Introduction
Accessory breast tissue can be a source of discomfort and self - consciousness for many individuals. In New York City, finding the right hospital for accessory breast removal is crucial. A variety of hospitals offer surgical solutions for this condition, each with its own set of expertise, facilities, and approaches. This article will explore the top hospitals in New York City known for their excellence in accessory breast removal, along with important information about the procedure, recovery, and what to expect.
What is Accessory Breast Tissue?
Accessory breast tissue, also known as axillary breast tissue, are abnormal clumps of breast tissue that typically appear in the armpit area. This tissue is often genetic, and it's common to see multiple family members, like mothers and daughters, dealing with the same issue. Fortunately, these displaced mounds of tissue are almost always benign and non - cancerous. However, they can cause physical discomfort, such as irritation and restricted movement, as well as psychological distress due to body image concerns.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Hospital
- Surgeon's Expertise: The skill and experience of the plastic or general surgeon performing the accessory breast removal are of utmost importance. Look for board - certified surgeons with a track record of successful accessory breast tissue surgeries.
- Facility and Technology: State - of - the - art surgical facilities and advanced techniques can contribute to better outcomes and a more comfortable patient experience. Minimally invasive methods, for example, often result in less scarring and a quicker recovery.
- Patient Care and Support: Comprehensive patient care from pre - operative consultations to post - operative follow - up is essential. This includes emotional support, pain management, and guidance through the recovery process.
- Success Rate and Patient Satisfaction: Research the hospital's success rate in accessory breast removal procedures and read patient reviews to gauge overall satisfaction.
Top Hospitals for Accessory Breast Removal in New York City
1. Preminger Plastic Surgery
Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. Preminger is well - known for her work in accessory breast tissue surgery. She offers a range of treatment options, including CoolSculpting, liposuction, or breast tissue removal surgery. The procedure usually takes 1 - 3 hours and is performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Procedure Details: In the past, open surgery was used for accessory breast tissue removal, which left a long, ugly scar. Now, a minimally invasive method is employed. A minimal incision is made, and the tumescent liposuction technique is used to aspirate the breast and fat tissue. If nipples or areolas are present, they are excised after the liposuction.
Recovery: Patients can typically return to work in as little as 1 week, though 3 weeks is ideal. Swelling usually resolves in 2 weeks, and full improvement is visible at six months. There are some risks, such as scarring, infection, and persistent arm tightness, as well as side effects like bruising, inflammation, lymphedema, and numbness. However, a 2009 study of 51 patients published in the Journal of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported high patient satisfaction rates, with only two patients suffering from infection.
2. Mount Sinai - Union Square
The breast surgery service at Mount Sinai - Union Square is part of the Center of Excellence for Breast Cancer at the Mount Sinai Health System. While their primary focus seems to be on breast cancer and other breast conditions, they have a team of specialists in radiology, pathology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology who work together to provide comprehensive care.
Expertise: Their team can handle a wide variety of breast conditions, including accessory breast tissue removal if it is part of a more complex breast - related issue. They use advanced surgical techniques such as hidden - scar lumpectomy and nipple - sparing mastectomy, which could potentially be adapted for accessory breast tissue cases.
Patient Experience: The hospital emphasizes shared decision - making, working closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans. They also can identify clinical trials that might be appropriate for patients, which shows their commitment to staying at the forefront of breast care.
3. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Rapaport at Rapaport Plastic Surgery has decades of experience in cosmetic and plastic surgery. Although the main focus of the website information is on breast reduction, their expertise in breast surgery can be extended to accessory breast tissue removal.
Surgical Approach: They take a minimally invasive, personalized approach that prioritizes patient safety and achieves consistent results. Breast reduction surgeries are typically performed on - site in their fully accredited Manhattan surgical suite, and in selected cases, at Lenox Hill Hospital or the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital.
Patient Care: The hospital provides detailed pre - operative instructions and post - operative care, including scheduling follow - up visits to monitor the progress of healing. They also offer pain management solutions and guidance on the recovery process.
4. Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, which could include accessory breast tissue removal. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field and are equipped to provide personalized care.
Advantages: The hospital partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. Their focus on patient comfort is evident throughout the process, from the initial consultation to post - operative care. They use the latest anesthetics and medications to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster.
Procedures Offered: Along with accessory breast tissue removal, they offer breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery, breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery.
5. Antell Plastic Surgery
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - ranked plastic surgeon in New York City, well - known for his breast surgery expertise. Although the information available is more focused on breast implant removal, his skills in breast surgery can be applied to accessory breast tissue removal.
