Introduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a life - changing procedure for many women in New York City. Those with overly large breasts often experience physical discomfort such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, along with psychological stress due to self - consciousness. In this article, we will review some of the top departments and surgeons for breast reduction in New York City based on extensive research from top Google search results.
Understanding Breast Reduction
What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. It helps alleviate physical discomfort and improve body proportions, thus enhancing the patient's overall quality of life. As per the research, common concerns that this procedure can address include self - consciousness, neck and back pain, skin irritation, difficulty exercising, and poor posture.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
- Physical Relief: It provides relief from chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain. Many women with large breasts suffer from muscle strain, and this surgery reduces the weight and pressure on the upper body, allowing for better posture. For example, women who previously had to hunch forward due to the weight of their breasts can stand taller and more comfortably after the surgery.
- Boost in Body Confidence: It leads to increased self - esteem and confidence. Patients can choose from a wider range of clothing options, move and exercise more easily, and participate in activities they may have avoided before. This positive psychological impact is significant for many women who were previously self - conscious about their large breasts.
- Reduced Irritation: The surgery improves the fit of bras and clothing, reducing irritation and rubbing of the skin under the breasts. It can also improve sleep quality and make it easier to participate in sports and exercise.
Top Surgeons for Breast Reduction in New York City
Dr. Keith Blechman
Dr. Keith Blechman at the Breast Reduction Center of NYC has received outstanding patient reviews. Many patients have shared their amazing experiences with him. He is known for his excellent bedside manner, which makes patients feel extremely comfortable going into their first surgery. For instance, one patient who had a breast reduction 4 days ago reported being very happy with the experience and results. Another patient went from a 40H to a 40C cup size and was elated with the outcome, stating that Dr. Blechman had completely changed her life.
His office staff, especially Alina, is also highly praised. Alina has been actively involved in dealing with insurance matters, ensuring that patients get fair coverage for their breast reduction surgery. This comprehensive support from both the surgeon and the staff is a significant advantage for patients choosing Dr. Blechman.
Dr. Francesco Gargano
Dr. Francesco Gargano is a well - respected plastic surgeon in New York City. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, and has extensive global training. His approach to plastic surgery emphasizes building trust, providing excellent patient care, safety, and satisfaction.
Dr. Gargano's facility is of high - quality, with every piece of equipment comparable to that in a hospital. His anesthesia team and nursing staff are all board - certified. Patients who have been treated by him have reported positive experiences. For example, one outpatient patient commended his excellent “bedside manner,” stating that he explained the procedure thoroughly and patiently answered all questions, and the treatment received was top - notch.
Other Renowned Surgeons and Their Qualities
| Surgeon | Board Certifications | Education and Training | Patient Reviews and Reputation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Norman Rowe | American Board of Plastic Surgery | Highly experienced in breast surgeries at Rowe Plastic Surgery. Meticulous in breast reduction approach, aiming for minimal scarring and natural aesthetics. | Patients appreciate his compassionate care and personalized attention from consultation to post - operative follow - ups. Women trust him for his expertise in breast reduction, and many report significant satisfaction with the outcomes. |
| Dr. Philipp Franck | Board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon | Trained at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals, expert in breast and body contouring procedures. | Named one of New York’s rising star surgeons by the New York Times Magazine since 2023 and is on Castle Connolly’s list of top doctors nationwide. Known for patient - centered care and exceptional outcomes. |
| Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald | American Board of Plastic Surgery | Performed thousands of breast surgeries, served as a clinical investigator for cohesive silicone gel implants. | Named a top doctor in New York every year since 2012. Patients are satisfied with his natural - looking results and patient - friendly surgical center. |
What to Consider When Choosing a Surgeon
Certification
The best plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification ensures that the surgeon has met the high standards of education, training, and ethical practice in plastic surgery. For example, all the top surgeons mentioned above hold this important certification, which gives patients confidence in their skills and expertise.
Experience
Look for a cosmetic surgeon with years of experience in breast surgeries, especially in the type of breast reduction surgery you want. Surgeons like Dr. Greenwald, who has performed thousands of breast surgeries, have the in - depth knowledge and skills to handle various cases and potential complications.
Bedside Manner
A good surgeon should be easily approachable and listen to your fears and concerns. They should be able to explain the procedure clearly and alleviate any anxieties you may have. As seen in the case of Dr. Blechman and Dr. Gargano, their patients highly value their kind and patient - oriented approach.
Reviews
Reading reviews from other patients can give you an idea of the surgeon's success rate and the quality of patient care. Positive reviews can indicate a satisfied patient base and a surgeon who can deliver good results. Many of the top surgeons have a large number of positive reviews on platforms like RealSelf, Google, and Zocdoc.
Facility
The surgical facility should have the right equipment and personnel to ensure your safety and comfort. Surgeons like Dr. Gargano have state - of - the - art facilities with board - certified support staff, which is crucial for a successful surgical procedure.
Customer Service
Reliable customer service is important, especially if you have questions during the breast reduction process. The office staff, such as Alina at Dr. Blechman's office, plays a vital role in assisting patients with administrative tasks like insurance matters and answering pre - and post - operative questions.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the surgery, patients need to go through several steps. They will have a consultation with the surgeon to discuss their medical history, body image concerns, and overall health status. The surgeon will determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure. Patients may also need to undergo a physical examination, a baseline mammogram, and stop taking certain medications, supplements, or blood thinners that could interfere with the surgery or recovery. Additionally, patients who smoke are usually advised to quit for 4 - 6 weeks before and after the surgery to ensure proper healing.
The Surgical Process
Breast reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility or hospital. The surgeon will first make markings on the breasts while the patient is standing to plan the incision lines and the amount of tissue to be removed. Common incisions include the “anchor” (around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease) or a “lollipop” (around the areola and vertically down). Then, the surgeon will remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, reshape the remaining breast tissue, reposition the nipple - areolar complex, and close the incisions. The length of the surgery can range from 2 - 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Recovery
Recovery times can vary from patient to patient. In general, patients can expect some pain, bruising, and swelling in the first few days after surgery, which can be managed with medication. They will need to wear a supportive surgical bra for several weeks to control swelling and support the new breast shape. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to work within 1 - 2 weeks, but they should avoid strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting for at least 4 - 6 weeks. It may take up to a year for the final results to become fully visible as the swelling subsides and the breasts settle into their new shape.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of breast reduction surgery in New York City can vary depending on factors such as the extent of the surgical procedure, anesthesia, and other related expenses. The three primary costs include the plastic surgeon’s fee, the cost of the anesthesiologist’s services, and the operating facility fee.
In some cases, if the breast reduction is deemed medically necessary due to symptoms like chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, it may be covered by insurance. However, insurance coverage varies widely depending on the provider and the specific policy. Patients should consult with their insurance company and the surgeon's office to understand their coverage and the steps needed to apply for insurance approval.
Conclusion
Breast reduction surgery in New York City offers a valuable solution for women suffering from the physical and psychological burdens of overly large breasts. Surgeons like Dr. Keith Blechman, Dr. Francesco Gargano, and others have demonstrated their expertise, patient - centered care, and ability to deliver excellent results. When considering breast reduction, it is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who can address your specific needs and concerns. Remember to thoroughly research your options, have open communication with the surgeon, and follow the pre - and post - operative instructions carefully for a successful outcome.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery in New York City, we encourage you to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons mentioned in this article. Discuss your goals, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the procedure. Your journey towards a more comfortable and confident you starts with that first consultation.
