Introduction

Breast reconstruction surgery is a crucial option for many women who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer or other medical conditions. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals that offer high - quality breast reconstruction services. This article aims to provide a comprehensive public list of these hospitals, along with detailed information about their programs, services, and the surgical teams involved.

Importance of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction can restore the look and feel of the body, as well as boost the self - confidence of patients. After a mastectomy, the physical and emotional toll on a woman can be significant. Reconstruction helps to alleviate some of the psychological distress associated with the loss of a breast, allowing patients to feel more whole and complete. It has been shown to improve the emotional well - being of patients who have had mastectomies, enabling them to continue their lives without constant reminders of their treatment.

List of Hospitals for Breast Reconstruction in New York City

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai offers an excellent breast reconstruction program. At Mount Sinai West, the program is led by Hani Sbitany, MD, an internationally renowned leader in breast reconstruction. They offer a full complement of breast reconstruction options and specialized expertise in advanced muscle - sparing and microsurgical techniques. These options are not available at many other medical centers.

There are two main types of breast reconstruction approaches available at Mount Sinai: those involving breast implants and those using the body's own tissue (autologous). Usually, the reconstruction procedure can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date. The hospital's breast reconstruction program works closely with breast oncology surgeons to provide comprehensive breast care.

• Address: 425 West 59th Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10019
• Phone: 212 - 523 - 8700
• Office Hours: Tuesday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai also offers expert breast reconstruction. Plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists. Breast reconstruction here is often done in stages and can be either implant - based or autologous. In implant reconstruction, a tissue expander is first placed, followed by a permanent implant a few months later. Autologous reconstruction can use tissue from the lower abdomen (diep flap) or the back (latissimus dorsi flap).

Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine is another prominent institution for breast reconstruction in New York City. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques and have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction. Nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction have been performed at Weill Cornell Medicine for the past 20 years, positioning them as leaders in this technique.

Why choose Weill Cornell Medicine for breast reconstruction?

• Exemplary Surgeons: The surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team is focused on promoting patient comfort throughout the process.
• Individualized Approach: They offer individualized breast reconstruction for each patient's unique body, ensuring that the breast is reconstructed as the patient wishes.
• Multidisciplinary Care: Patients have access to a network of doctors and specialists, including oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This multidisciplinary team helps patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities feel confident in their appearance.
• Focus on Comfort: The team prioritizes patient comfort at every step. Before surgery, patients can ask questions to understand the procedure, and during and after surgery, the latest anesthetics and pain management techniques are used.

Weill Cornell Medicine offers different breast reconstruction options, including autologous reconstruction (using tissue from areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks) and implant - based reconstruction. They also perform breast reinnervation techniques during both autologous and implant reconstructions to improve sensation.

There are two locations in the Upper East Side:

• 525 East 68th Street, Starr 8, New York, NY 10065. Call (646) 962 - 4210
• 425 East 61st Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10065. Call (646) 962 - 4210

New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (associated with Dr. Joshua Levine)

Dr. Joshua Levine established the first dedicated perforator flap breast reconstruction program in New York City at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in 2006. This hospital has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006 and has achieved Magnet® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services.

Dr. Levine works with expert breast surgeons and has personally directed the advanced training of his surgical teams in state - of - the - art procedures at each of the centers. He always uses a second expert microsurgeon when performing perforator flap breast reconstruction in a team approach, which ensures a higher level of safety and efficiency and helps patients recover quickly.

Other hospital affiliations of Dr. Levine in the New York area include:

• Nyack Hospital: Recognized as a “top performer” for three consecutive years by the Joint Commission.
• Good Samaritan Hospital: Has the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval.
• Northern Westchester Hospital: Listed among the “best hospitals 2013 - 14” by U.S. News & World Report.
• Montefiore Medical Center

Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Top New York plastic surgeon Dr. Darrick Antell offers breast reconstruction services. He is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has focused his professional career on aesthetic procedures. He is among the most respected breast augmentation surgeons in the country, trained at Stanford and Cornell, and has been honored for his groundbreaking research.

Dr. Antell can work with a patient's breast surgeon to develop a strategy for breast reconstruction. He will provide a thorough explanation of reconstruction options based on the patient's age, health, anatomy, and goals. The breast reconstruction surgery can be flap - based or implant - based.

• Flap Reconstruction: Uses tissue (skin, fat, and muscle) from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen (tram flap, free tram flap, diep flap), thigh (tug and dug flaps), or buttock (gluteus flap), to create a more natural - feeling breast.
• Implant - Based Reconstruction: Involves using a silicone or saline implant. Usually, a tissue expander is first placed under the pectoral muscle, and then a permanent implant is inserted after the skin is stretched.

Depending on the specific procedure, the breast reconstruction will be performed either at one of the numerous hospitals throughout New York City at which Dr. Antell has privileges or in his private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital.

To schedule a consultation, call the office at (212) 988 - 4040.

NewYork - Presbyterian

NewYork - Presbyterian's plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have a long history of performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction, which has made them leaders in this field.

The types of breast reconstruction available at NewYork - Presbyterian include:

• Autologous Reconstruction: Uses the patient's own body tissue from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks to reconstruct the breast structure and nerves. They also perform a novel reinnervation procedure during autologous reconstruction to improve breast sensation.
• Implant - Based Reconstruction: Surgeons utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers to meet clinical needs, following current practice guidelines regarding textured implants.
• Diep Flap Reconstruction: An innovative technique that uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts.

