Introduction
Severe breast sagging can have a significant impact on a woman's self - confidence and quality of life. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several hospitals and clinics renowned for their expertise in correcting this condition. This article will unveil the top 5 hospitals for correcting severe breast sagging in New York City, along with detailed information about the procedures, surgeons, and what patients can expect.
What Causes Severe Breast Sagging?
There are multiple factors that can lead to severe breast sagging:
- Aging: As women age, the production of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases. Collagen provides structure and elasticity to the skin, while elastin allows it to stretch and return to its original shape. With less of these proteins, the breast skin loses its firmness and elasticity, causing the breasts to sag. According to various studies, after the age of 30, the body's production of collagen starts to decline steadily, which can contribute to the gradual drooping of the breasts over time.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, the breasts increase in size as they prepare for breastfeeding. The skin stretches to accommodate the growing breasts, and the ligaments that support the breasts also stretch. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts may lose volume, but the stretched skin and ligaments often do not fully retract, resulting in sagging. A significant number of women who have gone through pregnancy and breastfeeding experience some degree of breast sagging.
- Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight gain or loss can have a negative impact on the breasts. When a person gains weight, the breasts increase in size, stretching the skin. Conversely, when they lose weight quickly, the skin may not have enough time to shrink back to its original size, leading to sagging. For example, a person who loses a large amount of weight in a short period, such as through a strict diet or a surgical weight - loss procedure, may notice a more pronounced sagging of the breasts.
- Gravity: The constant pull of gravity on the breasts over time can cause them to droop. This is a natural and unavoidable factor, but its effects can be more pronounced in women with larger breasts or those with weakened skin and supporting tissues.
The Top 5 Hospitals for Correcting Severe Breast Sagging in New York City
1. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Cangello is one of the top board - certified plastic surgeons in New York City. His clinic offers comprehensive breast lift procedures known as mastopexy. Dr. Cangello understands the emotional impact of excessive breast sagging on women, as many report feeling a loss of femininity when their breasts deflate and droop. He approaches plastic surgery with an artistic eye, aiming to provide patients with results that not only look natural but also restore comfort and balance.
Ideal Candidates: Healthy women with excessively sagging breasts, nipples that point downward or fall below the breast crease, and breasts that appear “deflated” and elongated can benefit from his procedures. These patients may be dissatisfied with the position and shape of their breasts due to factors such as genetics, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging.
Procedures Offered:
- Crescent Mastopexy: This is the least invasive option, reserved for patients who need only a small amount of lifting or repositioning of the nipple - areolar complex. A small crescent - shaped piece of breast skin and tissue is removed from the top of the areola to provide lift. The downside is that the areolar size cannot be reduced, but it results in the least amount of scarring on the breast, with the scar going around half of the circumference of the areola.
- Benelli Mastopexy: Also known as a “donut lift” or a “circumareolar lift,” it is suitable for women who need a small degree of lift for the nipple - areolar complex (not more than a couple of centimeters) and do not have excessive breast skin. A donut - shaped incision is made around the areola, excess tissue and skin are removed, and the areola is reshaped and made smaller if necessary. The remaining breast tissue is then tightened and sutured around the areola, and the resultant scar is easily concealed as it only goes around the circumference of the areola.
- Vertical Mastopexy: Sometimes called the “lollipop lift,” it is recommended for women with a moderate level of breast sagging. The lollipop - shaped incision encircles the areola and then runs vertically down the breast into the breast crease. Skin and tissue are removed from the lower part of the breast and around the areola, and the remaining breast tissue is repositioned higher on the chest wall and reshaped to improve breast projection.
- Anchor Mastopexy: This technique is for women with significant breast sagging. The incision is similar to the vertical mastopexy but has an additional incision along the breast crease, forming an anchor shape. After removing the excess skin and tissues, sutures are used to close the incisions and hold the newly shaped breast tissue together, creating a tighter, lifted breast. This is the most extensive method, allowing for both vertical and horizontal tightening of the breast.
