Introduction
Breast tightening surgery, also known as breast lift or mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. Many women seek this surgery to restore the youthful shape of their breasts that may have been lost due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging. With numerous hospitals and surgeons offering breast lift procedures in the city, it can be challenging for patients to choose the right one. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the top 10 hospitals for breast tightening surgery in New York City, based on factors such as surgeon expertise, patient reviews, and hospital facilities.
What is Breast Tightening Surgery?
Breast tightening surgery is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. The surgery involves removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipple - areolar complex to a more youthful position. This procedure can enhance the appearance of the breasts, making them look firmer, more rounded, and shapelier. It can also improve self - confidence and the overall aesthetic of the patient.
Benefits of Breast Tightening Surgery
- Youthful revival: Restores a perky, attractive breast position, turning back the effects of aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.
- Restored beauty after nursing: Undoes the effects of breastfeeding, reclaiming firmness and repositioning nipples.
- Enhanced appearance: While not increasing size, a lift enhances shape, fullness, and overall aesthetic, and can also reduce areolar size.
Top 10 Hospitals for Breast Tightening Surgery in New York City
1. New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital
New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital has several experienced doctors on staff who perform breast lift surgeries. For example, Dr. Evelyn Cantillo, Dr. Melissa Frey, and Dr. Heather Yeo are associated with this hospital. Dr. Melissa Frey has a 5.00 - star rating out of 5 stars, which indicates high patient satisfaction. These doctors bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, ensuring that patients receive top - notch care.
2. Mount Sinai - New York
A breast lift procedure at Mount Sinai can be a positive and rewarding experience. Their surgeons can provide results such as firmer, more rounded, shapelier breasts, restored fullness lost after childbearing or weight loss, balanced breast height, and more proportioned areola size. Mount Sinai is well - known for its advanced medical facilities and a team of skilled plastic surgeons who are experienced in performing breast lift surgeries.
3. Dr. Douglas Steinbrech's Practice
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. He specializes in minimally invasive aesthetics. His practice is located in Manhattan at 655 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065. Dr. Steinbrech has been selected among America’s top plastic surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. He offers a variety of breast lift techniques, and during the initial consultation, he reviews the patient's medical history, discusses goals for surgery, and conducts a physical examination to determine the most suitable approach.
4. Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon and an active member of multiple professional organizations. His breast lift surgeries are uniquely personalized and tailored specifically to each patient's anatomy and desires. He performs breast lift surgery in his fully accredited surgical facility on Park Avenue in Manhattan. Dr. Kolker provides detailed pre - and post - operative care instructions and ensures that patients are well - informed throughout the process.
5. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Dr. John E. Sherman is a skilled and board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive expertise in breast lift procedures. The procedure at his practice is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the duration is about two to two and a half hours. He offers different techniques such as full mastopexy and periareolar mastopexy, depending on the patient's condition. His patients can choose to have the surgery in his fully accredited operating suite or at a hospital like New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, or Lenox Hill Hospital.
6. New York Center for Breast Reconstruction (Associated with Dr. Joshua L. Levine)
Dr. Joshua L. Levine is a world - renowned surgeon. The New York Center for Breast Reconstruction, associated with him, offers highly sophisticated, advanced microsurgical procedures. The center has a team of dedicated staff who provide support to patients, whether they are local or traveling from afar. Dr. Levine's hospital affiliations include the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai, which is ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006.
7. Aristocrat Plastic Surgery (Dr. Kevin Tehrani)
Dr. Kevin Tehrani at Aristocrat Plastic Surgery is an expert breast surgeon who has performed hundreds of successful breast lifts. He assesses each patient's breast size, shape, skin elasticity, and degree of sagging during the consultation to determine the most suitable technique. He uses different incision patterns such as periareolar, vertical, and inverted t or anchor incisions, and may also use an absorbable internal mesh (Galaflex 3DR) for long - lasting results.
8. Maman Plastic Surgery (Dr. Daniel Maman)
Dr. Daniel Maman is a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon. His practice offers premiere plastic surgery and concierge patient care. The 90 - minute consultation with Dr. Maman includes a thorough review of the patient's medical history, in - depth physical assessment, comprehensive operative plans, and discussion of cost, accommodations, and follow - up visits. He offers a variety of breast lift options and provides excellent post - operative care to ensure a smooth recovery.
9. Other Notable Surgeons' Practices
There are other individual surgeons with high - quality practices in New York City. For example, Dr. Peter Henderson, rated 4.80 out of 5 stars, has his practice at 10 Union Sq E Frnt 2l, New York, NY 10003. Dr. David Otterburn, also with a 5.00 - star rating, is located at 525 East 68th street Starr 8, New York, NY 10065. These surgeons bring their own unique skills and experience to breast lift surgeries.
10. Considerations for Choosing a Hospital or Surgeon
- Surgeon's expertise: Look for board - certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in breast lift surgeries. Check their credentials, training, and patient reviews.
- Hospital facilities: The hospital should have modern and well - equipped facilities for surgery and post - operative care. It should also be accredited by relevant organizations.
- Patient reviews: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of the surgeon's skills, bedside manner, and the overall patient experience at the hospital.
- Cost: While cost should not be the only factor, it is important to consider. The cost of breast lift surgery in New York typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on the surgeon's experience and the complexity of the procedure.
- Communication: A good surgeon should be able to communicate clearly with the patient, listen to their concerns, and provide detailed information about the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
Types of Breast Lift Procedures
Lollipop Lift
The lollipop lift, also called a vertical lift, is suitable for moderate sagging and reshaping. Incisions are made in the shape of a lollipop, one in a circle around the outside of the areola and another vertical from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold. If the areola is at or below the level of the inframammary fold, this lift might be the right choice.
