Introduction
Breast reduction surgery is a life - changing procedure for many women who suffer from the physical and emotional burden of overly large breasts. In New York City, a bustling metropolis renowned for its medical excellence, there are numerous plastic hospitals offering this service. This article will explore the top three plastic hospitals for breast reduction in New York City, highlighting both third - grade institutions and private practices, and providing in - depth information on breast reduction surgery itself.
Understanding Breast Reduction Surgery
Reasons for Breast Reduction
Having breasts that are overly large for one's frame can lead to a variety of issues. Physically, it can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain due to the excess weight. The heavy breasts may also result in poor posture, as the body tries to compensate for the additional load. Skin irritation and chafing under the breasts are common problems, and bra straps can leave painful indentations on the shoulders. Emotionally, large breasts can be a source of self - consciousness, embarrassment, and can even be a barrier to participating in activities like running or other forms of exercise.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
- Physical Relief: Reduces neck, back, and shoulder pain, improves posture, and alleviates skin irritation.
- Enhanced Self - Confidence: Women often feel more comfortable with their bodies after breast reduction, which can lead to improved self - esteem.
- Improved Activity Level: Allows for a more active lifestyle by removing the physical limitations caused by large breasts.
- Better Clothing Fit: Makes it easier to find clothes that fit properly and look good.
Candidates for Breast Reduction
To be eligible for breast reduction surgery, one should maintain a healthy, stable weight. It is also advisable not to plan on future pregnancies which will affect the breasts. Physically, the breasts should be fully developed, and the individual should be emotionally mature about their choice. Common signs that someone may be a good candidate include suffering from the side effects of oversized breasts such as neck or back pain, having breasts that are out of proportion with the rest of the body, experiencing shoulder pain from bra straps, or having one breast larger than the other. Additionally, candidates should enjoy good overall health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery, and not be smokers.
Top Three Plastic Hospitals for Breast Reduction in New York City
1. Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai is a well - known medical institution in New York City. Their team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is expert at enhancing women’s breasts. They take a warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care, providing an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing very private and sensitive concerns about their body.
Services Offered
During the confidential consultation, they provide all the information patients need to make an educated decision about the breast reduction procedure. They also work with patients to determine if it is the right choice for them, considering factors such as the patient's current health, lifestyle, and future plans. In some cases, they may recommend combining breast reduction with other procedures like breast lift or as part of a mommy makeover for a more complete enhancement.
Patient Experience
Patients at Mount Sinai can expect personalized attention throughout the process, from the initial consultation to post - operative follow - ups. The hospital's reputation for excellence in medical care and surgical expertise makes it a popular choice for breast reduction surgery.
2. Rowe Plastic Surgery™
Rowe Plastic Surgery offers breast reduction in NYC & NJ. Their board - certified plastic surgeons are among the top reduction mammoplasty specialists, focusing on minimally invasive breast reduction surgery. They are leading experts in macromastia (breast hypertrophy) and concentrate on excess breast weight, breast malposition, as well as cosmetic appearance (asymmetry, minimal scarring), and rapid recovery.
Types of Breast Reduction Procedures
| Procedure Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Pedicle Method | The surgeon leaves a pedicle, also called attached tissue graft, with nerves and blood vessels intact, to supply the breast after it’s been reduced in size. |
| Inferior Pedicle Method | A pedicle breast surgery procedure in which the doctor attaches a tissue graft into the inframammary fold, where the bottom of the breast meets the chest. |
| Superior Pedicle Method | The surgeon attaches a pedicle in the upper quadrant of the breast, above the areola. |
| Free Nipple Graft | The surgeon removes the nipple completely and replaces it in a new, higher position as a skin graft. |
| Anchor Incision Pattern | The incision circles the areola’s parameter and then follows a straight line down the middle of the breast to the crease where the breast meets the chest. |
| Le Jour Incision Pattern | Allows the NYC plastic surgeon to access the breast parenchyma for removal. This procedure is popular because it leaves minimal scarring. |
Patient Testimonials
Women who choose to undergo breast reduction at Rowe Plastic Surgery often experience significant satisfaction with the outcomes. The most common feedback is that they should have done the procedure much earlier. Dr. Norman Rowe, in particular, is highly sought - after for his exceptional skill in performing the procedure, ensuring minimal scarring and maintaining the natural aesthetics of the breasts.
3. Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Located on the upper east side in Manhattan, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC is the premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. Their breast reduction specialist surgeons are top - rated board - certified / board - eligible plastic surgeons, offering top - quality surgical care in a state - of - the - art facility without the impersonal experience and paperwork of large - scale hospitals.
Unique Features
One of the center's unique features is its innovative approach to pain management. They have developed a special technique called a nerve block, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine. Only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen are necessary for recovery, even for patients with very large breast reduction volumes. The center also performs hundreds of breast reduction surgeries each year, and their surgeons do not use drains in the procedures, and all the stitches dissolve on their own, making post - op care much less complicated.
Insurance and Consultation
They are in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (but do not accept United Healthcare Community Plan and Oxford Metro plans). They may accept the Empire Plan (NYSHIP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna plans only if the patient has out - of - network benefits. The center offers virtual consultations, which is convenient for patients from around the country and the world. During the complimentary 15 - minute phone consultation, patients can ask questions about surgery, costs, financing, and health insurance coverage.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the breast reduction surgery, patients typically go through several steps of preparation. This includes an initial consultation with an experienced breast surgeon to learn more about the procedure. A physical examination is carried out, and the patient's medical history is reviewed to determine if they are a good candidate for mammoplasty. The doctor also determines the best reduction option to suit the patient's chest, height, weight, and body size. Pre - operative requirements may include taking a baseline mammogram, stopping the use of blood - thinning medications, aspirin, and anti - inflammatories, and refraining from smoking weeks before the procedure. In some cases, additional medications or dose adjustments may be required based on the patient's medical situation.
