Introduction
Breast reduction and lifting surgeries have become increasingly popular among women in New York City. Whether it's to relieve physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts or to restore the youthful shape of sagging breasts, many are seeking professional medical help. This article provides a comprehensive inventory of public and private hospitals in New York City that offer these services, along with detailed information about the procedures, their benefits, and considerations.
Understanding Breast Reduction and Lifting
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size and reshape large, sagging breasts. Women with excessively large breasts may experience physical discomfort such as neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as psychological issues due to self - consciousness. The surgery involves removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, lifting and repositioning the nipples and areolas, and tightening the remaining skin. Some of the positive results of breast reduction include less pain, improved self - confidence, and better - fitting clothing.
To be eligible for breast reduction surgery, patients should maintain a healthy, stable weight, not plan on future pregnancies that could affect the breasts, and be physically and emotionally mature about the decision. If a patient intends to become pregnant or lose weight, the surgeon may recommend postponing the surgery as the results may be reversed.
Breast Lifting
Over time, factors like pregnancy, nursing, and loss of skin elasticity can cause breasts to lose their shape and firmness, resulting in a sagging appearance. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to tighten, raise, and reshape sagging breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola, which often stretches as the breasts sag. The benefits of breast lift surgery include restoring youthful contours, improving breast symmetry, boosting confidence, and achieving a better clothing fit.
Anyone in good health seeking to rejuvenate the appearance of sagging breasts is likely a candidate for a breast lift. However, it's important to note that a mastopexy does not add volume; it simply lifts and tightens. The results may not last as long for women with heavy breasts due to the effects of gravity and aging.
Public Hospitals in New York City for Breast Reduction and Lifting
NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan
This hospital offers breast reduction surgery at a cash price of $6,137.89 for the reduction mammaplasty procedure. It is affiliated with the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Contact them at (212) 423 - 6262. While the focus is on providing medical services at an accessible cost, patients can expect quality care from their board - certified surgeons.
NYC Health + Hospitals / Queens
The department of surgery at this hospital offers breast surgery services, including breast reduction and reconstruction. The board - certified breast surgeons assure quality and compassionate individualized care. State - of - the - art breast imaging techniques such as digital mammography, breast sonography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and PET scanning are used for diagnosis. Biopsies are performed using customized techniques, and when it comes to breast cancer treatment, they aim to perform breast - conserving surgery whenever possible. For consultation, patients can call (718) 883 - 3131.
Private Hospitals in New York City for Breast Reduction and Lifting
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai has a team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons who are experts at enhancing women's breasts. Their warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care provides a comfortable environment for patients to discuss private and sensitive concerns about their bodies. At a confidential consultation, patients are given all the information needed to make an educated decision about the breast reduction procedure. The hospital also takes into account the patient's eligibility criteria and helps determine if breast reduction is the right choice. Women may consider breast reduction at Mount Sinai for reasons such as less neck, back, and shoulder pain, improved self - confidence, and better - proportioned breasts. The surgeons may also suggest combining breast reduction with a breast lift or as part of a mommy makeover for a more complete enhancement.
Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Located on the upper east side in Manhattan, this is the premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. 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 private and relaxed environment for patients. The center performs hundreds of breast reduction surgeries each year. A unique feature of their practice is the innovative approach to pain management. They use a special technique called a nerve block, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine, allowing patients to recover using only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen. The center also offers virtual consultations for patients from anywhere in the world. They accept some insurance plans such as Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (with certain exceptions), and may accept the Empire Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna plans if the patient has out - of - network benefits. However, they do not accept Medicare, Medicaid, Medi - Cal, Tri - Care, Amida Care, Fidelis, and Metroplus plans.
Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Dr. Darrick Antell is among the most respected breast surgeons in New York. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence in aesthetic surgery. He has been recognized by numerous prestigious magazines as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. Dr. Antell offers breast lift surgery (mastopexy). His practice focuses on providing a customized surgical plan based on the patient's specific needs and anatomy. He evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and current breast state during the initial consultation. The procedure is typically performed with “twilight” sedation in a private operating room located just across the street from the renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The recovery process and expected results are thoroughly discussed with the patient, and he provides detailed instructions to optimize the outcome and minimize complications.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a well - known aesthetic fellowship - trained, board - certified plastic surgeon. She is widely respected by her peers and patients and has been providing care on the upper east side of Manhattan for 20 years. Her breast reduction surgery includes removing excess fat and glandular tissue, lifting and repositioning the nipples and areolas, and tightening loose skin. She offers different techniques for breast reduction, such as traditional breast reduction (with an inverted “t” or anchor - shaped incision), vertical incision breast reduction (also known as “short scar” or “limited incision”), and “scarless” breast reduction (using liposuction techniques). The surgery is performed at a fully AAAASF accredited operating room on the upper east side or at one of her affiliated NYC hospitals. Dr. Hutchinson provides detailed pre - surgery instructions and closely monitors the patient's recovery.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
This group has a team of highly - trained and qualified plastic surgeons who have been enhancing women's lives for over 27 years. They offer breast reduction surgery, and patients may choose this surgery for various reasons such as reducing pain, improving self - confidence, and achieving better - proportioned breasts. Many women also combine breast reduction with a breast lift or as part of a mommy makeover. The surgeons at this group help patients determine if breast reduction is the right decision for them, taking into account factors such as the patient's weight, pregnancy plans, and breast development. The surgery is performed at their on - site and outpatient facility, and patients can expect some temporary numbness after the procedure. The group also offers male breast reduction surgery for patients with gynecomastia.
