Introduction
Breast plastic surgery, whether for reconstruction after a mastectomy or for cosmetic enhancement, is a delicate and complex procedure. While many surgeries are successful, complications can sometimes occur. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several professional hospitals equipped to handle the repair of breast plastic surgery complications. This article will present the top 5 hospitals in New York City for this crucial service, along with detailed information about their facilities, surgeons, and available procedures.
1. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Overview
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is a premier institution in New York City. It has a remarkable track - record in breast reconstruction. Since 2006, it has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” and has achieved Magnet® status for excellence in nursing services. Dr. Joshua Levine established the first dedicated perforator flap breast reconstruction program in New York City, the New York Center for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction, at this hospital in 2006.
Surgeons and Surgical Teams
Dr. Levine builds expert surgical teams with advanced skills in natural breast reconstruction. As one of the first surgeons to perform perforator flap breast reconstruction surgery in Manhattan, he has trained many of the first - wave of DIEP surgeons in the tri - state area. His surgical teams include assisting microsurgeons like Robert Allen, M.D., a pioneer of perforator free flap breast reconstruction including DIEP, GAP, PAP, and others, and Julie Vasile, M.D., a board - certified fellowship - trained microsurgeon specialized in these procedures since 2008. The breast surgeons on the team are Ranjan Chatterji, M.D., Leah Gendler, M.D., Alyssa Gillego, M.D., and Karen Karsif, M.D.
Procedures Offered
The hospital offers state - of - the - art, muscle - sparing, and implant - free microsurgical breast reconstruction options. These procedures utilize the patient’s own tissue (skin and fat) to make a breast, resulting in a more natural, long - lasting reconstruction. The deep perforator flap technique is one of the specialized procedures available, which is often lacking at many other centers.
2. Weill Cornell Medicine
Overview
Weill Cornell Medicine is committed to helping patients who have had mastectomies feel whole and complete again. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field, with extensive experience in breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years, positioning them as leaders in this technique.
Surgeons and Multidisciplinary Care
The surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are exemplary in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The care team is equipped to promote patient comfort throughout the process. The plastic and reproductive surgeons are part of the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, a multidisciplinary group that includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This comprehensive approach helps patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities achieve optimal health and well - being.
Procedures Offered
- Autologous Reconstruction: This uses the patient’s own tissue from different areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, to reconstruct the breast. Nerves can be reconstructed during this process to increase sensory recovery.
- Breast Innervation: The hospital offers novel reinnervation procedures during both autologous and implant reconstruction. For autologous reconstruction, a nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest. In implant reconstruction, the nerves that supply the skin and nipple are preserved and reconnected.
- DIEP Flap Reconstruction: An innovative technique that uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts.
- Implant - Based Reconstruction: They perform breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants based on the patient’s unique needs, utilizing both saline and silicone breast implants.
3. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
Overview
The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC is a renowned facility where the best - in - class plastic surgeons perform aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery procedures. Patients from the NYC tri - state area and around the world seek their surgical services for breast surgery, breast reconstruction, breast reduction, breast implants revision, and more. They are committed to helping patients achieve their breast surgery goals with beautiful and natural - looking results.