Anchor Breast Lift
In an anchor breast lift, incisions are placed in the shape of an anchor. This technique is for dramatic reshaping and significant sagging. The three incisions go on the outer edge of the areola, vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold, and horizontally along the breast crease. It is the most comprehensive breast lift available and is most recommended by surgeons.
Donut Lift
The donut lift is a subtle breast lift for women with mild sagging. One incision is made around the outside edge of the areola, and a donut - shaped piece of skin is removed. Scars are minimally visible, and this technique is best for people who are unsatisfied with the location of their nipple and areola.
Crescent Lift
The crescent lift, also known as a periareolar breast lift, uses the smallest incision for minimal sagging. A crescent - shaped incision is made halfway along the top of the areola, and a small piece of skin is removed. The scar is hidden by the darker coloring of the areola, so scars are mostly undetectable.
Preparing for Breast Lift Surgery
Before undergoing breast lift surgery, patients need to take several steps to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery:
- Consultation: Have a detailed consultation with the surgeon. During this visit, the patient should discuss their medical history, including any current or past medical conditions, previous surgeries, and medications they are taking. The surgeon will also assess the patient's breast size, shape, skin elasticity, and degree of sagging to determine the most suitable technique.
- Pre - operative tests: The surgeon may order routine laboratory studies / blood work and breast imaging studies as appropriate. These tests help the surgeon understand the patient's overall health and detect any potential issues.
- Lifestyle changes: Patients should stop smoking at least one month before surgery as smoking can impair the healing process. They should also avoid taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin and some herbal supplements.
- Arrange for support: Patients will need a ride home from the hospital after the surgery and should arrange for someone to assist them during the initial 24 - hour recovery period. They may also need help with daily activities for a few days or weeks after the surgery.
Recovery from Breast Lift Surgery
The recovery process after breast lift surgery varies from person to person, but here are some general guidelines:
- Immediate post - operative period: After surgery, the breasts are wrapped with gauze dressings, and an elastic bandage or a surgical bra is placed over them. Some patients may experience mild to moderate pain for the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
- Rest and recovery at home: Patients are usually advised to take three to seven days off from work to recover. They should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and excessive movement of the upper body for a few weeks. A soft support bra should be worn 24 hours a day for approximately one month.
- Follow - up appointments: The surgeon will schedule follow - up appointments to check on the progress of healing, remove any drains (if used), and assess the final results. It is important for patients to attend these appointments and follow the surgeon's instructions.
- Final results: The final shape of the breasts takes 6 to 12 weeks to be visible. Over time, the breasts will continue to settle into their new shape, and the scars will gradually fade.
Risks and Side Effects of Breast Lift Surgery
While breast lift surgery is generally safe, there are some risks and side effects associated with the procedure:
- Scarring: All breast lift surgeries involve incisions, which will result in scars. The extent and visibility of the scars depend on the type of incision used and the patient's healing process. However, surgeons usually take steps to minimize scarring.
- Asymmetry: There is a risk of uneven positioning of the breasts or nipples, which may require revision surgery.
- Blood loss and infection: Bleeding during or after surgery and infection at the incision site are possible complications. These can usually be managed with appropriate medical treatment.
- Numbness: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the breasts or nipples.
- Changes in nipple sensation: There is a risk of decreased or altered nipple sensation, although this is relatively rare.
- Tissue loss and wound healing problems: In some cases, there may be tissue loss or delayed wound healing, which can require additional treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my breasts look like after a breast lift surgery?
The breast lift procedure will leave scars on the breasts, but they usually heal well. The amount of scarring depends on the amount of breast lift required. The breasts will appear firmer, more rounded, and shapelier, with a more youthful position of the nipple - areolar complex.
Can I breastfeed after my breast lift surgery?
Yes, in most cases, patients can still breastfeed after a breast lift surgery as the procedure typically does not affect the milk ducts. However, it is important to discuss your plans for breastfeeding with your surgeon before the procedure.
Are breast lift results permanent?
Breast lift results are considered permanent as long as there are no significant weight fluctuations or pregnancies after the procedure. However, natural aging and gravity can still affect the appearance of the breasts over time.
What can a breast lift address?
A breast lift can address sagging breasts, asymmetry, and loss of volume in the breasts, giving them a more youthful and lifted appearance. It can also reduce the size of the areola if it has become enlarged.
Can you exercise after a breast lift?
Patients can typically resume light exercise, such as walking, within a few weeks after a breast lift. However, strenuous activities, especially those involving the upper body, should be avoided for several weeks. It is important to follow the surgeon's recommendations.
How much does a breast lift cost?
In New York, the cost of a breast lift surgery typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on the surgeon's experience and the complexity of the procedure. This estimate often includes surgeon fees, anesthesia, and facility costs.
Can I combine my breast lift with breast implants?
Yes, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation for added volume and firmness of the breasts. This is a common approach for patients who want to lift their sagging breasts and increase their size at the same time.
Conclusion
Breast tightening surgery can be a life - changing procedure for women who are unhappy with the appearance of their sagging breasts. In New York City, there are many excellent hospitals and surgeons offering high - quality breast lift services. By considering factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital facilities, patient reviews, and cost, patients can make an informed decision about where to have their surgery. It is also important for patients to have realistic expectations about the procedure, understand the risks and benefits, and follow the pre - and post - operative instructions carefully. If you are considering breast lift surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options and determine if this procedure is right for you.
