A guide to hospitals for funnel chest plastic surgery in New

Introduction

Funnel chest, also known as pectus excavatum, is a congenital condition where the chest becomes sunken in, causing a concave depression. This condition can not only have a physical impact on a person, such as restricting cardiopulmonary function in severe cases, but also take a toll on one's self - confidence due to its visible appearance. Plastic surgery is one of the effective ways to correct funnel chest. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics offering such procedures. This guide will introduce you to some of them and provide in - depth information about funnel chest plastic surgery.

A guide to hospitals for funnel chest plastic surgery in New York City in 2025!

Understanding Funnel Chest and Its Impact

Funnel chest is often caused by abnormal growth of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. As a result, the sternum gets pushed inward, creating the characteristic concave shape. The severity of funnel chest can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may have a very mild depression that causes little to no functional problems, while others may experience significant breathing difficulties and exercise intolerance.

From a psychological perspective, funnel chest can have a profound impact on self - esteem, especially in adolescents and young adults. They may feel self - conscious about their appearance, which can lead to social withdrawal and a negative body image. Plastic surgery for funnel chest aims to correct the physical deformity and improve the patient's quality of life both physically and psychologically.

Top Hospitals and Clinics for Funnel Chest Plastic Surgery in New York City

Greenwald Plastic Surgery

Dr. Joshua Greenwald at Greenwald Plastic Surgery is an experienced and well - regarded plastic surgeon. He has performed thousands of breast surgeries and is known for achieving natural results. Dr. Greenwald's practice is in Harrison and Manhattan, serving patients from NYC, Westchester County, and Fairfield County.

The Keller Funnel ® 2 Technique: Dr. Greenwald uses the Keller Funnel ® 2 on all of his breast implant cases, which can also be relevant in funnel chest plastic surgery when breast implants are used to correct the appearance. The Keller Funnel ® 2 is a triangle - shaped funnel made of a clear polymer material. It offers several advantages:

Smaller Incisions: The funnel allows implants to be placed through slightly smaller incisions. With this device, Dr. Greenwald can guide the implants through it and gently slide them into the ideal position in the breast pocket. Smaller incisions result in less scarring, which is important for cosmetic reasons.
Reduced Risk of Contamination: In traditional breast implant surgery, the surgeon must hold and touch the implant, which can introduce bacteria. With the Keller Funnel ® 2, Dr. Greenwald never touches the implant. The implant goes from the implant box to the funnel and directly into the implant pocket without being touched or touching the patient's skin. This technique reduces the risk of capsular contracture, a complication that is often associated with bacterial contamination.
Faster Recovery: The use of the Keller Funnel ® 2 streamlines the implant placement process, leading to a shorter surgery time, less bleeding, less swelling, and a faster recovery for the patient.

If you are interested in learning more about funnel chest plastic surgery at Greenwald Plastic Surgery, you can call (914) 421 - 0113 to schedule a consultation.

Mount Sinai - New York

Mount Sinai's plastic surgery practice is known for its team of board - certified plastic surgeons with a wealth of experience. They understand the patients' desire to improve an aspect of their body for cosmetic or medical reasons, including funnel chest correction.

Reasons to Choose Mount Sinai:

Natural - looking Improvements: The surgeons at Mount Sinai aim to provide natural - looking results that enhance the patient's looks and strengthen their self - assurance. They offer a full range of options in both aesthetic (cosmetic) and reconstructive (restorative) plastic surgery.
Outstanding Surgeons: The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify plastic surgeons. Many of them have also undergone further specialized training, combining the best surgical skills, latest techniques, and keen aesthetic judgment.
Teaching Hospital Advantage: As a teaching hospital, the plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai are faculty members of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The large plastic surgery residency program in the United States allows residents to work alongside the faculty, providing extra sets of observing eyes and caring hands to ensure the best and most personalized care for the patients.
Newly Designed Suite: The newly designed plastic surgery suite at the Mount Sinai Hospital campus, named the Derfner - Lieberman Family Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, offers a friendly and comfortable environment. Patients are greeted by a concierge team, and the warm lighting, comfortable furnishings, and private rooms help them feel relaxed during the consultation process.
The Latest Technology: The plastic surgery consultation suites are equipped with the most advanced technology. Patients can browse patient education materials and videos on a 55 - inch touchscreen in the exam room. Doctors also use the advanced clarity of the touch screen to help patients visualize their anticipated results and review before and after possibilities. In some cases, remote telemedicine technology is available for patient convenience.

