Introduction to the Top Three Breast Reconstruction Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City

Breast reconstruction plastic surgery is a significant medical procedure that can bring physical and emotional healing to patients who have undergone mastectomies or other breast - related traumas. In New York City, there are several hospitals that stand out for their excellence in this field. This article will introduce you to the top three hospitals on the ranking list of breast reconstruction plastic surgery hospitals in New York City, covering their features, services, and relevant details.

1. Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

General Introduction

Columbia University is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - top medical center. Their plastic and reconstructive surgery department has rich experience and a high - level clinical and research team. They use their abundant resources to provide the highest - quality care for patients in need of cosmetic or reconstructive procedures.

Services and Programs

• Cosmetic Care: This program offers surgical and non - surgical options to improve cosmetic health. It includes ear and eyelid lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and more. For example, breast augmentation can enhance the size and shape of the breasts, while ear and eyelid lifts can address specific aesthetic concerns of the facial features.
• Reconstructive Care: Columbia's plastic surgeons are world leaders in reconstructive care. They are experts in breast reconstruction after breast cancer, skin lesion excision, and reconstructive surgery for the nose and ears. The breast reconstruction after breast cancer is of particular importance as it helps patients regain their physical and emotional well - being after the trauma of cancer treatment.
• Cleft Palate / Cleft Lip Care: Through their craniofacial surgery program, they provide specialized care for children with cleft lip and cleft palate, which are common birth defects affecting thousands of newborns every year. The dedicated experts at Columbia ensure that these children receive the best possible treatment and support for their condition.
• Orthoplastic Surgery Care: This program combines leading experts in orthopedic and reconstructive plastic surgery. It offers lower wound complication rates and higher patient satisfaction in recovery for complex surgeries, especially for cases where both orthopedic and plastic surgery aspects are involved.
• Breast Reconstructive Care: The Columbia breast cancer reconstructive surgery program is focused on empowering individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery. It brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction. For instance, they can create natural - looking breasts using advanced techniques and take into account the patient's individual anatomy and preferences.

Research and Education

The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is actively conducting numerous research studies. They are focusing on areas such as stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. A major focus is on the applications of gene therapy to wound healing. Using gene therapy, growth factor genes (such as PDGF and VEGF) are introduced to wounds to expedite the healing process. Their research has shown improved healing in ischemic and diabetic wounds. They are also investigating the use of stem cells for tissue regeneration and various bone substitutes to expedite bone healing. As part of a major academic medical center and an Ivy League university, they also have responsibilities in educating the next generation of plastic surgeons and keeping their peers updated on the latest best practices through plastic surgery residency programs and surgical CME events.

Medical Team

The division of plastic & reconstructive surgery at Columbia has a group of highly - skilled board - certified surgeons. For example, Dr. Christine Rohde is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher. She is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, body contouring, cosmetic surgery, and breast, trauma, and cancer reconstruction. Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman is an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 75 scientific articles and chapters published. He has been included multiple times in Castle Connolly’s list of America’s top doctors and in New York magazine’s annual list of best doctors.

2. Dr. Joshua Levine's Affiliated Hospitals

General Information

Dr. Joshua Levine is a world - renowned surgeon. He has established dedicated natural tissue breast reconstruction centers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He has developed expert surgical teams for state - of - the - art natural breast reconstruction and operates in top - rated hospitals in these areas.

Hospital Affiliations

• New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai: This hospital has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006. It has also achieved Magnet® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services. Dr. Levine established the first dedicated perforator flap breast reconstruction program in New York City — the New York Center for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction — at this hospital in 2006.
• Hackensack University Medical Center (New Jersey): It earned the distinction of being New Jersey’s #1 hospital and is among the top 30 hospitals in the nation to have 10 or more (11) national specialty rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 - 15 best hospitals rankings.

Surgical Teams

Dr. Levine builds expert surgical teams with advanced skills in natural breast reconstruction. He was one of the first surgeons to perform perforator flap breast reconstruction surgery in Manhattan and trained many of the first - wave of DIEP surgeons in the tri - state area. Some of his assisting microsurgeons include Robert Allen, M.D., a pioneer of perforator free flap breast reconstruction including DIEP, GAP, PAP, and others, and Julie Vasile, M.D., a board - certified fellowship - trained microsurgeon specialized in these procedures since 2008. His breast surgeons include Ranjana Chaterji, M.D., Leah Gendler, M.D., Alyssa Gillego, M.D., and Karen Karsif, M.D.

