Introduction

Breast plastic surgery has become an increasingly popular choice for many individuals in New York City, whether it's for cosmetic enhancement or reconstructive purposes. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of breast plastic surgery hospitals in New York City, including the different types of procedures available, what to expect during the process, and important considerations when choosing a hospital. With numerous world - class medical institutions in the city, patients have a wide range of options to achieve their desired results.

Types of Breast Plastic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most common breast plastic surgery procedures. It is designed to increase the size and fullness of the breasts, enhance the shape and curvature, and improve breast asymmetries. Mount Sinai - New York's plastic surgeons use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look before scheduling the surgery. This gives patients a clear idea of what to expect and allows them to make more informed decisions about the size and shape of their implants.

There are different options for breast augmentation. The most typical method involves using implants, which come in two main types: silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural in the breasts, while saline breast implants are firmer and rounder. At 740 Park Plastic Surgery, Dr. Stafford R. Broumand can perform breast augmentation using breast implants, fat transfer (natural breast enhancement), or a combination of both techniques.

For the fat transfer option, a tissue expansion system called Brava® is employed before the procedure to create an ideal environment for fat transfer. Fat is then harvested from a donor area of the body, such as the buttocks or abdomen, via liposuction, cleansed, and reinjected into the breasts.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast lift surgery is used to correct sagging or drooping breasts. Over time, factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and aging can cause the breasts to lose their elasticity and firmness. During a breast lift, the plastic surgeon removes excess skin, tightens the breast tissue, and repositions the nipple - areolar complex to give the breasts a more youthful appearance.

The procedure typically involves making a “lollipop” incision around the areola and extending down the underside of the breasts to the inframammary crease. According to a comprehensive guide on breast lift surgery in NY, the surgeon first marks the new location of the nipple while the patient is standing. General anesthesia is given, and the incisions are made. The breasts are then raised, reshaped, and the areolas are repositioned, possibly resulting in a reduction in size. Excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed using surgical tape, skin adhesives, stitches, or sutures.

Some patients may choose to combine breast lift with breast augmentation to achieve both an enhanced size and a lifted appearance. However, some surgeons may advise performing these procedures separately due to safety concerns, usually scheduling the breast augmentation weeks or months after the breast lift to reduce the risk of complications such as nipple loss or necrosis.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is beneficial for women whose breasts are disproportionately large for their body frame. It can help alleviate chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, persistent headaches, tender bra strap indentations, painful skin rashes under the breasts, and poor posture caused by the weight of excessive breast tissue.

A “lollipop” incision that encircles the areola and extends down to the inframammary fold is typically used. Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed, and the remaining skin and tissues are raised and reshaped for an optimal outcome. At 740 Park Plastic Surgery, based on the patient's needs, the entire breast reduction procedure typically takes about two hours to complete, and most individuals can resume non - strenuous activities after approximately one week.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is an option for women who have undergone mastectomy as part of their breast cancer treatment. It helps restore the breasts to a normal shape, size, and overall appearance. There are several techniques available, including implant reconstruction, fat grafting, and DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

Implant breast reconstruction involves using a tissue expander to create a breast pocket large enough to accommodate the implant. Once enough room is created, the breast implant is placed and positioned using limited incisions. Fat grafting for breast reconstruction is similar to natural breast enhancement, where fatty tissues are harvested and transferred to create a new breast mound. The DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap technique uses tissues taken from the patient's lower abdomen to rebuild the breast. The fat and abdominal tissues are extracted, relocated to the chest wall, and small blood vessels are connected to enable sufficient blood supply.

Breast Revision Surgery

Breast revision surgery is for patients who are not satisfied with the results of a previous breast operation, whose breast enhancement goals have changed over time, or who have encountered issues from a past procedure. Common reasons for breast revision include upgrading from saline to silicone implants, increasing or decreasing the breast size, enhancing the shape or symmetry of the breasts, replacing a ruptured or leaking implant, and correcting implant complications such as capsular contracture, malpositioning, or rippling.

