Introduction
Post - partum breast sagging is a common concern for many women in New York City. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and hormonal changes. Fortunately, there are several powerful plastic institutions in the city that offer effective solutions for breast sagging repair. In this article, we will explore the top 4 plastic institutions in New York City that can help women regain their confidence and achieve a more youthful breast appearance.
1. Cangello Plastic Surgery
1.1 Surgeon Background
Dr. David Cangello is one of the top board - certified plastic surgeons in all of New York City. His artistic approach to plastic surgery has shaped his successful practice. He truly cares about the results of the surgery, just as much as his patients do.
1.2 Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift, technically known as mastopexy, is the primary solution offered at Cangello Plastic Surgery. This surgery raises the breasts, removes excess skin, and restructures the internal tissue into an attractive, rounded shape. The nipples and areolas are also resized and moved to a higher position. Dr. Cangello uses different techniques based on the patient's condition:
- Crescent Mastopexy: This is the least invasive technique. It is suitable for patients who need only a small amount of lifting or repositioning of the nipple - areolar complex. A small crescent shape of breast skin and tissue is removed from the top of the areola. The downside is that the areolar size cannot be reduced, but it results in the least amount of scarring, with the scar going around half of the circumference of the areola.
- Benelli Mastopexy: Also known as a “donut lift” or a “circumareolar lift”. It is best for women who need a small degree of lift for the nipple - areolar complex (not more than a couple centimeters) and do not have excessive breast skin. A donut - shaped incision is made around the areola. Excess tissue and skin are removed, and the areola is reshaped and made smaller if necessary. The resultant scar is easily concealed as it only goes around the circumference of the areola.
- Vertical Mastopexy: Sometimes called the “lollipop lift”, it is recommended for women with a moderate level of breast sagging. The lollipop - shaped incision encircles the areola and then runs vertically down the breast into the breast crease. Skin and tissue are removed from the lower part of the breast and around the areola, and the remaining breast tissue is repositioned higher on the chest wall and reshaped to improve breast projection.
- Anchor Mastopexy: This technique is for women with significant breast sagging. The incision is similar to the vertical mastopexy but has an additional incision along the breast crease, forming an anchor shape. After removing the excess skin and tissues, sutures are used to close the incisions and hold the newly shaped breast tissue together for a tighter, lifted breast. This is the most extensive method.
1.3 Ideal Candidates
Genetics, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, and aging can cause breast drooping. Healthy women with excessively sagging breasts, nipples that point downward or fall below the breast crease, or breasts that appear “deflated” and elongated can benefit from this procedure. It can also help those who avoid certain clothing or feel less confident in intimate situations due to breast droop.
1.4 Consultation and Aftercare
During the initial consultation, Dr. Cangello answers all questions in detail and conducts a physical examination to assess the degree of sagging and loss of volume. He creates a custom treatment plan based on the patient's anatomy and cosmetic goals. He may also explore additional surgical options like breast augmentation or fat transfer. After the surgery, patients will wake up with a surgical dressing and wear a post - surgical bra. Dr. Cangello prescribes pain medication to make the recovery as comfortable as possible. Most patients can return to work after about a week, but exercise should be avoided for four - to - six weeks. They need to sleep on their back, avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects, and wear a surgical support bra for six weeks after surgery.
2. Antell Plastic Surgery
2.1 Surgeon Background
Dr. Darrick Antell is among the most respected breast surgeons in New York. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence in aesthetic surgery. He has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine, and is recognized by Harper Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He is also honored for his groundbreaking research on identical twins and the aging process, and his work is displayed in the Smithsonian Museum.
2.2 Benefits of Breast Lift
A breast lift at Antell Plastic Surgery can restore youthful contours, improve breast symmetry, boost confidence, make clothing fit better, rejuvenate the post - pregnancy body, and provide long - lasting results. The procedure tightens, raises, and reshapes sagging breasts and can also reduce the size of the areola.
2.3 Ideal Candidates
Anyone in good health seeking to rejuvenate the appearance of sagging breasts is likely a candidate. However, it's important to have realistic expectations as a mastopexy does not add volume; it simply lifts and tightens. Women who want to restore low, sagging breasts to a more youthful, uplifted appearance, are bothered by an elongated or pendulous breast shape, or are experiencing stretched skin and enlarged areolas are ideal candidates. Pregnancy may slightly stretch the breasts again and affect the results, but mastopexy usually doesn't interfere with future breastfeeding.
2.4 Preparation and Procedure
Patients are provided with detailed instructions for surgery preparation, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. They may be given prescriptions to fill prior to the surgery. Depending on the medical history, pre - operative clearance from another doctor may be required, and additional imaging such as a mammogram, MRI, or ultrasound may be ordered. The breast lift surgery is performed under “twilight” sedation and takes around two to three hours. It involves making incisions around the areola, down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. The underlying breast tissue is reshaped, excess skin is removed, and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position.
2.5 Recovery and Risks
Typically, patients can return home within a few hours of the procedure. They need to rest frequently for the first few days and may take one to two weeks to return to their normal routine. There will be swelling and bruising, which mostly subside in about three to six weeks, but it could be up to one year before they are 100% healed. The most common risks of a breast lift include bleeding, infection, loss of the nipple, changes in sensation, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
3. Dr. Kolker Plastic Surgery
3.1 Surgeon Background
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon and an active member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. His breast lift surgeries are uniquely personalized and tailored to each patient's anatomy and desires.
3.2 Breast Lift Approaches
Dr. Kolker considers various factors to determine the best breast lift approach, such as the degree of deflation, breast and nipple position, skin elasticity, and whether to use breast implants. The types of breast lifts he offers are:
- Circumareolar Mastopexy: A “doughnut” breast lift with an incision around the areola only. It is suitable for mild breast droop.
