Introduction
New York City is a global hub for plastic surgery, boasting some of the finest hospitals and surgeons in the world. Whether you're considering a cosmetic enhancement or a reconstructive procedure, the city offers a wide range of options to meet your needs. In this guide, we'll explore some of the top plastic surgery hospitals in New York City, the services they offer, and what you should look for when choosing a hospital and surgeon.
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's plastic surgery practice is well - known for its comprehensive approach to plastic and reconstructive surgery. Their board - certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience in both aesthetic and restorative procedures. They understand the unique goals of each patient, whether it's improving appearance for cosmetic reasons or restoring function due to medical issues.
- Outstanding Surgeons: The surgeons at Mount Sinai are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify plastic surgeons. Many have also undergone further specialized training, combining the best surgical skills, latest techniques, and keen aesthetic judgment. They are also faculty members of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, leading the largest plastic surgery residency program in the United States. This means patients can benefit from the collective knowledge and expertise of the faculty and residents.
- Newly Designed Suite: The newly designed plastic surgery suite, named the Derfner - Lieberman Family Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, offers a comfortable and serene environment. A friendly concierge team greets patients, and the warm lighting, comfortable furnishings, and private rooms are all designed to make patients feel relaxed and at ease.
- Latest Technology: The consultation suites are equipped with the most advanced technology. Patients can browse patient education materials and videos on a 55 - inch touchscreen in the exam room. Doctors also use the touch screen to help patients visualize anticipated results and review before - and - after possibilities. In addition, remote telemedicine technology is available for patients who can't visit the hospital in person.
- History of Dedication: Mount Sinai has a long history of providing groundbreaking plastic surgical care, especially to the underserved. The founder of the plastic surgery department, Arthur J. Barsky, MD, was a pioneering plastic surgeon known for his work with Hiroshima victims and the children of Vietnam. This legacy continues today, with the hospital's surgeons committed to using the best of plastic surgery to improve lives.
Columbia University
As one of New York's best hospitals and a world - renowned medical center, Columbia University's plastic surgery program offers high - quality care for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
- Experienced Surgeons: The plastic surgeons on the clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, ranging from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations and body contouring surgery after significant weight loss. The division is also at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery, being a recognized national and international leader in the field.
- Comprehensive Services:
- Cosmetic Care: Offers surgical and non - surgical options such as ear and eyelid lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and more to improve cosmetic health.
- Reconstructive Care: World - leading in reconstructive care for issues like breast reconstruction after breast cancer, skin lesion excision, and reconstructive surgery for the nose and ears.
- Cleft Palate/Cleft Lip Care: Provides specialized care for newborns with cleft lip and cleft palate through its craniofacial surgery program.
- Orthoplastic Surgery Care: Brings together leading experts in orthopedic and reconstructive plastic surgery for personalized treatment options, offering lower wound complication rates and higher patient satisfaction in recovery.
- Breast Reconstructive Care: Empowers individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery by providing compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.
- Research Initiatives: The plastic surgery research laboratory is conducting numerous studies, including those related to stem cells, tissue engineering, bone substitutes, and gene therapy for wound healing. Recent research has shown improved healing in ischemic and diabetic wounds using gene therapy.
- Education Programs: As part of an Ivy League university, Columbia is committed to educating the next generation of plastic surgeons through its plastic surgery residency program and surgical CME events.
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Health's plastic surgery department offers a wide range of services for both adults and children, with a focus on using the latest techniques in a comfortable setting.
- Board - Certified Surgeons: The board - certified plastic surgeons from the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery are experts in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. They use the latest techniques in cancer surgery reconstruction, cleft and congenital craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, cosmetic surgery, anti - aging therapies, gender - affirming surgery, and oculoplastic surgery.
- Comprehensive Services:
- Reconstructive Procedures: Required following cancer surgery or trauma of the face or body.
- Cosmetic Procedures: Include facelift, rhinoplasty, chin reshaping, neck liposuction, mole removal, breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tucks, and weight loss procedures like Vanquish. Botulinum toxin and other injectables are also offered for non - invasive improvement of appearance.
- Pediatric Services: Provided through Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone for managing conditions that result in head and facial developmental deformities. They also help people with disabilities related to cranial or peripheral nerve defects and hearing and speech difficulties due to airway deformities.
- Face Transplant Program: NYU Langone is the only approved team in New York State with the ability to perform a face transplant for people who have experienced a traumatic injury or have a congenital facial malformation.
- State - of - the - Art Facility: Many procedures are performed in the state - of - the - art center at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Center. It has full - service outpatient operating rooms, exam rooms, a digital x - ray suite, a playroom for children, and an orthodontic unit with entertainment systems at each dental chair. The facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, the gold standard for quality surgical care.
NewYork - Presbyterian
NewYork - Presbyterian offers plastic surgery services across different locations, each with its own set of specialties.
Lower Manhattan Hospital
The plastic surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital perform a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including those made necessary by trauma, cancer, or congenital defects. Common aesthetic procedures are breast augmentation and reduction, facial rejuvenation, liposuction, abdominoplasty, and rhinoplasty. Reconstructive procedures include breast reconstruction, surgery for skin cancer, and major flap procedures. All physicians are on the faculty of Weill Cornell Medical College, ensuring high - quality care within a community hospital setting.
Allen Hospital
The division of plastic surgery at NewYork - Presbyterian Allen Hospital offers a full range of reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. These include breast reductions, breast reconstruction, breast augmentation, facial aesthetic surgery, abdominoplasty, carpal tunnel surgery, and small skin cancer removal. The hospital also has a wound care center specializing in diabetic and venous ulcers. All physicians are also on the staff of NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and are members of the highly regarded Columbiadoctors faculty practice, providing exceptional care in a personal and accessible environment.
