Introduction
Breast fat reduction, also known as breast reduction surgery or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that has gained significant popularity in New York City. For many women, overly large breasts can bring about various physical and emotional discomforts. Physically, they can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor posture, and skin irritation. Emotionally, it may lead to self - consciousness and a negative body image. In this article, we will explore some of the top institutions and surgeons in New York City for breast fat reduction.
Understanding Breast Fat Reduction
What is Breast Fat Reduction?
Breast fat reduction is a surgical procedure that aims to remove excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the breasts. This results in smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts that are in better proportion to the body. It can also improve overall physical comfort and self - esteem. For instance, a woman with very large breasts may experience chronic back pain due to the added weight. After breast fat reduction, she may find that her back pain is significantly reduced, allowing her to lead a more active and comfortable lifestyle.
Candidates for Breast Fat Reduction
According to various sources, good candidates for breast fat reduction typically meet the following criteria:
- Suffer from physical symptoms such as back, neck, or shoulder pain caused by large breasts.
- Have breasts that are out of proportion with the rest of the body, leading to poor posture and other related issues.
- Experience skin irritation, rashes, or infections under the breasts due to sagging.
- Feel self - conscious or have low self - esteem because of the size of their breasts.
- Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
- Are not smokers, as smoking can affect the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Benefits of Breast Fat Reduction
The benefits of breast fat reduction are both physical and psychological. Physically, it can relieve pain and discomfort, improve posture, and make it easier to engage in physical activities. Psychologically, it can boost self - confidence and improve body image. Many women report feeling more comfortable in their own skin and more willing to participate in social and physical activities after the surgery.
Top Three - Grade Hospitals for Breast Fat Reduction in New York City
Rowe Plastic Surgery
Rowe Plastic Surgery is a well - known institution in New York City for breast fat reduction. The surgeons at Rowe Plastic Surgery are board - certified plastic surgeons, among the top reduction mammoplasty specialists focusing on minimally invasive breast reduction surgery. As leading experts in macromastia (breast hypertrophy), they are committed to addressing excess breast weight, breast malposition, as well as cosmetic appearance (asymmetry, minimal scarring), and rapid recovery.
Surgeons
The team at Rowe Plastic Surgery consists of three expert plastic surgeons:
- Dr. Lisa F. Schneider: A plastic & reconstructive surgeon.
- Dr. Norman M. Rowe: A highly sought - after plastic surgeon renowned for his expertise in breast reduction surgery. His approach to breast reduction is meticulous, ensuring minimal scarring and maintaining the natural aesthetics of the breasts. His patients appreciate his compassionate care and personalized attention from the initial consultation to post - operative follow - ups.
- Dr. Charles Pierce: A plastic surgeon who is part of the experienced team.
Types of Breast Reduction Techniques
The most common breast reduction procedures at Rowe Plastic Surgery include:
Technique | Description |
---|---|
Pedicle method | The surgeon leaves a pedicle, also called attached tissue graft, with nerves and blood vessels intact, to supply the breast after it’s been reduced in size. |
Inferior pedicle method | The doctor attaches a tissue graft into the inframammary fold, where the bottom of the breast meets the chest. |
Superior pedicle method | The surgeon attaches a pedicle in the upper quadrant of the breast, above the areola. |
Free nipple graft | The surgeon removes the nipple completely and replaces it in a new, higher position as a skin graft. |
Anchor incision pattern | This type of incision circles the areola’s parameter and then follows a straight line down the middle of the breast to the crease where the breast meets the chest. |
Le Jour incision pattern | Using this type of incision for breast reduction, the plastic surgeon gains access to the breast parenchyma, the inner tissue of the breast, for removal. This procedure is popular because it leaves minimal scarring. |
Pre - operative and Post - operative Care
Before the surgery, patients at Rowe Plastic Surgery go through several steps, including an initial consultation, a physical exam, and pre - operative requirements such as stopping blood - thinning medications and smoking. After the surgery, patients can expect some mild pain and soreness, and the recovery period generally takes about two weeks. The surgeons arrange to remove stitches in five to ten days if appropriate, and patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and lifting their arms over their heads for the first two weeks after surgery.
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai’s team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is expert at enhancing women’s breasts. They take a warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care, providing an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing very private and sensitive concerns about their body.
Eligibility and Consultation
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. During the confidential consultation, the surgeons provide all the information patients need to make an educated decision about the procedure.
Positive Results
Patients who undergo breast reduction at Mount Sinai can expect several positive results, such as less neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of heavy breasts, improved self - confidence about breast size, decreased breast size to be in proportion with the body frame, nipples pointing in a more upward position, relief from chafing and skin irritation caused by sagging breast skin, and balanced size of breasts. They may also want to combine breast reduction with breast lift or as part of a mommy makeover for a more complete enhancement.
Breast Reduction Center of NYC
The Breast Reduction Center of NYC, located on the upper east side in Manhattan, NY, is the premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. The 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.
Unique Features
The center has several unique features. Their surgeons 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 during surgery called a nerve block which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine. Only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen are necessary for recovery. Even patients with very large breast reduction volumes, some over 7 pounds, can be treated using this special technique.