The Surgery Itself
Breast reduction is an inpatient surgery that usually takes place in a fully equipped ambulatory surgical center. The procedure generally follows these steps:
- Incision Marks: The surgeon marks the incision lines on the breasts while the patient is standing, depending on the shape, size, and required reduction of the breasts.
- Anesthesia: The patient is put under general anesthesia while lying comfortably on the operating bed, and the anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout the surgery.
- Incisions: Incisions are made according to the best breast reduction technique based on the patient's breast anatomy.
- Breast Reduction: The surgeon removes the excess tissue, fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the lower part of the breasts to reduce the size.
- Breast Lift: The bust is reshaped with the remaining breast tissue into natural contours as part of the breast lift.
- Nipple and Areola Repositioning: The surgeon moves the nipple to a higher location on the breast while it’s still attached to its blood supply.
- Closing the Incision: The incisions are brought together, and the newly reduced breasts gain a natural shape. The doctor uses a combination of skin adhesives, surgical tape, and sutures, and whenever possible, absorbent sutures that dissolve naturally.
- Dressing: The surgeon dresses the incisions with a gauze bandage and then wraps the bosom in a protective cover.
Post - operative Recovery
Recovery times can vary from person to person, but in general, patients may experience some mild pain and soreness when they wake up immediately after the procedure. There may also be a feeling of pulling or stretching around the breasts, which is normal and will pass. The breast surgery procedure generally takes two to three hours, and while it can be an outpatient procedure, some patients may require an overnight stay. After the surgery, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and lifting their arms over their heads for the first two weeks to allow for healing. They can take their first shower a day after the removal of their bandages. Discomfort and soreness can be managed with medication prescribed by the doctor. Patients may be able to return to work in two to three weeks, depending on the type of work they do, and should avoid high - intensity exercise for at least a month. Scars are expected but will fade over time with proper care.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Cost Factors
The cost of breast reduction surgery can vary depending on several factors. These include the current size of the breasts, the goal breast size, the complexity of the procedure, the type of technique used, the experience and reputation of the surgeon, and any related medical conditions. In some cases, additional fees may be associated with anesthesia, the surgical facility, and post - operative care.
Insurance Coverage
If the breast reduction surgery is considered medically necessary, for example, if the large breasts are causing significant pain and interfering with the patient's daily life, the majority of the costs related to the surgery could be covered by insurance. Insurance companies typically look for signs of “symptomatic macromastia,” such as shoulder, back, or neck pain, significant grooving from bra straps on the shoulders, bad posture, limitations on physical activity, headaches or nerve compression syndromes, and rashes or infections under the breasts. However, if the surgery is for purely cosmetic reasons, it is usually considered a self - pay procedure. Each hospital and plastic surgery center may have different in - network insurance providers, and they often have insurance experts on staff to help patients determine their eligibility and guide them through the insurance approval process.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Selecting the right plastic surgeon is crucial for a successful breast reduction surgery. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Certification: The best plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification ensures that the surgeon has met the highest standards of education, training, and ethical practice in the field of plastic surgery.
- Experience: Look for a cosmetic surgeon with years of experience in breast surgeries, especially the type of breast reduction surgery you want. Surgeons with more experience are likely to have better skills and be more familiar with potential complications and how to handle them.
- Manner: Choose a plastic surgeon who is easily approachable and listens to your concerns. A good surgeon should understand your fears and be able to alleviate them with ease and openness. They should also take the time to explain the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes in detail.
- Reviews: Read the reviews from the surgeon’s other patients to determine the success rate and patient satisfaction. Online reviews can provide valuable insights into the surgeon's skills, bedside manner, and the overall patient experience.
- Facility: Vet the facility to confirm it has the right equipment and personnel to make you feel safe and comfortable. The surgical facility should be clean, well - equipped, and meet all the necessary safety standards.
- Customer Service: Find a plastic surgeon who offers reliable customer service. This means that they should be available to answer your questions at any time during the process of your breast reduction, both before and after the surgery.
- Reputation: Look for a top - rated surgeon in the profession. A surgeon with publications in the field and who has earned the respect of other cosmetic surgeons is likely to be highly skilled and knowledgeable.
- Transparency: Check whether there are complaints about the doctor’s charges from other patients. A good surgeon should discuss the surgical process before the procedure and help with any paperwork required for insurance.
Conclusion
Breast reduction surgery can be a life - changing procedure for women who are suffering from the physical and emotional burden of overly large breasts. In New York City, there are several top - notch plastic hospitals and surgeons available, including both third - grade institutions like Mount Sinai and private practices like Rowe Plastic Surgery and the Breast Reduction Center of NYC. These facilities offer a range of services, advanced techniques, and personalized care to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. When considering breast reduction surgery, it is important to do thorough research, choose the right surgeon and facility, and have realistic expectations about the procedure and recovery process.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, we encourage you to reach out to one of the top plastic hospitals in New York City for a consultation. Learn more about the procedure, ask questions, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Take the first step towards a more comfortable and confident life today!
