Introduction
Breast scar repair surgery is a crucial procedure for many women who have experienced breast - related surgeries such as mastectomies, lumpectomies, or other breast - altering operations. In New York City, a global hub for medical excellence, there are several top - notch hospitals that stand out in providing high - quality breast scar repair services. This article will introduce the top three hospitals in New York City for breast scar repair surgery, detailing their strengths, available services, and medical teams.
Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Overall Reputation
Columbia University's plastic and reconstructive surgery division is one of New York’s best - known hospital departments and a world - class medical center. It has a wealth of experience that few other programs can match. Its mission is to utilize its abundant resources to offer the highest - quality care for patients in need of cosmetic or reconstructive procedures.
Medical Team
The clinical staff of plastic surgeons at Columbia is highly proficient. Each surgeon has multiple areas of specialization, ranging from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations and body contouring surgery after significant weight loss. Here are some of the key surgeons:
- Christine Rohde, MD: A highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher. She is trained in 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. She is the chief of microvascular services for the plastic surgery division and has numerous publications and presentations in the field of plastic surgery.
- Jeffrey A. Ascherman, MD: An experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters. 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. He is also actively involved in humanitarian surgical missions.
Services for Breast Scar Repair
Columbia offers a comprehensive range of services related to breast care that can contribute to breast scar repair. In the reconstructive care aspect, the hospital is a world leader in breast reconstruction after breast cancer. This includes procedures that can address and minimize the appearance of scars left after mastectomies or lumpectomies. For example, their breast cancer reconstructive surgery program brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction, which may involve techniques to optimize scar appearance.
Research and Innovation
The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is conducting numerous research studies. These studies are relevant to breast scar repair as they involve applications of gene therapy to wound healing, the use of stem cells for tissue regeneration, and the investigation of various bone substitutes to expedite bone healing. The application of gene therapy, such as introducing growth factor genes (like PDGF and VEGF) to wounds, can potentially enhance the healing process of scars, including those on the breast.
Contact Information
To get in touch with one of their plastic surgeons, patients can call (212) 305 - 3103 or request an appointment online. The hospital has multiple offices, including locations in Washington Heights, Midtown, East Side, Westchester, and New Jersey.
Weill Cornell Medicine
Overall Reputation
Weill Cornell Medicine is a well - respected institution in New York City. It partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. The hospital's plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction and offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques.
Medical Team
The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are exemplary in their field. They are part of a multidisciplinary team that includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. The team is equipped to promote patients' comfort throughout the breast surgery and reconstruction process.
Services for Breast Scar Repair
Weill Cornell Medicine offers a variety of breast reconstruction options that are beneficial for breast scar repair. Their autologous reconstruction (using your own tissue) can create a more natural look and feel, and in the process, the surgeons can pay attention to scar placement and management. For example, during DIEP flap reconstruction, which uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, the incision can be made in a way to minimize visible scarring. The hospital also offers breast reinnervation techniques during reconstruction. These techniques not only improve breast sensation but can also be associated with better overall healing and potentially less noticeable scarring, as they promote a more coordinated healing process of the tissues around the reconstructed breast.
Patient - Centered Approach
The hospital's focus on the patient's comfort is a significant advantage. Before surgery, patients have the opportunity to ask questions and fully understand the procedure. In state - of - the - art surgical suites, the latest anesthetics and medications are used to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After the surgery, the care team manages pain with medication and teaches patients how to care for themselves during the healing and recovery process, which can contribute to better scar management.
Contact Information
There are multiple locations for patients to seek services. They can call (646) 962 - 4210 for more information. To request an appointment, patients can fill out the hospital's form, and the staff will help find the physician who best fits their individual medical needs.
NYU Langone Health - Breast Plastic Surgery Services
Overall Reputation
NYU Langone Health is internationally renowned for its plastic surgery services. Its breast plastic surgery department seamlessly brings together the best in oncologic and reconstructive breast surgery. The institution uses innovative and technologically advanced techniques for all types of reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgery.
Medical Team
The team of plastic surgeons at NYU Langone has vast expertise using the newest techniques to perform breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery. Surgeons like Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and Dr. Nolan S. Karp are experts in the field and are at the forefront of providing high - quality breast - related surgical services.
Services for Breast Scar Repair
NYU Langone offers a range of techniques that are favorable for breast scar repair. Their breast reduction using the short - scar method involves a smaller incision than traditional techniques, resulting in more cosmetically appealing results. This can be very beneficial for patients with scars on their breasts, especially those related to over - sized breasts that may have required reduction surgery. The hospital also performs breast reconstruction using perforator flaps, such as DIEP and S - GAP flaps. These microvascular surgical techniques can create a new breast using tissue from the stomach or buttocks, and the surgeons can carefully manage the incisions to minimize scar visibility. Their “Breast in a Day” innovative surgery option, which combines a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day, may also result in fewer surgical procedures and potentially less extensive scarring compared to traditional multi - step reconstruction methods.
Advanced Imaging and Planning
The use of three - dimensional imaging in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care after breast reduction, reconstruction, or augmentation is a significant advantage. This technology allows surgeons to precisely plan the surgical procedures, taking into account the patient's anatomy and the best way to position incisions to minimize scarring. It also helps in long - term monitoring of the scar's healing process and any necessary adjustments.
Contact Information
To schedule an appointment, patients can call 212 - 263 - 3030 for NYU Langone Plastic Surgery Associates at 41st Street or 212 - 355 - 5779 for the location at 47th Street.
Comparison of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Strengths in Medical Team | Unique Services | Research and Innovation | Patient - Centered Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery | Surgeons with diverse specializations and extensive research and clinical experience. Multiple surgeons on the list of top doctors. | Comprehensive care including craniofacial, orthoplastic, and breast reconstructive care. | Research on gene therapy, stem cells, and bone substitutes for wound healing. | Educational programs for patients to make informed decisions, multiple office locations for convenience. |
| Weill Cornell Medicine | Multidisciplinary team including oncologists, geneticists, and expert plastic surgeons. | Advanced breast reinnervation techniques during reconstruction. | Leadership in the evolution of breast reconstruction techniques. | Strong focus on patient comfort before, during, and after surgery. |
| NYU Langone Health - Breast Plastic Surgery Services | Surgeons specializing in the latest breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery techniques. | “Breast in a Day” innovative surgery, short - scar breast reduction method. | Use of three - dimensional imaging for surgical planning and follow - up. | Seamless integration of oncologic and reconstructive breast surgery. |
Conclusion
In New York City in 2025, Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, and NYU Langone Health - Breast Plastic Surgery Services stand out as the top three hospitals for breast scar repair surgery. Each hospital has its unique strengths, whether it's the comprehensive services and cutting - edge research at Columbia, the patient - centered approach and advanced breast reinnervation techniques at Weill Cornell, or the innovative surgical options and advanced imaging at NYU Langone.
If you or someone you know is in need of breast scar repair surgery, we encourage you to explore these hospitals further. You can contact them to schedule consultations, learn more about their services, and discuss your specific needs with their medical teams. By making an informed decision, you can take a significant step towards achieving the best possible results for breast scar repair.