Insurance and Financing
The center is in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (but does not accept United Healthcare community plan and Oxford metro plans). They may accept the Empire Plan (NYSHIP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna plans only if patients have out - of - network benefits. Unfortunately, they do not accept Medicare, Medicaid, Medi - Cal, Tri - Care, Amida Care, Fidelis, and Metroplus plans. If patients have a plan not accepted, they need to proceed as self - pay. The center also provides information on financing options through CareCredit.
Choosing the Right Surgeon and Hospital
Factors to Consider
When choosing a surgeon and hospital for breast fat reduction in New York City, there are several factors to consider:
- Certification: The best plastic surgeons have been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). For example, at Rowe Plastic Surgery, all the surgeons are board - certified, which ensures a certain level of expertise and adherence to professional standards.
- Experience: Look for a cosmetic surgeon with years of experience in breast surgeries, especially the type of breast reduction surgery you want. Dr. Norman Rowe at Rowe Plastic Surgery is highly experienced in breast reduction and is well - known for his skills.
- Manner: A good plastic surgeon should be easily approachable and listen to your concerns. At Mount Sinai, the surgeons take a warm and caring approach, making patients feel comfortable discussing their body - related issues.
- Reviews: Read the reviews from the surgeon’s other patients to determine the success rate. Healthgrades provides ratings and reviews of doctors in New York City who perform breast reduction, which can be a useful resource.
- Facility: Vet the facility to confirm it has the right equipment and personnel to make you feel safe and comfortable. The Breast Reduction Center of NYC offers a state - of - the - art facility with personalized patient care.
- Customer Service: Find a plastic surgeon who offers reliable customer service in case you have a question at any time during the process. Rowe Plastic Surgery and the Breast Reduction Center of NYC have patient coordinators who can answer questions about surgery, costs, financing, and health insurance coverage.
- Reputation: Look for a top - rated surgeon in the profession, one who has publications in the field and who has earned the respect of other cosmetic surgeons. Dr. Barry Weintraub, for example, has a strong reputation in the field and is sought after for complex redo surgeries.
- Transparency: Check whether there are complaints about the doctor’s charges from other patients. A good surgeon discusses the surgical process before the procedure and helps with any paperwork required for insurance.
Importance of Research
It is crucial not to rush the decision of choosing a surgeon and hospital. Ask around, do extensive research, and read as much as possible about the different surgeons and their practices. You can also visit the websites of the hospitals and surgeons, look at before - and - after photos, and read patient testimonials. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the best option for your breast fat reduction surgery.
The Breast Fat Reduction Procedure
General Steps
The breast fat reduction procedure generally follows these steps:
- Incision marks: The surgeon marks the incision lines on the breasts, depending on their shape, size, and required reduction. This is usually done while the patient is standing.
- Anesthesia: The patient is put under general anesthesia by an anesthesiologist, who stays at hand to monitor the patient throughout the surgery.
- Incisions: Incisions are made according to the best breast reduction technique based on the patient’s breast anatomy.
- Breast reduction: The surgeon removes the excess tissue, fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the lower part of the breasts to reduce the size.
- Breast lift: The bust is reshaped with the remaining breast tissue into natural contours as part of the breast lift.
- Nipple and areola repositioning: The surgeon moves the nipple to a higher location on the breast while it’s still attached to its blood supply.
- Closing the incision: The incisions are brought together, and the doctor uses a combination of skin adhesives, surgical tape, and sutures to close them. Whenever possible, absorbent sutures that dissolve naturally are used.
- Dressing: The surgeon dresses the incisions with a gauze bandage and then wraps the bosom in a protective cover.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast fat reduction varies from person to person, but in general:
- Patients may feel mild pain and soreness, and may need pain medication in the first few days.
- Swelling and bruising are common and usually subside within a few weeks.
- Patients are usually advised to wear a surgical or support bra for several weeks to support the healing breasts.
- Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks to allow the body to heal properly.
- Stitches are typically removed within a week or two, depending on the type of sutures used.
- The final results of the surgery may take several months to fully appear as the swelling goes down and the breasts settle into their new shape.
Cost and Insurance
Cost Factors
The cost of breast fat reduction in New York City can vary depending on several factors, such as the current size of the breasts, the goal breast size, the preferred surgeon, and any related medical conditions. Each hospital and surgeon may also have different pricing structures.
Insurance Coverage
In many cases, if the breast reduction is considered medically necessary, insurance may cover all or a portion of the costs. For example, if a patient is experiencing chronic back pain due to large breasts, the insurance company may deem the surgery medically necessary. However, insurance companies usually require specific criteria to be met, such as the amount of tissue to be removed. Some hospitals, like the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, have a team of insurance experts who can review your case and help you with the insurance approval process.
Conclusion
Breast fat reduction is a life - changing procedure for many women in New York City. Whether it is to relieve physical pain, improve self - confidence, or enhance overall quality of life, choosing the right surgeon and hospital is of utmost importance. Institutions like Rowe Plastic Surgery, Mount Sinai - New York, and the Breast Reduction Center of NYC offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and various techniques to meet the diverse needs of patients. By considering the factors mentioned in this article, patients can make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results from their breast fat reduction surgery.
If you are considering breast fat reduction, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons in New York City. Learn more about the procedure, ask questions, and take the first step towards a more comfortable and confident you. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast fat reduction, and explore related topics to gain more knowledge about plastic surgery and body enhancement.