Recovery: While all patients' experiences vary, this surgery does not produce an excessively uncomfortable recovery period. After treatment, patients wake up with a surgical dressing over their incisions and wear a post - surgical bra. They may experience achy, swollen, or bruised breasts, but Dr. Cangello prescribes appropriate pain medication. Most patients can return to work after about a week, but exercise should be avoided for four - to - six weeks. They need to sleep on their back, avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects, and wear a surgical support bra for six weeks after surgery.
2. Antell MD
Dr. Darrick Antell is a highly respected breast surgeon in New York. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence in aesthetic surgery. He has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine, and recognized by Harper's Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.
Ideal Candidates: Anyone in good health seeking to rejuvenate the appearance of sagging breasts is likely a candidate. The surgery is ideal for women who want to restore low, sagging breasts to a more youthful, uplifted appearance, are bothered by an elongated or pendulous breast shape, or are experiencing stretched skin and enlarged areolas. However, it's important to be realistic about the results, as a mastopexy does not add volume; it simply lifts and tightens. Women with heavy breasts may not have results that last as long due to the effects of gravity and aging on the skin tissue.
Procedures Offered: Breast lift surgery at Antell MD is a customized procedure. There are typically three incisions: around the areola, down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. After reshaping the underlying breast tissue and removing excess skin, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The incisions, as well as the areola and nipple, are strategically placed based on the individual's anatomy to be as inconspicuous as possible when wearing a bra, swimsuit, or other revealing clothing.
Benefits: The procedure offers several benefits, including restoring youthful contours, improving breast symmetry, boosting confidence, ensuring a better clothing fit, providing post - pregnancy rejuvenation, and delivering long - lasting results. Dr. Antell is dedicated to helping patients achieve the beautiful and natural - looking results they desire.
Recovery: Patients can return home within a few hours of the breast lift procedure. They need to rest frequently for the first few days and may take one to two weeks to return to their normal routine. There will be some swelling and bruising, which mostly subside in about three to six weeks, but it could be as long as one year before they are 100% healed and can see the full results of the procedure.
3. Dr. Mark H. Schwartz
Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark H. Schwartz evaluates breast lift candidates on a one - on - one basis. His clinic offers breast lift procedures to correct sagging (ptosis) and restore the breasts to a more youthful - looking, aesthetically pleasing position on the chest wall.
Ideal Candidates: Generally, breast lift candidates are women with stretched skin and diminished breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or aging. Some candidates may seek the procedure to correct noticeable asymmetry between the breasts. Candidates should be non - smokers and in good health without chronic medical conditions that could raise the surgical risks.
Procedures Offered: The breast lift is usually performed on an outpatient basis at his on - site surgical facility. Anesthesia is administered to keep patients comfortable throughout the surgery, and an expert team continuously monitors the patient. The specific pattern of incisions depends on the degree of ptosis. For less severe cases, the incisions may be limited to the areola. For greater degrees of sagging, a lollipop - shaped (around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease) or anchor - shaped (around the nipple, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease) incision may be used. Dr. Schwartz strives to use the most minimal incisions possible to achieve the optimum results for each patient.
Recovery: Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common side effects after the surgery, along with temporary changes in nipple sensitivity. These symptoms are temporary and will resolve within a few days to a week. Oral medication is prescribed to manage post - operative discomfort. It is important to rest and relax during the initial recovery period, avoid strenuous activity, and follow the detailed instructions provided by Dr. Schwartz and his staff regarding incision care, wearing the compression garment, and follow - up visits. Most patients return to work after one week and can resume exercise after three to four weeks.
4. Shafer Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Shafer, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Shafer Plastic Surgery, is widely considered by his patients as the best breast surgeon in Manhattan. He offers breast lift procedures for women who are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts due to sagging caused by aging, pregnancy, and other factors.
Ideal Candidates: Women with breast skin that has lost its tone and is causing breast drooping can be candidates. However, the greater the droop, the more skin will need to be removed, which means longer incisions and scars. Good candidates should also have realistic expectations about the procedure and be willing to accept some degree of scarring in exchange for improved breast appearance.
