Breast Reduction Plastic Surgery in New York City: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a life - changing procedure for many women. In New York City, a vibrant hub of medical excellence, there are numerous skilled doctors who perform this surgery. This article will explore the ranking of doctors, the prices of the surgery, and present some real - life freckle - removal (a misnomer here; presumably you meant to focus on breast reduction) cases. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what to expect if you're considering breast reduction in the Big Apple.
The Importance of Breast Reduction Surgery
Large breasts can cause a multitude of physical and emotional issues. Physically, they can lead to chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as skin irritation under the breast crease. From an emotional perspective, overly large breasts can make women self - conscious and limit their participation in physical activities. Breast reduction surgery addresses these problems by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a more proportionate breast size.
According to multiple sources, many women experience significant relief from physical discomfort and a boost in self - confidence after the surgery. For instance, a woman who once suffered from constant back pain due to her large breasts may find that the pain is alleviated, allowing her to engage in activities she previously avoided.
Ranking of Doctors in New York City for Breast Reduction
When it comes to choosing a doctor for breast reduction surgery, the ranking can be a crucial factor. A high - ranking doctor often implies more experience, better patient satisfaction, and superior surgical skills. Healthgrades has compiled a list of doctors in New York who perform breast reduction surgery, with an average rating of 4.3 stars among 1851 doctors.
Top - Rated Doctors
Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Location |
---|---|---|
Dr. Basem Azab, MD | 5.00 | 256 Mason Ave Bldg C Fl 3, Staten Island, NY 10305 |
Dr. Richard Reish | 4.90 | 330 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 |
Dr. Peter Henderson, MD | 4.70 | 10 Union Sq E Frnt 2l, New York, NY 10003 |
Dr. Leslie Cohen, MD | 4.70 | 1283 York Avenue 4th floor, New York, NY 10065 |
Dr. Evan Matros, MD | 4.80 | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 |
These doctors have received high ratings from their patients, indicating their ability to deliver successful outcomes. However, it's important to note that a high rating is just one aspect to consider. You should also look into the doctor's experience, surgical techniques, and bedside manner.
Factors Affecting a Doctor's Ranking
- Patient Satisfaction: This is perhaps the most obvious factor. Patients who are happy with their surgical results, the quality of care during the procedure, and the post - operative follow - up are more likely to give high ratings. For example, a doctor who takes the time to listen to the patient's concerns and answers all their questions will likely have higher patient satisfaction.
- Experience: Doctors with more years of experience in performing breast reduction surgery are often more likely to have a better understanding of the complexities of the procedure. They may have encountered a wider range of cases and developed effective techniques to handle them.
- Success Rate: A doctor's success rate in terms of achieving the desired breast size, minimizing complications, and providing a natural - looking result is also a key factor. A high success rate reflects the doctor's skill and expertise.
- Medical Reputation: How the doctor is regarded within the medical community can also influence their ranking. A doctor who is respected by their peers, participates in medical research, and contributes to the field is more likely to have a good reputation.
Prices of Breast Reduction Surgery in New York City
The cost of breast reduction surgery in New York City can vary significantly depending on several factors. It's important to understand these factors to make an informed decision about your surgery.
Average Costs
According to Sidecar Health, the average cash price for breast reduction surgery care in New York is $6,051 at a surgery center versus $10,439 at an outpatient hospital. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that the average cost of breast reduction (for aesthetic patients only) is $7,800, but this only includes the surgeon's fee and does not account for anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs at a surgery center and an outpatient hospital in New York:
Cost Component | Surgery Center (Average) | Outpatient Hospital (Average) |
---|---|---|
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Visit (First - time) | $142 | $142 |
Provider Fee for Breast Reduction | $1,650 | $1,650 |
Facility Fee | $3,162 | $7,550 |
Prescriptions (Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen) | $18 | $18 |
Anesthesiologist Fee to be "Put Under" for Procedure | $232 | $232 |
Anesthesiologist Time to be "Put Under" for Procedure | $846 | $846 |
Total Average Cash Price | $6,051.42 | $10,439.34 |
Factors Affecting the Price
- Complexity of the Procedure: If the breast reduction requires a more complex surgical technique, such as a significant amount of tissue removal or a reconstruction of the breast shape, the cost will be higher. For example, a patient with extremely large breasts may need a more involved procedure compared to someone with moderately large breasts.
- Surgeon's Expertise: Highly experienced and well - known surgeons may charge more for their services. A surgeon with a long track record of successful breast reduction surgeries and a good reputation in the field will likely command a higher fee.
- Location of the Facility: Surgery centers and outpatient hospitals in more upscale areas of New York City may have higher costs. For instance, a facility in Manhattan may be more expensive than one in a less central borough.
- Additional Services: Some providers may include additional services in the price, such as pre - operative consultations, post - operative follow - up appointments, and custom - made post - surgical garments. These additional services can increase the overall cost.
Insurance Coverage
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 complex and may involve submitting a letter and photos to the insurance company. Even if the insurance covers the procedure, you may still be responsible for copayments or deductibles.
