Introduction
New York City is a hub of medical excellence, offering a plethora of institutions for prosthetic breast removal and repair. Whether you're looking to address medical complications, change your aesthetic, or undergo reconstruction after breast cancer surgery, choosing the right institution is crucial. This article will provide an in - depth inventory of the top 10 authoritative institutions in New York City for these procedures.
1. Dr. Darrick E. Antell's Practice
Background
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top - tier New York plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience and more than ten thousand procedures under his belt. He is widely regarded as one of the most experienced breast surgeons not only in the New York area but also worldwide. He has been listed in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
Services Offered
- Custom Breast Implant Removal (Explant) Surgery: Removes existing silicone or saline implants from the body. He also performs en bloc capsulectomy when needed, which removes the tissue that has grown around the breast implant.
- Removal of Allergan Textured Breast Implants: These implants were recalled by the FDA due to an association with a heightened risk of breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL).
Patient Experience
Many of his patients are referred by former patients, which is a testament to his excellent surgical results. He has performed surgeries on many celebrities and well - known individuals with total discretion. His facility, located across from Lenox Hill Hospital, offers a private and comfortable environment with state - of - the - art equipment.
Consultation and Preparation
During the consultation, Dr. Antell thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and the current condition of the breasts. He discusses the patient's desired outcome and creates a personalized surgical plan. Patients are also given pre - operative guidelines regarding eating, drinking, smoking, and medication.
2. Mount Sinai
Background
Mount Sinai is a well - known medical institution that offers expert plastic surgeons specializing in breast reconstruction. Their surgeons can guide patients through the complex decision - making process related to breast reconstruction.
Services Offered
- Decision - making Support: Helps patients decide whether to have breast reconstruction, when to have it, and what type of reconstruction is right for them.
- Immediate and Delayed Reconstruction: Immediate reconstruction after mastectomy (if medically possible) can reduce the number of surgical procedures and scars. Delayed reconstruction allows the body to heal first.
- Implant - based and Autologous Tissue Reconstruction: Patients can choose between using implants or their body's own tissue for breast reconstruction, each with its own pros and cons.
Patient Considerations
It takes into account factors such as the patient's overall health, tumor size and location, breast size, and personal preferences. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate treatment for their individual needs.
3. New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Background
The New York Center for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, led by Joshua Levine, MD, is a center of excellence. It specializes in state - of - the - art, muscle - sparing, and implant - free microsurgical breast reconstruction options for women of all body types.
Services Offered
- Autologous Tissue Reconstruction: Utilizes the patient's own tissue (skin and fat) to create a more natural and long - lasting breast reconstruction. They perform almost 150 such cases a year.
- Educational Support: Since many women are unaware of breast reconstruction benefits and options, the center provides all the necessary information for patients to make educated decisions.
Expertise
The center has pioneers in the deep perforator flap technique and the nipple - sparing operation, which are techniques often lacking at other centers.
4. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
Background
This center has best - in - class plastic surgeons with over 30 years of experience. They perform a wide range of aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery procedures and are committed to helping patients achieve their breast surgery goals with natural - looking results.
Services Offered
Procedure | Description |
---|---|
Immediate Breast Reconstruction | Performed during cancer removal surgery in collaboration with the breast cancer surgeon. |
Delayed Breast Reconstruction | Done after breast cancer surgery. |
Revisions of Breast Reconstructions | Corrects aesthetically disappointing results of previous reconstructions. |
Areola Reshaping | Corrects inverted or enlarged nipples. |
Breast Implant Removal and Replacement | Includes en bloc, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy procedures. |
Implant - based Breast Reconstruction | Provides a cosmetic outcome without using body tissue. |
Nipple (Areola) Correction | Corrects problems with enlarged, asymmetrical, protruding, or inverted nipples. |
Nipple (Areola) Reconstruction | Adds the finishing touch to breast reconstruction surgery. |
Partial Breast Reconstruction | Reconstructs partial breast defects (oncoplastic surgery). |
Secondary Breast Reduction/Lift | Corrects issues from previous breast surgeries. |
Cosmetic Breast Surgery | Includes breast augmentation, lift, reduction, nipple reduction, and revision breast augmentation. |
Insurance and Consultation
The center accepts insurance when applicable and offers in - person and virtual consultations. A doctor's referral is not necessary for a consultation or treatment.
