Introduction to the top five hospitals for breast prosthesis removal and repair in New York City!
New York City is a global hub for medical excellence, offering a multitude of options for breast prosthesis removal and repair. In this article, we will delve into the top five hospitals that stand out in providing these specialized services. These hospitals have cutting - edge technology, highly skilled medical professionals, and a patient - centered approach, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients seeking breast prosthesis removal and repair.
1. Weill Cornell Medicine
Overview
Weill Cornell Medicine is a renowned institution when it comes to breast surgery and reconstruction. Its team of plastic and reconstructive surgeons is at the forefront of offering the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction for many years, with a rich experience in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction over the past 20 years.
Benefits of Choosing Weill Cornell Medicine
- Exemplary Surgeons: The surgeons here are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are equipped to promote patient comfort throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the post - operative recovery. For example, their surgeons use the latest anesthetics and medications in state - of - the - art surgical suites, which help patients recover more quickly and heal faster.
- Individualized Care: Recognizing that each patient's body is unique, the plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine can reconstruct the breast according to each patient's wishes. Their multidisciplinary team includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This allows them to provide comprehensive and personalized care to patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities.
- Advanced Reconstruction Options: They offer almost all breast reconstructions on the same day as the mastectomy. The options include using the patient's own skin tissue (autologous reconstruction) or breast implants. For autologous reconstruction, tissue can be taken from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. They also have innovative techniques for breast reinnervation during both autologous and implant - based reconstructions, which can improve sensation in the reconstructed breast and enhance the patient's quality of life.
Breast Reconstruction Options
| Reconstruction Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Autologous Reconstruction | Uses the patient's own tissue from different areas of the body. Nerves can be reconstructed to increase sensory recovery in the breasts, which may be numb after the mastectomy. Options include taking tissue from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. |
| Breast Innervation during Autologous Reconstruction | A novel reinnervation procedure can be performed during breast reconstruction in about 20 minutes. A nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest, which is associated with improved patient quality of life. |
| Breast Innervation during Implant Reconstruction | Surgeons have developed a new technique. During the mastectomy, the nerves that supply the skin and nipple are preserved and reconnected to the breast skin and nipple, improving sensation and patient quality of life. |
| DIEP Flap Reconstruction | Uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast. This procedure creates a slimmer abdomen and breasts that look and feel natural. |
| Implant - Based Reconstruction | Uses tissue expanders and implants based on the patient's unique needs. They utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers and have pioneered techniques such as direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without the use of drains. |
2. Mount Sinai - New York (Dubin Breast Center)
Overview
The Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai - New York offers expert breast reconstruction services. The plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to provide seamless and advanced care, paying close attention to both medical and aesthetic outcomes.
Reconstruction Approaches
- Implant Reconstruction: At the time of mastectomy, a tissue expander (a temporary inflatable implant) is placed in the breast. The expander is then inflated in the plastic surgeon's office soon after surgery. The patient usually stays in the hospital for a day or two. Return to work may be possible 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: There are several types of autologous reconstruction using the patient's own body tissue. For example, the DIEP flap 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.
Patient - Centered Care
The center focuses on patient well - being throughout the reconstruction process. The medical team ensures that patients are well - informed about the different procedures, their recovery timelines, and the expected outcomes. By coordinating the efforts of multiple specialists, they can provide a holistic approach to breast reconstruction, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the patient's journey.
3. NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia and NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell
Accreditation and Excellence
These are the only two breast centers in Manhattan that are fully accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). This accreditation is a testament to their commitment to offering patients state - of - the - art treatment options, including through clinical research trials. The centers take a multidisciplinary team approach, offer community outreach and professional education, and undertake quality - improvement initiatives.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Surgeons at these breast centers have been at the forefront of innovation. They were among the first to perform total skin - sparing, nipple - sparing mastectomy, which helps improve the aesthetic outcome of reconstructive surgery. They also pioneered the use of sentinel node biopsy, which limits the number of lymph nodes that need to be removed to determine if a tumor has spread. Additionally, they are among only a few worldwide to perform bone marrow examination at the time of surgery to rule out micro - metastatic disease and were the first to offer intraoperative radiofrequency ablation to reduce the possibility of patients requiring additional surgery.
Ongoing Research and Development
Physician - scientists at NewYork - Presbyterian and its affiliated medical schools are continuously working to advance new treatment and prevention strategies. They are studying an intraductal approach that employs a miniature endoscope to access the milk ducts through the nipple. Biomarkers in nipple fluid are being explored for their potential to be the basis of a screening test. New radiotherapy techniques like balloon partial breast radiation are also under development, which can reduce treatment time and limit radiation exposure to healthy tissues. Moreover, they are leading a national cancer institute (NCI) – funded multicenter clinical trial studying cryoablation as an alternative to mastectomy or lumpectomy.
4. NYU Langone Health (Breast Cancer Center)
Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care
The Breast Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health is a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Their experts use the latest techniques and technology to diagnose and treat all stages and types of breast cancer. The center offers breast cancer services in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and on Long Island, making it convenient for patients to access care.
Integrated Approach
The specialists at the center take an integrated approach to breast cancer care. Through their high - risk screening program, they identify specific genetic mutations, such as BRCA, and provide genetic counseling to manage risk and prevent breast cancer. Radiologists have developed novel MRI techniques to more accurately detect the presence of breast cancer. Breast cancer surgeons were the first in New York City to use MarginProbe®, a device that helps identify leftover cancerous tissue during breast - conserving surgery, reducing the need for additional surgery.
Breast Reconstruction Services
If patients opt for breast reconstruction after breast - conserving or breast removal surgery, experienced plastic surgeons at NYU Langone offer the latest reconstructive techniques. The doctors also work closely with reproductive medicine specialists to offer options such as freezing unfertilized eggs or fertilized embryos before treatment begins. Additionally, the center provides individual counseling, support groups, and integrative health services like massage therapy and acupuncture to help patients during the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process.
5. Columbia Surgery (Columbia University)
Comprehensive Breast Care Program
The surgical breast care program at Columbia University provides comprehensive treatment for all forms of breast disease. They use the most advanced services, state - of - the - art equipment, and personalized management from leading clinical experts. The breast cancer program at Columbia offers significantly better results than the national averages, including higher survival rates, lower complication rates, and better reconstructive results.
Personalized Treatment Plans
After diagnosing the specific type of breast cancer or disease, the team at Columbia collaborates with the patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. This ensures that patients receive the care and support they need, tailored to their individual circumstances. The program has the full resources of a major academic facility, allowing them to offer a wide range of programs and services and work closely with specialists from various fields.
Multiple Locations
Columbia Surgery has offices in multiple locations across New York City, including Midtown, Washington Heights, Westchester, and at the New York - Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital. This makes it accessible for patients from different areas to receive high - quality breast care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top five hospitals in New York City for breast prosthesis removal and repair - Weill Cornell Medicine, Mount Sinai - New York, NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia and NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, NYU Langone Health, and Columbia Surgery - offer a wide range of advanced services, experienced medical professionals, and patient - centered care. Whether it's advanced surgical techniques, innovative reconstruction options, or comprehensive cancer care, these hospitals are at the forefront of providing the best possible outcomes for patients. If you are considering breast prosthesis removal and repair, we encourage you to explore these hospitals further, consult with their medical teams, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs.
