Introduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, has become a popular plastic surgery procedure in New York City. Women with overly large breasts often experience physical discomfort, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and difficulty participating in physical activities. Additionally, large breasts can cause self - consciousness and have a negative impact on a woman's self - esteem. In this article, we will review the reputation - ranked plastic surgery for breast reduction in New York City and the associated price costs.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size more proportionate to the body. The surgery not only enhances the appearance of the breasts but also helps to alleviate physical discomforts and improve the patient's quality of life.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
- Relieve pain: It can significantly reduce back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of large breasts. For example, many patients find that chronic pain that has been bothering them for years disappears after the surgery.
- Improve posture: With the reduction of breast weight, the body's center of gravity changes, allowing patients to stand and sit more upright, thus improving posture.
- Enhance physical activity: Women with large breasts often face difficulties in participating in physical activities such as running, swimming, or playing sports. After breast reduction, they can move more freely and enjoy a more active lifestyle.
- Boost self - esteem and confidence: Achieving a more proportionate body shape can make women feel more comfortable and confident in their own bodies, leading to an improvement in their overall mental well - being.
- Reduce skin irritation: Skin irritation under the breast crease is a common problem for women with large breasts. By reducing breast size, this issue can be effectively alleviated.
Who are the Suitable Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Ideal candidates for breast reduction surgery typically meet the following criteria:
- Physical discomfort: They experience back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or difficulty participating in physical activities due to overly large breasts.
- Good health: Candidates should be in good general health, have no serious medical conditions such as heart disease, and have realistic expectations about the surgery results.
- Finished breast development: It is generally recommended that the breasts have finished developing. This usually means that the patient has passed puberty, and in some cases, waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding is also advisable.
- Non - smokers: Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, so non - smokers or those willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure are preferred.
Reputation - Ranked Plastic Surgeons in New York City for Breast Reduction
Dr. Ross Ratner at Doctors Plastic Surgery
Dr. Ratner is renowned as NYC's best breast reduction surgeon. He is a dual - board certified plastic & reconstructive surgeon. He combines surgical expertise with a warm bedside manner. With extensive experience and a personalized approach, he utilizes the latest surgical techniques to ensure exceptional results tailored to each patient’s goals. His specialization includes breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction & Brazilian butt lifts. Many patients have left positive testimonials about their experiences with Dr. Ratner and the excellent results they achieved. For example, one patient said, “I’m so glad I chose dps for my breast reduction. Dr. Ratner and his team were incredibly supportive throughout the process. My chronic back pain is gone, and I feel so much more confident with my new shape. The whole experience was life - changing!”
Dr. George Lefkovitz at Park Plaza Plastic Surgery Center
Dr. Lefkovitz is a reputable plastic surgeon in New York City. If you are considering breast reduction surgery, he can tell you all about the procedure, its risks, and its benefits. The Park Plaza Plastic Surgery Center provides a free consultation, where the doctor will ask about your reason for the operation, your current general health, lifestyle, wishes, and expectations. He will then explain the operation process, preparations, recovery, and postoperative lifestyle. Many patients have found his advice and guidance very helpful in making decisions about breast reduction surgery.
Dr. Marc Everett at Marc Everett MD
Dr. Everett has helped thousands of women attain their ideal body image through breast reduction surgery. He is known for his rapid recovery breast reduction technique. He utilizes the most cutting - edge pain reduction techniques and never uses drains in this operation. Most of his patients do not take a single pain pill, and as long as the job doesn’t demand significant physical labor, they can return to work in 4 - 5 days. He is a thought leader of New York’s surgical community, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and has accrued an impressive collection of personal accolades and awards.
Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. Sherman is a board - certified plastic surgeon who understands the physical and emotional implications of breast hypertrophy. He works with patients to create a personalized surgical plan that meets their needs and goals. During the consultation, he will discuss the various incision techniques available, the risks and benefits of the procedure, and what to expect during recovery. He takes great care to minimize scarring and provides detailed postoperative instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Dr. David Rapaport at Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Dr. Rapaport takes a minimally invasive, personalized approach that prioritizes patient safety and achieves consistent results. He has decades of experience in breast reduction surgery. He generally performs breast reduction procedures on - site in his fully accredited Manhattan, New York, surgical suite. He uses a closure technique with layers of internal, dissolvable sutures, usually resulting in no visible external sutures. His patients often have a high satisfaction rate with the surgery results.
