Introduction
Breast reconstruction surgery is a crucial procedure for many women who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer or other reasons. It not only restores the physical appearance of the breast but also has a significant impact on the patient's self - confidence and emotional well - being. In New York City, there are several hospitals renowned for their excellence in breast reconstruction surgery. This article will introduce the departments of the top three hospitals for breast reconstruction surgery in New York City.
Mount Sinai - New York
Overview of the Breast Reconstruction Program
The breast reconstruction program at Mount Sinai West, led by Hani Sbitany, MD, an internationally renowned leader in breast reconstruction, offers a comprehensive range of breast reconstruction options. Breast reconstruction can be a vital step for women who have had breast cancer and plan to have a mastectomy. It restores the look and feel of the body as well as self - confidence.
The program provides two main categories of breast reconstruction approaches: those involving breast implants and those using the patient's own tissue (autologous). Both types of procedures can usually be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date, depending on the patient's situation.
Meet the Team
- Hani Sbitany, MD: Specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
- Stephanie Bernik, MD: An expert in breast surgery.
- Jennifer Casher Lehman, MD: Also focuses on breast surgery.
The team at Mount Sinai West works closely with breast oncology surgeons to provide comprehensive breast care to patients.
Address and Contact Information
The address of the department is 425 West 59th Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10019. The phone number is 212 - 523 - 8700, and the office hours are on Tuesdays from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Types of Reconstruction Procedures
Implant Reconstruction
When performing implant reconstruction, a tissue expander is first placed in the breast at the time of the mastectomy. The tissue expander is a temporary inflatable implant. After surgery, it is inflated in the plastic surgeon's office. The patient may stay in the hospital for a day or two and can usually return to work in two to three weeks. About three months after the initial surgery, a second ambulatory surgery is performed to remove the tissue expander and place a permanent implant, which can be filled with silicone or saline.
Autologous Reconstruction
Several types of autologous reconstruction are available. For example, the DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric perforator artery) uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen, similar to a “tummy - tuck,” to reconstruct the breast. The latissimus dorsi flap uses skin and muscle from the back. The initial surgery for autologous reconstruction is generally longer than with an implant, but more can be accomplished in the first procedure. The hospital stay is typically five days, and patients may be able to return to work four to six weeks after the surgery.
Weill Cornell Medicine
Clinical Services and Goals
The plastic and reconstructive surgery department at Weill Cornell Medicine offers the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. The goal is to make patients who have had mastectomies feel whole and complete again and to allow them to continue their journey without constant reminders of their treatment. The department has been a leader in the evolution of breast reconstruction, and nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction have been performed there for the past 20 years.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?
Exemplary Surgeons
The surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The care team is well - equipped to promote the patient's comfort throughout the process.
Individualized Breast Reconstruction
Each patient's body is unique, and the plastic and reconstructive surgeons can reconstruct the breast according to each patient's wishes.
Multidisciplinary Care
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 achieve optimal health and well - being.
Focus on Comfort
The team prioritizes the patient's comfort at every step. Before surgery, patients have the opportunity to ask questions to fully understand the procedure. In state - of - the - art surgical suites, the latest anesthetics and medications are used to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After surgery, the care team manages pain with medication and teaches patients how to care for themselves during the healing and recovery process.
Breast Reconstruction Options
Autologous Reconstruction
This type of reconstruction uses the patient's own tissue from different areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, to make the breast. Nerves can be reconstructed during autologous reconstruction to increase sensory recovery in the breasts, which may be numb after the mastectomy. A novel reinnervation procedure, which only takes about 20 minutes, can be performed during breast reconstruction. In this procedure, a nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest.
Implant - Based Reconstruction
Weill Cornell Medicine performs breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants based on the patient's unique needs. Although current practice guidelines discourage the use of textured implants, both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers are utilized to best meet the clinical needs. Pioneered techniques include direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without the use of drains.
Contact Information
There are two locations on the upper east side. One is at 525 East 68th Street, Starr 8, New York, NY 10065, and the other is at 425 East 61st Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10065. The contact number is (646) 962 - 4210.
NewYork - Presbyterian
Role in Breast Reconstruction
NewYork - Presbyterian plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction, especially in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction, which have been performed at the hospital for the past 20 years.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
Autologous Reconstruction
This surgery uses the patient's own body tissue to reconstruct nerves and breast structure. Tissue from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks can be used to reconstruct breast tissue. Similar to Weill Cornell Medicine, a novel reinnervation procedure that takes about 20 minutes can be performed. In this procedure, a nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest during autologous reconstruction.
Implant - Based Reconstruction
Surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers to meet the clinical needs. Current practice guidelines discourage the use of textured implants. The hospital also has experience in DIEP flap reconstruction, which uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts.
Access to Care
Patients can receive care either through a video visit or in - person. The hospital team has taken steps to ensure the safety of its facilities, and patients are assured of high - quality and compassionate care. To make an appointment, patients can call the hospital.
Comparison of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Key Surgeon | Unique Reconstruction Techniques | Multidisciplinary Approach | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai - New York | Hani Sbitany, MD | Advanced muscle - sparing and microsurgical techniques | Works closely with breast oncology surgeons | 425 West 59th Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10019; 212 - 523 - 8700 |
| Weill Cornell Medicine | Not specifically mentioned | Direct - to - implant reconstruction without use of drains; reinnervation techniques | Part of a comprehensive breast center with oncologists, geneticists, and nurses | 525 East 68th Street, Starr 8, New York, NY 10065; 425 East 61st Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10065; (646) 962 - 4210 |
| NewYork - Presbyterian | Not specifically mentioned | 20 - year experience in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction; DIEP flap reconstruction | Collaboration among plastic and reconstructive surgeons and other specialists | Call to make an appointment |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Expertise of Surgeons
The experience and skill of the surgeons are crucial. For example, at Mount Sinai, Hani Sbitany, MD, is an internationally renowned leader in breast reconstruction. In Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork - Presbyterian, the surgeons have extensive experience in advanced breast reconstruction techniques, especially in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction.
Available Reconstruction Options
Patients should consider the types of reconstruction available at each hospital. Some may prefer autologous reconstruction for a more natural look, while others may opt for implant - based reconstruction. Different hospitals may have different levels of expertise in specific techniques, such as DIEP flap reconstruction or reinnervation procedures.
Multidisciplinary Care
Breast reconstruction is often part of a comprehensive breast cancer treatment plan. A hospital with a multidisciplinary approach, like Weill Cornell Medicine's Breast Center, can provide better coordination of care among oncologists, geneticists, and nurses, ensuring optimal health and well - being for the patient.
Patient Comfort and Support
All three hospitals claim to prioritize patient comfort. However, patients may want to consider the level of pre - and post - operative support, such as pain management, education about the recovery process, and follow - up care.
Location and Accessibility
The location of the hospital can be an important factor, especially for patients who may need to make multiple visits for consultations, surgeries, and follow - up appointments. Patients should consider the proximity of the hospital to their home and the ease of travel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mount Sinai - New York, Weill Cornell Medicine, and NewYork - Presbyterian are among the top hospitals in New York City for breast reconstruction surgery. Each hospital has its own strengths, including expert surgeons, a wide range of reconstruction options, and a commitment to patient care. Mount Sinai offers advanced muscle - sparing and microsurgical techniques, Weill Cornell Medicine is known for its individualized care and innovative reinnervation procedures, and NewYork - Presbyterian has a long - standing experience in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction.
If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction surgery, it is essential to research these hospitals further, consult with the surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences. Take the next step in your journey to recovery and restoration by scheduling a consultation with one of these top - rated hospitals today.