Surgeon's Reputation: Dr. Antell has been listed in Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He has an impeccable reputation for his exceptional surgical results and has performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known persons.
Facility and Care: His private operating room across from Lenox Hill Hospital is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology. The staff is trained to offer personalized care, and patients are provided with thorough discharge instructions and support during the recovery process.
6. Montefiore Medical Center
The department of surgery at Montefiore Medical Center has a multidisciplinary team dedicated to breast surgery. The team at the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (ME CCC) consists of medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and other specialists.
Surgical Options: They offer a variety of surgical approaches for breast - related conditions, which could include accessory breast tissue removal. Options may include breast lumpectomy, mastectomy, skin - sparing mastectomy, and nipple - sparing mastectomy.
Research and Care: The hospital is committed to research and participates in many national trials. Their goal is to provide personalized treatment plans that consider both optimal cancer care and the expectations and desires of each patient.
7. NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue
The breast surgery team at NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue manages patients with breast cancer, those at increased risk of breast cancer, and patients with benign and high - risk lesions. They work in a multi - disciplinary manner with a team of doctors to provide the latest treatment approaches.
Services Offered: They perform a wide range of breast surgeries, including excisional biopsies for benign tumors, mastectomies, nipple - sparing mastectomies, lumpectomies, and sentinel node biopsies. They also offer access to clinical trials, patient navigation, social work, genetic testing, and other support services.
Team Expertise: The breast surgery team consists of experienced surgeons, such as Kathie - Ann Joseph, MD, and Erica Friedman, MD, who are board - certified and affiliated with well - known medical institutions.
Comparison of the Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Facility and Technology | Patient Care | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preminger Plastic Surgery | Dr. Preminger has specific experience in accessory breast tissue surgery | Uses minimally invasive techniques | Personalized pre - and post - operative care | Information not provided; likely depends on procedure complexity |
| Mount Sinai - Union Square | Team of specialists across multiple disciplines | Advanced surgical techniques, access to clinical trials | Shared decision - making, personalized treatment plans | Cost may vary based on insurance and treatment needs |
| Rapaport Plastic Surgery | Dr. David Rapaport with decades of breast surgery experience | Fully accredited surgical suite, minimally invasive approach | Detailed pre - and post - operative care, follow - up visits | Cost based on procedure extent; may or may not be covered by insurance |
| Weill Cornell Medicine | Leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons | Partners with top - ranked hospital system, latest anesthetics | Focus on patient comfort throughout the process | Cost likely varies depending on the service required |
| Antell Plastic Surgery | Dr. Darrick Antell, highly regarded breast surgeon | Accredited private operating room with latest technology | Personalized care, thorough discharge instructions | Cost may be higher due to surgeon's reputation |
| Montefiore Medical Center | Multidisciplinary team of breast specialists | Research - based approach, various surgical options | Personalized treatment plans considering patient desires | Cost depends on insurance and treatment plan |
| NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue | Experienced board - certified breast surgeons | Access to multiple support services, clinical trials | Multi - disciplinary team support throughout the process | May be more affordable for certain patients, especially with public insurance |
The Accessory Breast Removal Procedure
The accessory breast removal procedure typically begins with a one - on - one consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will ask about the patient's medical history, assess the condition of the accessory breast tissue, and answer any questions the patient may have regarding the procedure, recovery, or payment options.
As mentioned earlier, modern techniques often involve minimally invasive procedures. A minimal incision is made, and the tumescent liposuction technique is used to aspirate the breast and fat tissue. If nipples or areolas are present, they are excised after the liposuction. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, and patients can typically go home the same day.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery time can vary from patient to patient, but in general, patients can expect to experience some bruising, inflammation, and numbness in the treated area. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort during the first few days of recovery. Patients are usually advised to rest, eat well, and drink plenty of water.
Most patients can return to work within 1 - 3 weeks, depending on the nature of their job. Light exercise can usually be resumed after 1 week, and strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 - 6 weeks. Swelling typically resolves within 2 weeks, and full improvement is visible at six months. It's important to follow the surgeon's post - operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wide range of excellent hospitals for accessory breast removal. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it's the surgeon's expertise, advanced facilities, comprehensive patient care, or research - based approach. When considering accessory breast removal, it's important to do thorough research, schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, and carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Remember, the key to a successful accessory breast removal procedure is choosing a qualified surgeon and a hospital that can provide the highest level of care. If you're struggling with accessory breast tissue, don't hesitate to take the first step towards a solution. Contact one of the hospitals mentioned in this article to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a more comfortable and confident you.
