Introduction

For many women, overly large breasts can be a source of both physical and emotional distress. Issues such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, difficulty finding well - fitting clothing, and self - consciousness are common. Breast reduction plastic surgery offers a solution to these problems. New York City, being a hub of medical excellence, has several hospitals and clinics that specialize in breast reduction surgery. In this guide, we will explore the top breast reduction plastic surgery hospitals in New York City, the procedure itself, and what to expect.

Understanding Breast Reduction Surgery

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction, medically known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size of overly large breasts. This is achieved by removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size more proportionate to the patient's body and to alleviate discomfort associated with excessively large breasts. For instance, it helps in relieving physical issues such as back and neck pain, skin irritation, and posture problems. It also enhances self - image and confidence.

Benefits of Breast Reduction

Candidates for Breast Reduction

Ideal candidates for breast reduction are typically individuals who experience physical or emotional discomfort due to overly large breasts. They may be suffering from neck, back, or shoulder pain, skin irritation under the breasts, or face limitations in physical activity due to the size of their breasts. It's important for candidates to be in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes, and preferably be non - smokers, as smoking can affect the healing process. Additionally, men who suffer from conditions like gynecomastia, where there is an enlargement of breast tissue, may also be candidates for the procedure.

Top Breast Reduction Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City

Rapaport Plastic Surgery

Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rapaport at Rapaport Plastic Surgery takes a minimally invasive, personalized approach that prioritizes patient safety and achieves consistent results. He has decades of experience in breast reduction surgeries. The breast reduction procedures are generally performed on - site in their fully accredited Manhattan, New York, surgical suite. In selected cases, they may perform the procedure at Lenox Hill Hospital or the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital.

All breast reduction surgeries at Rapaport Plastic Surgery involve scars, and the type of scarring depends on factors such as skin color, age, and the exact type of procedure. After surgery, most patients are discharged the same day, but those living more than a one - hour drive away should plan to spend the night in NYC. Patients must wear a surgical bra for two weeks post - operatively.

Mount Sinai - New York

Mount Sinai's team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is expert at enhancing women's breasts. Through their warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care, they provide an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing private and sensitive concerns about their body.

To be eligible for breast reduction surgery at Mount Sinai, patients should maintain a healthy, stable weight, not plan on future pregnancies which will affect their breasts, and be physically mature with fully - developed breasts and emotionally mature about their choice. The surgeons here will help patients determine if breast reduction is the right choice during a confidential consultation, providing all the necessary information for an educated decision.

Breast Reduction Center of NYC

Located on the upper east side in Manhattan, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC is the premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. Their breast reduction specialist surgeons are top - rated board - certified/board - eligible plastic surgeons, offering top - quality surgical care in a state - of - the - art facility without the impersonal experience and paperwork of large - scale hospitals.

The center has an innovative approach to pain management. They do not use drains in breast reductions, and all the stitches dissolve on their own, making post - op care much less complicated. They also use a special technique called a nerve block, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine, with only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen necessary for recovery. They offer virtual consultations (from anywhere in the world) and are in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (with some exceptions).

Gotham Plastic Surgery

Doctors at Gotham Plastic Surgery perform breast reduction on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility in New York City. General anesthesia is commonly used, and surgical times average two to five hours. In the case of unevenly sized breasts, the surgery is typically performed on both breasts to ensure evenness.

The most common technique used at Gotham Plastic Surgery is performed through an incision that is shaped like an anchor. Through this incision, excess skin, fatty tissue, and glandular tissue are removed. A bandage or surgical bra is applied to the breasts after surgery, and a drainage tube may be inserted at the incision site, which is commonly removed within a day or two. Patients may experience mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising, which resolve within six months.

Plastic Surgeons NYC (Stafford Broumand, MD)

Board - certified plastic surgeon Stafford Broumand, MD, at Plastic Surgeons NYC can perform breast reduction surgery using the latest techniques to help patients attain a more appealing and flattering breast size for their unique figure.

During the procedure, Dr. Broumand makes precise markings on the breasts to guide the incisions. The specific surgical technique depends on the individual's anatomy and the extent of reduction desired, often involving the “lollipop” incision around the areola, extending vertically downward toward the breast crease. After surgery, patients can anticipate a recovery phase that typically involves 1 - 2 weeks of initial downtime, during which they may experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. Follow - up appointments are essential to ensure proper healing.

Rowe Plastic Surgery™

Rowe Plastic Surgery offers breast reduction in NYC and NJ. Their board - certified plastic surgeons are among the top reduction mammoplasty specialists focusing on minimally invasive breast reduction surgery. They work as a team of three expert plastic surgeons, along with a large staff of nurses, physician assistants, and other team members.

There are several types of breast reduction techniques available at Rowe Plastic Surgery, including the pedicle method, inferior pedicle method, superior pedicle method, free nipple graft, anchor incision pattern, and Le Jour incision pattern. The surgeon will choose the most appropriate technique based on the patient's body size and desires. The procedure is an inpatient surgery that takes place in a fully equipped ambulatory surgical center.

New York Group for Plastic Surgery

With a team of highly - trained and qualified plastic surgeons, the New York Group for Plastic Surgery has been enhancing women's lives for over 27 years. Their warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care makes patients feel comfortable discussing private and sensitive concerns about their body.

