Introduction
Breast prosthetic repair is a sensitive and crucial area of medical treatment, often required after mastectomy or for cosmetic enhancement. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several hospitals that stand out for their expertise in this field. This article will introduce you to the top 3 hospitals for breast prosthetic repair in New York City, exploring their services, facilities, and what makes them leaders in the industry.
1. Weill Cornell Medicine
Overview
Weill Cornell Medicine is renowned for its plastic and reconstructive surgery services, especially in the area of breast prosthetic repair. It partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S., which further enhances its reputation and resources.
Location and Contact
It has multiple locations on the Upper East Side:
- 525 East 68th Street, Starr 8, New York, NY 10065. Call (646) 962 - 4210.
- 425 East 61st Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10065. Call (646) 962 - 4210.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?
- Exemplary Surgeons: The surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Their extensive experience and knowledge allow them to handle even the most complex cases. For instance, they have been at the forefront of techniques like nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years.
- Individualized Care: Recognizing that every patient's body is unique, the plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine work closely with patients to understand their goals. They can help patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities achieve a natural look and feel confident in their appearance.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The hospital's plastic and reproductive surgeons are part of the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, which is a multidisciplinary group. This group includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. Together, they ensure that patients receive comprehensive and well - coordinated care.
- Focus on Comfort: From the initial consultation to the post - operative recovery, the team at Weill Cornell Medicine prioritizes the patient's comfort. Before surgery, patients have the opportunity to ask questions and fully understand the procedure. In the state - of - the - art surgical suites, the latest anesthetics and medications are used to promote faster recovery and healing. After surgery, the care team manages pain with medication and provides instructions on self - care.
Breast Reconstruction Options
- Autologous Reconstruction: This method uses the patient's own tissue from different areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, to reconstruct the breast. Nerves can also be reconstructed to increase sensory recovery in the breasts, which may be numb after mastectomy.
- Breast Innervation: The hospital offers innovative techniques for breast reinnervation. During autologous reconstruction, a novel reinnervation procedure can be performed in about 20 minutes by reconnecting a nerve in the abdominal flap to a nerve in the chest. In implant reconstruction, a new technique has been developed to preserve and reconnect the nerves that supply the skin and nipple, improving sensation and patient quality of life.
- Diep Flap Reconstruction: The "deep inferior epigastric perforator artery" (DIEP) flap reconstruction is an innovative technique that uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast. This not only creates natural - looking breasts but also results in a slimmer abdomen.
- Implant - Based Reconstruction: Weill Cornell Medicine performs breast reconstruction using 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 like direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without the use of drains.
Appointment and Safety Measures
Patients can request an appointment by filling out a form on the hospital's website. The hospital has expanded its digital health services and is committed to cleanliness. Whether patients visit in person or through a video visit, they can expect the highest standards of care with compassion. The hospital has taken numerous steps to keep its facilities safe for patients to continue their treatment.
2. Mount Sinai
Overview
Mount Sinai is a well - known institution that offers comprehensive breast reconstruction services. Their team of expert plastic surgeons is dedicated to helping patients make informed decisions about breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Decision - Making Process
Choosing Reconstruction
Some women choose breast reconstruction to look balanced in clothing, feel comfortable with their body shape, or avoid wearing a prosthesis. Others may prefer no reconstruction or use of a prosthetic. The breast surgeons at Mount Sinai listen to the patient's concerns and needs and help them navigate through these options.
Timing of Reconstruction
Patients can choose between immediate reconstruction after mastectomy (if medically possible) or waiting. Immediate reconstruction often means fewer surgical procedures, only one set of surgical scars, and one time frame for combined healing. The stretched skin of the remaining breast can also make the process easier. On the other hand, some patients may prefer to give their body time to heal from the mastectomy before undergoing reconstruction.
Type of Reconstruction
When it comes to the type of reconstruction, patients need to decide between using implants or their body's own tissue. Factors to consider include overall health, the size and location of the tumor, breast size and desired changes, other medical or surgical treatments, body shape, and the speed of recovery. Mount Sinai's surgeons carefully evaluate these factors and guide patients in making the best choice.
