Introduction
When it comes to breast shaping in New York City, finding the right public hospital is crucial. Patients need facilities that offer high - quality medical services, experienced surgeons, and a patient - centered approach. This article will introduce four preferred public hospitals in New York City for breast shaping, highlighting their unique features, surgical procedures, and overall care.
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Overview
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai has a long - standing reputation for excellence. It has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006. Additionally, it has achieved Magnet® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services.
Breast Shaping Services
The New York Center for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction at this hospital, led by Dr. Joshua Levine, specializes in state - of - the - art, muscle - sparing, and implant - free microsurgical breast reconstruction options. They utilize the patient’s own tissue (skin and fat) to create a more natural, long - lasting breast. The hospital performs almost 150 such cases a year. They are pioneers in the deep perforator flap technique and the nipple - sparing operation, techniques that are often lacking at many other centers.
Patient - Centered Care
The specialists here believe in providing women with all the information they need to make an educated decision about innovative surgical options. No matter what procedure a woman chooses, the world - renowned plastic surgeons and support staff will care for each patient with expertise, compassion, and respect.
Cost and Insurance
Although many women may not be aware, due to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, breast reconstruction is often a covered benefit. The hospital staff can assist patients in understanding their insurance coverage and navigating the financial aspects of the procedure.
Recovery Process
For flap procedures at this hospital, patients may require a stay of 5 to 6 days. After returning home, they can expect some swelling, soreness, and bruising for 2 to 3 weeks. Dr. Levine and his staff will be available for patients to call and get guidance on applying medications to the suture area or changing bandages at home.
Columbia University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Hospital Standing
As one of New York’s best hospitals and the world’s top medical centers, Columbia University has a wealth of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Their division is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery and is a recognized national and international leader in the field.
Breast Shaping Procedures
- Breast Augmentation: Offers both silicone and saline implant options. The surgeons use the latest techniques to ensure natural - looking results and minimal scarring.
- Breast Reduction (Mammoplasty): Helps patients who suffer from back pain, neck pain, or other discomforts due to large breasts. The procedure also enhances the overall appearance of the breasts.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Restores the shape and position of sagging breasts, giving them a more youthful appearance.
- Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy: The Columbia breast cancer reconstructive surgery program brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.
Plastic Surgery Team
The division of plastic & reconstructive surgery has a team of board - certified surgeons. For example, Dr. Christine Rohde is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher, trained in the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and breast reconstruction. Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters and has been included in lists of America’s top doctors.
Research and Innovation
The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is actively involved in numerous research studies. These include those related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. A major focus is on applications of gene therapy to wound healing, which may have implications for reducing scarring and improving recovery after breast - shaping surgeries.
Preparation and Aftercare
Patients will be provided with detailed instructions on preparing for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins and medications. After the procedure, the surgical team will closely monitor the patient’s recovery and provide necessary support to ensure optimal results.
Mount Sinai - New York
Comprehensive Breast Care
Mount Sinai is well - known for its comprehensive breast care services. If a patient is planning to have a mastectomy, the expert plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai can help them think through the decision - making process regarding breast reconstruction.
Decision - Making Support
The hospital helps patients with difficult decisions such as whether to have reconstruction, when to have it, and what type to have. They listen to the patient’s concerns and needs and guide them through the many options available.
Choosing Reconstruction: Some women choose reconstruction to look balanced in clothing, feel comfortable with their body shape, or avoid wearing a prosthesis. Others may prefer not to have any reconstruction. The surgeons at Mount Sinai respect all choices and provide objective advice.
Timing of Reconstruction: Immediate reconstruction after a mastectomy, if medically possible, means fewer surgical procedures, often only one set of surgical scars, and a single healing time frame. The remaining breast skin remains stretched to the original size and shape, which may simplify the process. However, some patients may prefer to wait and give their body time to heal from the mastectomy first.
Type of Reconstruction: Patients can choose between using implants or their body’s own tissue. Factors such as overall health, the size and location of the tumor, breast size, and recovery speed are considered when making this decision. Mount Sinai offers state - of - the - art options for both implant - based and flap - based reconstructions.
Robotic Surgery Option
Mount Sinai offers new robotic surgery for breast cancer survivors. Robotic surgery can provide greater precision, smaller incisions, and potentially faster recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods.
Patient Experience
The hospital emphasizes patient experience and provides a supportive environment throughout the entire breast - shaping journey. From the initial consultation to the post - operative follow - up, patients can expect personalized care and attention from the medical staff.
NYC Health + Hospitals / Lincoln
Community - Oriented Hospital
NYC Health + Hospitals / Lincoln, located in the South Bronx, is a 362 - bed, acute - care level 1 trauma center. It is part of the largest public health - care system in the nation, serving the local community with a wide range of medical services.
Breast - Related Services
Breast Imaging: The hospital has a dedicated breast - imaging center, which uses the latest technology to detect breast diseases at an early stage. This is crucial for both preventive care and in the planning of breast - shaping procedures.
Breast Reconstruction Support: Although not as specialized in plastic surgery as some of the other hospitals on this list, NYC Health + Hospitals / Lincoln can provide support for breast reconstruction in conjunction with referrals to other facilities if needed. They offer a holistic approach to breast health, including counseling and support services for patients undergoing breast - related surgeries.
Cost - Effective Care
As a public hospital, NYC Health + Hospitals / Lincoln offers cost - effective care options for patients. They also have programs in place to assist patients who may have financial difficulties in paying for their breast - shaping procedures.
Primary Care and Continuum of Care
The hospital emphasizes primary care and specialty medicine, using the latest advances in medical science. This means that patients can receive comprehensive care, from pre - operative check - ups to post - operative follow - up, all within the same health - care system.
Comparing the Four Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialty | Patient - Centered Approach | Research and Innovation | Cost - related |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai | Muscle - sparing, implant - free microsurgical breast reconstruction | Provides full information for patient decision - making, with expert and compassionate care | Pioneers in deep perforator flap and nipple - sparing operations | Help patients understand insurance coverage |
| Columbia University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | Diverse breast - shaping procedures, including reconstruction after mastectomy | Team of experienced surgeons for personalized care | Active research in stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy | As a major medical center, may have various payment options and insurance acceptance |
| Mount Sinai - New York | Comprehensive breast care, including decision - making support and robotic surgery | Guides patients through difficult decisions with respect for individual choices | Offers new robotic surgery technology | Cost may vary based on the type of procedure and insurance coverage |
| NYC Health + Hospitals / Lincoln | Breast imaging and support for breast reconstruction | Holistic approach with counseling and support services | Not as research - intensive but uses the latest medical advances in primary and specialty care | Cost - effective care with financial assistance programs |
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers several excellent public hospitals for breast shaping. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai stands out for its innovative microsurgical techniques and long - standing reputation. Columbia University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery provides a wide range of procedures, supported by cutting - edge research. Mount Sinai - New York offers comprehensive breast care and guidance through the decision - making process, while NYC Health + Hospitals / Lincoln provides cost - effective and community - oriented breast - related services.
If you are considering breast shaping in New York City, we encourage you to further research these hospitals, consult with their medical teams, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast - shaping options in New York City and continue exploring more health - related topics on our site.