During this procedure, the original incision pattern is generally used to remove the current implant and replace it with a new one if desired. The new implant is positioned appropriately for ideal outcomes, which may involve a new pocket location depending on the previous implant placement.

Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of male breasts due to excess accumulations of glandular tissue and/or fat. At 740 Park Plastic Surgery, male breast reduction surgery is customized to remove excess glandular tissue, eliminate fatty tissue in the breasts, excise loose breast skin, and reposition or diminish the size of the nipple - areola complex. Glandular tissue is removed through micro - incisions made around the areola, and if necessary, liposuction is used through tiny incisions at the lower chest to remove fat accumulations.

Cosmetic Nipple Surgery

Cosmetic nipple surgery can address concerns related to nipple projection, size, and overall aesthetic appeal. Whether it's inverted nipple correction or nipple reduction, plastic surgeons at 740 Park Plastic Surgery use advanced surgical techniques tailored to the patient's unique needs to enhance the natural beauty of the breasts.

Top Breast Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City

NewYork - Presbyterian

NewYork - Presbyterian offers a full range of cosmetic breast surgery options. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are passionate about helping patients feel their best. Starting from the initial consultation, they work closely with patients to understand their goals and discuss the best options. They offer procedures such as breast reduction surgery, breast lift surgery (mastopexy), breast augmentation with implants, and DIEP flap surgery. Whether patients visit virtually through a video visit or in person, they can expect the highest standards of care with compassion.

Mount Sinai - New York

Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast augmentation. They use the latest 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the results before surgery. They offer different options for breast augmentation, including silicone and saline implants, as well as the natural fill® fat transfer technique. Their goal is to provide patients with a natural shape and size that they will be happy with, and they carefully consult with patients to help them make the best choices for their bodies.

740 Park Plastic Surgery

Dr. Stafford R. Broumand at 740 Park Plastic Surgery offers a comprehensive array of breast - related procedures. He can perform breast augmentation using implants, fat transfer, or a combination. For breast lift, he uses the appropriate techniques to correct sagging and reshape the breasts. In addition, he provides breast reduction, breast revision, breast reconstruction, gynecomastia treatment, and cosmetic nipple surgery. He employs the most effective and least invasive approaches possible, ensuring personalized treatment and attention from consultation through recovery.

New York Group for Plastic Surgery

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery has a team of highly qualified and talented board - certified plastic surgeons. They offer a wide range of breast enhancement procedures, including breast augmentation, breast implant removal, breast implant revision, breast lift, breast reduction, and male breast reduction. Their consultation process involves using the Vectra XT imaging system to capture ultra - high resolution 3D images and show patients the projected results of their procedure, allowing for a shared understanding of treatment objectives between the surgeon and the patient.

NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone's plastic surgeons reconstruct the breast after breast cancer surgery and also perform cosmetic breast surgery. They offer all the latest reconstruction techniques, such as breast reduction using the short scar method, breast lift surgery, secondary breast reconstruction and augmentation surgery, and breast reconstruction using perforator flaps like the DIEP and S - GAP. They also have an innovative “Breast in a Day” surgery option for women diagnosed with breast cancer or at high risk, which combines a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day, reducing the number of surgeries and hospital stay.

Columbia Surgery

Columbia University's plastic surgery program is highly regarded. Their plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization related to breast surgery, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, and breast reconstructive care after breast cancer. The program is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery. They bring together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons for compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.

What to Expect During the Breast Plastic Surgery Process

Consultation

The first step in any breast plastic surgery is the consultation. During this stage, the patient meets with the plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, concerns, and medical history. The surgeon will conduct a physical examination and may use imaging techniques to better understand the patient's anatomy. At the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, surgeons use the Vectra XT imaging system to show patients the projected results of their procedure. Surgeons at various hospitals will also provide information about the different procedures, risks, and recovery processes, and help the patient decide which option is best for them.

