Introduction
New York City is not only a global hub for culture, finance, and media but also a prominent destination for cosmetic surgeries, including breast lift procedures. A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a surgical solution to address sagging breasts caused by various factors such as aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or genetic predisposition. In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to some of the top breast lift hospitals in New York City, discuss the procedure, its benefits, recovery, and much more.
What is a Breast Lift?
Commonly referred to as a mastopexy, the breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to raise sagging breasts by modifying the contour and elevation. Breasts may look saggy due to overstretched suspensory ligaments of Cooper, excessive tissue, and skin. Lactation, aging, and significant weight changes are also major causes of drooping breasts. During this procedure, a plastic surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the remaining tissue to create more contoured and shapely breasts. Some patients may choose to have breast implants added as part of the procedure to give the breasts more volume.
Goals of a Breast Lift
- Restore a more youthful, perky, and attractive shape to the breasts.
- Reposition the nipple - areola complex to a higher position.
- Reduce the size of enlarged areolas and make them more proportional.
- Improve breast symmetry and overall balance.
- Enhance self - confidence and body image.
Top Breast Lift Hospitals in New York City
Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics
Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics has a rating of 4.7. Patients have reported excellent experiences, with comments like “Best experience ever! Dr. Kevin and his team made this journey very smooth for me. I love my results and how fast I’m healing. I would absolutely recommend him!” The price for the breast lift procedure is available on request.
RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center
Located in Brooklyn, this center offers patients breast lift procedures among its total of 32 available procedures across 2 different specialties. Currently, there's no pricing information for breast lift procedures, as all prices are available on request only, while the national average price is approximately $4,000. All procedures and treatments are undertaken by the lead specialist at the clinic, and they are accredited by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Leonard Grossman, M.D.
In Brooklyn, Leonard Grossman, M.D. offers breast lift procedures among its total of 36 available procedures across 3 different specialties. There's no pricing information for breast lift procedures as all prices are on request. The national average price is around $4,000. The clinic and its procedures are not accredited by any recognized accreditation institutes.
New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery
Situated in Manhattan, this center provides breast lift procedures among its 39 available procedures across 4 different specialties. Pricing for breast lift is available on request only, with the national average being approximately $5,408. The procedures are carried out by the lead specialist, and it is not accredited by any recognized accreditation institutes.
Dr. Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam Kolker is an active member of multiple professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. His breast lift surgeries are uniquely personalized, taking into account the patient's anatomy and desires. The procedure is performed at his fully - accredited surgical facility on Park Avenue in Manhattan. Dr. Kolker offers a range of breast lift techniques, and he will help patients determine the best approach for their goals.
Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Dr. John E. Sherman, a skilled and board - certified plastic surgeon, has helped numerous women achieve stunning results through breast lift procedures. He offers different surgical approaches, including full mastopexy and periareolar mastopexy. Patients can choose to have the surgery in his fully accredited operating suite or at reputable hospitals in New York, such as New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, and Lenox Hill Hospital.
Mount Sinai
A breast lift procedure at Mount Sinai can be a positive and rewarding experience. The surgeons at Mount Sinai can provide results such as firmer, more rounded, and shapelier breasts, restored fullness lost after childbearing or weight loss, balanced breast height, and more proportioned areola size. The hospital also offers the option of combining breast lift with other cosmetic surgery procedures for a mommy makeover.
Breast Lift Procedure
Types of Breast Lifts
- Circumareolar Mastopexy (Donut Lift): This involves an incision around the areola only. It is suitable for patients with mild breast sagging and can be used to reduce the size of the areola and slightly lift the breasts.
- Circumvertical Mastopexy (Lollipop Lift): An incision is made around the areola and a vertical line extends from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. This lift is appropriate for moderate breast sagging and can achieve a more significant lift and reshaping.
- Wise - Pattern Mastopexy (Inverted - T Lift): Three incisions are made: one around the areola, a vertical line to the inframammary crease, and a horizontal line along the crease. It is used for severe breast sagging and deflation, allowing for extensive tissue tightening and repositioning.
- Augmentation Mastopexy: This is a combination of breast lift and breast augmentation with implants. It is suitable for patients who want to lift their breasts and add volume simultaneously, especially those who have lost breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss.
Procedure Steps
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is typically administered to ensure the patient's comfort during the surgery. In some cases, a local anesthetic with sedation may be used depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's preference.
- Incision: The surgeon makes the appropriate incision based on the type of breast lift chosen. As described above, the incision location and pattern vary depending on the degree of breast sagging and the patient's goals.
- Tissue Reshaping: The surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the breast tissue. If implants are being used, they are placed either under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle.
- Repositioning of Nipple - Areola Complex: The nipple and areola are moved to a higher, more youthful position on the breast. The size of the areola may also be reduced if necessary.
- Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures, and a bandage is applied over the operated area. A surgical bra is then provided to support the breasts during the initial recovery phase.
Recovery from Breast Lift
Immediate Post - Operative Period
After the surgery, patients are moved from the operation theatre to a private recovery room, where they are monitored for a few hours. Once they are fully awake and stable, they can go home on the same day, assuming no other surgeries were performed at the same time. Small tubes may be placed near the incisions to drain any fluid or blood, and these tubes are usually removed after several days.