Price Costs for Breast Reduction Surgery in New York City
The cost of breast reduction surgery in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors:
Factors Affecting the Cost
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's experience and reputation | Highly experienced and well - known surgeons usually charge higher fees. For example, a surgeon like Dr. Marc Everett, who has a great reputation and a large number of successful cases, may have a higher fee compared to a less - experienced surgeon. |
| Type of procedure | Different incision techniques and the extent of tissue removal can affect the cost. For instance, the traditional or anchor incision technique, which maximizes tissue removal and can treat moderate to severe sagging, may be more expensive than the vertical or lollipop incision technique, which allows for mild to moderate tissue removal. |
| Location of the clinic | Clinics in prime locations in New York City may have higher overhead costs, which can be reflected in the surgery price. For example, a clinic in Manhattan may charge more than a clinic in a less - central area. |
| Anesthesia fees | General anesthesia is commonly used for breast reduction surgery, and the cost of anesthesia depends on the type of anesthesia used and the duration of the procedure. |
| Hospital or surgical facility costs | If the surgery is performed in a hospital or a high - end surgical facility, the cost will be higher. The quality of the facilities, such as the equipment and the level of care provided, also plays a role in determining the cost. |
| Medical tests | Before the surgery, patients usually need to undergo a series of medical tests, such as blood tests, mammograms, etc. The cost of these tests is included in the overall cost. |
| Post - surgery garments | Patients need to wear special post - surgical bras or breast compress for a certain period after the surgery, and the cost of these garments is an additional expense. |
| Prescriptions for medication | Pain medication, antibiotics, and other medications prescribed after the surgery also contribute to the total cost. |
Average Cost
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast reduction (aesthetic patients only) is $7,800. However, this is only the surgeon's fee and does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. In New York City, the total cost of breast reduction surgery can range from $8,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery
Insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery often depends on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Many insurance providers will cover the surgery if you can demonstrate that your large breasts are causing significant physical problems, such as chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or other health issues. However, the process of getting insurance approval can be complicated. You may need to submit a letter and photos to your insurance company to prove the medical necessity of the surgery. Even if your insurance covers the procedure, you may still be responsible for copayments or deductibles.
Some plastic surgery practices in New York City accept many insurance plans. For example, Doctors Plastic Surgery accepts many insurances and will work with patients to try to get coverage for their procedure. Park Plaza Plastic Surgery Center accepts most out - of - network major medical insurances, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, etc.
The Breast Reduction Surgery Process
Consultation
The first step in the breast reduction surgery process is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will ask about your medical history, current health, lifestyle, and your reasons for wanting breast reduction. They will also examine your breasts, take measurements, and discuss your expectations for the surgery. The surgeon will explain the different incision techniques available, the risks and benefits of the procedure, and what to expect during the recovery process. They will also provide you with a personalized cost breakdown.
Pre - operative Preparations
Before the surgery, you will need to make some preparations:
- Medical tests: You may need to undergo a mammogram and other necessary medical tests to ensure your safety during the surgery.
- Medication: You may need to stop taking certain medications, supplements, or blood thinners that could interfere with the surgery or affect recovery.
- Smoking: If you smoke, you should quit smoking as soon as possible. Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.
- Help: Arrange for someone to pick you up after the surgery and help you at home during the initial recovery period.
- Support garments: Get appropriate support garments, such as surgical bras, that you’ll need to wear after the procedure.
- Medication: Fill prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics in advance.
Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make incisions on the breasts according to the chosen incision technique. Common incision techniques include the traditional or anchor incision and the vertical or lollipop incision. After making the incisions, the surgeon will remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, reshape the remaining tissue, and reposition the nipple and areola if necessary. The surgery usually takes 3 - 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Recovery
The recovery process after breast reduction surgery varies from patient to patient. Here are some general guidelines:
- Immediate post - operative period: After the surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room for a few hours. You may experience pain, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication. You will need to wear a surgical bra for several weeks to support the breasts and reduce swelling.
- Return to work: Most patients can return to work within 1 - 2 weeks, depending on the type of work. However, you should avoid strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting for at least 4 - 6 weeks.
- Scarring: Scarring is inevitable after breast reduction surgery, but the scars will gradually fade over time. The surgeon will take care to place the incisions in discreet locations to minimize the visibility of the scars.
- Final results: The final results of the breast reduction surgery will become apparent after several months as the swelling subsides. Most patients are very satisfied with the results, experiencing relief from physical discomfort and an improvement in self - esteem.
Potential Complications and Risks
Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery carries some potential complications and risks:
- Scarring: Although the surgeon will try to minimize scarring, scars are a normal part of the healing process. The appearance of the scars can vary depending on individual factors such as skin type and the location of the incisions.
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
- Infection: Infection is a possible complication after surgery. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.
- Decreased or loss of nipple sensation: Some patients may experience a decrease or loss of nipple sensation after the surgery, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Inability to breastfeed: Breast reduction surgery can make breastfeeding more difficult later in life. Depending on the surgical technique used, there may be a risk of not being able to breastfeed.
- Breast asymmetry: There is a possibility of breast asymmetry after the surgery, which may require additional surgery to correct.
- Partial or complete loss of nipple: In rare cases, there may be a partial or complete loss of the nipple, which would require revision surgery.
Conclusion
Breast reduction surgery in New York City can be a life - changing procedure for women with overly large breasts. It offers numerous benefits, including relief from physical discomfort, improved posture, enhanced physical activity, and increased self - esteem. However, it is important to choose a reputable plastic surgeon and understand the cost, insurance coverage, surgery process, and potential risks involved. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Take the time to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations, and ask any questions you may have. With the right surgeon and proper preparation, you can embark on a journey towards a more comfortable and confident you. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast reduction surgery and explore related topics on plastic surgery to gain more knowledge.
