Guide to Breast Reconstruction Surgery in New York City Plastic Surgery Hospitals

Breast reconstruction surgery is a significant option for many women who have undergone mastectomies or suffer from breast irregularities. In New York City, there are several top - notch plastic surgery hospitals and centers that offer a wide range of breast reconstruction procedures. This guide will delve into the key aspects of breast reconstruction, including choosing to have the surgery, the timing, types of reconstruction, and the leading hospitals in the city.

1. Making the Decision to Have Breast Reconstruction

Deciding whether to have breast reconstruction is a very personal choice. Some women choose reconstruction to look balanced in clothing, feel comfortable with their body shape, or avoid wearing a prosthesis. Others may opt to wear a prosthesis or take no further action after breast removal. It is often influenced by medical conditions and personal preferences.

Factors to Consider

• Medical Condition: If a woman has a history of other health issues, it might affect the suitability of breast reconstruction. For example, if a patient has poor blood circulation, it could impact the success of autologous tissue reconstruction.
• Emotional Well - being: Many women find that breast reconstruction helps them regain a sense of femininity and self - confidence after a mastectomy. It can improve their emotional well - being and body image.
• Lifestyle: Considerations such as physical activity levels and work demands are important. For instance, if a woman has a physically demanding job, she may need to factor in the recovery time required for the reconstruction procedure.

2. Timing of Breast Reconstruction

If a woman decides to have breast reconstruction, she needs to determine whether to do it immediately after the mastectomy or wait.

Immediate Reconstruction

Immediate reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy (if medically possible). Many women feel that this approach helps them feel better about their bodies and improve their self - confidence. It also has several medical advantages:

• Fewer surgical procedures: Since it is done during the mastectomy, patients avoid a subsequent major surgery for reconstruction.
• Single set of surgical scars: There is only one set of scars to deal with, which can be less visually impactful.
• Stretched breast skin: The remaining breast skin remains stretched to the size and shape of the original breast, which may make the reconstruction process easier.

Delayed Reconstruction

Delayed reconstruction is carried out some time after the mastectomy. This option is preferred by some women who want to give their body time to heal from the mastectomy or need more time to think through their options. In some cases, such as intermediate or advanced breast cancer, surgeons may recommend delayed reconstruction to allow time to control the cancer.

3. Types of Breast Reconstruction

There are two main types of breast reconstruction: implant - based and autologous tissue reconstruction.

Implant - Based Reconstruction

Implant - based reconstruction uses breast implants filled with either saline or silicone. This is the most popular option in many New York City plastic surgery practices. Some points to note about this type of reconstruction include:

• Procedure Steps: In cases where there is not enough skin and muscle to cover the implant, existing tissue can be stretched over time with a tissue expander or remaining muscle can be expanded immediately using alloderm® (an acellular tissue matrix). A temporary tissue expander is first placed at the time of mastectomy. It is then gradually inflated in the doctor's office over a period of weeks or months. Once the desired size is achieved, a second surgery is performed to remove the tissue expander and insert a permanent implant.
• Advantages: It offers a relatively quick and straightforward way to reconstruct the breast. The aesthetic appearance can be controlled to a certain extent, and the surgery time is generally shorter compared to some autologous tissue procedures.
• Disadvantages: There is a risk of capsular tissue build - up around the implant, which can cause the breast to feel hard. Implants may also need to be replaced over time, and there is a small risk of rejection.

Autologous Tissue Reconstruction

This type of reconstruction uses the patient's own tissue from different areas of the body to make the breast. There are several techniques:

4. Leading Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Reconstruction in New York City

Mount Sinai

At Mount Sinai, expert plastic surgeons specializing in breast reconstruction can perform the type of operation that is right for each patient. They offer new robotic surgery for breast cancer survivors. The surgeons help patients think through difficult decisions such as whether to have reconstruction, when to have it, and what type to choose. For implant reconstruction, they start by placing a tissue expander at the time of mastectomy, followed by a second surgery to insert a permanent implant a few months later. For autologous reconstruction, they offer procedures like the diep flap and latissimus dorsi flap.

