Introduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a popular plastic surgery procedure that many women in New York City consider. It not only helps in achieving a more proportionate body shape but also alleviates physical discomforts associated with overly large breasts. In this article, we will explore the top breast reduction plastic surgery hospitals in New York City, their rankings, and provide a detailed price list. Additionally, we will cover important aspects such as the procedure itself, recovery time, aftercare, success rates, and alternatives.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
- Relieve Physical Discomforts: One of the primary reasons women opt for breast reduction is to alleviate chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain. Large breasts can put a significant strain on the upper body, leading to discomfort and poor posture. According to a survey, breast reduction mammoplasty effectively reduces these pains in most cases. For example, a patient who previously suffered from daily backaches may find relief after the surgery and be able to engage in activities without the constant pain.
- Improve Physical Activity: Big breasts can limit a woman's ability to participate in physical activities such as sports or exercise. After breast reduction, patients often find it easier to move around and be more active, which can lead to a healthier lifestyle. For instance, they may be able to join a running club or take up yoga without the hindrance of their large breasts.
- Boost Self - esteem and Confidence: Having large breasts that are out of proportion with the rest of the body can cause self - consciousness. Breast reduction can help women feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin. A patient may have previously avoided wearing certain types of clothing but after the surgery, she can choose outfits that she likes and feel good about her appearance.
- Reduce Skin Irritation: Excess breast tissue can cause skin irritation under the breast crease, especially in hot and humid weather. The surgery can eliminate this problem by reducing the size of the breasts and improving the skin condition in that area.
- Achieve Better Body Proportions: Breast reduction creates a more balanced and harmonious body shape. This can enhance a woman's overall aesthetic appeal and make her feel more satisfied with her body.
Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery. Ideal candidates are those who meet the following criteria:
- Physical Discomfort: Women who experience chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain due to overly large breasts are good candidates. They may also have skin irritation under the breast crease or difficulty engaging in physical activities because of their breast size.
- Good Health: Candidates should be in generally good health. This means they should not have any underlying medical conditions that could pose a risk during or after the surgery, such as heart disease, diabetes, or blood clotting disorders. The surgeon will conduct a thorough medical examination to assess the patient's health status.
- Realistic Expectations: It is important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. They should understand that while the surgery can improve their physical appearance and alleviate discomfort, it may not make them look like a model. The surgeon will discuss the expected outcome and limitations of the procedure with the patient during the consultation.
- Desire to Improve Quality of Life: Those who want to enhance their quality of life by reducing the problems associated with large breasts are suitable candidates. This could include being able to wear a wider variety of clothing, participate in sports, or simply feel more comfortable in their daily lives.
Top Breast Reduction Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City
1. Sophie Bartsich, MD FACS
Dr. Bartsich is a top - notch cosmetic surgeon in Manhattan. She is known for her attention to detail, intuition, and artistry in performing breast reduction surgeries. Patients have praised her excellent hands and meticulous care during the operation. The clinic offers services such as health insurance coordination, free wifi, and access to international newspapers. The price for breast reduction is on request.
2. Forest Hills Plastic Surgery
Established in 1984, Forest Hills Plastic Surgery is based on the belief that high - quality cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery should be readily and affordably available. The doctors at this clinic explain the surgery process in detail to patients, and the procedure is quick with minimal pain. They offer services like health insurance coordination, free wifi, international newspapers, and local tourism options. The price for breast reduction is on request, and it has a patient rating of 4.7.
3. Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics
At Aristocrat Plastic Surgery, the goal is to attain the highest level of patient satisfaction. Dr. Kevin and his team make the breast reduction journey very smooth for patients. They offer a range of services including health insurance coordination, free wifi, local tourism options, and parking availability. The clinic has a patient rating of 4.7, and the price for breast reduction is on request.
4. RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center
This center offers a variety of cosmetic treatments and procedures to improve aesthetics and confidence. They provide services such as health insurance coordination, free wifi, international newspapers, and parking available. While specific pricing for breast reduction is on request, they are accredited by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
5. Leonard Grossman, M.D.
Dr. Leonard Grossman is the first plastic surgeon in the world focusing on organic plastic surgery (OPS) techniques. His clinic offers health insurance coordination, free wifi, international newspapers, and parking available. The price for breast reduction is on request.
6. New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery
The mission of this center is to help patients achieve their goals through plastic surgical procedures. They offer flight booking, free wifi, hotel booking, and parking available. The price for breast reduction is on request.
Detailed Price List
The cost of breast reduction surgery in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors such as the surgeon's experience, the complexity of the procedure, the surgical facility, and associated fees. Here is a breakdown of some price information:
General Price Ranges
- In Manhattan, the price for breast reduction (room charge and anesthesia not included) ranges from $6,500 - $10,000 according to a pricing list.
- At NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan, the cash price for reduction mammaplasty (hcpcs 19318) is $6,137.89.
Cost Comparison between Surgery Centers and Outpatient Hospitals
Facility Type | Average Cash Price | Components |
---|---|---|
Surgery Center | $6,051 | Includes plastic & reconstructive surgeon visit provider fee ($142 for first - time visit), provider fee for breast reduction ($1,650), surgery center fee for breast reduction ($3,162), prescriptions (hydrocodone - acetaminophen $18 for 30 units), anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure ($232 at level 3), and anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure ($846 for 367 minutes) |
Outpatient Hospital | $10,439 | Includes plastic & reconstructive surgeon visit provider fee ($142 for first - time visit), provider fee for breast reduction ($1,650), outpatient hospital fee for breast reduction ($7,550 at level 2), prescriptions (hydrocodone - acetaminophen $18 for 30 units), anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure ($232 at level 3), and anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure ($846 for 367 minutes) |
It should be noted that these prices are averages and can change based on individual patient needs and the specific circumstances of the surgery.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
The breast reduction procedure involves several steps:
1. Pre - operative Preparation
Before the surgery, the patient will have a consultation with the surgeon. The surgeon will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order certain tests such as a mammogram. The patient will be given instructions on things like eating, drinking, and taking medications before the surgery. For example, they may be asked to stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, for a few weeks before the procedure. The patient should also arrange for someone to pick them up from the hospital after the surgery and help them at home during the initial recovery period.
2. Anesthesia
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. This means the patient will be asleep during the entire procedure and will not feel any pain. An anesthesiologist will be present to monitor the patient's vital signs and ensure their safety throughout the surgery.
3. Incisions
There are two main types of incision patterns used in breast reduction surgery:
- Keyhole or Lollipop Incision: An incision is made from the breast fold to the nipple - areolar complex, in a circle around the areola, and terminated at the breast fold. The width of the keyhole depends on the amount of reduction desired.
- Anchor or T - Incision: Three separate incisions (a circular one around the areola, a vertical one from the areola to the breast fold, and one horizontally along the breast fold) are connected. This is used for patients with extremely large and hanging breasts where more tissue and skin need to be removed. The length of the horizontal fold incision depends on the amount of skin excess in the inferior pole of the breast.
4. Tissue Removal and Breast Shaping
Once the incisions are made, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The remaining breast tissue is then lifted and shaped to create a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing breast. The areola may be reduced in size by removing excess skin, and in some cases, the areola and nipple may need to be repositioned. Drainage tubes may be inserted into the breasts to drain away blood and fluid, and bandages are applied over the stitched incisions. The patient is then asked to wear a surgical bra.
Recovery Time
The recovery time from breast reduction surgery can vary from patient to patient, but generally includes the following phases:
Immediate Post - operative Period
After the surgery, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for at least an overnight stay for monitoring. They may experience pain and swelling in the breasts, and painkillers will be prescribed to manage the pain. The patient should rest and avoid any strenuous activity during this time.
