An Inventory of Popular Hospitals for Breast Prosthesis Replacement Surgery in New York City!

Breast prosthesis replacement surgery is a significant medical and aesthetic procedure that can greatly impact the lives of many women. In New York City, there are several renowned hospitals and medical centers offering top - notch services in this field. This article will provide a comprehensive inventory of these popular institutions, along with the surgical approaches, expertise of their medical teams, and other relevant details.

1. Mount Sinai - New York

1.1 Breast Implant Reconstruction Services

Mount Sinai stands at the forefront of breast reconstruction surgery. Breast implants used here are made of a flexible silicone casing filled with either saline (sterile salt water) or silicone gel (a soft gelatin - like substance). Silicone gel implants are often preferred by many women as they feel softer and more like natural breasts compared to saline implants. Both types are approved as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

1.2 Surgical Processes

There are two main surgical processes available:

• Tissue Expander Process: Breast implant surgery is usually a two - step process. First, the surgeon inserts a tissue expander (similar to an empty balloon) under the chest muscles. Over several weeks, the expander is inflated until the desired size and shape are achieved. Then, a second surgical procedure is performed to replace the expander with the chosen saline or silicone implant.
• Direct - to - Implant Process: C. Andrew Salzberg, MD, chief of the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at The Mount Sinai Hospital and professor of surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, pioneered this approach. Eligible patients can undergo direct - to - implant breast reconstruction, which avoids the use of a tissue expander. The implant is inserted immediately behind the pectoralis major muscle, with innovative techniques used to provide additional soft tissue support.

1.3 Why Choose Mount Sinai

The hospital has a team of highly skilled reconstructive surgeons. Their expertise and the advanced techniques they use ensure high - quality results. Moreover, the hospital offers personalized care and support to patients throughout the entire surgical process.

2. New York Group for Plastic Surgery

2.1 Breast Reconstruction Options

This group offers a wide range of breast reconstruction options, which are crucial for women who have lost one or both breasts due to genetic susceptibility or breast cancer. The options include:

• Direct to Implant: Dr. C. Andrew Salzberg, a pioneer in this area, performed the first - ever direct to implant reconstruction in 2001 and has since helped over 500 patients. This procedure is completed at the same time as mastectomy in one surgical operation. A permanent implant and a special support material called acellular dermal matrix (ADM) are inserted into the breast immediately after breast tissue removal, eliminating the need for a tissue expander.
• Autologous Tissue Flap: Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs specializes in this type of reconstruction. There are different autologous tissue flap procedures:
  • Pedicled Tram (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous) Flap: Uses muscle, fat, and skin from the lower abdomen to reconstruct a breast. The flap remains attached to the rectus abdominis muscle for blood supply and is tunneled into the breast pocket.
  • Free Tram Flap: Based on the blood vessels of the rectus abdominis muscle, but only a small piece of muscle is removed and transplanted to the chest.
  • Diep (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) Flap: Transfers tissue from the abdomen without using muscle. Only blood vessels and fat are transferred, and microsurgery is used to reconnect the donor vessels at the breast site. Many patients in NYC choose this technique as it doesn't affect abdominal muscles, doesn't require implants, and the results look and feel natural.
  • TAP Flap (Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator): Utilizes skin and fat from the side of the upper back without taking the latissimus muscle. It's often used in combination with other techniques to correct small defects and enhance breast shape and size.

2.2 Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs have spent decades perfecting their techniques. They work together seamlessly to provide the best possible breast reconstruction, maintaining the patient's sensibility and femininity. The group has a long - standing reputation for providing experienced, precision reconstructive plastic surgery with a caring approach to patient care.

3. Antell - MD

3.1 Surgeon Profile

Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - rated New York plastic surgeon who is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has focused his career on aesthetic procedures and is among the most respected breast augmentation surgeons in the country. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he has received numerous honors, including being listed in Harper's Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the nation.

