Introduction
Axillary breast removal surgery has become an increasingly sought - after procedure for individuals who experience discomfort or aesthetic concerns due to the presence of excess breast tissue in the armpit area. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer top - notch axillary breast removal services. In this article, we will carefully select five of these institutions, delving into their expertise, services, and what makes them stand out in this specialized field.
Understanding Axillary Breast Tissue
Axillary breast tissue, also known as accessory breast tissue, is a common but often overlooked condition. It occurs when breast tissue develops outside the normal breast area, typically in the armpit region. This can lead to physical discomfort, especially during physical activities or when wearing certain types of clothing. It is not just a cosmetic concern; for some, it can also cause pain or irritation. The tissue is often genetic, with many family members sharing the same condition.
Criteria for Selecting the Hospitals
When choosing the five hospitals for axillary breast removal surgery in New York City, several key criteria were considered. These include the expertise of the surgical team, the range of services offered, patient satisfaction rates, the use of advanced techniques, and the availability of comprehensive post - operative care. Hospitals with a strong multidisciplinary approach, which involves collaboration between surgeons, oncologists, plastic surgeons, and other specialists, were given priority.
Selected Hospitals for Axillary Breast Removal Surgery
1. NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue
The breast surgery team at NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue is well - equipped to handle axillary breast removal. As breast surgeons, they manage and treat a wide range of breast - related conditions. They work in a multi - disciplinary manner with a team of doctors to ensure that every patient gets the latest treatment approaches to breast cancer care and other breast issues.
- Services Offered: They perform axillary node dissections, which can be part of axillary breast removal surgery. Other operations include 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, tomosynthesis, MRI/MRI - guided biopsy, DIEP flap reconstruction/implants, psychological support, lymphedema treatment/physical therapy, nutrition, and radiation oncology.
- Surgical Team: The team includes Kathie - Ann Joseph, MD, the chief of the breast surgery service and an associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Erica Friedman, MD, a breast surgery attending and assistant professor at the same institution. Both are board - certified by the American Board of Surgery. The physician assistant is Aline Bedrosian, PA, and the contact number for the breast PA office is (212) 562 - 2911.
- Patient - Centered Approach: Their goal is to support patients through the entire process, from diagnosis through surgery. They have an entire team to assist patients, which includes patient navigators and social workers, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and informed throughout their treatment journey.
2. Practice of Dr. Preminger
Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. Preminger is highly experienced in accessory breast tissue surgery. She understands the discomfort and embarrassment that patients with axillary breast tissue often face and uses her surgical skills to improve their quality of life and confidence.
- Procedure Details: Dr. Preminger offers coolsculpting, liposuction, or breast tissue removal surgery to treat axillary breast tissue. The procedure typically takes 1 - 3 hours, is performed under local anesthesia, and is an outpatient procedure. The risks include scarring, infection, and persistent arm tightness, while side effects may include bruising, inflammation, lymphedema, and numbness.
- Recovery Process: Patients can be back at work in as little as 1 week, although 3 weeks is ideal. They can resume light exercise at 1 week and strenuous activity at 4 - 6 weeks as directed. Swelling usually resolves in 2 weeks, and full improvement is visible at six months. Dr. Preminger will prescribe pain medication to help patients through the first few days of recovery and provides detailed post - operative care instructions.
- Patient Satisfaction: A 2009 study of 51 patients published in the Journal of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that “all were satisfied with their appearance after their initial surgery,” with the exception of two patients who suffered infection. The minimal scarring and complete removal of accessory breast tissue yield high patient satisfaction rates.
3. NewYork - Presbyterian Medical Group Queens
The breast surgery team at NewYork - Presbyterian Medical Group Queens is dedicated to the treatment and recovery of patients with breast - related conditions, including axillary breast tissue removal. They use advanced techniques and a multidisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive care.
- Services Offered: They offer oncoplastic lumpectomy, a breast tumor removal technique where the breast is left intact to achieve better cosmetic outcomes. Other procedures include skin - sparing mastectomy, nipple - preserving mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy, and axillary lymph node removal. These procedures can be relevant in axillary breast removal cases.
- Locations: The hospital has multiple locations in Queens, including Flushing at 58 - 04 Main Street and Forest Hills at 112 - 05 Queens Boulevard. This provides convenience for patients in different areas of the borough.
- Multidisciplinary Care: Their team of specialists provides multidisciplinary care, collaborating with other departments to ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment and support throughout their surgical journey.
4. Practice of Dr. Casian Monaco
Located in the prestigious Upper East Side of New York City, Dr. Casian Monaco offers advanced and compassionate care for axillary breast tissue removal. His expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery ensures that patients receive personalized treatment.