- Circumvertical Mastopexy: A “lollipop” or short - scar breast lift with an incision around the areola and a vertical line. It is used for moderate breast droop and when additional shaping and elevation are required.
- Wise - pattern Mastopexy: An “inverted - t” breast lift with an incision around the areola, a vertical line to the inframammary crease, and a horizontal line. It is for severe breast droop.
- Augmentation Mastopexy: Any breast lift performed in conjunction with breast augmentation with breast implants. It is useful when there has been significant volume loss, especially after pregnancy or weight loss.
3.3 Patient Testimonials
Many patients have expressed their satisfaction with Dr. Kolker's services. They praise his professionalism, expertise, and the natural - looking results of the breast lift surgery. Some patients mention that they had considered other surgeons but chose Dr. Kolker after multiple consultations and never had a second thought.
3.4 Preparation and Recovery
Approximately two weeks before the surgery, patients have a comprehensive preoperative visit in the Manhattan office. They are given a list of what to do and avoid, prescriptions for post - op medications, and a review of pre - and post - op instructions. The breast lift surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia in Dr. Kolker's fully accredited surgical facility on Park Avenue. After the surgery, patients are cared for in the recovery room and discharged home with a friend or relative. Dr. Kolker recommends taking one week off from work or strenuous activity. No suture removal is required as the sutures are dissolvable. Closed suction drainage tubes are usually removed between three and five days after the procedure. A special bra is worn for about one week, followed by a sports bra, and regular bras can be worn after three to four weeks. The breasts settle to their final shape at approximately 12 weeks following the breast lift.
4. NYU Langone Health - Breast Plastic Surgery Services
4.1 Surgeon Team
NYU Langone's team of plastic surgeons, including Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and Dr. Nolan S. Karp, specialize in the latest techniques for breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery. They are experts in treating breast sagging, breast hyperplasia, breast hypoplasia, and other breast - related conditions.
4.2 Services Offered
The institution offers all of the latest reconstruction techniques, including breast reduction using the short - scar method, breast lift surgery (mastopexy), secondary breast reconstruction and augmentation surgery, and breast reconstruction using perforator flaps. The “Breast in a Day” program is an innovative option for women diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased risk for cancer. It involves performing a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day, reducing the number of surgeries and hospital stay.
4.3 Technology and Approach
NYU Langone uses three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care. Their breast surgical oncologists at the Perlmutter Cancer Center and plastic surgeons work together to create a customized surgical plan for each patient, seamlessly integrating oncologic and reconstructive breast surgery.
Comparison of the Four Institutions
| Institution | Surgeon Expertise | Technique Specialties | Patient - centric Services | Additional Offerings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cangello Plastic Surgery | Dr. David Cangello, top - board certified with an artistic approach | Four types of mastopexy techniques for different levels of sagging | Custom treatment plans, in - depth consultation, and personalized aftercare | Exploration of additional surgical options like breast augmentation or fat transfer |
| Antell Plastic Surgery | Dr. Darrick Antell, highly respected with multiple recognitions and research achievements | Standard breast lift with options for combination with other procedures | Detailed pre - op preparation guidance, “twilight” sedation for surgery, and thorough risk discussion | Use of advanced imaging for better planning |
| Dr. Kolker Plastic Surgery | Dr. Adam Kolker, double - board certified with personalized approach | Multiple types of breast lifts tailored to patient's anatomy and degree of sagging | Comprehensive preoperative visit, dissolvable sutures, and specific aftercare instructions | High patient satisfaction as evidenced by testimonials |
| NYU Langone Health - Breast Plastic Surgery Services | Team of specialized plastic surgeons | Latest reconstruction techniques, including “Breast in a Day” | Collaborative approach between oncologists and plastic surgeons for cancer - related cases | Use of three - dimensional imaging for all types of breast surgeries |
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Institution
When considering a plastic institution for post - partum breast sagging repair in New York City, several factors should be taken into account:
- Surgeon's Experience and Reputation: Look for board - certified surgeons with a proven track record and positive patient testimonials. Their experience in performing breast lift surgeries and their knowledge of the latest techniques are crucial.
- Technique Options: Different institutions may offer different surgical techniques. Choose an institution that can provide the most suitable technique for your specific level of breast sagging and aesthetic goals.
- Patient - centric Care: A good institution should offer comprehensive consultations, personalized treatment plans, and attentive aftercare. This includes answering all your questions, addressing your concerns, and providing detailed instructions for recovery.
- Cost: The cost of breast lift surgery can vary depending on the institution, surgeon, and the complexity of the procedure. It's important to get a clear understanding of the costs involved, including surgeon's fees, anesthesia fees, and surgical facility costs.
- Additional Services: Some institutions may offer additional services such as breast augmentation, fat transfer, or cancer - related breast reconstruction. If you have other breast - related needs or goals, consider an institution that can provide these services.
Conclusion
Post - partum breast sagging is a common issue that can significantly affect a woman's self - confidence. The top 4 plastic institutions in New York City - Cangello Plastic Surgery, Antell Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kolker Plastic Surgery, and NYU Langone Health - Breast Plastic Surgery Services - offer a range of effective solutions for breast sagging repair. Each institution has its own unique strengths, including experienced surgeons, advanced techniques, and patient - centric care. By carefully considering the factors mentioned above, women can choose the institution that best meets their needs and helps them achieve the desired results.
If you're a woman in New York City struggling with post - partum breast sagging, don't hesitate to explore these institutions. Schedule a consultation with a surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals. Take the first step towards regaining your confidence and achieving a more youthful breast appearance. Share this article with other women who may benefit from this information and start a conversation about breast health and aesthetic surgery.