Recovery Time
Patients should plan to take 2 to 3 weeks off work. There will be pain and swelling in the operated area, and the breasts will appear swollen for almost 2 weeks. Redness and pain around the incisions are common, and the areola and nipple may be numb for a few days. In the early days, painkillers are given to help with pain. Patients might have to wear surgical bras for 2 to 3 weeks, after which they can wear regular bras. However, no underwire bras should be worn for at least 6 weeks.
Aftercare
- Visit the doctor regularly for follow - up appointments to ensure proper healing.
- Take medications as prescribed by the doctor.
- Follow a healthy diet to promote recovery.
- Have someone available to assist with daily activities during the initial recovery period.
- Avoid wearing push - up bras for 5 to 6 weeks after the surgery.
- Limit excessive movement of the breasts.
- Do not take a bath as long as the bandages are in place to prevent infection.
- Avoid bending, lifting heavy objects, or engaging in sexual activity for a specified period as advised by the doctor.
Success Rate and Risks
Success Rate
According to a survey, about 80% of women are satisfied with breast lift surgery. The surgery restores the bust, and the sagginess disappears. Most people experience long - lasting results, while others might need minor revisions after a few years.
Risks and Side Effects
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site. This can usually be treated with antibiotics, but in severe cases, it may require further medical intervention.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. In most cases, it can be controlled, but excessive bleeding may require additional treatment.
- Scarring: Scars are inevitable after a breast lift, but their appearance can vary depending on factors such as the type of incision, the patient's skin type, and how well the wound heals. In some cases, scar revision surgery may be an option to improve the appearance of scars.
- Diminished Nipple Sensation: There is a slight risk of decreased nipple sensation, which may be temporary or permanent.
- Asymmetry: There may be a difference in the shape or position of the two breasts after the surgery. In some cases, revisional surgery may be needed to correct this.
- Failure of the Surgery: In rare cases, the surgery may not achieve the desired results, and the patient may require additional procedures.
Non - Surgical Alternatives to Breast Lift
Padded Bras
Padded bras or push - up bras give a rounded contour to the breasts without incisions. They can lift the breasts and eliminate the droopy appearance, but this is a temporary solution.
Vampire Breast Lift
In this procedure, platelet - rich plasma (PRP) injections are given. A numbing cream is applied to the breasts first. After they go numb, PRP along with hyaluronic acid is injected into the breasts. It tightens the breasts and lifts them up, and hyaluronic acid increases the efficacy of PRP. The procedure takes about 20 minutes.
Laser Treatment
High - power laser is used to stimulate the growth of collagen. It only targets the outer layers of the skin, rejuvenating the skin but with more modest results compared to surgical breast lift.
Caci Bust Treatment
A device releasing electrical impulses is moved over the breasts. It hydrates the skin and gives strength to the tissue, improving the contour of the breasts.
Botox
Botox injections are given into the chest muscles. As a result, these muscles relax, and the back muscles contract to lift the breasts higher. The effects can last for 3 to 4 months.
Thermage
Radio waves are used to tighten the skin of the bust. It stimulates the production of collagen, which lifts the skin of droopy breasts.
Chest Exercises
Different chest exercises can strengthen the chest muscles, tighten the skin, and raise the breasts. It is more effective if performed under the supervision of an instructor, but the results may be limited.
Choosing the Right Surgeon and Hospital
Credentials and Experience
Look for a surgeon who is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met specific educational, training, and ethical standards. Also, consider the surgeon's experience in performing breast lift procedures. Surgeons with more experience are likely to have better skills and be more familiar with handling potential complications.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the surgeon's and hospital's reputation. Positive reviews can give you confidence in your choice, while negative reviews may raise red flags. You can also ask the surgeon for before - and - after photos of their breast lift patients to see the quality of their work.
Hospital Accreditation
Choose a hospital or surgical facility that is accredited by a recognized organization. Accreditation ensures that the facility meets certain safety and quality standards.
Communication and Rapport
During the consultation, pay attention to how well the surgeon listens to your concerns and answers your questions. A good surgeon should take the time to understand your goals and explain the procedure, risks, and expected results in detail. You should feel comfortable and confident in the surgeon's abilities.
Cost of Breast Lift in New York City
The cost of a breast lift in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the type of breast lift procedure, the location of the surgical facility, and whether breast implants are used. Some facilities may offer pricing on request, while others may give a general range. On average, the national average price for a breast lift is around $4,000 - $5,408, but in New York City, it could be higher due to the high cost of living and the reputation of the surgeons.
Conclusion
A breast lift can be a life - changing procedure for women who are unhappy with the sagging or shape of their breasts. New York City offers a wide range of options when it comes to breast lift hospitals and surgeons. By understanding the procedure, recovery, risks, and alternatives, you can make an informed decision. It is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon and a reputable hospital to ensure the best possible results.
If you are considering a breast lift, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a personalized treatment plan. Share this article with friends or family who may be interested in learning more about breast lift procedures in New York City.