To schedule a consultation at Mount Sinai's plastic surgery practice, you can explore your options by contacting their office.

Dr. John E. Sherman

Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon renowned for his commitment to patient care and excellent results. He is well - versed in breast augmentation, which can be part of the funnel chest correction process as breast implants can help lessen the appearance of pectus excavatum.

About Breast Implants in Funnel Chest Correction:

Material Options: There are two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants are placed in the breast pocket and filled to the patient's desired volume during the procedure. Silicone implants are pre - filled and produced ready to be inserted. In 2020, approximately 84% of all breast augmentations in the United States were performed with silicone implants, which are FDA - approved and safer than ever.
Shape Considerations: Patients can choose between round and anatomical implants. Round implants are often chosen for their ability to add volume higher on the chest, while anatomical implants are teardrop - shaped and have a slight slope to replicate the form of the natural breast.
Size and Projection: Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters, ranging from 120cc to 800cc. The appropriate size depends on the patient's existing breast tissue and desired results. The projection of an implant determines how far it extends from the chest. High - profile breast implants are suitable for women looking to make a statement, while a smaller projection is better for those seeking a more subtle effect.
Texture: A textured surface allows the tissues to heal more closely around the implant, preventing the implant from rotating or becoming displaced.

Dr. Sherman works closely with each patient to identify the implant specifications that will deliver optimal results. To take the first step, you can call (212) 535 - 2300 or book an appointment online to schedule an initial consultation.

Columbia University Plastic Surgery

Columbia University's plastic surgery division is one of New York's best - known programs. As part of a world - top medical center, it has the experience and resources to provide high - quality care for funnel chest correction and other plastic surgery procedures.

Plastic Surgery Programs and Services:

Cosmetic Care: This program offers surgical and non - surgical options to improve cosmetic health, including breast augmentation, which can be used in funnel chest correction to improve the chest's appearance.
Reconstructive Care: The plastic surgeons at Columbia are world leaders in reconstructive care. They can handle complex cases of funnel chest reconstruction, especially when there are associated issues or when previous surgeries have been unsuccessful.
Research and Innovation: The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is conducting numerous research studies, including those related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy. These research efforts may lead to new and improved techniques for funnel chest correction in the future.

The division has a team of highly skilled board - certified surgeons. To get in touch with one of their plastic surgeons, you can call (212) 305 - 3103 or request an appointment online.

NewYork - Presbyterian Allen Hospital

The division of plastic surgery at NewYork - Presbyterian Allen Hospital offers a full range of reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation and correction related to funnel chest.

Key Features:

Experienced Physicians: All physicians at Allen Hospital are also on the staff of New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and are members of the highly regarded Columbiadoctors faculty practice. This ensures that patients receive exceptional care.
Diverse Procedures: In addition to breast - related procedures, the hospital offers services such as facial aesthetic surgery, abdominoplasty, and small skin cancer removal. They also have a wound care center that specializes in diabetic and venous ulcers.

You can call 212 - 932 - 4000 to schedule an appointment at NewYork - Presbyterian Allen Hospital's plastic surgery division.

Non - Surgical and Alternative Approaches to Funnel Chest

While plastic surgery is a common and effective way to correct funnel chest, there are also non - surgical and alternative approaches that can be considered, especially for milder cases or as adjunctive treatments.

External Tissue Expansion

The Vacuum Bell After Klobe® and the Brava® (Breast Enhancement and Shaping System) are examples of external tissue expansion devices. The Vacuum Bell After Klobe® has shown some benefit as a preparation for pre - or intraoperative auxiliary treatment. The Brava® works as an external tissue expander to produce edema and increase blood perfusion. It creates an endogenous organic scaffold that can take fat grafts by lipofilling better than untreated tissue.