Dubin Breast Center
The Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai is part of one of the nation’s top - ranked hospitals. It offers integrated and compassionate care for every phase of breast health, all in one location. Services include breast imaging, pathology, surgery, reconstruction, medical oncology, radiation oncology, high - risk programs, survivorship programs, cold cap therapy, and support services. The center's team of breast cancer experts works together to provide seamless, personalized, and holistic care. Patients may also have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials for emerging therapies.
New York Center for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction
At the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, the New York Center for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction is a unique center of excellence. Led by Joshua Levine, MD, it specializes in state - of - the - art, muscle - sparing, and implant - free microsurgical breast reconstruction options for women of every body type. The center utilizes the patient's own tissue (skin and fat) to create a more natural and long - lasting reconstruction. They perform almost 150 such cases a year and have pioneers in techniques like the deep perforator flap technique and the nipple - sparing operation.
3. NYU Langone Health
Overview
NYU Langone Health's plastic surgeons are highly skilled in reconstructing the breast after breast cancer surgery and improving the overall appearance of the breast for both reconstructive and cosmetic purposes. They offer a wide range of the latest reconstruction techniques.
Breast Plastic Surgery Services
- Breast Reduction: The short - scar method is used, which involves a smaller incision than traditional techniques, resulting in more cosmetically appealing results.
- Breast Lift Surgery: Also known as mastopexy, this procedure helps to lift and reshape sagging breasts.
- Secondary Breast Reconstruction and Augmentation: Performed as a separate procedure after surgery to remove all or part of the breast, this helps patients achieve the desired breast appearance.
- Perforator Flap Reconstruction: Using microvascular surgical techniques, a new breast is created by using tissue removed from either the stomach or buttocks. Techniques include the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and superior gluteal artery perforator (S - GAP).
Breast in a Day
NYU Langone offers an innovative "Breast in a Day" surgery. This involves performing a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day. For many women who choose a double mastectomy, this option requires fewer surgeries and less time in the hospital. It can play a significant role in physical and emotional recovery, especially for women at high risk for breast cancer or those with breast cancer that does not involve the nipple - areola complex.
Team of Surgeons
The hospital has a team of plastic surgeons with vast expertise in the latest breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery techniques. Surgeons such as Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and Dr. Nolan S. Karp are part of the team. Patients can schedule appointments at different locations of NYU Langone Plastic Surgery Associates.
Advanced Technology
NYU Langone uses three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care after breast reduction, reconstruction, or augmentation. This technology allows for more precise and personalized treatment plans.
Comparative Analysis of the Top 3 Hospitals
| Hospital | Strengths | Unique Services | Patient - Centric Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weill Cornell Medicine | Exemplary surgeons, multidisciplinary approach, long - standing experience in advanced techniques like nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction | Novel breast innervation techniques, DIEP flap reconstruction | Emphasis on patient comfort from consultation to recovery, individualized care for patients of all demographics |
| Mount Sinai | Comprehensive decision - making support for breast reconstruction, access to a top - ranked cancer institute at the Dubin Breast Center | Muscle - sparing, implant - free microsurgical breast reconstruction at the New York Center for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction | Compassionate and personalized care throughout the breast health journey, including clinical trial opportunities |
| NYU Langone Health | Wide range of the latest reconstruction techniques, innovative "Breast in a Day" surgery | Use of three - dimensional imaging for better treatment planning and evaluation | Highly skilled surgeons with vast expertise, seamless coordination between oncologic and reconstructive breast surgery |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 3 hospitals for breast prosthetic repair in New York City - Weill Cornell Medicine, Mount Sinai, and NYU Langone Health - each offer unique and high - quality services in the field of breast reconstruction. Weill Cornell Medicine stands out for its experienced surgeons, multidisciplinary care, and innovative techniques. Mount Sinai provides comprehensive decision - making support and access to advanced cancer care facilities. NYU Langone Health offers a wide range of modern reconstruction techniques and an innovative one - day surgery option.
If you or someone you know is considering breast prosthetic repair, it is highly recommended to explore these hospitals further. Visit their websites, make consultations, and gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision. Remember, the right choice of hospital can significantly impact the success of the procedure and your overall well - being.