Surgeons and Certification
The plastic surgeons at this center are board - certified and have impressive credentials. They hold certifications from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery. They are also members of numerous professional societies, including the Aesthetic Society, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Procedures Offered
| Procedure Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Reconstructive Breast Surgery | Includes immediate breast reconstruction during cancer removal surgery, delayed breast reconstruction after cancer surgery, and revisions of breast reconstructions. |
| Areola Reshaping | Corrects inverted or enlarged nipples by creating a periareolar incision and removing excess skin. |
| Breast Implant Removal | May involve en bloc, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy procedures depending on the desired post - op result. |
| Implant - Based Breast Reconstruction | Offers an acceptable cosmetic outcome without using tissue from the body. |
| Nipple (Areola) Correction | Corrects problems associated with enlarged, asymmetrical, protruding, or inverted nipples in both men and women. |
| Nipple (Areola) Reconstruction | Provides the finishing touch for breast reconstruction surgery. |
| Partial Breast Reconstruction | Also known as oncoplastic surgery, it reconstructs partial breast defects. |
| Revision Breast Reconstruction | Performed when the initial reconstructive surgery results in an aesthetically disappointing outcome. |
| Secondary Breast Reduction/Lift | Corrects issues such as sagging breasts, uniboob, bottoming out, or asymmetrical breasts that may arise after previous breast surgeries. |
| Cosmetic Breast Surgery | Includes breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, nipple reduction, and revision breast augmentation. |
4. NYU Langone Health
Overview
NYU Langone Health's plastic surgeons are experts in reconstructing the breast after breast cancer surgery and improving the overall appearance of the breast for those seeking reconstructive or cosmetic plastic surgery. They offer a wide range of the latest reconstruction techniques.
Surgeons and Techniques
The team of plastic surgeons, including Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and Dr. Nolan S. Karp, specialize in the latest techniques for breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery. They are experts in treating conditions such as breast sagging, breast hyperplasia, breast hypoplasia, etc.
Procedures Offered
- Breast Reduction: Using the short - scar method, which involves a smaller incision than traditional techniques and has more cosmetically appealing results.
- Breast Lift Surgery: Also known as mastopexy, it lifts and reshapes the breasts.
- Secondary Breast Reconstruction and Augmentation: Performed as a separate procedure after the removal of all or part of the breast.
- Perforator Flap Reconstruction: Using microvascular surgical techniques, a new breast is created by using tissue removed from the stomach or buttocks. Techniques include DIEP and S - GAP.
- Breast in a Day: An innovative surgery that involves performing a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day. It is suitable for women at high risk for breast cancer or those with breast cancer not involving the nipple - areola.
5. Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Overview
The surgical breast care program at Columbia University provides comprehensive treatment for all forms of breast disease. Their breast cancer program offers significantly better results than others, including higher survival rates, lower complication rates, and better reconstructive results than the national averages.
Services and Benefits
They use the most advanced services and state - of - the - art equipment. After diagnosing the specific type of breast cancer or disease, the team collaborates with the patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. The program has the full resources of a major academic facility, allowing it to offer a range of different programs and services and work closely with specialists from various fields.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Plastic Surgery Complication Repair
Surgeon Experience
The experience of the surgeon is crucial. Surgeons with years of experience in breast plastic surgery and reconstruction are more likely to handle complications effectively. For example, surgeons like Dr. Joshua Levine at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, who has been a pioneer in perforator flap breast reconstruction, have in - depth knowledge and skills.
Available Procedures
Different hospitals offer different sets of procedures. A hospital that offers a wide range of procedures, such as autologous reconstruction, implant - based reconstruction, and reinnervation procedures, can better meet the diverse needs of patients with complications.
Multidisciplinary Care
Multidisciplinary care involving oncologists, geneticists, and nurses in addition to plastic surgeons can provide comprehensive support for patients. Hospitals like Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Irving Medical Center have such multidisciplinary teams, which can lead to better treatment outcomes.
Patient Reviews and Reputation
Patient reviews can give insights into the quality of care and patient experience at a hospital. A hospital with a good reputation for handling breast plastic surgery complications, as reflected in positive patient reviews, is more likely to provide satisfactory services.
Conclusion
New York City is home to some of the top professional hospitals for repairing breast plastic surgery complications. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, NYU Langone Health, and Columbia University Irving Medical Center each offer unique services, experienced surgeons, and advanced procedures. When faced with breast plastic surgery complications, patients should carefully consider the factors mentioned above to choose the hospital that best suits their needs.
If you or someone you know is in need of breast plastic surgery complication repair, don't hesitate to reach out to these top - rated hospitals in New York City. Explore their websites, schedule consultations, and take the first step towards resolving the issue and regaining your confidence. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information.