Common Plastic Surgery Procedures
Facial Procedures
Facial plastic surgery can help improve the appearance of the face and reduce the signs of aging. Here are some common facial procedures:
Procedure | Description |
---|---|
Rhinoplasty | Also known as a nose job, it improves the nasal appearance by reshaping and augmenting the nose. It can remove a nasal hump, narrow the nostril width, and improve the overall facial harmony. For example, at Gotham Plastic Surgery, the natra nose® technique is used to bring together artistry and skill for natural - looking results. Ethnic rhinoplasty, which takes into account the unique nasal characteristics of different ethnicities, is also offered. |
Blepharoplasty | Removes excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids, altering the underlying muscles to improve a puffy, sagging, or tired appearance. Surgeons like Dr. Cangello at Gotham Plastic Surgery perform both upper and lower eyelid lifts, and can also smooth swollen under - eye bags. |
Facelift | A surgical procedure that improves signs of aging on the face and neck, addressing saggy skin, jowls, deep wrinkles, and turkey necks. Gotham Plastic Surgery offers facelift procedures for both men and women. |
Liquid Facelift/Injectables | A non - surgical procedure that utilizes various injectables to restore facial volume, reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, and rejuvenate and lift the face and neck. |
Breast Procedures
Breast plastic surgery can enhance the appearance and size of the breasts, as well as address reconstructive needs.
Procedure | Description |
---|---|
Breast Augmentation | Increases the size and fullness of the breasts using implants or fat transfer. It is a popular cosmetic procedure at many hospitals in New York City, such as Mount Sinai, Columbia, and NYU Langone. |
Breast Reduction | Reduces the size of the breasts, relieving physical discomfort and improving the shape and appearance. NewYork - Presbyterian Allen Hospital offers breast reduction procedures. |
Breast Lift | Also known as mastopexy, it raises and reshapes the breasts, tightening the surrounding tissue to give a more youthful appearance. |
Breast Reconstruction | Helps women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy regain their breast shape. Columbia University's breast cancer reconstructive surgery program is dedicated to providing personalized post - mastectomy reconstruction. |
Body Procedures
Body contouring procedures can help reshape and tone the body.
Procedure | Description |
---|---|
Liposuction | Removes excess fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms. It can improve body contour and proportions. |
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) | Tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, resulting in a flatter and firmer abdomen. It is commonly offered at plastic surgery hospitals in New York City. |
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) | Removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, improving the appearance and tone of the arms. |
Body Contouring After Weight Loss | Helps patients who have lost a significant amount of weight reshape their bodies. Procedures may include body lift and thigh lift to remove excess skin and improve body contours. |
What to Look for When Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital
Surgeon's Qualifications
It is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify plastic surgeons. Look for surgeons with extensive experience in the specific procedure you're considering. Check their educational background, training, and any additional specialized certifications. For example, some surgeons may have additional training in microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, or breast reconstruction.
Hospital Accreditation
Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is accredited by a recognized organization. For example, NYU Langone's plastic surgery facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, which is a gold standard for quality surgical care. Accreditation ensures that the facility meets certain standards of safety, cleanliness, and quality of care.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the experiences of other patients. You can find reviews on the hospital's website, online review platforms, or through word - of - mouth. Look for feedback on the surgeon's skills, the quality of care, the patient experience, and the results achieved.
Range of Services
Consider the range of services offered by the hospital. A comprehensive plastic surgery hospital should offer both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. This allows you to have all your plastic surgery needs met in one place, and the surgeons can also provide more coordinated care if you require multiple procedures.
Technology and Facilities
Advanced technology can improve the accuracy and safety of plastic surgery procedures. Look for hospitals that invest in the latest equipment and technology, such as high - resolution imaging, advanced surgical tools, and telemedicine capabilities. Comfortable and well - equipped facilities also contribute to a positive patient experience. For example, Mount Sinai's newly designed plastic surgery suite with a 55 - inch touchscreen for patient education and result visualization is a great advantage.
Preparing for Plastic Surgery
Consultation
The first step in preparing for plastic surgery is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history, current health, and aesthetic goals. They will explain the procedure in detail, including the risks, benefits, expected results, and recovery process. This is also a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and to discuss your concerns.
Medical Evaluation
Your surgeon may require a medical evaluation to ensure that you are in good health for the surgery. This may include a physical examination, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests. It is important to disclose all your medical conditions, medications, allergies, and previous surgeries to your surgeon.
Lifestyle Changes
Your surgeon may recommend certain lifestyle changes before the surgery to improve your chances of a successful outcome. This may include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, so it is usually recommended to stop smoking at least a few weeks before the procedure.
Pre - operative Instructions
Your surgeon will provide you with pre - operative instructions, which may include guidelines on fasting before the surgery, taking medications, and what to wear on the day of the surgery. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth surgical process.
Recovery After Plastic Surgery
Immediate Post - operative Care
After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area until you are fully awake. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which is normal. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications and may recommend cold compresses to reduce swelling. It is important to follow the post - operative care instructions provided by your surgeon, including keeping the surgical area clean and dry, changing dressings as instructed, and avoiding strenuous activities.
Long - term Recovery
The recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure. For some minor procedures, you may be able to return to work and normal activities within a few days, while for more extensive surgeries, it may take several weeks or even months. Your surgeon will schedule follow - up appointments to monitor your progress, remove stitches or drains, and ensure that you are healing properly. During the recovery period, it is important to be patient and allow your body to heal. You may also need to make some lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding direct sunlight on the surgical area, wearing compression garments, and following a