First Few Weeks
For the first 1 - 2 weeks, the patient should take leave from work and avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in intensive physical activity. They should wear the surgical bra as recommended by the surgeon to support the breasts and aid in the healing process. Stitches are usually removed within 2 weeks.
First Month
During the first month, the patient should continue to avoid strenuous activity and not wear underwire bras. Mild swelling and tenderness may still be present, but it will gradually subside. Some stretching exercises may be recommended by the surgeon to help with the recovery.
6 - 8 Weeks
By 6 - 8 weeks, the swelling and tenderness should have significantly reduced. The patient may be able to start wearing a normal bra, but it is still important to follow the surgeon's advice. Scars will start to fade, but they will never completely disappear.
Long - term
Changes in the breasts may continue to occur for up to a year after the surgery. The patient should maintain a healthy lifestyle and a stable weight to ensure the longevity of the results.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is crucial for a successful recovery from breast reduction surgery. Here are some important aftercare tips:
- Regular Check - ups: The patient should attend all scheduled follow - up appointments with the surgeon. The surgeon will monitor the healing process, check for any complications, and provide further instructions.
- Medication: Take all prescribed medications as directed by the surgeon. This may include painkillers, antibiotics to prevent infection, and other medications to aid in the recovery process.
- Support Person: Arrange for someone to stay with the patient during the initial recovery period to help with daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of personal needs.
- Healthy Diet: Follow a healthy diet rich in nutrients to support the healing process. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet. Avoid foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat.
- Clothing: Wear a surgical bra or a supportive sports bra as recommended by the surgeon. Avoid wearing fancy, underwire bras in the early days after the surgery.
- Hygiene: Avoid taking a bath in the first few days after the surgery to prevent the bandages from getting wet, which can lead to infection. Follow the surgeon's instructions on how to keep the surgical area clean.
- Monitoring: Pay attention to any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, abnormal pain, or secretion from the breasts. If any of these symptoms occur, contact the surgeon immediately.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This can help with the healing process and reduce swelling.
- Ice Packs: Use ice packs as recommended by the surgeon to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Activity Restriction: Avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous physical activity until the surgeon gives the all - clear. This can help prevent the stitches from opening and promote proper healing.
- Stretching Exercises: Do stretching exercises as instructed by the surgeon to help improve blood circulation and flexibility in the breasts.
Success Rate
Breast reduction mammoplasty is found to be successful in most cases. According to a survey, approximately 80% of women are satisfied with the results of the surgery. The surgery effectively reduces neck pain, back pain, headache, and shoulder pain, and resolves respiratory and circulatory problems associated with large breasts. However, like any surgery, there are potential risks and complications. In case the surgery is not successful, it may leave prominent scars, there may be less than the required amount of tissue and fat removal, or more breast tissue may be removed, leaving the chest flat. A secondary breast reduction surgery may be required to address these issues.
Alternatives to Breast Reduction Surgery
For those who are not ready to undergo surgery or prefer non - surgical methods, there are some alternatives to reduce breast size:
1. Weight Loss
Losing weight can be an effective way to reduce breast size. Some exercises can help target the chest area and remove excess adipose tissue. For example, push - ups, chest presses, and dumbbell flyes can help strengthen the chest muscles and reduce the overall size of the breasts. However, weight loss may not be a viable option for everyone, and it may not result in a significant reduction in breast size for some individuals.
2. Liposuction
Liposuction is a less invasive method in which a small incision is made to insert a cannula, and fat is sucked out from the breasts. It causes less scarring compared to traditional breast reduction surgery and has a faster recovery time. However, liposuction may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with a large amount of glandular tissue in their breasts.
3. Fitting Bra
While not a permanent solution, a specialized fitting bra can help make the breasts look smaller. It is designed to provide support and compression, giving the appearance of a more compact breast size. There are different types of fitting bras available, such as minimizer bras, which can be a good option for daily wear.
Conclusion
Breast reduction surgery can