Introduction

Breast reconstruction surgery is a crucial option for many women who have undergone mastectomy, either due to breast cancer or as a preventative measure. It can restore the look and feel of the body, as well as enhance self - confidence. In New York City, there are several hospitals and medical centers offering high - quality breast reconstruction services. This article will explore some of the top institutions, the procedures they offer, and the expertise of their medical teams.

Why Consider Breast Reconstruction?

Being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing a mastectomy is a physically and emotionally challenging experience. Breast reconstruction can play a significant role in the recovery process. It helps women regain a sense of normalcy and can positively impact their self - image. Restoring the appearance of the breast can make them feel more comfortable in their own bodies and in social situations. For many, it is a step towards reclaiming their lives after such a major medical event.

Top Hospitals for Breast Reconstruction in New York City

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai is a well - known medical institution in New York City that offers comprehensive breast reconstruction services. It has multiple centers dedicated to this field, such as the Mount Sinai West and the Dubin Breast Center.

Mount Sinai West

The breast reconstruction program at Mount Sinai West is led by Hani Sbitany, MD, an internationally renowned leader in breast reconstruction. The program offers the full complement of breast reconstruction options, including specialized expertise in advanced muscle - sparing and microsurgical techniques.

• Reconstruction Approaches: There are two main categories of breast reconstruction at Mount Sinai West. One involves breast implants, and the other uses the patient's own tissue (autologous). With either option, the reconstruction procedure can usually be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date.
• Medical Team: The program works closely with breast oncology surgeons. The team includes Stephanie Bernik, MD, and Jennifer Casher Lehman, MD, both experts in breast surgery. Their combined efforts ensure that patients receive comprehensive breast care.
• Contact Information: The address is 425 West 59th Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10019. The phone number is 212 - 523 - 8700, and office hours are on Tuesdays from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai

At the Dubin Breast Center, plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to offer seamless and advanced breast reconstruction. They pay close attention to both medical and aesthetic outcomes.

• Reconstruction Types:
  • Implant Reconstruction: A tissue expander is placed in the breast at the time of the mastectomy. After a few weeks, it is inflated in the plastic surgeon's office. The patient may stay in the hospital for a day or two. About three months later, the tissue expander is removed, and a permanent implant (either silicone or saline) is placed.
  • Autologous Reconstruction: Several types of procedures 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,” and the latissimus dorsi flap uses skin and muscle from the back. The initial surgery is generally longer than with an implant, and the hospital stay is typically five days, with a return to work possible in four to six weeks.

Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine is another top - tier institution in New York City for breast reconstruction surgery.

• Reasons to Choose:
  • Exemplary Surgeons: The surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They partner with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.
  • Individualized Approach: The plastic and reconstructive surgeons are highly skilled and can help patients achieve a natural look. They consider the unique characteristics of each patient's body, including race, ethnicity, gender, and gender identity.
  • Patient Comfort: The team prioritizes the patient's comfort at every step. Before surgery, patients have time to ask questions, and during the procedure, the latest anesthetics and medications are used to aid in quick recovery and fast healing. After surgery, the care team manages pain and provides instructions on self - care during the recovery process.
• Cosmetic Breast Surgery Options: The team offers a wide range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery (mastopexy), breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery.
• Contact Information: There are two locations on the Upper East Side. One is at 525 East 68th Street, Starr 8, New York, NY 10065, and the other is at 425 East 61st Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10065. The phone number is (646) 962 - 4210.

New York - Presbyterian

New York - Presbyterian plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer some of the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques.

• Types of Breast Reconstruction:
  • Autologous Reconstruction: This type of surgery uses the patient's own body tissue from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks to reconstruct nerves and breast structure. The hospital also offers a novel reinnervation procedure during autologous reconstruction, where a nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest, taking about 20 minutes.
  • Implant - Based Reconstruction: Surgeons at New York - Presbyterian utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers to best meet the patient's clinical needs. They also preserve and reconnect the nerves that supply the skin and nipple during the mastectomy for implant reconstruction.
  • DIEP Flap Reconstruction: This innovative technique uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts.
• Expertise: New York - Presbyterian has been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years, positioning them as leaders in this technique. The team provides support from the preparation to the healing process.

Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction. He is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has focused his professional career on aesthetic procedures.

