By reducing the breast size, the surgery can also lift and reshape the breasts for a more youthful and proportionate appearance.
How Does Breast Reduction Surgery Work?
The breast reduction procedure typically begins with the patient lying in a supine position. Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient does not feel pain during the surgery. The surgical area is then sterilized, and an incision is made around the areola and down the breasts. The flap of skin containing the areola and nipple is displaced, and excessive fat, breast tissue, and skin are removed to lessen the size of the mammary gland.
In some cases, when a large amount of tissue and fat is removed, the skin flap with the areola and nipples is detached and repositioned at a higher level according to the new breast size. Drainage tubes may be inserted into the breasts to drain away blood and fluid, and bandages are applied over the stitched incisions. The patient is usually asked to wear a surgical bra. The goal is to make both breasts look as alike as possible, although small variations in breast and areola size may still exist.
Ranking of Hospitals for Breast Reduction Surgery in New York City
Several factors are considered when ranking hospitals for breast reduction surgery. These include the expertise of the surgeons, patient satisfaction rates, success rates of the surgeries, and the availability of advanced medical facilities.
Top Doctors
According to Healthgrades, there are 1851 doctors who perform breast reduction in New York. Some of the highly - rated doctors include:
- Dr. Basem Azab, MD, rated 5.00 out of 5 stars, with an address at 256 Mason Ave Bldg C Fl 3, Staten Island, NY 10305, and a contact number of (718) 540 - 4220. He is on staff at Staten Island University Hospital.
- Dr. Richard Reish, rated 4.90 out of 5 stars, located at 330 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215.
- Dr. Evan Matros, MD, rated 4.80 out of 5 stars, at 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065.
Top Clinics
There are also well - known clinics in New York City that specialize in breast reduction surgery:
- Sophie Bartsich, MD FACS: A top - notch cosmetic surgeon in Manhattan. Patients praise her attention to detail and artistry in the procedure. The price for breast reduction is on request.
- Forest Hills Plastic Surgery: Based on the belief of providing high - quality and affordable cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. They have been serving the residents of Queens since 1984, and their breast reduction price is also on request.
- Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics: Their goal is to achieve the highest level of patient satisfaction. They offer a comfortable waiting room and high - quality service during the entire process. Again, the price is on request.
Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery in New York City
The cost of breast reduction surgery can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of facility where the surgery is performed, the extent of the procedure, the experience of the surgeon, and additional services provided.
Cost Comparison between Surgery Centers and Outpatient Hospitals
According to Sidecar Health, the average cash price for breast reduction surgery care in New York differs between surgery centers and outpatient hospitals. The average cash price at a surgery center is $6,051, while at an outpatient hospital, it is $10,439. This means you could save about 42% by choosing a surgery center over an outpatient hospital.
A breakdown of the common costs at a surgery center in New York for breast reduction includes:
| Category | Units | Avg Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| Provider - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Visit Provider Fee (First time visit) | Standard 1 | $142 |
| Provider - Provider Fee for Breast Reduction | Standard 1 | $1,650 |
| Facility - Surgery Center Fee for Breast Reduction | Standard 1 | $3,162 |
| Prescriptions - Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen | Standard 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Fee to be "put under" for Procedure (Level 3) | Standard 1 | $232 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Time to be "put under" for Procedure (Per minute) | Standard 367 | $846 |
| Total Average Cash Price | $6,051.42 |
And at an outpatient hospital in New York, the breakdown is as follows:
| Category | Units | Avg Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| Provider - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Visit Provider Fee (First time visit) | Standard 1 | $142 |
| Provider - Provider Fee for Breast Reduction | Standard 1 | $1,650 |
| Facility - Outpatient Hospital Fee for Breast Reduction (Level 2) | Standard 1 | $7,550 |
| Prescriptions - Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen | Standard 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Fee to be "put under" for Procedure (Level 3) | Standard 1 | $232 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Time to be "put under" for Procedure (Per minute) | Standard 367 | $846 |
| Total Average Cash Price | $10,439.34 |
It's important to note that while surgery centers are generally less expensive, they may offer fewer complimentary services and may not have the full range of support services that outpatient hospitals provide. Outpatient hospitals, on the other hand, are often more expensive but may offer more support for patients due to their connection to the hospital system.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery. Some of the criteria that determine a suitable candidate include:
- Being a non - smoker: Nicotine severely inhibits the body’s ability to heal and increases the likelihood of developing an infection. Smokers must be willing to quit for 4 - 6 weeks before and after the procedure.
- Being in good overall health: Candidates should not have serious heart conditions or undiagnosed breast lumps.
- Maintaining a healthy, stable weight: Fluctuations in weight can affect the results of the surgery.
- Not planning on future pregnancies: Pregnancy can change the size and shape of the breasts, reversing the improvements from the surgery.
