Introduction
Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years, with a growing number of people seeking aesthetic and reconstructive procedures to enhance their appearance and well - being. In New York City, several top - notch plastic departments stand out for their excellence in patient care, research, and education. This article will present a compiled ranking of three major plastic departments, delving into their features, advantages, and more.
1. Mount Sinai - New York Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
1.1 Overview
Mount Sinai's plastic surgery practice is renowned for its comprehensive approach to plastic and reconstructive surgery. Their board - certified plastic surgeons bring a wealth of experience to the table, aiming to create beautiful and natural - looking results for patients. Whether the goal is cosmetic enhancement or medical reconstruction, the team at Mount Sinai is dedicated to understanding and fulfilling each patient's unique needs.
1.2 Reasons for Excellence
1.2.1 Surgical Expertise
The plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify plastic surgeons. Many of them have also undergone further specialized training. This combination of certification and advanced training ensures that patients receive the highest level of surgical skills, using the latest techniques and with a keen aesthetic judgment.
1.2.2 Patient - Centered Care
From the first consultation, the team at Mount Sinai focuses on the patient's goals. They take the time to listen to patients, understand their reasons for choosing plastic surgery, and then help them select the most appropriate procedures. This patient - centered approach helps build trust and ensures that patients feel valued and well - cared for throughout the process.
1.2.3 Newly Designed Suite
The newly designed plastic surgery suite at the Mount Sinai Hospital campus, named the Derfner - Lieberman Family Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, offers a comfortable and private environment for patients. A friendly concierge team greets patients, and the suite is designed with warm lighting, comfortable furnishings, and private rooms and offices to help patients feel relaxed and at ease.
1.2.4 Advanced Technology
The plastic surgery consultation suites are equipped with the most advanced technology. Patients can browse patient education materials and videos on a 55 - inch touchscreen while in the exam room. Doctors also use the advanced clarity of the touch screen to help patients visualize their anticipated results and review before - and - after possibilities. In addition, the hospital offers remote telemedicine technology for patients who are unable to visit in person.
1.2.5 History of Dedication
Mount Sinai has a long - standing tradition of providing ground - breaking plastic surgical care, especially to the underserved. The founder of the plastic surgery department, Arthur J. Barsky, MD, was a pioneering plastic surgeon known for his work with Hiroshima victims and children in Vietnam. His legacy continues to inspire the current team of plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai.
2. Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone Health
2.1 Overview
The Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone Health offers advanced patient care, exceptional physician training, and innovative research. It is one of the few fully accredited academic plastic surgery departments in the United States, featuring a large group of board - certified, academic plastic surgeons.
2.2 Key Features
2.2.1 Multidisciplinary Care
The department provides comprehensive care in a multidisciplinary setting for patients in need of plastic surgery services. This approach allows for a more holistic treatment plan, taking into account all aspects of a patient's condition and needs.
2.2.2 Research and Innovation
The department's researchers have made significant contributions to the field of plastic surgery, particularly in areas such as facial transplantation, wound healing, craniofacial biology, surgical simulation, and distraction osteogenesis. By moving basic science research from the bench to the bedside, they aim to improve patient care.
2.2.3 Education Programs
NYU Langone offers some of the largest plastic surgery residency, postdoctoral dental residency, and fellowship programs in the world. These programs train the next generation of plastic surgeons, ensuring a continuous supply of highly skilled professionals in the field. For example, the plastic surgery residency program at NYU Langone provides residents with comprehensive training in a wide array of plastic surgery subspecialties, including aesthetic surgery, breast reconstruction, cleft lip and palate surgery, and more.
2.2.4 Nationally Recognized Patient Care Programs
The patient care programs in microsurgery, breast reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, craniofacial surgery, wound care, hand surgery, and transgender surgery are nationally recognized. This indicates the high quality of care provided by the department.
3. Plastic Surgery Rankings and Trends in New York City
3.1 Newsweek Rankings
According to Newsweek's 2024 rankings of America's Best Plastic Surgeons, in New York City, several plastic surgeons received high rankings in different procedure categories. For example, in the facelift category, Andrew Jacono, MD, FACS; Sherrell J. Aston, MD; and Daniel C. Baker, MD from New York were among the top - ranked surgeons. In the eyelid surgery category, Sherrell J. Aston, MD; Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS; and Glenn W. Jelks, MD from New York also made the list.
