Introduction to Breast Reduction Plastic Surgery in New York City
Breast reduction plastic surgery is a procedure that has gained significant popularity in New York City. For many individuals, large breasts can cause physical discomfort, including back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as emotional distress. New York City is home to numerous hospitals and plastic surgery centers that offer high - quality breast reduction procedures. In this article, we will explore some of the top - ranked hospitals and facilities in the city for breast reduction plastic surgery, along with the details of the procedure, candidate selection, benefits, and recovery.
Top Hospitals for Breast Reduction Plastic Surgery in New York City
Columbia Surgery
Columbia Surgery is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center. It offers a comprehensive plastic and reconstructive surgery program with highly proficient plastic surgeons on its clinical staff. These surgeons are specialized in multiple areas, including breast reduction. The division is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery, which means patients can benefit from the latest techniques and advancements. The hospital's breast reduction service is part of its broader cosmetic care program, which also includes ear and eyelid lifts, breast augmentation, and tummy tucks.
Services Offered:
- Breast reduction (mammoplasty) for women and gynecomastia treatment for men
- Reconstructive care, such as breast reconstruction after breast cancer
- Comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures
Contact Information:
- Call (212) 305 - 3103 or request an appointment online
- Washington Heights office: Herbert Irving Pavilion, 5th floor, rm 511, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032
- Midtown office: 51 W. 51st street (between fifth and sixth avenues), New York, NY 10019
- East side office: 525 E. 68th street, New York, NY 10065
- Westchester office: 1 Pondfield road, Bronxville, NY 10708
- New Jersey office: 300 Frank W Burr Blvd, Suite 130, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine is passionate about helping patients feel their best. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons work closely with patients to understand their goals and determine the best options for breast surgery. When it comes to breast reduction, they provide an individualized approach for each patient's unique body. The hospital partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. The focus on patient comfort is evident throughout the process, from the initial consultation to post - operative care.
Services Offered:
- Full range of cosmetic breast surgery options, including breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery
Contact Information:
- Upper East Side locations: 525 East 68th street, starr 8 and 425 East 61st street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10065
- Call (646) 962 - 4210
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai's team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is well - known for enhancing women’s breasts. They understand the physical and emotional burden that large breasts can place on patients and provide a warm, caring, and supportive environment for patients to discuss their concerns. Before recommending breast reduction surgery, the surgeons will carefully assess the patient's eligibility and provide all the necessary information for the patient to make an educated decision.
Eligibility Criteria for Breast Reduction Surgery:
- Maintain a healthy, stable weight
- Not plan on future pregnancies which will affect the breasts
- Be physically mature with fully - developed breasts and emotionally mature about the choice
Positive Results of Breast Reduction:
- Less neck, back, and shoulder pain
- 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
- Balanced size of breasts
Contact Information:
- Call 1 - 332 - 239 - 6252
- Address: New York, NY 10029 - 0310
Understanding Breast Reduction Plastic Surgery
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess fat, skin, and tissue from overly large breasts. The primary goal is to reduce the breast size in relation to the body frame, which can have a positive impact on a person's physical and emotional well - being. During the procedure, the surgeon takes special care to maintain the breasts’ functionality and sensitivity. In most cases, the reduction procedure reduces the breast size by one or two cup sizes.
Types of Breast Reduction Techniques
There are several techniques available for breast reduction, and the choice depends on the patient's body size, breast characteristics, and desired outcome. Here are some common techniques:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Pedicle Method | The surgeon leaves a pedicle (attached tissue graft) with nerves and blood vessels intact to supply the breast after size reduction. |
| Inferior Pedicle Method | A pedicle breast surgery procedure where a tissue graft is attached 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 nipple is completely removed and replaced in a new, higher position as a skin graft. |
| Anchor Incision Pattern | The 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 | It is a “scarless” breast reduction technique that allows access to the breast parenchyma through tiny incisions, resulting in minimal scarring. Ideal for patients with significant breast fat, minimal excess skin, properly - positioned nipples, and adequately sized areolas. |
Candidate Selection for Breast Reduction Surgery
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery. To be considered a good candidate, an individual should meet the following criteria:
- Experience side effects of oversized breasts, such as neck or back pain
- Have breasts that are out of proportion with the rest of the body, leading to poor posture
- Endure shoulder pain and painful bra indentations on the shoulders due to breast weight
- Find that the breast size impairs their ability to lead an active lifestyle
- Have one breast larger than the other
- Be in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of mammoplasty
- Not be a smoker
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery offers numerous benefits, both physical and emotional. Some of the key benefits include:
- Physical Benefits:
- Relief from neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of heavy breasts
- Improved posture as the body is no longer strained by the large breast size
- Decreased risk of skin irritation and rashes under the breasts
- Ability to engage in physical activities more comfortably
- Emotional Benefits:
- Boost in self - confidence and self - esteem
- Reduction in self - consciousness about breast size
- Improved body image and overall mental well - being
The Breast Reduction Surgery Process
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the breast reduction surgery, patients need to go through several pre - operative steps:
- Initial Consultation: Contact an experienced breast surgeon to learn more about the procedure. The surgeon will assess the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss the patient's goals and expectations.