Breast reduction surgery at this facility is performed at their on - site and outpatient facility. After the surgery, patients may experience temporary numbness of the nipples and breasts for 1 to 2 months, or even up to a year. They can resume light activities and work after about 2 weeks, while vigorous activities and exercises will be limited for at least the first month.

Dr. John E. Sherman

John E. Sherman, MD, FACS, a board - certified plastic surgeon, understands the physical and emotional implications of breast hypertrophy. He works with patients to create a personalized surgical plan that meets their needs and goals.

Breast reduction surgery at Dr. Sherman's practice can be performed at a hospital on an outpatient basis or at their fully accredited office - based surgery center. He may also recommend patients to spend one night as an inpatient at certain hospitals like New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, or Lenox Hill Hospital. Liposuction is also an option for some patients looking for a less invasive way to reduce breast size.

Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery

Preparing for breast reduction surgery involves a series of crucial steps to ensure a safe and effective procedure:

1. Initial Consultation: This is the first step where you'll meet with a plastic surgeon. They will conduct a physical examination and review your medical history to assess if you're a suitable candidate for breast reduction. You can discuss your expectations, concerns, and goals during this consultation. For example, at Rapaport Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rapaport will have a detailed conversation with you to understand your needs.
2. Medical Preparations: You may be advised to stop smoking and avoid certain medications or supplements that could increase bleeding risk. For instance, patients at Dr. John E. Sherman's practice are instructed to discontinue certain medications, supplements, or blood thinners, and to cease the use of nicotine products in the weeks leading up to the surgery and remain nicotine - free throughout the recovery period.
3. Logistical Preparations: It's important to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you on the day of the surgery and provide transportation home afterward. You should also plan to wear comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing any jewelry, makeup, or lotions on the day of the procedure. Preparing a recovery space at home is crucial, ensuring you have easy access to postoperative necessities such as loose - fitting clothing, ice packs, and any prescribed medications.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

Most breast reduction surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make incisions on the breasts according to the chosen technique. Here are the general steps:

1. Marking the Incisions: The surgeon marks the incision lines on the breasts, which is usually done while the patient is standing. This helps the surgeon determine the best approach based on the shape, size, and required reduction of the breasts.
2. Anesthesia: Once the patient is comfortably lying down on the operating bed, the anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia, and the patient sleeps through the procedure. The anesthesiologist stays at hand to monitor the patient throughout the surgery.
3. Making Incisions and Removing Tissue: Incisions are made according to the selected breast reduction technique. Excess tissue, fat, skin, and glandular tissue are removed from the lower part of the breasts to reduce the size. For example, in the anchor incision technique, the incision circles the nipple, extends vertically downward, and then runs horizontally along the crease below the breast.
4. Reshaping and Repositioning: The surgeon reshapes the remaining breast tissue into natural contours and may reposition the nipple and areola to a higher, more natural location while it's still attached to its blood supply.
5. Closing the Incisions: The incisions are carefully sutured to minimize scarring. The surgeon may use a combination of skin adhesives, surgical tape, and sutures. Whenever possible, absorbent sutures that dissolve naturally are used.
6. Dressing the Wounds: The surgeon dresses the incisions with a gauze bandage and then wraps the breasts in a protective cover.

Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery

The recovery process after breast reduction surgery varies from patient to patient, but here are some general points:

1. Immediate Post - Surgery: After waking up from the anesthesia, patients may experience mild pain, soreness, pulling, or stretching around the breasts. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage the discomfort. Most patients are discharged the same day or may require an overnight stay, depending on the extent of the surgery.
2. Wearing Supportive Garments: Patients are usually required to wear a surgical bra or compression garment for a certain period, typically 2 - 4 weeks, to support the healing breasts and reduce swelling.
3. Follow - up Appointments: Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor the progress of healing, check for any signs of infection or complications, and remove stitches if necessary.
4. Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to take it easy for the first few weeks after surgery. They should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and exercise for at least 3 - 6 weeks, depending on the surgeon's instructions. For example, at Gotham Plastic Surgery, patients are advised not to resume strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 4 - 6 weeks.
5. Scar Healing: Scars are inevitable after breast reduction surgery, but they usually fade over time. The surgeon may recommend certain scar - reducing treatments or creams to help minimize their appearance.
6. Final Results: It may take several months for the swelling to completely subside and for the final results to be fully apparent. The breasts will become more proportionate to the body, and patients will experience relief from the physical symptoms caused by overly large breasts.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of breast reduction surgery in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the extent of the procedure, the hospital or clinic where it's performed, and anesthesia fees.

Insurance coverage for breast reduction is determined on a case - by - case basis. If the surgery is deemed medically necessary, such as to relieve pain or other physical symptoms caused by large breasts, it may be covered by insurance. However, insurance companies often have specific criteria and requirements. For example, they may require documentation of the patient's symptoms, including back or neck pain, skin irritation, and the results of any conservative treatments tried before surgery. Some hospitals, like the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, have insurance experts who can review the patient's case and help them navigate the insurance approval process.

Conclusion

Breast reduction plastic surgery can be a life - changing procedure for women and men who suffer from the physical and emotional burdens of overly large breasts. New York City offers a wide range of excellent hospitals and clinics with experienced plastic surgeons who can perform the procedure safely and effectively. By understanding the procedure, preparing properly, and following the surgeon's post - operative instructions, patients can achieve significant improvements in their quality of life, physical comfort, and self - confidence.

If you're considering breast reduction surgery in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top - rated plastic surgeons mentioned in this guide. Take the first step towards a more comfortable and confident you!