NewYork - Presbyterian

NewYork - Presbyterian plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction, especially in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction. They offer autologous reconstruction using tissue from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. They also perform a novel reinnervation procedure during autologous reconstruction and have a technique for breast reinnervation during implant reconstruction to improve sensation in the reconstructed breast.

Gotham Plastic Surgery

Breast reconstruction at Gotham Plastic Surgery recreates a natural - looking breast after mastectomy. Their doctors have extensive experience in this area and work with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan. The reconstruction process typically consists of multiple procedures. They offer various breast - related procedures, including breast reduction, augmentation, lift, and reconstruction, using minimally - invasive techniques and advanced technology.

Weill Cornell Medicine

The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are leaders in the field. They offer individualized breast reconstruction for unique bodies and a multidisciplinary approach. Their team includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. They perform autologous reconstruction from various body areas and implant - based reconstruction. They have also pioneered techniques such as direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without use of drains.

New York Group for Plastic Surgery

Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery have decades of experience in breast reconstruction. Dr. Salzberg is the pioneer of the direct to implant breast reconstruction procedure, which is completed at the same time as mastectomy in one surgical procedure. Dr. Jacobs specializes in diep flap reconstruction and other microsurgical techniques for autologous tissue flap reconstruction. They work together to provide high - quality breast reconstruction for patients.

Dr. John E. Sherman

Dr. John Sherman is an experienced and highly skilled plastic surgeon. He offers breast reconstruction after mastectomy as well as double mastectomy reconstruction. He often revises previously performed mastectomy reconstruction surgery. The consultation process allows patients to discuss their goals, and the procedures are performed either in the office - based surgery center or at the hospital under general anesthesia.

Breast Reconstruction Center NYC

The breast reconstruction center of NYC offers a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction, including immediate, delayed, and revision surgeries. Their board - certified plastic surgeons have experience with autologous tissue reconstruction and implant - based reconstruction. They also offer other breast - related procedures such as areola reshaping, breast implant removal, and nipple correction.

5. Considerations after Breast Reconstruction

Recovery

The recovery process after breast reconstruction varies depending on the type of procedure. In general, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Medication can be provided to manage pain. Implant - based reconstruction patients may be able to return to work in a few weeks, while autologous tissue reconstruction patients may need several weeks to months for a full recovery. For example, after a diep flap reconstruction, patients usually need about four to six weeks before returning to work.

Scarring

There will be visible scarring after breast reconstruction. The location and appearance of the scars depend on the type of procedure. Autologous tissue reconstruction usually involves scars in two areas of the body, while implant - based reconstruction scars are mainly around the breast area. Surgeons try to place incisions so they are as inconspicuous as possible, and the scars will fade over time but never disappear completely.

Sensation

A reconstructed breast may have different sensation compared to a natural breast. There may be little to no sensation, especially in the early stages. Some techniques, such as nerve reinnervation during reconstruction, can help improve sensation, but full restoration may not be possible.

Symmetry

If a single mastectomy has been performed, the surgeon will try to create a new breast that matches the natural breast as closely as possible. In some cases, additional surgery on the unaffected breast may be required to improve symmetry. This is often done a few months after the reconstructive surgery once the reconstructed breast has healed.

6. Insurance Coverage

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998 states that all group and individual health plans that cover mastectomy must also cover reconstructive breast surgery. This includes reconstruction of the breast or breasts on which mastectomy was performed, surgery on the unaffected breast if needed for symmetry, breast prostheses, and treatment of physical complications. However, it is important for patients to communicate with their insurance company to confirm coverage and obtain preauthorization.

Conclusion

Breast reconstruction surgery in New York City offers a range of options for women who have undergone mastectomies or have breast irregularities. The decision to have the surgery, the timing, and the type of reconstruction are highly personal and should be made after careful consideration of medical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. New York City is home to several leading plastic surgery hospitals and centers that provide expert care and advanced techniques. Whether it is implant - based or autologous tissue reconstruction, patients can find the right solution for their needs.

If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery, we encourage you to reach out to one of the top plastic surgery hospitals in New York City. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options, ask questions, and learn more about the procedures. Share this guide with others who may be interested in breast reconstruction to help them make informed decisions.