Top Five Hospitals for Breast Correction Surgery in New York City

Breast correction surgery, whether for reconstruction after breast cancer or for aesthetic purposes, is a significant decision. In New York City, patients have access to some of the world's leading hospitals with experienced surgeons and state - of - the - art facilities. Here is a list of the top five hospitals for breast correction surgery in the city.

1. New York - Presbyterian Hospital

Overview

New York - Presbyterian Hospital is the nation's largest not - for - profit, non - sectarian hospital. It is affiliated with two of the nation's leading medical colleges, Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. It is consistently ranked among the best academic medical institutions in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report and is the #1 hospital in the New York metropolitan area.

Accreditations and Achievements

Its breast centers at NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia and NewYork - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell are Manhattan's first to be accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). This accreditation is given to centers that offer state - of - the - art treatment options, including clinical research trials, take a multidisciplinary team approach, offer community outreach and professional education, and undertake quality - improvement initiatives.

Expertise in Breast Correction Surgery

• Advanced Surgical Techniques: Surgeons at the breast centers are among the first to perform total skin - sparing, nipple - sparing mastectomy, which helps improve the aesthetic outcome of reconstructive surgery. They were also among the first to use sentinel node biopsy, which limits the number of lymph nodes that need to be removed to determine if a tumor has spread.
• Oncoplastic Surgery: The hospital is a leader in oncoplastic surgery, which combines the removal of cancerous tumor with cosmetic plastic surgery in a single procedure. It offers the only academic - based program in oncoplastic surgery in the New York metropolitan area.
• Research - Driven Approach: Physician - scientists at New York - Presbyterian and its affiliated medical schools are working on advancing new treatment and prevention strategies. For example, they are studying an intraductal approach that employs a miniature endoscope to access the milk ducts through the nipple and biomarkers in nipple fluid for potential screening tests.

Patient Care

With a large number of affiliated physicians and staff, New York - Presbyterian provides comprehensive inpatient, ambulatory, and preventive care. The hospital has a patient - centered approach, ensuring that patients are well - informed about their treatment options and are involved in the decision - making process.

2. Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Overview

Columbia University Irving Medical Center is at the forefront of medical education, research, and patient care. It includes the College of Physicians & Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, and various research centers. It is home to the largest medical research enterprise in New York City and state and one of the largest in the United States.

Plastic Surgery Division

The plastic surgery division at Columbia is recognized as one of the best in New York. Its plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, ranging from routine, non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations.

Breast Reconstructive Care

• Comprehensive Program: The Columbia breast cancer reconstructive surgery program is dedicated to helping individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery reclaim their physical and emotional well - being. It brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.
• Research - Oriented: The plastic surgery research laboratory is actively involved in numerous research studies, including those related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. A major focus is on the applications of gene therapy to wound healing, which can have implications for better recovery after breast correction surgery.
• Expert Surgeons: The team of board - certified surgeons at Columbia has extensive experience in breast reconstruction. For example, Dr. Christine Rohde is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and breast reconstruction.

Patient Resources

The hospital provides patients with educational guides to help them make informed decisions about their cosmetic or reconstructive care. It also offers contact information and multiple office locations for easy access.

3. Mount Sinai Hospital

Overview

Mount Sinai Hospital is a well - known medical institution in New York City, offering a wide range of medical services. It has a reputation for providing high - quality care and innovative treatments.

Breast Reconstruction Services

For patients considering breast reconstruction, Mount Sinai's expert plastic surgeons are available to guide them through the decision - making process. They help patients address questions such as whether to have reconstruction, when to have it, and what type of reconstruction to choose.

Types of Reconstruction

• Implant - Based Reconstruction: The hospital offers the option of using silicone or saline implants to rebuild the breast. A tissue expander is often used initially to create space for the implant.
• Autologous Reconstruction: Surgeons can also perform flap procedures that use the patient's own tissue from areas like the abdomen, back, or thighs to reconstruct the breast, providing a more natural look and feel.
• Robotic Surgery: Mount Sinai offers new robotic surgery for breast cancer survivors, which can potentially provide more precise and less invasive surgical options.

Patient Support

The medical staff at Mount Sinai understands the emotional and physical challenges that patients face during the breast reconstruction process. They provide support and counseling to help patients make the best decisions for their health and well - being.

4. Weill Cornell Medicine

Overview

Weill Cornell Medicine is Cornell University's medical school located in New York City. It is committed to excellence in research, teaching, patient care, and the advancement of the art and science of medicine, both locally and globally. It is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian Hospital.