Patients can be assured of high - quality care, whether through a video visit or in - person appointment. Call to make an appointment.

NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone's Breast Cancer Center offers breast reconstruction services as part of its comprehensive breast cancer care. The center is a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, using the latest techniques and technology.

As part of the Perlmutter Cancer Center, the experts at NYU Langone collaborate with scientists worldwide to develop innovative treatment options. If a patient opts for breast reconstruction after breast - conserving or breast removal surgery, experienced plastic surgeons offer the latest reconstructive techniques.

The center provides many other support services, such as preventive treatment for high - risk individuals, treatment for male breast cancer, and advanced breast cancer types. They also offer clinical trials, genetic counseling, and integrative health services like massage therapy and acupuncture.

To schedule an appointment with a provider closest to you, view the list of doctors on their website. If you need assistance, call 212 - 731 - 6000. For patients of Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Hospital — Long Island, the breast cancer navigator can be reached at 516 - 663 - 3887.

Types of Breast Reconstruction Procedures

Implant - Based Reconstruction

Implant - based reconstruction is a common method of breast reconstruction. In this procedure, a tissue expander is first placed under the pectoral muscle at the time of mastectomy or as a separate procedure. A saline solution is gradually added to the expander, stretching the skin over time. After the skin has stretched enough, usually in about six to eight weeks, the expander is removed, and a permanent implant is placed. Permanent implants can be filled with silicone or saline.

Some of the advantages of implant - based reconstruction include:

• Relatively shorter surgical time compared to some autologous procedures.
• Patients may have a quicker recovery time and be able to return to normal activities sooner, although full recovery still takes time.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages:

• The risk of capsular contracture, where the body forms a scar tissue capsule around the implant, which can cause the breast to feel hard and may require additional surgery.
• Implant rupture is a possibility, although modern implants are more durable.

Autologous Reconstruction

Autologous reconstruction uses the patient's own tissue from different areas of the body to create the breast. This can result in a more natural - looking and feeling breast. Some of the common types of autologous reconstruction include:

• Diep Flap Reconstruction: Uses a flap of tissue from the lower abdomen. The deep inferior epigastric perforator artery supplies the blood to this tissue. This procedure not only reconstructs the breast but also can create a slimmer abdomen, similar to a tummy - tuck. However, it is a complex surgery and requires a skilled microsurgeon.
• Latissimus Dorsi Flap: Utilizes skin and muscle from the back. This procedure can be a good option for patients who do not have enough abdominal tissue for reconstruction. The initial surgery is generally longer than implant - based reconstruction, and the hospital stay is typically around five days.
• Tram Flap Reconstruction: Tunnels tissue from the abdomen upward into the breast area, allowing the blood vessels to remain attached to their original blood supply. Newer variations like the free tram flap sacrifice less abdominal muscle.

The advantages of autologous reconstruction are:

• The breast is made from the patient's own tissue, so there is no risk of rejection or implant - related complications.
• The result can be a more natural - looking and feeling breast.

Disadvantages include:

• A longer surgical time and potentially a longer recovery period, as it is a more complex procedure.
• There is a donor site on the body, which may have its own recovery issues, such as scarring and weakness in the area where the tissue was taken.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital

Expertise of the Surgical Team

The expertise of the surgical team is of utmost importance. Look for hospitals where the surgeons are board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and have extensive experience in breast reconstruction. Surgeons who are leaders in the field and have a track record of successful procedures are more likely to provide high - quality care. For example, at Mount Sinai, Dr. Hani Sbitany is an internationally renowned leader in breast reconstruction, and at Weill Cornell Medicine, the surgeons have been at the forefront of the evolution of breast reconstruction techniques.

Range of Services

Choose a hospital that offers a comprehensive range of breast reconstruction services. This includes both implant - based and autologous reconstruction options, as well as additional services such as breast reinnervation to improve sensation. A hospital with a multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, geneticists, and nurses, can provide more holistic care. NYU Langone Health's Breast Cancer Center, for instance, offers not only reconstruction but also preventive treatment, genetic counseling, and integrative health services.

Patient Comfort and Support

Patient comfort and support are crucial during the breast reconstruction process. A hospital that prioritizes patient comfort from the pre - operative consultation to the post - operative recovery is ideal. This includes providing time for patients to ask questions, using the latest anesthetics and pain management techniques, and offering support groups or individual counseling. Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork - Presbyterian are examples of hospitals that focus on patient comfort throughout the process.

Reputation and Accreditation

Check the hospital's reputation and accreditation. Hospitals with high rankings, such as the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, which has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years, and those with accreditations like Magnet® status or the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) accreditation (like NYU Langone Health) are generally more reliable.

Conclusion

New York City is home to several excellent hospitals that offer top - quality breast reconstruction surgery. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it's the expertise of the surgical team, the range of services offered, or the focus on patient comfort. By considering factors such as the type of reconstruction needed, the expertise of the surgeons, and the overall patient experience, patients can make an informed decision about which hospital is the best fit for their breast reconstruction journey.

If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction surgery in New York City, take the time to research these hospitals, schedule consultations, and learn more about the procedures. Don't hesitate to reach out to the hospitals directly for more information. Share this article with others who may find it helpful, and continue exploring other resources on breast cancer treatment and reconstruction to stay informed.