3.2 Breast Reconstruction Techniques

Dr. Antell offers two main types of breast reconstruction:

• Flap Reconstruction: This technique uses tissue (skin, fat, and muscle) from other areas of the body to reconstruct the breast, resulting in a more natural - feeling breast. Options include the TRAM flap, free TRAM flap, DIEP flap, and others. For example, the TRAM flap tunnels tissue from the abdomen upward into the breast area while keeping the blood vessels attached to their original blood supply.
• Implant - Based Reconstruction: Typically, a tissue expander is first placed under the pectoral (chest) muscle. A saline solution is gradually added to the expander to stretch the skin over six to eight weeks. Then, in a second surgery, the expander is removed, and the true implant (silicone or saline) is placed. If there is enough skin to cover the breast without expansion, the true implant can be placed directly.

3.3 Patient - Centered Care

Dr. Antell understands the physical and emotional trauma that breast cancer patients have endured. He takes the time to work with patients to develop a personalized surgical plan based on their age, health, anatomy, and goals. He also provides detailed explanations of the procedure, risks, and recovery process, ensuring that patients are well - informed and confident.

4. Centers Affiliated with Dr. Joshua Levine

4.1 Hospital Affiliations

Dr. Levine operates in top - rated hospitals in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. In New York, these include:

• New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai: Ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006 and has achieved Magnet® status for excellence in nursing services.
• Nyack Hospital: Recognized as a “top performer” for three consecutive years by the Joint Commission.
• Good Samaritan Hospital: Has the Joint Commission gold seal of approval.
• Northern Westchester Hospital: Listed among the “best hospitals 2013 - 14” by U.S. News & World Report.
• Montefiore Medical Center

In New Jersey, affiliated hospitals are Hackensack University Medical Center (New Jersey’s #1 hospital and among the top 30 in the nation with national specialty rankings), Morristown Medical Center (one of the safest hospitals in the nation and a top teaching hospital), Holy Name Medical Center, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center. In Connecticut, Greenwich Hospital has a five - star hospital quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and has received awards for cancer care and patient experience.

4.2 Surgical Teams

Dr. Levine builds expert surgical teams with advanced skills in natural breast reconstruction. He trained many of the first - wave DIEP surgeons in the tri - state area. His team includes assisting microsurgeons like Robert Allen, MD (a pioneer of perforator free flap breast reconstruction) and Julie Vasile, MD (a board - certified fellowship - trained microsurgeon). The breast surgeons on the team are Ranjana Chaterji, MD, Leah Gendler, MD, Alyssa Gillego, MD, and Karen Karsif, MD.

4.3 Patient Recovery

Dr. Levine always uses a second expert microsurgeon when performing perforator flap breast reconstruction. This team approach, along with the high - level of skill of the surgical staff, ensures a higher level of safety and efficiency. Procedures typically take 4 to 6 hours for reconstructing two breasts, and patients can recover quickly with fewer problems and complications.

5. Weill Cornell Medicine

5.1 Breast Reconstruction Goals

The goal at Weill Cornell Medicine is to make patients who have had mastectomies feel whole and complete again. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction, especially in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction, which they have been performing for the past 20 years.

5.2 Breast Reconstruction Options

Options include:

• Autologous Reconstruction: Uses the patient's own tissue from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks to reconstruct the breast. Nerves can be reconstructed during this process to increase sensory recovery in the breasts, which may be numb after mastectomy. For example, the DIEP flap reconstruction uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts.
• Implant - Based Reconstruction: The hospital performs breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants based on the patient's unique needs. They utilize both saline and silicone breast implants and have pioneered techniques like direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without the use of drains.
• Breast Reinnervation: The surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed techniques for breast reinnervation during both autologous and implant - based reconstruction. This helps improve sensation and patient quality of life.

5.3 Multidisciplinary Care

Patients at Weill Cornell Medicine have access to a multidisciplinary team that includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. The plastic and reproductive surgeons are part of the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, which works together to help patients achieve optimal health and well - being.

6. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice

6.1 Breast Implant Replacement Services

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a top breast implant replacement surgeon on NYC’s upper east side. She provides services for patients who are not entirely satisfied with their breast augmentation results or are experiencing complications after surgery. Indications for breast implant replacement include the patient's desire to change the size, shape, or type of implant, changes in breast shape affecting implant position, implant rupture, leakage, or deflation, malposition or displacement, capsular contracture, and breast asymmetry due to implants.

6.2 Types of Procedures

Procedures involved in breast implant replacement may include:

• Changing the size of the implants
• Changing the type of implants (saline or silicone, smooth, or textured)
• Changing the placement (under the breast or under the muscle) of the implants
• Adjusting the capsule around the breast implants (either repositioning or removing part/all of the capsule)
• Breast implant replacement with fat transfer: In certain patients, fat transfer can be used to correct minor irregularities, provide additional breast volume, or cover visible or palpable implants. Fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, purified, and then injected into the breasts.

6.3 Patient - Centric Approach

Dr. Hutchinson is known for her integrity, transparency, and patient - centered approach. She empowers patients to make the best decisions for their health and well - being. With thousands of surgeries performed, she has high - level operating skills and extensive knowledge. Her practice also offers high - end concierge services, including maximum discretion, assistance with presurgical medical clearance, unlimited pre - and post - operative appointments for one year, and flexible scheduling.

7. Friedman Center

7.1 Comprehensive Care

The Friedman Center is the premier practice for breast reconstruction surgery in New York. It offers an integrated approach to compassionate care, addressing the physical, mental, and emotional well - being of patients. In addition to working with world - class surgeons, the center helps patients coordinate insurance coverage, find additional resources and services, and connect with a community of women for support.

7.2 Surgical Procedures

Patients at the Friedman Center have a range of breast reconstruction procedures to choose from:

• Flap Reconstruction: The new breast is formed from donor tissue from another site on the body.
• Implant - Based Reconstruction: Women can choose between saline and silicone implants, smooth or textured.
• Hybrid Reconstruction: Uses a combination of tissue and implant approaches.
• Robotic - Assisted Breast Reconstruction: The center is now performing this revolutionary technology, which can provide better outcomes for patients.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Prosthesis Replacement Surgery

3.1 Surgeon Expertise

The skill and experience of the surgeon are of utmost importance. Look for surgeons who are board - certified, have extensive experience in breast reconstruction or replacement surgeries, and have a good track record of successful outcomes. You can research their educational background, training, and any honors or awards they have received.

3.2 Range of Services

Choose a hospital that offers a wide range of surgical options. This allows you to have more choices based on your specific needs, body type, and personal preferences. For example, having both implant - based and autologous tissue flap reconstruction options gives you more flexibility in achieving the desired results.

3.3 Multidisciplinary Care

Hospitals with a multidisciplinary team that includes oncologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, and other specialists are better equipped to handle all aspects of your care. They can provide comprehensive support, from diagnosis and treatment planning to post - operative care and follow - up.

3.4 Patient Experience and Reviews

Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the hospital's quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the overall experience. Positive reviews can give you confidence in your choice, while negative reviews can highlight potential issues to consider.

3.5 Insurance Coverage

Check if the hospital and the specific procedure are covered by your insurance plan. This can significantly affect the cost of the surgery. Some hospitals also offer assistance in coordinating insurance coverage, which can be very helpful.

Conclusion

In New York City, there are several excellent hospitals and medical centers offering high - quality breast prosthesis replacement surgery. Each institution has its own unique strengths, whether it's the expertise of the surgeons, the range of surgical options, or the comprehensive care provided. When considering breast prosthesis replacement surgery, it's important to carefully evaluate these factors and choose the hospital and surgeon that best meet your needs.

If you or someone you know is considering breast prosthesis replacement surgery, take the time to schedule consultations with different surgeons. Discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations, and gather as much information as possible. You can also reach out to other patients who have undergone similar surgeries for their insights and experiences. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards restoring your confidence and well - being.