- Being physically and emotionally mature: Patients should have fully - developed breasts and be emotionally ready for the decision.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery offers numerous benefits for patients, both physically and emotionally:
Physical Benefits
- Relief from chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain: Large breasts can put a significant amount of strain on the upper body, leading to pain and discomfort. By reducing the breast size, the weight and pressure on the upper body are reduced, allowing patients to stand taller and more comfortably.
- Improved posture: With less weight pulling the body forward, patients are more likely to maintain a better posture.
- Reduced skin irritation: Sagging breast skin can cause chafing and irritation, which can be alleviated through breast reduction surgery.
- Enhanced ability to exercise: Large breasts can be a barrier to participating in physical activities. After the surgery, patients may find it easier to exercise and stay active.
Emotional Benefits
- Increased self - esteem and confidence: Many patients report feeling happier and more comfortable after the procedure. They are able to choose from a wider range of clothing options and participate in activities they may have avoided before.
- Improved body image: The surgery helps to create more symmetrical and proportionate breasts, which can improve the overall body image.
Recovery Process after Breast Reduction Surgery
The recovery process after breast reduction surgery is an important part of the overall experience. Here's what you can expect:
Immediate Post - Surgery
After the surgery, your breasts will be secured with dressings to provide support, and you will need to wear a supportive surgical bra for several weeks to keep swelling in check and support your new shape. Pain, bruising, and swelling are all expected in the first few days after surgery, but these symptoms can be managed with medication prescribed by your surgeon.
Short - Term Recovery
- Rest and recovery time: You should plan to take one to two weeks off from work and social commitments to ensure adequate time to rest and recover. Avoid strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks.
- Medication: Take the prescribed pain medication and antibiotics as directed by your doctor.
- Follow - up appointments: Regular check - ups are important to monitor your healing progress. Your doctor will remove the stitches in about two weeks.
Long - Term Recovery
- Scarring: Although scarring is inevitable after breast reduction surgery, your surgeon will take care to minimize it by placing incisions in discreet locations. Most scars will fade significantly over time and can be easily concealed under clothing.
- Swelling and tenderness: It takes 6 to 8 weeks for the swelling and tenderness to go away. Even after complete recovery, changes may continue to take place for a year after the surgery.
- Return to normal activities: You can resume light activity within a few days and return to work within two weeks, depending on your healing process. However, you should avoid certain activities, such as wearing underwire bras, for a few months.
Aftercare for Breast Reduction Surgery
Proper aftercare is crucial for a successful recovery from breast reduction surgery. Here are some important aftercare tips:
- Regular check - ups: Attend all your follow - up appointments with your surgeon to ensure that your healing process is on track.
- Medication: Take your prescribed medications as directed. Do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor.
- Diet: Follow a healthy diet plan to support your recovery. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein in your diet.
- Rest: Get enough rest and avoid overexertion. Make sure someone is available to assist you during the initial recovery period.
- Wound care: Keep the surgical incisions clean and dry. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to care for the wounds.
- Bra usage: Wear the surgical bra as recommended by your doctor. Avoid wearing underwire bras for the first few months.
- Activity restriction: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and other activities that may put stress on your breasts for the recommended period.
- Watch for complications: If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, contact your doctor immediately.
Success Rate of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction mammoplasty is found to be successful in most cases. According to a survey, 80% of women are satisfied with the results of the surgery. This effectively reduces neck pain, back pain, headache, and shoulder pain, and resolves respiratory and circulatory problems. However, in case the surgery is not successful, there may be issues such as prominent scars, less - than - required tissue and fat removal, or over - removal of breast tissue, leaving the chest flat. In such cases, a secondary breast reduction surgery may be performed.
Alternatives to Breast Reduction Surgery
If you are not ready for surgery or are looking for non - surgical options to reduce your breast size, here are some alternatives:
Weight Loss
Losing weight can be effective in reducing breast size. Certain exercises can help remove excess adipose tissue, making the breasts smaller. However, weight loss may not always target breast fat specifically, and the results may vary.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a less invasive method in which a small incision is made to insert a cannula, and fat is sucked out, reducing breast size. It has less scarring and a faster recovery time compared to traditional breast reduction surgery. However, it may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with a significant amount of glandular tissue.
Fitting Bra
A specialized fitting bra can be helpful in making the breasts look smaller. It is not a permanent solution but can provide temporary relief. It is important to get professionally fitted for a bra to ensure the best results.
Conclusion
Breast reduction surgery in New York City offers a solution for those who are suffering from the physical and emotional burdens of overly large breasts. With a wide range of hospitals, clinics, and highly - skilled doctors available, patients have the opportunity to choose the best option for their needs. The cost of the surgery can vary depending on the facility and the extent of the procedure, but there are options available to suit different budgets.
Before making a decision, it is important to carefully consider the benefits, risks, and recovery process. Additionally, non - surgical alternatives can also be explored. If you are considering breast reduction surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. They can provide you with more personalized information and help you make an informed decision about your breast reduction journey. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast reduction surgery, and don't hesitate to explore related topics to learn more about the process.