Procedures Offered: The breast lift, also known as mastopexy, can lift sagging breast tissue and reshape the breasts to enhance their overall appearance. The amount of droop helps determine which surgical technique should be used. In some cases, only an incision around the areola may be needed. In other cases, a vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease and another along the inframammary crease may be required. Patients may have up to three incisions depending on their individual situation.
Recovery: Patients can expect moderate discomfort, which is controlled with prescription pain medications. Bruising may last up to 2 weeks, and swelling up to 6 weeks. The final results are visible in about 6 months, and scars improve over 12 to 18 months. For those who wish to increase breast size in addition to improving breast position, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation using breast implants.
5. Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman, a skilled and board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City, has extensive expertise and specialization in breast lift procedures. His dedicated staff ensures that patients get a first - class experience from start to finish.
Ideal Candidates: Potential candidates typically include individuals with sagging or drooping breasts due to factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or genetic predisposition. They should be in overall good health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure, have a stable weight, and be emotionally and mentally prepared for the surgery, understanding the potential risks and complications.
Procedures Offered:
- Full Mastopexy: Allows for significant lifting and reshaping of the breasts. An incision is made around the areola, extending vertically downward from the areola to the breast crease, and sometimes horizontally along the breast crease, resembling an anchor shape. Excess skin is removed, and the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful position. The breast tissue is also reshaped and lifted to create a more aesthetically pleasing contour.
- Periareolar Mastopexy: Also referred to as a “donut” or “circumareolar” mastopexy, it focuses on lifting and reshaping the breasts with minimal scarring. It is typically suitable for individuals with mild to moderate breast sagging or ptosis.
Recovery: After the surgery, patients are monitored and then allowed to return home. It is recommended that out - of - town patients stay overnight in Manhattan for easier post - operative care. The level of pain on the first night is generally mild and can be managed with prescribed medication. Swelling and bruising are common, and patients are provided with a surgical bra or compression garment to wear as instructed. Sutures are typically removed within seven days. It takes about a week or two to resume most normal activities, while more strenuous physical activities should be avoided for a few additional weeks.
Comparing the Top 5 Hospitals
Hospital | Surgeon | Notable Features | Recovery Time | Procedures Offered |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cangello Plastic Surgery | Dr. David Cangello | Artistic approach, multiple lift techniques | Return to work: 1 week; Exercise: 4 - 6 weeks | Crescent, Benelli, Vertical, Anchor Mastopexy |
Antell MD | Dr. Darrick Antell | High - profile surgeon, customized procedures | Return to normal routine: 1 - 2 weeks; Full healing: up to 1 year | Customized breast lift |
Dr. Mark H. Schwartz | Dr. Mark H. Schwartz | Individualized candidate evaluation, minimal incisions | Return to work: 1 week; Exercise: 3 - 4 weeks | Breast lift with various incision patterns |
Shafer Plastic Surgery | Dr. David Shafer | Well - regarded in Manhattan, option of combined augmentation | Final results: 6 months; Scar improvement: 12 - 18 months | Breast lift with different incision options |
Dr. John E. Sherman | Dr. John E. Sherman | Expert in breast lift, two - type mastopexy | Resume normal activities: 1 - 2 weeks; Strenuous activity: a few more weeks | Full Mastopexy, Periareolar Mastopexy |
What to Consider Before Choosing a Hospital
When selecting a hospital for correcting severe breast sagging, there are several factors to consider:
- Surgeon's Experience and Reputation: Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in breast lift procedures. Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of their skills and patient satisfaction rates. For example, Dr. Darrick Antell has received high - profile recognition, which can be an indication of his expertise.
- Range of Procedures Offered: Different hospitals may offer different types of breast lift techniques. Choose a hospital that can provide the procedure that best suits your specific needs and the degree of your breast sagging. For instance, if you have significant sagging, a hospital that offers anchor mastopexy may be more suitable.
- Facility Accreditation: Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is fully accredited and meets the necessary safety and quality standards. This is crucial for your safety during the procedure. For example