Real - Life Breast Reduction Cases in New York City
Real - life cases can provide valuable insights into what to expect from breast reduction surgery. Here are a few examples of patients in New York City who have undergone the procedure:
Case 1: Sarah's Experience
Sarah, a 32 - year - old woman from Brooklyn, had been struggling with back pain and limited physical activity due to her large breasts for many years. She decided to undergo breast reduction surgery with Dr. Richard Reish. After the surgery, Sarah reported a significant reduction in her back pain. She was able to start going to the gym regularly and wear clothes that she previously avoided. She also felt more confident in her appearance. Her success story is a testament to the positive impact of breast reduction surgery.
Case 2: Lisa's Journey
Lisa, a 45 - year - old from Manhattan, chose Dr. Peter Henderson for her breast reduction. Lisa had been self - conscious about her large breasts for as long as she could remember. The surgery not only improved her physical comfort but also had a profound effect on her self - esteem. She was able to participate in social activities without feeling embarrassed about her breast size. Her experience shows that breast reduction can have both physical and emotional benefits.
Choosing the Right Doctor for Your Breast Reduction Surgery
Selecting the right doctor for your breast reduction surgery is a critical decision. Here are some steps you can take to make an informed choice:
Research and Compare
Use online resources, such as Healthgrades, to research different doctors in New York City. Compare their ratings, experience, and patient reviews. Look for doctors who specialize in breast reduction surgery and have a high success rate.
Schedule Consultations
Once you have a list of potential doctors, schedule consultations with them. During the consultation, you can ask questions about the surgical procedure, the expected results, and the recovery process. Pay attention to the doctor's communication style and how well they listen to your concerns. A good doctor will take the time to understand your goals and explain the procedure in detail.
Check Credentials
Ensure that the doctor is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has met the highest standards of education, training, and ethical practice in the field of plastic surgery. You can also check if the doctor has any disciplinary actions or malpractice claims against them.
View Before - and - After Photos
Most doctors will have a portfolio of before - and - after photos of their breast reduction patients. This can give you a good idea of the doctor's surgical skills and the type of results they can achieve. Look for photos of patients with similar body types and breast sizes to yours.
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
Once you have chosen a doctor and decided to proceed with the surgery, there are several steps you need to take to prepare:
Medical Clearance
Your doctor will likely require you to obtain medical clearance from your family physician. This may involve a physical examination, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests to ensure that you are in good health for the surgery.
Medication and Supplements
Inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking, including over - the - counter drugs. Some medications and supplements, such as aspirin and herbal supplements, can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking these substances before the surgery.
Arrange for Help
Since you will be under general anesthesia during the surgery, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. You may also need help with daily activities, such as cooking and cleaning, during the recovery period. Arrange for a friend or family member to assist you.
Post - Surgical Garments
Your doctor's office may order a custom - made post - surgical garment for you. This garment helps support the breasts during the healing process and can reduce swelling and discomfort.
The Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure
The breast reduction surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. Here is a general overview of the procedure:
Incisions
There are several types of incisions that the surgeon may use, depending on the size and shape of your breasts and the desired results. The most common types of incisions include:
- Circular Incision: This involves creating an incision around the areola to remove excess tissue from the breast.
- Vertical (Lollipop) Incision: An incision is made around the areola, as well as an additional incision down from the areola to the crease of the breast, resulting in a lollipop - shaped incision.
- Anchor (Inverted - T) Incision: This type of incision uses incisions around the areola, vertically down the areola to the breast crease, and along the crease to form an anchor or inverted - T shape.
Tissue Removal and Breast Shaping
Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The remaining tissue will then be reshaped and lifted to create smaller, more proportionate breasts. In some cases, the surgeon may also reposition the areola and nipple to a more natural position.
Closure
After the tissue removal and shaping are complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. Some surgeons may use dissolvable sutures, while others may require the sutures to be removed after a certain period of time.
Recovery from Breast Reduction Surgery
The recovery process after breast reduction surgery can vary from patient to patient. Here are some general guidelines:
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area until you wake up from the anesthesia. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and pain in the breast area. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help manage the pain.
Wearing a Surgical Bra
You will need to wear a surgical bra for several weeks after the surgery to support the breasts and promote healing. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions on how long to wear the bra and how to care for it.
Activity Restrictions
You will need to avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, exercise, and driving, for a few weeks after the surgery. Your doctor will gradually increase your activity level as you heal. It's important to follow these restrictions to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery.
Follow - Up Appointments
Your doctor will schedule several follow - up appointments to monitor your healing progress. During these appointments, the doctor will check the incisions, remove any sutures if necessary, and address any concerns you may have.
Long - Term Results and Considerations
The results of breast reduction surgery are typically long - lasting. Most patients enjoy permanent relief from the physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts. However, there are some factors that can affect the long - term results:
Weight Fluctuations
Significant weight gain or loss can affect the size and shape of your breasts. It's important to maintain a stable weight after the surgery to preserve the results. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you achieve and maintain a stable weight.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause changes in the breasts, which may affect the results of the breast reduction surgery. If you plan to have children in the future, it's important to discuss this with