Introduction
Macromastia, or abnormally large breasts, can cause a variety of physical and emotional issues for women. Back and neck pain, rashes, difficulty finding clothes that fit, and low self - confidence are just some of the problems associated with this condition. Breast reduction surgery is a common solution for those suffering from macromastia. In New York City, there are several public tertiary - level hospitals that offer excellent services for macromastia reduction. This article will introduce the top five such hospitals.
What is Macromastia and Breast Reduction?
Macromastia refers to enlarged breasts in females. This condition is quite common among female teenagers, and it can lead to pain in the back, shoulders, and neck. Girls with macromastia may also have trouble finding suitable clothes, require specialized sports bras, develop rashes under their breasts, and even experience anxiety and a decreased sense of body image.
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the breasts. The surgeon removes some of the breast tissue and skin during the surgery. In most cases, the nipples may be moved higher for cosmetic reasons. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and can last 2 to 5 hours. Sometimes, liposuction is combined with breast reduction to improve the shape of the breast and armpit areas.
Top Five Public Tertiary - Level Hospitals for Macromastia Reduction in New York City
1. Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai has a team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons who are experts at enhancing women’s breasts. They take a warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care, providing an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing private and sensitive concerns about their bodies.
Eligibility for Surgery: To be eligible for breast reduction surgery at Mount Sinai, patients should maintain a healthy, stable weight, not plan on future pregnancies which will affect their breasts, and be physically mature with fully - developed breasts and emotionally mature about their choice.
Expected Results: Patients may expect less neck, back, and shoulder pain, improved self - confidence about breast size, decreased breast size to be in proportion with their body frame, nipples pointing in a more upward position, relief from chafing and skin irritation, and balanced breast size. They may also consider combining breast reduction with breast lift or as part of a mommy makeover for a more complete enhancement.
Pre - surgery and Post - surgery Care: Before the procedure, patients are advised to ask their surgeon if they need a screening mammogram based on their age and risk of having breast cancer. They should also inform the surgeon about their pregnancy status, medications, supplements, or herbs they are taking. In the weeks before surgery, they may need to stop taking blood - thinning medicines and try to quit smoking. On the day of surgery, they should follow instructions about eating and drinking, take the prescribed medicines, wear loose clothing, and arrive at the hospital on time. After the procedure, patients may go home the same day or stay overnight. They need to wear a surgical bra or a soft supportive bra for several weeks, and drainage tubes may be attached to the breasts and removed within a few days. Pain should decrease in a few weeks, and they should follow the surgeon's instructions regarding showering, taking painkillers, and self - care.
2. NYU Langone Health
Plastic surgeons at NYU Langone offer all of the latest reconstruction techniques for breast plastic surgery. For macromastia reduction, they use the short - scar method, which involves a smaller incision than traditional techniques and has more cosmetically appealing results.
Specialties: Their surgeons are experts in treating various breast conditions such as breast sagging (ptosis), breast hyperplasia or macromastia, and breast hypoplasia. They also perform breast reconstruction using perforator flaps, a procedure that creates a new breast by using tissue removed from either the stomach or buttocks.
“Breast in a Day” Procedure: NYU Langone offers an innovative “Breast in a Day” surgery for women diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased risk for cancer. It involves performing a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day. This reduces the number of surgeries and hospital stay compared to traditional methods and can play a significant role in physical and emotional recovery.
Patient - Centered Care: The hospital seamlessly brings together oncologic and reconstructive breast surgery. Their breast surgical oncologists at the Perlmutter Cancer Center and plastic surgeons maintain ongoing communication throughout the planning process and create a customized surgical plan for each patient. They also use three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care after breast reduction, reconstruction, or augmentation.
3. Montefiore Medical Center
Although Montefiore Medical Center is well - known for its emergency medicine and a wide range of tertiary care services such as diagnostic and interventional cardiology, oncology, and gerontology, it also has plastic surgery departments that may offer macromastia reduction services.
Multiple Campuses and Services: The Moses campus serves as a 911 receiving center and has an adult emergency department that treats approximately 80,000 patients per year. The Children's Hospital at Montefiore includes a pediatric emergency department that treats about 50,000 patients each year. The Einstein campus has the Weiler hospital, which is a 911 receiving center for STEMI and strokes, as well as a level 2 trauma center.
Benefits for Patients: With its large patient volume and comprehensive medical services, patients at Montefiore can expect a high - level of medical expertise and a wide range of support services during their macromastia reduction treatment. The hospital's extensive resources can ensure that patients receive the best possible care before, during, and after the surgery.
