Ranking and Price List of Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Reconstruction in New York City in 2025

Breast reconstruction is a significant procedure for many women who have undergone mastectomy or other breast - related surgeries. New York City, being a global hub of medical excellence, offers a wide range of plastic surgery hospitals for breast reconstruction. In this article, we will explore the ranking, price list, and various aspects related to these hospitals.

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a reconstructive procedure aimed at reforming or reshaping the breast(s) after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the entire breast, often including the nipple and areola, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer. A lumpectomy, on the other hand, is the removal of a piece of the breast where a smaller tumor is located. This reconstruction process can help women regain their self - confidence and feel better during their cancer recovery.

It can be performed immediately after breast cancer surgery (immediate reconstruction) or months or years later (delayed reconstruction). The procedure may be carried out to reconstruct both breasts or to replace/reshape one breast to match the other. There are two main types of breast reconstruction: flap reconstruction (autologous/skin flap surgery) and tissue expander (implants/prosthetics). The choice of the method depends on factors such as body type, the type of mastectomy, and previous cancer treatments.

Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Reconstruction in New York City

1. Sophie Bartsich, MD FACS

Dr. Bartsich is a top - notch cosmetic surgeon in Manhattan. She is highly regarded for her excellent surgical skills and meticulous care during the operation. Patients who have worked with her praise her bedside manners. Although the price is on request, her reputation in the field makes her a popular choice. With MyMeditravel, she is listed as one of the options for breast reconstruction in New York City.

2. Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics

Located in Manhattan and Great Neck, this clinic has received rave reviews from patients. Dr. Kevin Tehrani and his team are known for making the breast reconstruction journey smooth for patients. Patients are extremely satisfied with their results and the speed of healing. Similar to Dr. Bartsich, the price here is also on request.

3. Breast Reconstruction Center NYC

This center is staffed with some of the best - in - class plastic surgeons. They offer a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction, including immediate breast reconstruction, delayed breast reconstruction, and revisions of breast reconstructions. The center is committed to helping patients achieve their breast surgery goals with beautiful and natural - looking results. Most insurance companies reimburse patients when they have a policy that allows out - of - network benefits. Their board - certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience in utilizing both autologous tissue and breast implants for reconstruction.

Price Range of Breast Reconstruction in New York City

The cost of breast reconstruction in New York City can vary widely. According to available information, the price range is quite broad. On the lower end, prices may start around $30,000, while for very experienced high - quality surgeons on Park Avenue, it can go above $100,000. All breast reconstruction is covered by health insurance according to New York state law, but not all surgeons accept health insurance. Going out - of - network to find the most qualified surgeon may require paying for some or all the fees for surgery out of pocket, with the possibility of getting reimbursed depending on the specific insurance policy.

Several factors affect the cost of breast reconstruction. Geography plays a role; in a large city like New York, where there is a high density of plastic surgeons, those with advanced training and well - established practices may charge more. The associated surgical center and anesthesia fees, which are usually billed based on the time in surgery, also contribute to the overall cost. Additionally, the type of practice a plastic surgeon maintains can influence the price. Surgeons who see a large number of patients with less individualized attention may charge less, while those who provide a high level of personalized care will have a higher price tag.

Procedure Details

Flap Reconstruction

In flap reconstruction, a tissue flap is taken from a donor site on the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or back. The flap is then grafted at the breast site. The blood supply for the flap can either be taken from the donor site or a new supply can be established after cutting it off from the original site. After grafting, stitches are applied, drainage tubes are inserted to remove excess fluid or blood, and bandages are placed over the area. This method is highly complex and requires advanced microsurgery techniques but can provide long - lasting results that look, feel, and move like natural breasts.

Tissue Expander (Breast Implant)

This is the most common technique used worldwide. A synthetic implant, usually a silicone implant, is inserted under the pectoralis major muscle. Animal dermal grafts are used to cover the site for a more aesthetic appearance. Over a few months, saline solution is injected to expand the tissue until it reaches the appropriate size. After the initial tissue expansion, a second procedure may be carried out to reconstruct the nipple using a nipple prosthesis to restore the normal physical appearance of the breasts.