Silastic Implants

Correction of the funnel depression using alloplastic room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silastic 382 elastomer started about half a century ago. Modern customized silastic implants are designed for the patient's chest using a mold or digital processing. They are minimally invasive, create only a small scar, and entail low morbidity and rapid recovery. However, they may have some long - term issues such as material abrasion and seroma formation.

Cartilage Chips Transfer

Autologous cartilage can be used to correct minor funnel chest deformities. Resected rib portions are processed to small chips, wrapped in highly flexible absorbable mesh, and embedded in a subcutaneous presternal or epicostal submuscular pocket. This method is suitable for pectus arcuatum deformity and some post - surgical deformity residuals.

Lipofilling

Autologous transfer of fat tissue is a promising technique for filling in a funnel depression with minimal surgical trauma or scars. However, it may not be feasible for all patients, especially those with limited transferable fat. It also requires further research due to the heterogeneous behavior of transplanted fat cells.

Preparing for Funnel Chest Plastic Surgery

Preparing for funnel chest plastic surgery is an important step to ensure a successful procedure and smooth recovery.

Medical Evaluation

Before the surgery, you will have a comprehensive medical evaluation with your surgeon. This will include a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and possibly some laboratory tests. The surgeon will also assess your current health status, including any underlying medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking.

Lifestyle Changes

Quit Smoking: Smoking can significantly impact your ability to heal after surgery. It is recommended that you quit smoking or using any nicotine products at least a few weeks before the surgery and avoid it during the recovery period.
Adjust Medications: You may need to taper off or stop taking certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John's wort. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your individual situation.
Arrange Support: You should arrange to have a trusted family member or friend pick you up from the hospital after the surgery and stay with you for the first few days of recovery. Designate a comfortable space at home for your recovery and place necessary items within reach.
Plan for Rest: You will need to take time off work and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks after the surgery. Plan ahead and make arrangements with your employer or school.

The Funnel Chest Plastic Surgery Procedure

The specific procedure for funnel chest plastic surgery will depend on the individual patient's condition and the chosen treatment approach. However, here is a general overview of what to expect:

Anesthesia

Most funnel chest plastic surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. Your anesthesiologist will determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia based on your health and the nature of the surgery.

Incisions

If breast implants are used as part of the correction, the surgeon will make incisions to create a pocket for the implant. The incision options may include an inframammary incision (under the breast), a periareolar incision (around the areola), or a transaxillary (under the armpit) incision. The choice of incision depends on factors such as the type of implant, the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's preference.

Implant Placement or Other Corrective Techniques

If using breast implants, they will be placed either in the submuscular plane (under the pectoral muscles) or subglandular (above the pectoral muscles). In other cases, alternative techniques such as cartilage reshaping, rib resection, or the use of other reconstructive materials may be employed.

Closure

Once the desired corrections have been made, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. A compression garment or surgical bra may be applied to protect the surgical site and minimize swelling.

Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery process after funnel chest plastic surgery is a crucial phase that requires patience and proper care.

Immediate Post - operative Period

After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be closely monitored until you wake up from anesthesia. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the chest area, which is normal. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help manage the discomfort.

Recovery Timeline

First Few Days: You will need to rest at home and limit your physical activity. You may have drain tubes in place for a few days to remove excess fluid. You will also need to wear a surgical bra as directed by your surgeon.
One to Two Weeks: After about a week, you may be able to drive and return to light activities if you are feeling well. You will have a follow - up appointment with your surgeon to check the healing progress and remove the sutures if necessary.
Two to Six Weeks: You can gradually increase your activity level, but you should still avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Your swelling and bruising will continue to subside, and your breasts will start to feel more natural.
Several Months: It may take several months for your breasts to fully heal and settle into their final shape. During this time, you should continue to follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions, including wearing a supportive bra and avoiding certain activities.

Potential Complications

While funnel chest plastic surgery is generally safe, there are some potential complications, including infection, bleeding, capsular contracture (if using implants), implant rupture, and poor wound healing. It is important to be aware of these risks and contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as severe pain, fever, or excessive swelling.