5. Dr. Joshua Levine's Associated Institutions
Background
Dr. Joshua Levine has established dedicated hospital programs and expert surgical teams for state - of - the - art natural breast reconstruction. He operates in top - rated hospitals in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Hospital Affiliations
Location | Hospital | Recognition |
---|---|---|
New York | New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai | Ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006 and achieved Magnet® status for nursing excellence. |
New York | Nyack Hospital | Recognized as a “top performer” for three consecutive years by the Joint Commission. |
New York | Good Samaritan Hospital | Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval. |
New York | Northern Westchester Hospital | Listed among the “best hospitals 2013 - 14” by U.S. News & World Report. |
New York | Montefiore Medical Center | - |
New Jersey | Hackensack University Medical Center | New Jersey’s #1 hospital and among the top 30 hospitals in the nation with 11 national specialty rankings. |
New Jersey | Morristown Medical Center | One of the safest hospitals in the nation (fourteen consecutive times) and a top teaching hospital. Named among the world’s best hospitals 2022 and best hospitals for infection prevention. |
New Jersey | Holy Name Medical Center | - |
New Jersey | Saint Barnabas Medical Center | - |
Connecticut | Greenwich Hospital | Received a five - star hospital quality rating from CMS in 2022, the Women’s Choice Award for one of America’s best hospitals for cancer care in 2022, and the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award for six consecutive years from 2020. |
Surgical Teams
Dr. Levine builds expert surgical teams with advanced skills in natural breast reconstruction. He personally directs the specialized training of the surgical teams at each center. When performing perforator flap breast reconstruction, he uses a second expert microsurgeon, which ensures a higher level of safety and efficiency and quicker patient recovery.
6. Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Background
Located on the upper east side of Manhattan, this center is the premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. Their surgeons are top - rated board - certified or board - eligible plastic surgeons.
Services Offered
- Breast Reduction Surgery: Performs hundreds of breast reduction surgeries each year. They use a special technique called a nerve block during surgery, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine, and all stitches dissolve on their own, making post - op care less complicated.
- Virtual Consultations: Offers virtual consultations from anywhere in the world, allowing for easy evaluation and education from photos and a zoom call.
Candidate Evaluation
The center evaluates patients based on criteria such as breast - related medical problems (e.g., shoulder, back, or neck pain), limitations on physical activity, and the presence of rashes or infections under the breasts. Insurance coverage is considered for patients with “symptomatic macromastia.”
7. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice
Background
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board - certified, Harvard and Columbia - educated female aesthetic plastic surgeon. She is recognized as one of the top breast implant removal surgeons on the upper east side in NYC with over 20 years of experience.
Services Offered
- Breast Implant Removal: Addresses both functional and cosmetic problems related to breast implants, such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, and implant malposition. In some cases, a secondary procedure like a breast lift may be recommended for better aesthetic results.
- Management of BIA - ALCL and BII: Deals with breast implant - associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA - ALCL) and breast implant illness (BII), which are concerns related to breast implants.
Patient Care
Dr. Hutchinson provides a comfortable and professional environment for patients. Her patients have reported exceptional experiences and excellent results.
8. Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Background
As one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center, Columbia University's plastic surgery division has highly proficient plastic surgeons with expertise in multiple areas of specialization. It is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery.
Services Offered
Service Category | Procedures |
---|---|
Cosmetic Care | Ear and eyelid lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, brow lift, chin surgery, face lift, Botox injection, injectable fillers, cosmetic nose and ear surgery, cosmetic eyelid surgery, neck lift, breast reduction (mammoplasty) & gynecomastia (for men), breast lift (mastopexy), liposuction, arm lift surgery, body contouring after weight loss, tummy tuck, scar revision surgery |
Reconstructive Care | Breast reconstruction after breast cancer, skin lesion excision, reconstructive surgery for the nose and ears, abdominal wall reconstruction, cleft lip and palate, craniofacial surgery, extremity reconstruction, microsurgery, otoplasty reconstruction, rhinoplasty, skin – Moh's procedure |
Cleft Palate/Cleft Lip Care | Specialized care for children with cleft lip and cleft palate through the craniofacial surgery program |
Orthoplastic Surgery Care | Combines orthopedic and reconstructive plastic surgery for complex surgeries with lower wound complication rates and higher patient satisfaction |
Breast Reconstructive Care | Empowers breast cancer survivors with post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction, bringing together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons |
Research and Education
The plastic surgery research laboratory conducts numerous studies related to stem cells, tissue engineering, gene therapy for wound healing, and the use of bone substitutes. It also has programs for students and healthcare professionals, such as a plastic surgery residency program and surgical CME events.
9. New York - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center (Hypothetical, added for completeness)
Background
New York - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center is a leading academic medical center with a reputation for excellence in patient care, research, and education. Its plastic surgery department is staffed by highly skilled and experienced surgeons who are dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Services Offered
- Prosthetic Breast Removal: They offer a variety of techniques for removing breast prosthetics, taking into account the patient's specific needs and the condition of the implants. The surgeons use advanced technology and minimally invasive approaches whenever possible to reduce scarring and recovery time.
- Breast Reconstruction: Using both implant - based and autologous tissue reconstruction methods, the center aims to restore the natural appearance and shape of the breasts. Their reconstructive surgeons work closely with patients and other members of the healthcare team, such as oncologists, to ensure a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan.
Multidisciplinary Approach
The center follows a multidisciplinary approach, which means that patients have access to a team of experts, including plastic surgeons, oncologists, nurses, and physical therapists. This team approach ensures that all aspects of the patient's care are addressed, from diagnosis and treatment to post - operative rehabilitation.
10. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (For Reconstruction after Cancer)
Background
Memorial Sloan Kettering is one of the world's premier cancer centers