- Expertise: Dr. Monaco brings experience and a personalized approach to each axillary breast tissue removal procedure. He is well - versed in using various liposuction techniques, and in some cases, direct excision may be required. The process involves carefully removing the unwanted tissue while preserving the surrounding areas and maintaining a natural look.
- Patient Experience: After the procedure, patients often report a significant improvement in both comfort and self - confidence. The practice is committed to offering a supportive and confidential environment where patient concerns are thoroughly addressed with the highest level of care and professionalism.
- Post - Procedure Care: Post - operative care is typically minimal, with a relatively fast recovery. Dr. Monaco ensures that patients are well - informed about the recovery process and provides the necessary support to help them get back to their normal lives as soon as possible.
5. Montefiore Medical Center
The department of surgery at Montefiore Medical Center is committed to providing high - quality breast surgery, including axillary breast removal. Their multidisciplinary team approach ensures that patients receive personalized treatment.
- Multidisciplinary Team: The multidisciplinary team at the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (ME CCC) is comprised of medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, social workers, geneticists, pathologists, radiologists, patient navigators, psychologists, and a specialist in lymphedema. This comprehensive team ensures that all aspects of a patient's care are addressed.
- Surgical Options: For axillary breast removal - related cases, they offer sentinel lymph node biopsy, which can help determine if cancer has spread, and axillary lymph node dissection if necessary. Other breast surgery options include lumpectomy, mastectomy, skin - sparing mastectomy, nipple - sparing mastectomy, and modified radical mastectomy.
- Research and Commitment to Care: The ME CCC initiates various research studies and participates in many national trials. Their commitment to coordinated care at a dedicated cancer center, supported by active research, is essential for patient success.
Comparative Overview of the Selected Hospitals
| Hospital | Services Offered | Specialties | Location | Patient - Centered Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue | Axillary node dissections, excisional biopsies, mastectomies, etc.; access to clinical trials, patient navigation, etc. | Comprehensive breast cancer care, multidisciplinary approach | N/A | Support through entire process, large support team |
| Practice of Dr. Preminger | Coolsculpting, liposuction, breast tissue removal | Accessory breast tissue surgery | Manhattan | High patient satisfaction, detailed post - operative care |
| NewYork - Presbyterian Medical Group Queens | Oncoplastic lumpectomy, skin - sparing mastectomy, etc. | Advanced breast surgery techniques | Flushing and Forest Hills, Queens | Multidisciplinary care, multiple convenient locations |
| Practice of Dr. Casian Monaco | Liposuction, direct excision for axillary breast tissue removal | Aesthetic and reconstructive axillary breast surgery | Upper East Side | Personalized approach, supportive environment |
| Montefiore Medical Center | Sentinel lymph node biopsy, axillary lymph node dissection, various breast surgeries | Multidisciplinary breast cancer care, active research | N/A | Personalized treatment plans, large multidisciplinary team |
Preparing for Axillary Breast Removal Surgery
Before undergoing axillary breast removal surgery, patients should take several steps to ensure a smooth process. First, they should schedule a consultation with the chosen surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will ask about the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss the patient's goals and expectations. It is important for patients to be honest about any pre - existing medical conditions, allergies, and medications they are taking.
Patients should also prepare their homes for their recovery. This may include stocking up on groceries, arranging for someone to help with daily tasks, and creating a comfortable resting area. They should follow any pre - operative instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include fasting before the surgery, avoiding certain medications, and stopping smoking if applicable.
Post - Operative Care and Recovery
Post - operative care is crucial for a successful recovery from axillary breast removal surgery. The recovery process varies depending on the individual and the type of procedure performed. In general, patients may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort.
Patients should follow the surgeon's instructions regarding wound care. This may include keeping the incision clean and dry, changing dressings as directed, and avoiding strenuous activities that could put stress on the surgical site. They may also be advised to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling.
Physical activity should be gradually increased. Light exercise can usually be resumed within a week, while strenuous activity may need to be avoided for 4 - 6 weeks. Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers a plethora of excellent options for axillary breast removal surgery. The five hospitals and clinics discussed in this article - NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue, the practice of Dr. Preminger, NewYork - Presbyterian Medical Group Queens, the practice of Dr. Casian Monaco, and Montefiore Medical Center - all have their unique strengths. They boast experienced surgical teams, a wide range of services, and a commitment to patient - centered care.
If you are considering axillary breast removal surgery, we encourage you to do further research on these institutions. Contact them to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific needs and concerns. Remember, making an informed decision is the first step towards a successful surgical outcome and improved quality of life. Share this article with others who may be interested in axillary breast removal surgery and continue exploring our website for more in - depth medical information.