4. Jacobi Medical Center
Jacobi is one of 11 acute care hospitals in New York City's public hospital system and is the largest public hospital facility in the Bronx. It serves as a major academic affiliate and teaching site of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Trauma and Specialty Services: It is a 911 - receiving hospital, an American College of Surgeons verified level 1 trauma center for adults and children, and houses the only burn unit in the Bronx, the second - largest burn unit in New York City. It also serves as the regional hyperbaric center and regional snakebite center for the tri - state area.
Breast Reduction Services: The hospital's plastic surgery department may offer macromastia reduction services. Patients can benefit from the hospital's academic environment, which often means access to the latest medical research and techniques. The large number of patients treated at the hospital also contributes to the surgeons' experience in performing various procedures, including breast reduction.
5. Breast Reduction Center of NYC (Affiliated with Public - like Services)
The Breast Reduction Center of NYC, located on the upper east side in Manhattan, is a premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. Although it may not be a traditional public hospital, it offers high - quality surgical care and can be considered an important option for macromastia reduction in the city.
Expert Surgeons: The breast reduction specialist surgeons are top - rated board - certified/board - eligible plastic surgeons. They offer top - quality surgical care in a state - of - the - art facility, providing a personalized and relaxed environment for patients.
Unique Techniques: The center's surgeons do not use drains in breast reductions, and all the stitches dissolve on their own, making post - op care much less complicated. They also use a special technique called a nerve block during surgery, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine. Only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen are necessary for recovery.
Insurance and Consultation: They are in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (with some exclusions). They may accept other plans if patients have out - of - network benefits. The center offers complimentary 15 - minute phone consultations for patients to ask questions about surgery, costs, financing, and health insurance coverage. They also offer virtual consultations for new patients from anywhere in the world.
Comparing the Five Hospitals
| Hospital Name | Specialties | Techniques Used | Patient - Centered Approach | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai - New York | General breast enhancement, customized surgical plans | Traditional breast reduction with possible liposuction | Warm and supportive environment for sensitive discussions | Standard insurance considerations |
| NYU Langone Health | Latest reconstruction techniques, “Breast in a Day” | Short - scar method, perforator flaps | Collaboration between oncologic and plastic surgeons, 3D imaging for planning | May vary depending on the plan and procedure |
| Montefiore Medical Center | Comprehensive tertiary care services | Not specifically detailed for breast reduction, but access to latest medical knowledge | High - volume patient care, wide range of support services | Public hospital insurance options |
| Jacobi Medical Center | Trauma care, academic environment | Not specifically detailed for breast reduction, but experienced surgeons | Benefit from academic research and large patient experience | Public hospital insurance options |
| Breast Reduction Center of NYC | Specialized breast reduction | No drains, dissolving stitches, nerve block for pain management | Personalized care, virtual consultations | Specific in - network plans, may accept others with out - of - network benefits |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Macromastia Reduction
Surgeon Expertise: Look for board - certified plastic surgeons with experience in breast reduction surgeries. Check their credentials, patient reviews, and before - and - after photos.
Techniques Used: Different hospitals may use different surgical techniques. The short - scar method, for example, may result in less scarring. Some hospitals may also combine liposuction or use other innovative methods.
Patient - Centered Care: A hospital that provides a warm, caring, and supportive environment is important. The ability to have open discussions with the medical team, personalized treatment plans, and good communication during the pre - surgery, surgery, and post - surgery phases are all crucial.
Insurance Coverage: Determine whether the hospital accepts your insurance plan. Understand the out - of - pocket costs, including deductibles, co - pays, and any non - covered services. Some hospitals may also offer financing options.
Hospital Reputation and Facilities: Consider the hospital's overall reputation, patient satisfaction ratings, and the quality of its facilities. A state - of - the - art facility can provide a more comfortable and safe environment for the surgery and recovery.
Conclusion
Macromastia can have a significant impact on a woman's physical and emotional well - being. Breast reduction surgery can be an effective solution to alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition. In New York City, the top five public tertiary - level hospitals mentioned above - Mount Sinai, NYU Langone, Montefiore, Jacobi, and the Breast Reduction Center of NYC - offer a range of services and expertise for macromastia reduction. Each hospital has its own unique features, specialties, and patient - centered approaches. When choosing a hospital, it is important to consider factors such as surgeon expertise, surgical techniques, patient - centered care, insurance coverage, and hospital reputation.
If you or someone you know is considering macromastia reduction surgery, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with the hospitals, and make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information, and explore more about breast health and surgical options to ensure the best possible outcome for your health and well - being.