Pre - operative Preparation

Before the surgery, patients may need to make some preparations. For example, they may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, which can act as a blood thinner. Smokers should stop smoking around four weeks before surgery, as smoking can impede the body's natural healing ability and increase the risk of complications. Patients may also need to undergo medical tests to ensure they are in good health for the surgery.

Surgery

The surgical procedure will vary depending on the type of breast plastic surgery being performed. General anesthesia or IV sedation is usually administered. For breast augmentation, the surgeon will make incisions in the appropriate location (underarm, under the breast, or within the areola) and place the implants. In breast lift surgery, incisions are made around the areola and down the breast to remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue. The duration of the surgery also depends on the complexity of the procedure, ranging from about an hour for breast augmentation with implants to a few hours for more complex procedures like breast reconstruction.

Post - operative Recovery

After the surgery, patients will experience some swelling, soreness, and bruising in the breast area. They will be prescribed pain medication and may need to apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Patients are usually advised to sleep on their back to keep the chest in a raised position. The recovery time also varies by procedure. For example, patients who undergo breast augmentation can typically return to non - strenuous work in a few days, while full recovery takes about two to three weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks to allow the body to heal properly. The final results of the surgery may take several months to fully appear.

Choosing the Right Breast Plastic Surgery Hospital

Surgeon's Expertise

One of the most important factors is the expertise of the plastic surgeon. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in performing the specific breast plastic surgery procedure you are interested in. For example, at Columbia Surgery, the plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization and have a wealth of experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgeries. You can check the surgeon's credentials, read patient reviews, and ask about their success rates and complication rates.

Hospital Reputation

Research the reputation of the hospital. Well - known hospitals like NewYork - Presbyterian and NYU Langone Health are recognized for their high - quality medical care and advanced surgical techniques. You can look at online reviews, testimonials from past patients, and the hospital's standing in the medical community. Hospitals with a good reputation are more likely to have strict safety protocols and a team of experienced medical staff.

Range of Services

Consider the range of services offered by the hospital. A hospital that offers a comprehensive range of breast plastic surgery procedures can provide more options if your needs change or if you require multiple procedures. For instance, 740 Park Plastic Surgery offers a wide variety of breast - related surgeries, from augmentation to reconstruction and nipple surgery.

Technology and Facilities

Advanced technology can improve the accuracy and safety of the surgery. Hospitals like Mount Sinai - New York use 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the results of breast augmentation before the procedure. Also, check the quality of the hospital's facilities, including the operating rooms and post - operative care areas, to ensure a comfortable and safe environment.

Cost and Insurance

Understand the cost of the procedure and whether your insurance will cover it. Most breast plastic surgery procedures are considered cosmetic and are not covered by insurance, but in some cases, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy due to cancer, insurance may provide coverage. It's important to have a clear understanding of all the costs involved, including the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fees, and post - operative care expenses. Discuss the payment options with the hospital's financial department.

Risks and Complications of Breast Plastic Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, breast plastic surgery carries some risks. These can include infection, scarring, delayed healing of incisions, temporary or permanent loss of feeling in the breast or nipple, bleeding, uneven breast shape, and the need for another surgical procedure. Capsular contracture is a specific risk associated with breast implants, where the body forms a capsule around the implant that contracts and squeezes the implant, resulting in a round and hard - feeling breast. Surgeons take various precautions to minimize these risks, such as using the “no touch” technique for augmentation and advising patients to avoid certain activities to prevent bleeding.

Conclusion

Breast plastic surgery in New York City offers a wide range of options for patients looking to enhance their appearance or recover from breast - related medical conditions. With top - notch hospitals and experienced plastic surgeons, patients have access to advanced techniques and high - quality care. However, it's important to carefully consider all aspects, from the type of procedure to the choice of hospital and surgeon, and to be aware of the potential risks and recovery process. By doing thorough research and having open communication with the medical team, patients can make informed decisions and achieve the best possible results.

If you're considering breast plastic surgery in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon. Read more about breast plastic surgery procedures, explore patient testimonials, and stay informed about the latest advancements in the field. Share this guide with others who may be interested in breast plastic surgery to help them make the right choices for their journey.