Breast Reconstruction Expertise

• Advanced Techniques: The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction, such as performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years.
• Multidisciplinary Care: The breast center at Weill Cornell Medicine is a multidisciplinary group that includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment and support.
• Innovation in Nerve Reconstruction: The surgeons have developed new techniques for breast reinnervation during both autologous and implant - based reconstruction. This can improve the sensation in the reconstructed breast, which is associated with improved patient quality of life.

Patient - Centered Care

The team at Weill Cornell Medicine prioritizes patient comfort. They ensure that patients have a clear understanding of the procedure before surgery and provide support during the recovery process. Most patients can leave the hospital relatively soon after the surgery, depending on the type of reconstruction.

5. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai

Overview

The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai 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.

Breast Reconstruction Programs

Dr. Joshua L. Levine established the first dedicated perforator flap breast reconstruction program in New York City at this hospital in 2006. The hospital has dedicated natural tissue breast reconstruction centers, where Dr. Levine and his expert surgical teams perform state - of - the - art procedures.

Surgical Teams

Dr. Levine builds expert surgical teams with advanced skills in natural breast reconstruction. His teams are trained in the latest techniques and have the experience to handle complex procedures. For example, he always uses a second expert microsurgeon when performing perforator flap breast reconstruction in a team approach, which helps ensure a higher level of safety and efficiency.

Patient Outcomes

With the combination of advanced surgical techniques and high - quality nursing care, patients at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai can expect good outcomes from their breast correction surgeries. The hospital also provides support and guidance to patients during the recovery process.

Comparing the Top Five Hospitals

Common Questions about Breast Correction Surgery

1. Am I a candidate for breast reconstruction?

Most women who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy are candidates for breast reconstruction. Factors such as overall health, cancer treatment plans, and personal preferences play a role. For example, women whose cancer has been completely removed and who do not require further treatment are often good candidates.

2. How long does breast reconstruction surgery take?

The surgery typically takes 2 to 6 hours, depending on the type of reconstruction being performed. Implant - based reconstruction may take less time compared to flap procedures, which are more complex.

3. Will I need multiple surgeries for breast reconstruction?

Some patients may require more than one surgery. This can include procedures for nipple reconstruction, adjustments to the reconstructed breast, or symmetry procedures on the opposite breast.

4. How soon after a mastectomy can I have breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction can be done immediately following a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). The timing depends on your health, cancer treatment plan, and personal preference.

5. Is breast reconstruction surgery painful?

Pain is usually managed with medication, and most patients find the discomfort to be manageable. Your surgeon will work with you to ensure your pain is well - controlled during recovery.

6. What is the difference between implant - based and flap - based reconstruction?

Implant - based reconstruction uses silicone or saline implants to create the new breast mound, while flap - based reconstruction uses tissue from another part of your body, such as the abdomen or back. Flap reconstruction can provide a more natural look and feel, but it is a more complex surgery.

7. Will I have scars after breast reconstruction surgery?

Yes, there will be scars, but they typically fade over time. The location and size of the scars depend on the type of reconstruction performed. Your surgeon will discuss scar placement and care with you.

8. Can I undergo breast reconstruction if I’ve had radiation therapy?

Yes, but radiation can affect the timing and type of reconstruction. Your surgeon will work with your oncologist to determine the best approach for your reconstruction.

9. How long does it take to recover from breast reconstruction surgery?

Recovery time varies, but most patients can resume normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. However, it may take several months to fully recover, especially from more complex flap procedures.

10. Will breast reconstruction surgery affect my cancer treatment?

Breast reconstruction does not interfere with cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Your surgeon will coordinate with your oncology team to ensure the timing and type of reconstruction support your overall treatment plan.

Conclusion

New York City offers a wealth of options for breast correction surgery, with the top five hospitals mentioned above leading the way. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it's in advanced surgical techniques, research, or patient - centered care. Patients can be assured that they will receive high - quality, reliable care at these institutions. When considering breast correction surgery, it is important to research and consult with the medical teams at these hospitals to make an informed decision that suits your individual needs.

If you or someone you know is considering breast correction surgery, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for more information. You can schedule a consultation to discuss your options and start your journey towards a better quality of life. Don't hesitate to share this article with others who may find it helpful, and explore related topics to learn more about breast health and surgical procedures.