Comparing Public and Private Hospitals
Aspect | Public Hospitals | Private Hospitals |
---|---|---|
Cost | May offer more affordable options, like NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan with set cash prices for procedures. | Cost can vary widely depending on the hospital, surgeon's experience, and additional services. Some private hospitals may not accept certain insurance plans. |
Patient Care | Provide quality care, but may have a more standardized approach due to a large patient volume. | Often offer a more personalized and private experience, with dedicated patient coordinators and individualized surgical plans. |
Technology and Facilities | Have access to state - of - the - art equipment, especially in larger public hospitals like NYC Health + Hospitals / Queens. | Invest in the latest technology and may have more luxurious facilities to enhance the patient experience. |
Surgeon Experience | Employ board - certified surgeons with extensive experience, particularly in treating a wide range of medical conditions. | Many private hospitals have highly specialized and well - known surgeons who are often recognized for their expertise in breast surgery. |
Considerations Before Choosing a Hospital
Surgeon's Qualifications
It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified and has extensive experience in breast reduction and lifting surgeries. Research the surgeon's training, certifications, and patient reviews to ensure they have a good track record of successful procedures. For example, Dr. Darrick Antell and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson are highly regarded for their expertise in their respective fields.
Hospital Accreditation
Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is accredited by a recognized organization. This ensures that the facility meets certain standards of safety, quality of care, and hygiene. For instance, Dr. Hutchinson's operating room is fully AAAASF accredited.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the total cost of the procedure, including surgeon's fees, anesthesia fees, and hospital charges. Check if the hospital accepts your insurance plan or if there are any out - of - pocket expenses. Some private hospitals may offer financing options like the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, which provides information on CareCredit's financing options.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the experiences of other patients at the hospital. Positive reviews can indicate high - quality care and a good patient - doctor relationship. For example, many patients have shared their positive experiences at the Breast Reduction Center of NYC and Dr. Hutchinson's practice.
Location and Accessibility
Consider the location of the hospital and its accessibility. If you need to make multiple follow - up appointments, a hospital that is close to your home or workplace may be more convenient. Additionally, ensure that the hospital has proper transportation options available.
Procedure Process and Recovery
Breast Reduction Procedure
The breast reduction procedure typically begins with the patient lying in the supine position. Anesthesia is administered to avoid pain during the surgery. The area is sterilized, and an incision is made around the areola and down the breasts. The flap of skin containing the areola and nipple is displaced, and excessive fat, breast tissue, and skin are removed to reduce the size of the mammary gland. The breasts are then reshaped, the areola and nipples are repositioned, and stitches are applied. In some cases, drainage tubes may be inserted, and bandages are applied. The patient is required to wear a surgical bra.
The surgery can last between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the size of the breasts and the amount of tissue to be removed. An overnight stay as an inpatient is usually required. After discharge, the patient has to stay in New York City for at least 14 days for follow - up procedures. Regular check - ups are necessary in the first few days, and oral painkillers are given to manage pain and swelling. Stitches are removed in about 2 weeks.
Breast Lifting Procedure
A breast lift surgery is a customized procedure. Typically, there are three incisions: around the areola, down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. The underlying breast tissue is reshaped, excess skin is removed, and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The incisions are closed using meticulous layers of internal, dissolving sutures and external sutures. The surgery usually takes around two to three hours and is performed under “twilight” sedation.
Patients can return home within a few hours of the procedure. They need to rest frequently for the first few days and may take one to two weeks to return to their normal routine. There will be swelling and bruising, which mostly subside in about three to six weeks, but it could take up to a year to fully heal and see the final results.
Recovery and Aftercare
For both breast reduction and lifting surgeries, proper recovery and aftercare are essential. Patients should follow these steps:
- Come for regular check - ups as scheduled by the surgeon.
- Take prescribed medications regularly.
- Have someone to assist them at home during the initial recovery period.
- Follow a healthy diet to aid in the recovery process.
- Avoid wearing fancy or underwire bras in the early days and wear a surgical bra as recommended.
- Not take a bath in the first few days to prevent infection.
- Seek immediate medical attention if they notice any soreness, redness, or abnormal secretions from the breasts.
- Drink plenty of water to promote quick recovery.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent opening the stitches.
- Perform stretching exercises as advised by the physician.
Success Rate and Risks
Success Rate
Breast reduction mammoplasty is successful in most cases. According to a survey, about 80% of women are satisfied with the results of the surgery. It effectively reduces neck pain, back pain, headache, and shoulder pain, and resolves respiratory and circulatory problems associated with large breasts. A breast lift also has a high success rate in achieving a more youthful and lifted appearance of the breasts, enhancing the patient's self - confidence.
Risks
Both breast reduction and lifting surgeries carry certain risks. These include bleeding, infection, loss of the nipple, changes in sensation, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and scarring. However, these risks can be minimized by choosing a qualified surgeon and following the pre - and post - surgery instructions carefully. Surgeons will discuss these risks in detail with the patient during the consultation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers a wide range of public and private hospitals for breast reduction and lifting surgeries. Public hospitals like NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan and NYC Health + Hospitals / Queens provide accessible and quality care, while private hospitals such as Mount Sinai, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, and the practices of Dr. Darrick Antell and Dr. Olivia Hutchinson offer specialized and personalized services. Before choosing a hospital, patients should consider factors such as surgeon's qualifications, hospital accreditation, cost, patient reviews, and location. Understanding the procedure process, recovery, success rate, and risks is also crucial. By making an informed decision, patients can achieve their desired results and improve their physical and emotional well - being.
If you are considering breast reduction or lifting surgery, we encourage you to research further, schedule consultations with different hospitals and surgeons, and take the time to make the best choice for your needs. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic and continue exploring related information to ensure you have all the knowledge you need for a successful surgical experience.