Introduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, has become an increasingly popular procedure for both women and men in New York City. Large breasts can cause a variety of physical problems, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as skin irritation and breathing difficulties. Additionally, they can lead to emotional and psychological distress. As a result, many individuals are seeking high - quality breast reduction surgery options in the city. In this article, we will explore the hospitals with a good reputation for breast reduction surgery in New York City, the top surgeons, the surgical process, and recovery.
Importance of Choosing the Right Hospital for Breast Reduction Surgery
Selecting the appropriate hospital for breast reduction surgery is of utmost importance. A well - reputed hospital will have experienced surgeons, state - of - the - art facilities, and a comprehensive approach to patient care. This includes pre - operative consultations, a thorough assessment of the patient's health, and a personalized treatment plan. The right hospital also provides excellent post - operative care, which is crucial for a smooth recovery and achieving the desired results.
Top Hospitals for Breast Reduction Surgery in New York City
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties and is also high - performing in 20 procedures/conditions. Its team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is expert at enhancing women’s breasts. The hospital provides a warm, caring, and supportive environment for patients to discuss their concerns. Before the surgery, surgeons at Mount Sinai help patients determine if breast reduction is the right choice for them. They provide all the necessary information during a confidential consultation. Eligibility criteria for the surgery at Mount Sinai include maintaining a healthy, stable weight, not planning future pregnancies that will affect the breasts, and being physically and emotionally mature about the decision.
Patients who undergo breast reduction at Mount Sinai can expect several positive results, such as less neck, back, and shoulder pain, improved self - confidence, decreased breast size in proportion to the body frame, nipples pointing in a more upward position, relief from chafing and skin irritation, and balanced breast size. The hospital also offers the option to combine breast reduction with other procedures like breast lift or as part of a mommy makeover.
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties and is high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions. The plastic surgery division at New York - Presbyterian Hospital offers a wide range of services. For breast reduction, the hospital's surgeons are proficient in the procedure. The division is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery. Patients can expect world - class care and access to the latest surgical techniques. The hospital also has a strong focus on patient education, ensuring that patients are well - informed about the surgery, its risks, and the recovery process.
The breast reconstructive care program at New York - Presbyterian Hospital can also be beneficial for patients who may have had breast - related health issues in addition to wanting a reduction. The program brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide comprehensive and compassionate care.
NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone Hospitals are nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties and high - performing in 1 specialty and 21 procedures/conditions. The plastic surgery department at NYU Langone offers both surgical and non - surgical cosmetic and reconstructive options. Their breast reduction surgeons are experienced and use the latest techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes. The hospital has a patient - centered approach, providing individualized care plans for each patient.
Patients at NYU Langone can benefit from a range of support services during their treatment. These services include counseling to address any emotional concerns related to the surgery and physical therapy to aid in the recovery process. The hospital also emphasizes the importance of follow - up care to monitor the patient's progress and ensure long - term satisfaction.
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
Lenox Hill Hospital is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties and high - performing in 1 specialty and 16 procedures/conditions. The plastic surgeons at Lenox Hill have extensive experience in breast reduction surgery. They work closely with patients to understand their goals and expectations. The hospital offers a comfortable and safe environment for the surgery, with modern operating rooms and advanced equipment.
Lenox Hill also provides post - operative care that focuses on pain management and preventing complications. The hospital's staff is trained to provide emotional support to patients during the recovery period, which can be a challenging time for many. They also offer guidance on lifestyle changes that can help patients maintain their results after the surgery.
Top Surgeons for Breast Reduction in New York City
| Surgeon's Name | Rating | Location | Experience and Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Peter Henderson, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 10 Union Sq E Frnt 2L, New York, NY 10003 | Dr. Henderson has been recognized for his skills in breast reduction surgery. His high rating indicates patient satisfaction with his work. He likely has in - depth knowledge of the surgical techniques and a patient - centric approach. |
| Dr. Richard Reish | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 330 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 | With a nearly perfect rating, Dr. Reish is highly regarded. He may have a wealth of experience in performing successful breast reduction surgeries, and his patients likely appreciate his attention to detail and the quality of his results. |
| Dr. Leslie Cohen, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 1283 York Avenue 4th floor, New York, NY 10065 | Dr. Cohen's high rating suggests that he has a good reputation among patients. He may be skilled in providing personalized treatment plans and achieving satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. |
| Dr. Keith Blechman | Highly recommended based on patient reviews | Breast Reduction Center of NYC, 800a 5th ave, floor 3, suite b, New York, NY 10065 | Patients have reported amazing experiences with Dr. Blechman. His bedside manner is praised, and he makes patients feel comfortable during the surgery process. He is also known for fighting for insurance coverage for his patients and achieving excellent results, as many patients have seen significant improvements in their breast size and overall well - being. |
| Dr. Joshua Zuckerman | Experienced and well - regarded | Midtown Manhattan office | Dr. Zuckerman is an expert in aesthetic breast surgery. He trained at elite medical institutions such as Brown University and New York University. He uses two different techniques (circumvertical and anchor/wise pattern) for breast reduction depending on the patient's needs. He also focuses on achieving high - quality surgical outcomes with natural - looking, round breasts and takes into account the long - term settling of the breasts due to gravity. |
The Breast Reduction Surgery Process
Pre - operative Consultation
During the pre - operative consultation, the surgeon will conduct a physical examination of the breasts. They will assess the size, shape, and texture of the breasts, as well as the position of the nipples and areolas. The surgeon will also review the patient's medical history, including any previous surgeries, medical conditions, and medications. This information is crucial for determining the patient's eligibility for the surgery and for planning the appropriate surgical approach.
