Introduction
Breast plastic repair is a significant procedure that can have a profound impact on the physical and emotional well - being of patients. In New York City, a number of public hospitals stand out for their expertise, advanced techniques, and high - quality care in this field. This article will introduce four preferred public hospitals for breast plastic repair in New York City, highlighting their unique features, surgical options, and the care they provide to patients.
NewYork - Presbyterian
Overview
NewYork - Presbyterian is a leading medical institution in the field of breast plastic repair. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are at the forefront of the evolution of breast reconstruction. For the past 20 years, they have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction, making them leaders in this technique. From the initial preparation to the healing process, their comprehensive team offers support at every step of the patient's journey.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
- Autologous Reconstruction: This method uses the patient's own body tissue to reconstruct the breast. At NewYork - Presbyterian, tissue from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks can be utilized. A novel reinnervation procedure during autologous reconstruction takes about 20 minutes, where a nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest to improve sensory recovery.
- Implant - Based Reconstruction: Surgeons here use both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers to meet the clinical needs of patients. Current practice guidelines discourage the use of textured implants, but NewYork - Presbyterian tailors the choice of implant to the individual patient.
- DIEP Flap Reconstruction: DIEP stands for “deep inferior epigastric perforator artery.” This innovative technique uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking and feeling breasts.
Patient Care
Whether patients visit through a video visit or in person, NewYork - Presbyterian delivers the highest standards of care with compassion. The hospital has taken every step to ensure the safety of its facilities, allowing patients to continue their care with peace of mind.
Weill Cornell Medicine
Overview
Weill Cornell Medicine aims to make patients who have undergone mastectomies feel whole and complete again. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have also been leaders in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for 20 years, and their team supports patients throughout the entire process.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine
- Exemplary Surgeons: The surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team is dedicated to promoting patient comfort during the process.
- Individualized Breast Reconstruction: Recognizing that each patient's body is unique, the surgeons customize the breast reconstruction according to the patient's wishes.
- Multidisciplinary Care: Patients have access to a network of doctors and specialists, including oncologists, geneticists, and nurses. The plastic and reproductive surgeons are part of the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, which provides comprehensive care for breast cancer patients.
- Focus on Comfort: Before surgery, patients have the opportunity to ask questions to fully understand the procedure. The hospital uses the latest anesthetics and medications in state - of - the - art surgical suites, facilitating a quicker recovery. After surgery, the care team manages pain and teaches patients how to care for themselves during the healing process.
Breast Reconstruction Options
- Autologous Reconstruction: Similar to NewYork - Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine offers autologous reconstruction using tissue from various parts of the body, including the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Nerve reconstruction can also be performed to increase sensory recovery in the reconstructed breast.
- Breast Innervation: During autologous reconstruction, a 20 - minute reinnervation procedure can be carried out. In implant - based reconstruction, their surgeons have developed a new technique to preserve and reconnect the nerves that supply the skin and nipple, improving sensation and patient quality of life.
- DIEP Flap Reconstruction: This technique creates natural - looking breasts and a slimmer abdomen by using abdominal tissue.
- Implant - Based Reconstruction: The hospital performs breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants, and has pioneered techniques such as direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without the use of drains.
Columbia University
Overview
Columbia University is one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Their plastic surgery division has extensive experience in a wide range of procedures, including breast reconstruction after breast cancer. Their mission is to provide the highest quality care for patients in need of cosmetic or reconstructive procedures.
Breast Reconstructive Care
The Columbia breast cancer reconstructive surgery program is dedicated to helping individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery regain their physical and emotional well - being. The program brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to offer compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.
Plastic Surgery Services
| Service Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic Care | Offers surgical and non - surgical options such as ear and eyelid lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, etc. |
| Reconstructive Care | World - leading in reconstructive care for breast reconstruction after breast cancer, skin lesion excision, and reconstructive surgery for the nose and ears. |
| Cleft Palate / Cleft Lip Care | Provides specialized care for newborns with cleft lip and cleft palate through the craniofacial surgery program. |
| Orthoplastic Surgery Care | Combines orthopedic and reconstructive plastic surgery for lower wound complication rates and higher patient satisfaction in recovery. |
Research and Education
The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia University is actively involved in research studies related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing. As an academic institution, they also have a responsibility to educate the next generation of plastic surgeons and keep their peers updated on the latest best practices.
Mount Sinai
Overview
Mount Sinai's expert plastic surgeons specializing in breast reconstruction are dedicated to helping patients make informed decisions about breast reconstructive surgery. They guide patients through the complex decision - making process, including whether to have reconstruction, when to have it, and what type of reconstruction to choose.
Decision - Making Process
- Choosing Reconstruction: Some patients choose reconstruction to achieve a balanced appearance in clothing, feel comfortable with their body shape, or avoid wearing a prosthesis. Others may prefer not to have reconstruction. The breast surgeons at Mount Sinai listen to patients' concerns and help them navigate their options.
- Timing of Reconstruction: Patients can opt for immediate reconstruction after mastectomy (if medically possible) or delayed reconstruction. Immediate reconstruction often means fewer surgical procedures, fewer scars, and a potentially easier process due to the remaining breast skin retaining its original size and shape. Delayed reconstruction allows the body more time to heal from the mastectomy first.
- Type of Reconstruction: Patients need to decide between using implants or their own body tissue. The hospital takes into account factors such as the patient's overall health, tumor size and location, breast size, other medical treatments, body shape, and recovery speed when discussing the best option.
Advanced Services
Mount Sinai also offers new robotic surgery for breast cancer survivors, which may provide a more precise and less invasive option for some patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NewYork - Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University, and Mount Sinai are four top - notch public hospitals in New York City for breast plastic repair. Each hospital has its own strengths, whether it's the long - standing experience in specific surgical techniques, the focus on individualized and multidisciplinary care, or the offering of advanced technologies. These hospitals provide a range of options for patients in need of breast reconstruction, ensuring that they can make informed decisions about their treatment.
If you or someone you know is considering breast plastic repair, it is highly recommended to reach out to these hospitals to schedule a consultation. Discuss your specific needs and goals with the experienced medical teams to determine the best course of action for your breast reconstruction journey.