Patient - centric Services

Many patients, including those from across the U.S. and around the world, choose to travel for surgery to seek Dr. Levine's expertise. For local patients in the tri - state area, they will meet with Dr. Levine prior to scheduling surgery. Out - of - town patients (over 3 hours driving distance) will meet with him the day of or the day before their scheduled surgery. The hospital staff is dedicated to assisting patients in making the travel process stress - free. They can make recommendations on where to stay and the best times to fly in for consultation or surgery, although they cannot schedule flights or reserve hotel rooms. Dr. Levine always uses a second expert microsurgeon when performing perforator flap breast reconstruction in a team approach, which ensures a higher level of safety and efficiency and allows patients to recover quickly with as few problems and complications as possible.

3. Weill Cornell Medicine

Overview

Weill Cornell Medicine aims to make patients who have had mastectomies feel whole and complete again. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques and have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine

• Exemplary Surgeons: Their surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team is equipped to promote patient comfort throughout the process. They have in - depth knowledge and rich experience in various breast reconstruction techniques.
• Individualized Breast Reconstruction: They understand that each patient's body is unique. The plastic and reconstructive surgeons are able to reconstruct the breast according to each patient's wishes, taking into account factors such as body type, aesthetic preferences, and medical history.
• Multidisciplinary Care: When patients choose Weill Cornell Medicine, they have access to a network of doctors and specialists. The plastic and reproductive surgeons are part of the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, a multidisciplinary group that includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This comprehensive approach helps patients achieve optimal health and well - being.
• Focus on Comfort: The team prioritizes patient comfort at every step. Before surgery, patients have time to ask doctors questions to fully understand the procedure. In state - of - the - art surgical suites, the surgeons use the latest anesthetics and medications to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After surgery, the care team manages pain with medication and teaches patients how to care for themselves during the healing and recovery process.

Breast Reconstruction Options

• Autologous Reconstruction: This type of reconstruction uses the patient's own tissue from different areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, to make the breast. Nerves can be reconstructed to increase sensory recovery in the breasts, which may be numb after the mastectomy. For example, the DIEP flap reconstruction uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts.
• Implant - based Reconstruction: They perform breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants based on the patient's unique needs. Although current practice guidelines discourage the use of textured implants, they utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers to best meet clinical needs. They have also pioneered techniques such as direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without the use of drains.
• Breast Innervation: During both autologous and implant - based reconstruction, they have techniques to improve breast sensation. In autologous reconstruction, a nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest. In implant reconstruction, the nerves that supply the skin and nipple are preserved and reconnected during the mastectomy.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast Reconstruction Hospital

When choosing a breast reconstruction hospital in New York City, several factors should be taken into account:

• Expertise and Experience: Look for hospitals with a team of experienced and board - certified surgeons, oncologists, and reconstructive specialists. Their experience in performing complex breast reconstruction procedures is a key indicator of successful outcomes. For example, a hospital with a long - standing history of performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction is more likely to have refined techniques and better results.
• Comprehensive Care: A good hospital should offer comprehensive pre - operative evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and post - operative support. This includes access to rehabilitation services, psychological counseling, and support groups. Since breast reconstruction not only affects the physical aspect but also the emotional well - being of patients, comprehensive care is essential for a successful recovery.
• Advanced Technology and Techniques: Hospitals equipped with state - of - the - art technology and advanced surgical techniques can provide better treatment. For instance, the use of the latest anesthetics and medications can reduce pain and shorten recovery times. Newer surgical techniques such as the innovative DIEP flap reconstruction can result in more natural - looking and long - lasting results.
• Patient - centered Approach: The hospital should prioritize patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction. This involves clear communication between healthcare providers and patients, so that patients fully understand the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes. Empathy and collaboration are also important to address patients' individual needs and concerns throughout the treatment journey.

Conclusion

Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Joshua Levine's affiliated hospitals, and Weill Cornell Medicine are among the top hospitals in New York City for breast reconstruction plastic surgery. Each of them has its own unique advantages, whether it is the rich research and education resources at Columbia, the expert surgical teams and patient - centric travel services with Dr. Levine, or the comprehensive and individualized care at Weill Cornell Medicine. When considering breast reconstruction surgery, patients should carefully evaluate these factors based on their own needs and preferences.

If you or someone you know is interested in breast reconstruction surgery, we encourage you to do further research, consult with the medical teams at these hospitals, and make an informed decision. You can reach out to these hospitals through their provided contact information, such as phone numbers or online appointment forms, to learn more about the procedures and start your journey towards a successful breast reconstruction.