Patients should be prepared to discuss their goals and expectations for the surgery. They should also mention any concerns they may have, such as scarring or pain during recovery. The surgeon will explain the different surgical techniques available, the potential risks and complications, and the expected results. They will also provide instructions on pre - operative preparations, such as stopping certain medications and avoiding smoking.
Surgical Techniques
Circumvertical (Vertical/Lollipop) Technique
This technique involves a periareolar incision around the areola, plus a vertical incision from the areola to the inframammary fold. It is often used for smaller to moderate breast reductions. The advantage of this technique is that it results in less scarring compared to other methods. The surgeon will remove excess fat, breast tissue, and extra skin through these incisions. They may also perform liposuction of the armpit area or “bra rolls” to achieve a more natural - looking result. The areola may be repositioned and its size reduced if necessary.
Anchor/Wise Pattern Technique
This technique combines the circumvertical incision with an additional incision hidden in the crease of the inframammary fold underneath the breast. It is typically used for larger breast reductions. While it may result in more scarring, it allows for more significant tissue removal and reshaping of the breasts. The surgeon will carefully plan the incisions to ensure that the scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
Intra - operative Process
Most breast reduction surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be present to monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure. The surgery usually lasts approximately two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the surgical technique used.
Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon will make the incisions according to the planned technique. They will then remove the excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. After the tissue removal, the surgeon will reshape the remaining breast tissue and reposition the nipple and areola if necessary. Finally, the incisions will be closed using sutures, and the patient will be moved to the recovery area.
Recovery after Breast Reduction Surgery
Immediate Post - operative Care
After the surgery, the patient will be fitted with a specialty surgical bra. This bra provides more support than a normal bra and helps to minimize stress on the newly closed incisions, which in turn aids in the healing process. The patient may also have surgical drains placed to remove any excess fluid, although this is not always necessary. The surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the drains and the incisions, including how to keep them clean and dry.
On the day of surgery, many surgeons, like Dr. Zuckerman, apply a long - acting local anesthetic called Exparel®. This anesthetic gradually releases medication to the surgical area for up to three days, reducing the need for strong pain medications during the initial post - operative period. Patients can expect some bruising and swelling, which are normal reactions to the surgery. The surgeon will prescribe medication to manage any discomfort after the effectiveness of Exparel® has worn off.
Long - term Recovery
The surgeon will typically remove the stitches after one week for most patients. For approximately one month after surgery, the patient is recommended to wear a post - surgical bra. During this time, the patient should avoid strenuous tasks and heavy lifting to prevent any damage to the surgical site. Most patients can resume their normal activities after two weeks, but activities that stress the breasts should be avoided for up to four weeks.
It is important for patients to attend all follow - up appointments with their surgeon. These appointments allow the surgeon to monitor the healing process, check for any complications, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Over time, the breasts will continue to heal and settle into their final shape, and the scars will gradually fade.
Factors Affecting the Success of Breast Reduction Surgery
Surgeon's Skill and Experience
The skill and experience of the surgeon play a crucial role in the success of breast reduction surgery. An experienced surgeon will be familiar with different surgical techniques and will be able to choose the most appropriate one for each patient. They will also have a good understanding of the anatomy of the breast and will be able to achieve natural - looking results while minimizing the risk of complications. Surgeons with a high reputation, like those mentioned above, have likely performed many successful breast reduction surgeries and have a track record of patient satisfaction.
Patient's Health and Lifestyle
The patient's overall health is an important factor. Patients who are in good health, do not have underlying medical conditions, and maintain a stable weight are more likely to have a successful surgery and a smooth recovery. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can also affect the healing process. Smoking, in particular, can reduce blood flow to the surgical site, which may lead to slower healing and an increased risk of complications. Patients are usually advised to stop smoking before and after the surgery to improve their chances of a successful outcome.
Follow - up Care
Proper follow - up care is essential for the long - term success of breast reduction surgery. Patients should follow their surgeon's instructions regarding wound care, medication, and activity restrictions. They should also attend all scheduled follow - up appointments so that the surgeon can monitor their progress. If any problems or concerns arise during the recovery period, patients should contact their surgeon immediately. This helps to ensure that any issues are addressed promptly and that the final results of the surgery are as expected.
Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery
Insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery can vary depending on the insurance provider and the patient's individual policy. In general, insurance companies may cover the cost of breast reduction surgery if the patient can document health issues related to having overly large breasts. These issues may include shoulder and back pain, bra - strap indentations, and limitations on physical activity. Some insurance companies may also require a certain amount of breast tissue to be removed for the surgery to be considered medically necessary.
For example, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC will help patients determine if they are candidates for insurance coverage and will assist with the necessary paperwork. It is important for patients to contact their insurance company before the surgery to understand their coverage and any requirements they need to meet. If the surgery is not covered by insurance, patients may need to consider self - pay options or financing plans.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City offers a range of high - quality hospitals and experienced surgeons for breast reduction surgery. Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, NYU Langone Hospitals, and Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health are among the top - rated hospitals in the city. Top surgeons like Dr. Peter Henderson, Dr. Richard Reish, Dr. Keith Blechman, and Dr. Joshua Zuckerman have earned excellent reputations through their skills and patient - centered care.
The breast reduction surgery process involves a thorough pre - operative consultation, careful selection of surgical techniques, and a comprehensive recovery plan. Success depends on factors such as the surgeon's skill, the patient's health and lifestyle, and proper follow - up care. Insurance coverage can be a significant factor for many patients, and it is important to explore all options.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery in New York City, take the time to research the hospitals and surgeons, schedule consultations, and ask all the necessary questions. By making an informed decision, you can increase your chances of a successful surgery and achieve the desired results. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast reduction surgery, and explore our other resources on plastic surgery for more information.