Stay and Recovery Time

Hospital Stay

The actual procedure and time needed in the operation theatre differ for the two main types of breast reconstructive surgeries. The breast implant procedure generally takes less time compared to flap reconstruction. After tissue expander surgery, one or two days of hospital stay is typically needed. In contrast, after flap reconstruction, patients might need to stay at the hospital for two or three days.

Overall Stay in New York City

Patients should stay in New York City for at least 14 days after the surgery. During this period, their health condition is monitored, stitches and drainage tubes are removed, and they can go home when allowed by their physician.

Recovery Time

The recovery time depends on the type of reconstructive surgery. On average, 3 - 4 weeks are needed to recover from tissue expander surgery, while 4 - 6 weeks are required for flap reconstructive surgery. Most women need a couple of weeks to recover from the initial effects of the surgery, with swelling and soreness around the site being common in the first week. After 8 weeks, signs of full recovery should start to appear. However, it takes almost 1 - 2 years for the reconstructed breasts to get the proper shape and for the scars to fade away. Patients are advised to take 2 - 3 weeks off work and wear surgical bras to support the reconstructed breasts during recovery. Regular activities can be restarted after 2 months.

Aftercare

Aftercare is crucial for a successful breast reconstruction. The following points should be considered post - operation:

Follow the instructions given by your doctor and take your medicines as and when prescribed.
Consult a nutritionist for a diet plan. A healthy diet helps in faster recovery.
Do not wear a padded or underwire bra until allowed by your doctor. Use surgical bras in the early few days after the surgery.
Avoid excessive unnecessary movement of your breasts and do not lift heavy objects and children as it could stretch the stitches.
Change your bandage whenever it gets dirty to prevent infection. Do not take a bath when the bandages are still intact as a wet bandage can also lead to infection.
Abstain from sexual activity for at least 6 weeks and take sufficient rest to allow your body to recover.

Success Rate

Breast reconstruction surgery has a high success rate. According to a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the success rate is about 98% in the case of flap reconstruction surgery, while for tissue expander surgery, it is within the range of 94 - 96%. However, like any surgical procedure, there are risks and side effects, such as infection at the surgery site, itching, pain and discomfort, tingling, numbness, or fluid collection under the wound. If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.

Alternatives to Breast Reconstruction

While breast reconstruction is a popular option, there are alternatives available:

Breast Prosthetics

Prosthetic breasts can be worn inside bras or attached to the body. They are designed to give the appearance of natural breasts and come in various sizes, shapes, and colors to match the skin tone.

Padded Bras

These bras can provide a more proportionate look without the need for surgery. They are less uncomfortable compared to prosthetic breasts and can help achieve a perfect body posture.

Go Flat

Some women choose to embrace their natural body shape after mastectomy and do not opt for any form of reconstruction or artificial substitutes. This is a personal decision that allows women to accept themselves as they are.

Choosing the Right Hospital

When choosing a plastic surgery hospital for breast reconstruction in New York City, several factors should be considered:

Surgeon's Experience: Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in breast reconstruction. Check their before - and - after photos and patient reviews to get an idea of their skills and the quality of their work.
Reputation of the Hospital: Research the hospital's reputation in the medical community. Hospitals with a good reputation are more likely to provide high - quality care and better surgical outcomes.
Cost and Insurance: Understand the cost of the procedure and whether the hospital accepts your insurance. Be aware of the out - of - pocket expenses and the reimbursement process.
Facility and Technology: Ensure that the hospital has state - of - the - art facilities and uses the latest technology for breast reconstruction.

Conclusion

Breast reconstruction in New York City offers a wide range of options for women seeking to restore their breast appearance after surgery. With top - notch plastic surgeons, advanced medical facilities, and a high success rate, patients can make an informed decision about their breast reconstruction journey. The cost of the procedure can vary, but health insurance can cover a significant portion in many cases. It is essential to understand the procedure details, recovery time, and aftercare requirements.

If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction in New York City, take the time to research different hospitals and surgeons. Consult with multiple providers to get a comprehensive understanding of your options. Share this article with others who might find it helpful, and explore more about breast reconstruction and related topics to make the best decision for your health and well - being.