- Physical Exam: The doctor will conduct a detailed physical examination of the breasts, review the patient's medical history, and ask questions to determine if the patient is a good candidate for the surgery. They will also determine the best reduction option based on the patient's chest, height, weight, and body size.
- Pre - operative Requirements: The doctor may request a baseline mammogram. The patient will be advised to stop taking blood - thinning medications, aspirin, and anti - inflammatories, and to stop smoking weeks before the procedure. Depending on the medical situation, the patient may need to take additional medications or adjust their doses. Pregnant patients may need to wait until after childbirth and breastfeeding to have the surgery.
During the Surgery
The breast reduction surgery is typically an inpatient procedure that takes place in a fully equipped ambulatory surgical center. The general steps of the procedure are as follows:
- Incision Marks: The surgeon marks the incision lines on the breasts while the patient is standing, considering the breast shape, size, and required reduction.
- Anesthesia: The anesthesiologist puts the patient under general anesthesia, and stays at hand to monitor the patient throughout the surgery.
- Incisions: Incisions are made according to the selected breast reduction technique based on the 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 remaining breast tissue is reshaped into natural contours as part of the breast lift.
- Nipple and Areola Repositioning: The nipple is moved to a higher location on the breast while 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 the incision. Whenever possible, absorbent sutures are used.
- Dressing: The incisions are dressed with a gauze bandage, and the breasts are wrapped in a protective cover.
Post - operative Recovery
The recovery process after breast reduction surgery varies from person to person, but here are some general guidelines:
- Discomfort and Soreness: Patients may experience pain and soreness around the breasts during the recovery period. The doctor may prescribe a short - term round of prescription pain medication or recommend over - the - counter painkillers.
- Return to Work: Patients can usually return to work in two to three weeks, depending on their type of work. By this time, they are likely wearing a sports bra for support.
- Exercise Restrictions: High - intensity exercise, especially running and weight - lifting, should be avoided for at least a month. Patients should wait until after their follow - up visit to receive exact instructions for a moderate return to physical activities.
- Scarring: Scars are expected due to the incisions. Initially, they may be highly visible, red, or pink in color, but with proper care, they fade after several months.
- Final Results: The full results of the surgery become apparent in three weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the surgery.
Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery
The cost of breast reduction surgery 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. In some cases, if the breast reduction is considered medically necessary due to physical pain and discomfort caused by large breasts, the majority of the costs may be covered by insurance. However, if the reduction is for purely cosmetic reasons, it is usually a self - pay procedure. It is important to consult with the surgeon and the insurance provider to understand the potential costs and coverage.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Breast Reduction Surgery
Selecting the right surgeon is crucial for a successful breast reduction surgery. Here are some tips to help you choose the best plastic surgeon:
- Certification: Choose a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
- Experience: Look for a surgeon with years of experience in breast surgeries, especially the type of breast reduction surgery you desire.
- Manner: Select a surgeon who is approachable, listens to your concerns, and can alleviate your fears.
- Reviews: Read reviews from other patients to determine the surgeon's success rate and patient satisfaction.
- Facility: Make sure the surgical facility has the right equipment and personnel to ensure your safety and comfort.
- Customer Service: Find a surgeon who offers reliable customer service and can answer your questions throughout the process.
- Reputation: Look for a top - rated surgeon in the profession, with publications in the field and respect from other cosmetic surgeons.
- Transparency: Check if there are any complaints about the doctor's charges. A good surgeon will discuss the surgical process in detail and help with insurance paperwork.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City is home to some of the top hospitals and plastic surgery centers for breast reduction plastic surgery. Hospitals like Columbia Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Mount Sinai Hospital offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and a patient - centered approach. Breast reduction surgery can bring significant physical and emotional benefits to individuals with overly large breasts. However, it is important to carefully consider all aspects of the procedure, including candidate selection, surgical techniques, recovery, and cost. By choosing the right surgeon and following the pre - and post - operative instructions, patients can achieve successful outcomes and improve their quality of life.
If you are considering breast reduction plastic surgery in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to one of the hospitals or plastic surgery centers mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and concerns with a qualified surgeon. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about breast reduction surgery in the city. Explore further resources to gain a more in - depth understanding of the procedure and make an informed decision.
