Authoritative release of the top 10 plastic surgery hospitals for breast reconstruction in New York City!

Breast reconstruction is a significant surgical procedure that can greatly impact the physical and emotional well - being of individuals who have undergone mastectomies. In New York City, there are several world - class plastic surgery hospitals and clinics renowned for their expertise in breast reconstruction. Here is an in - depth look at some of the top institutions.

1. Mount Sinai - New York

Overview

At the Dubin Breast Center of Mount Sinai, they offer expert breast reconstruction services. Their plastic surgeons collaborate closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to ensure seamless and advanced procedures. The focus is on both medical and aesthetic outcomes.

Reconstruction Types

• Implant Reconstruction: At the time of mastectomy, a tissue expander is placed in the breast. It is a temporary inflatable implant that is inflated in the plastic surgeon's office after surgery. The patient usually stays in the hospital for a day or two and may return to work in two to three weeks. About three months after the initial surgery, a second ambulatory surgery is performed to remove the tissue expander and place a permanent implant, which can be filled with silicone or saline.
• Autologous Reconstruction: Different types of autologous reconstruction use the patient's own body tissue. For example, the DIEP flap uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen, similar to a “tummy - tuck”. The latissimus dorsi flap uses skin and muscle from the back. The initial surgery for autologous reconstruction is generally longer than implant reconstruction, with a typical hospital stay of five days, and patients may return to work in four to six weeks.

2. Weill Cornell Medicine

Reasons to Choose

Weill Cornell Medicine has a long - standing reputation in breast reconstruction. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field and offer the most advanced surgery options and techniques. They have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for 20 years, positioning them as leaders in this technique.

• Exemplary Surgeons: The surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team focuses on patient comfort throughout the process.
• Individualized Care: They provide individualized breast reconstruction tailored to each patient's unique body, allowing patients to achieve the desired breast appearance.
• Multidisciplinary Care: The plastic and reproductive surgeons are part of a multidisciplinary group that includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses specializing in breast cancer care, ensuring optimal health and well - being for patients.
• Focus on Comfort: The team prioritizes patient comfort. Before surgery, patients can ask questions to fully understand the procedure. In state - of - the - art surgical suites, the latest anesthetics and medications are used for quicker recovery and faster healing. After surgery, pain management and self - care instructions are provided.

Reconstruction Options

• Autologous Reconstruction: Uses the patient's own tissue from various areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Nerves can be reconstructed during this process to increase sensory recovery in the breasts, which may be numb after mastectomy.
• Breast Innervation: A novel reinnervation procedure can be performed during both autologous and implant reconstruction. During autologous reconstruction, a nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest. In implant reconstruction, the nerves supplying the skin and nipple are preserved and reconnected.
• DIEP Flap Reconstruction: An innovative technique that uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to create natural - looking and feeling breasts while also creating a slimmer abdomen.
• Implant - Based Reconstruction: They perform breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants based on individual needs. Both saline and silicone breast implants are used, and they have pioneered techniques such as direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without drains.

3. Dr. Antell's Practice

Surgeon's Profile

Dr. Darrick Antell is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. 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 recognition for his research on identical twins and the aging process, with his work displayed in the Smithsonian Museum. He has also been listed in Harper's Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.

Patient Considerations

Most mastectomy patients are medically appropriate for reconstruction, especially those whose cancer has been completely removed and do not require further treatment. Breast reconstruction can occur immediately after mastectomy or be delayed, depending on factors such as the patient's readiness, complexity of the procedure, and health conditions. In delayed reconstructions, a tissue expander may be used for four to six weeks to prepare the area.

Reconstruction Techniques

• Flap Reconstruction: This method uses tissue (skin, fat, and muscle) from other areas of the body to reconstruct the breast, resulting in a more natural - feeling breast. Examples include the TRAM flap, which tunnels tissue from the abdomen upward into the breast area, and newer techniques like the free TRAM flap and DIEP flap that sacrifice less abdominal muscle.
• Implant - Based Reconstruction: A tissue expander is first placed under the pectoral muscle, and a saline solution is gradually added to stretch the skin. After six to eight weeks, the expander is removed, and a true implant (silicone or saline) is placed. If enough skin remains, the true implant can be placed directly.

4. Doctors Plastic Surgery

Highlights

This surgical center in NYC is known for its advanced breast reconstruction techniques after mastectomy. They offer natural, symmetrical breast results and have double - board - certified surgeons. Their state - of - the - art facility is equipped with cutting - edge technology and provides a high level of comfort for patients throughout the treatment journey.