These rankings were compiled through an elaborate process. Thousands of medical experts with knowledge of plastic surgery were invited to an online survey in March and April 2024, resulting in the collection of more than 8,400 votes for plastic surgeons representing all surgery categories. A score was calculated for each surgeon based on the number of recommendations, a quality assessment, and relevant certification. In - state and out - of - state recommendations constituted 45 percent of the overall score, the quality score accounted for 15 percent, and plastic surgeons with American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) accreditation received 5% towards their total score.
3.2 Liposuction Technology Trends
Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. Over the years, liposuction technology has evolved significantly. Currently, there are several types of liposuction technologies available:
| Technology | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Suction - Assisted Lipectomy | Uses a blunt - tip cannula connected to a suction pump to aspirate fat from the deep subcutaneous layer. Small access incisions are made in the skin, and cannulas with different curves, lengths, and diameters are used depending on the area of treatment. | It is a well - established technique and has been refined over the years. | May have a relatively high complication rate, including excess bleeding, contour irregularities, and lack of overlying skin contraction. |
| Ultrasound - Assisted Liposuction (UAL) | Employs ultrasonic energy to selectively break down fat cells. It uses an ultrasonic probe to generate oscillating sound waves that cause cavitation and cellular fragmentation in adipose tissue, followed by traditional suction to remove the fat. | Can be more effective in areas with an abundance of fibrous tissue, such as the back and chest. May reduce blood loss and operative time, and provide better contouring in some cases. | Expensive, requires larger incisions, and carries the risk of thermal burns. Its use and market share appear to be in decline due to newer technologies. |
| Power - Assisted Liposuction (PAL) | Uses a rapidly vibrating cannula. The first device was powered by medical - grade nitrogen or compressed air, and subsequent generations are powered by an electric source. The vibrating cannula can break up fibrous fat more easily. | The cannula breaks up fibrous fat more readily than traditional suction - assisted lipectomy. There is less plugging of the cannula, and the process can be less labor - intensive, potentially reducing operative times. | Additional cost, a learning curve for surgeons, vibration transmitted to the surgeon's upper extremity, and noise associated with the device. |
| Laser - Assisted Liposuction (LAL) | Utilizes laser energy of different wavelengths to induce adipocyte lysis. It achieves its desired effect through photolysis of adipose cells, photocoagulation of small vessels, liberation of adipocyte lipases, and contraction of dermal collagen. | May decrease intraoperative blood loss and postoperative ecchymosis, and improve cutaneous tightening in some cases. Different laser wavelengths can target specific substances in the subcutaneous environment. | Potential of thermal injury, high costs of equipment, and prolonged procedural time. Initial studies showed no increased cosmetic benefits compared to traditional suction - assisted lipectomy in some cases. |
| Water - Assisted Liposuction (WAL) | Uses a thin, targeted, fan - shaped jet to inject fluid during liposuction, which loosens fat cells while minimizing surrounding soft - tissue collateral damage. After infiltration, traditional liposuction is used to evacuate the subcutaneous fat. | A gentle and less traumatic form of suction lipoplasty, with advantages in large - volume fat grafting. | Does not provide inherent skin contraction following adipose aspiration, and there is limited adoption of this technology in the United States. Some patients may develop nodularity in the subcutaneous space after surgery. |
| RF - Assisted Liposuction (RFAL) | A computer - controlled, bipolar RF device that simultaneously coagulates fat, aspirates the liquefied fat, and contracts the fibro septal network. It creates small channels in the fatty tissue and causes dermal physiologic responses. | Significant contraction of the skin and soft tissue has been reported. There have been minimal reported complications, mainly bruising, surface irregularities, and pain. | Theoretical risk of thermal injury to surrounding dermal structures, although no such reports in the peer - reviewed literature. FDA approval is pending. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the three major plastic departments in New York City - Mount Sinai, the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, and the plastic surgeons recognized in Newsweek's rankings - offer high - quality plastic surgery services. Each department has its own unique strengths, whether it's the patient - centered care and advanced technology at Mount Sinai, the research and education programs at NYU Langone, or the top - ranked surgeons in different procedure categories.
When considering plastic surgery, patients should carefully evaluate their options, taking into account factors such as the surgeon's expertise, the department's reputation, and the available technology. We encourage readers to further explore these departments, consult with multiple surgeons, and make an informed decision based on their specific needs and goals. If you're interested in learning more about plastic surgery or need to find a reliable plastic surgeon, continue to research and read more articles on this topic to ensure you receive the best possible care.