• Qualifications: Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he has shown extraordinary skill and talent throughout his education. He has been honored for his groundbreaking research study 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.
• Reconstruction Procedures: Dr. Antell offers both flap and implant - based reconstruction. Flap reconstruction uses tissue from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen (TRAM flap, free TRAM flap, DIEP flap), thigh (TUG and DUG flaps), and buttock (gluteus flap) to create a natural - feeling breast. Implant - based reconstruction typically involves the use of a tissue expander first, which is later replaced with a silicone or saline implant.
• Patient - Centered Care: He understands the physical and emotional trauma that breast cancer survivors have endured and provides sympathetic and caring treatment. He works with patients to develop a personalized surgical plan based on their age, health, anatomy, and goals.
• Contact Information: To schedule a consultation, call the office at (212) 988 - 4040.

Cost of Breast Reconstruction Surgery in New York City

The cost of breast reconstruction surgery in New York City can vary widely. According to a cost comparison report, the median price for breast reconstruction surgery in New York is $24,918 when considering 136 medical providers in the area. However, prices can range from as low as $12,400 to as high as $42,200.

Here is a table showing the price ranges of some of the providers in the area:

As a healthcare consumer, it is advisable to shop around and request free quotes from different providers to potentially save money on the procedure.

What to Expect During the Breast Reconstruction Process

Pre - surgery

Once a woman decides to undergo breast reconstruction, there are several steps to take before the surgery. First, she will need to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's health, medical history, and goals for the reconstruction. They will also discuss the different types of reconstruction options available and help the patient choose the one that is most suitable for her.

The patient may be given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. She may also need to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor, depending on her medical history. Additionally, since the procedure is performed under sedation, the patient should arrange for someone to escort her home after the surgery and provide assistance in the first few days of recovery.

During Surgery

The type of anesthesia used during breast reconstruction depends on whether it is performed immediately after a mastectomy or as a delayed reconstruction. If it is immediate, general anesthesia is typically used. For delayed reconstruction, the type of anesthesia may vary based on the complexity of the procedure. In all cases, a board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient to ensure safety, comfort, and pain - free surgery.

The surgical procedure itself will vary depending on the type of reconstruction chosen. For implant - based reconstruction, a tissue expander may be placed first and later replaced with a permanent implant. In flap reconstruction, tissue from another part of the body is transferred to the breast area.

Post - surgery

Recovery from breast reconstruction varies greatly depending on the intricacies of the individual procedure. Recovery from implant - based reconstruction is typically shorter than from flap reconstruction. While a patient may return to normal daily activities within weeks, it takes months to completely heal.

The surgeon will provide a timeline based on the patient's specific case and answer any questions about the recovery process. It is important to note that some scarring is inevitable, but an experienced surgeon will work to minimize it. The incision sites will initially appear pink and firm, but the visibility of the scars will fade with time.

Risks Associated with Breast Reconstruction Surgery

As with all surgeries, breast reconstruction surgery comes with certain risks. However, by choosing an experienced, board - certified surgeon, patients can help limit the chance of various complications.

• Bleeding and Infection: These are common risks associated with any surgical procedure. The surgical team will take precautions to minimize the risk of bleeding during the operation and will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Poor Healing of Incisions: Some patients may experience slow or poor healing of the incision sites. This can be influenced by factors such as the patient's overall health, smoking habits, and diabetes.
• Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia: Although rare, some patients may have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery. The anesthesiologist will closely monitor the patient during the procedure to detect and manage any potential issues.
• Specific Risks for Flap Reconstruction: In flap reconstructions, there is a risk of partial or complete loss of the flap, as well as numbness at the donor and reconstruction sites.
• Specific Risks for Implant - Based Reconstruction: Complications of implant - based reconstruction include capsular contracture (tightening of the scar tissue around the implant) and implant rupture.

It is important to note that breast reconstruction has no known effect on the recurrence of breast cancer, nor does it generally interfere with chemotherapy or radiation treatment should the cancer return.

Conclusion

Breast reconstruction surgery is a valuable option for women who have undergone mastectomy. In New York City, there are several excellent hospitals and surgeons offering a wide range of reconstruction options, from implant - based to autologous tissue reconstructions. Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York - Presbyterian, and Dr. Darrick Antell's practice are all top - notch institutions and practitioners that provide high - quality care and expertise in this field.

When considering breast reconstruction, it is crucial to do thorough research, have in - depth consultations with the surgeons, and understand the procedures, risks, and costs involved. By making an informed decision, women can take an important step towards restoring their body image and regaining their self - confidence.

If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction surgery in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to these reputable institutions and schedule a consultation. Take the first step towards a new chapter in your life.