Surgeon's Expertise

Dr. Ross Ratner, a double - board - certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures, is a recognized leader in breast reconstruction surgery. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, bringing unmatched expertise and a patient - focused approach.

Reconstruction Methods

• Flap Procedures: Advanced flap procedures like the DIEP flap and TRAM flap are offered. These techniques use the patient's own natural tissue from areas such as the abdomen to create a natural breast shape. The DIEP flap spares abdominal muscles for faster recovery.
• Implant - Based Reconstruction: For patients who prefer breast implants, comprehensive implant - based breast reconstruction is provided. Surgeons work with patients to choose the right size and type of implant for symmetrical and natural - looking results.

Insurance and Financing

Most insurance plans are accepted, and flexible financing options are available through partners like CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry, making the procedure more accessible to patients.

5. Columbia University Plastic Surgery

Overall Reputation

As one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center, Columbia University's plastic surgery division has extensive experience. Their mission is to provide the highest quality care for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Reconstructive Services

The Columbia breast cancer reconstructive surgery program is dedicated to helping individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery reclaim their physical and emotional well - being. It brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons for compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.

Surgeon Team

The division has a team of board - certified surgeons. For example, Dr. Christine Rohde is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and breast reconstruction. Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman is an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon with numerous publications and has been recognized in multiple “Top Doctors” lists.

6. NewYork - Presbyterian

Leadership in Reconstruction

NewYork - Presbyterian plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction. They have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for 20 years.

Reconstruction Types

• Autologous Reconstruction: Uses the patient's own body tissue from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks to reconstruct breast tissue. A novel reinnervation procedure can be performed during autologous reconstruction, which takes about 20 minutes and involves reconnecting a nerve in the abdominal flap to a nerve in the chest.
• Implant - Based Reconstruction: Surgeons utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers while following current practice guidelines that discourage the use of textured implants.
• DIEP Flap Reconstruction: An innovative technique that uses a flap of tissue from the abdomen to create natural - looking breasts and a slimmer abdomen.

7. Breast Reconstruction Center NYC

Surgeon and Services

The center is staffed with best - in - class board - certified breast surgery specialist plastic surgeons. They offer a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction following a full or partial mastectomy. These include immediate breast reconstruction, delayed breast reconstruction, and revisions of breast reconstructions.

Specific Procedures

• Areola Reshaping: Corrects inverted or enlarged nipples by creating a periareolar incision and removing excess skin.
• Breast Implant Removal: Depending on the patient's desired outcome, procedures such as en bloc, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy can be performed.
• Nipple (Areola) Correction: Corrects problems related to enlarged, asymmetrical, protruding, or inverted nipples in both men and women.
• Nipple (Areola) Reconstruction: Puts the finishing touch on breast reconstruction surgery for an optimal aesthetic outcome.
• Partial Breast Reconstruction: Also known as oncoplastic surgery, it addresses the cosmetic appearance of breasts after lumpectomy, with options varying from patient to patient.
• Revision Breast Reconstruction: Performed when the initial reconstructive surgery results in an aesthetically disappointing outcome.

Insurance Coverage

The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires insurance companies covering mastectomies to also cover all stages of breast reconstruction. The center works closely with patients and insurance companies to ensure they receive full benefits.

8. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice

Surgeon's Approach

Dr. John Sherman is an experienced and highly skilled plastic surgeon who provides comforting personal care to breast reconstruction patients in New York City. He offers breast reconstruction after mastectomy and double mastectomy reconstruction and often revises previously performed mastectomy reconstruction surgeries due to implant problems or aesthetic issues.

Procedure Details

Breast reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia, either in the office - based surgery center as an outpatient or at hospitals such as New York Presbyterian Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, or Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut.

Recovery

Dr. Sherman provides thorough post - operative instructions. Swelling, bruising, discomfort, and numbness are common during the recovery process, but these issues will gradually subside. Incision lines will become less noticeable over 12 to 18 months.

Insurance and Financing

The cost of the operation is usually covered by insurance, and the practice makes efforts to contact the insurance company to predetermine benefits. Financing options are also available to ease the payment process.

Comparison of Key Aspects Among Institutions

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast Reconstruction Hospital in NYC

Surgeon Expertise

The experience and reputation of the plastic surgeon are crucial. Look for board - certified surgeons who have extensive experience in breast reconstruction. Surgeons with research contributions or recognition in the field may offer more advanced and innovative techniques.

Reconstruction Options

Consider the range of reconstruction options available. Some patients may prefer autologous reconstruction for a more natural feel, while others may opt for implant - based reconstruction for a quicker recovery. The hospital should offer the type of reconstruction that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Multidisciplinary Care

Breast reconstruction often involves collaboration between