Introduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a life - changing procedure for many women in New York City. Whether it's to relieve physical discomfort caused by overly large breasts or for cosmetic reasons, choosing the right hospital and understanding the costs involved are crucial steps. In this article, we will review three regular hospitals for breast reduction surgery in New York City and also provide a price list to help you make an informed decision.
Importance of Choosing the Right Hospital for Breast Reduction Surgery
Selecting an appropriate hospital for breast reduction surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly. The quality of care, the expertise of the surgical team, and the available facilities can significantly impact the outcome of the surgery and the patient's overall experience. A well - equipped hospital with experienced plastic surgeons can minimize the risks associated with the procedure and ensure a smooth recovery process. Additionally, a supportive hospital environment can make the patient feel more at ease during this personal and often sensitive journey.
Top Three Regular Hospitals for Breast Reduction Surgery in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai's team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is well - known for enhancing women's breasts. Their approach to patient care is warm, caring, and supportive, which helps patients feel comfortable discussing very private and sensitive concerns about their bodies.
To be eligible for breast reduction surgery at Mount Sinai, patients should maintain a healthy, stable weight, not plan on future pregnancies which will affect their breasts, and be physically and emotionally mature about their choice. The hospital offers a range of benefits for breast reduction patients, such as relief from neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of heavy breasts, improved self - confidence about breast size, and decreased breast size to be in proportion with the body frame. They may also suggest combining breast reduction with other procedures like breast lift or as part of a mommy makeover for a more complete enhancement.
2. NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan
NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan is affiliated with the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. It provides various breast - related surgical procedures, including breast reduction.
The hospital is located at 1901 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, and can be contacted at (212) 423 - 6262. The cash price for reduction mammaplasty (breast reduction) at this hospital is $6,137.89 according to the Turquoise Health Price Transparency Page.
3. Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Located on the upper east side in Manhattan, NY, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC is the premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. The breast reduction specialist surgeons here are top - rated board - certified/board - eligible plastic surgeons.
They offer top - quality surgical care in a state - of - the - art facility without the impersonal experience and paperwork of large - scale hospitals. The center has developed an innovative and unique approach to pain management. Their surgeons do not use drains in breast reductions, and all the stitches dissolve on their own, making post - op care much less complicated. They also use a special technique called a nerve block, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine. Only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen are necessary for recovery. The center offers virtual consultations (from anywhere in the world) for new patients.
Price List for Breast Reduction Surgery in New York City
The cost of breast reduction surgery in New York City can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here is a breakdown of the average costs and price components:
Average Cash Prices at Different Facilities
| Facility Type | Average Cash Price |
|---|---|
| Surgery Center | $6,051 |
| Outpatient Hospital | $10,439 |
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the costs for a common breast reduction surgery at a surgery center and an outpatient hospital in New York:
At a Surgery Center
| Cost Component | Units | Avg Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| Provider: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Visit Provider Fee (First time visit) | Standard 1 | $142 |
| Provider: Provider Fee for Breast Reduction | Standard | $1,650 |
| Facility: Surgery Center Fee for Breast Reduction | Standard | $3,162 |
| Prescriptions: Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen | Standard 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesia: Anesthesiologist Fee to be "put under" for Procedure | Level 3 | $232 |
| Anesthesia: Anesthesiologist Time to be "put under" for Procedure | Per minute (Standard 367) | $846 |
| Total Average Cash Price | $6,051.42 |
At an Outpatient Hospital
| Cost Component | Units | Avg Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| Provider: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Visit Provider Fee (First time visit) | Standard 1 | $142 |
| Provider: Provider Fee for Breast Reduction | Standard | $1,650 |
| Facility: Outpatient Hospital Fee for Breast Reduction | Level 2 | $7,550 |
| Prescriptions: Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen | Standard 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesia: Anesthesiologist Fee to be "put under" for Procedure | Level 3 | $232 |
| Anesthesia: Anesthesiologist Time to be "put under" for Procedure | Per minute (Standard 367) | $846 |
| Total Average Cash Price | $10,439.34 |
It's important to note that these are just average cash prices. In New York City, breast reduction surgery typically ranges from $10,000 on the low end to above $30,000 for very experienced high - quality surgeons on Park Avenue. Several factors can affect the cost:
- Surgeon's Experience: Surgeons with many years of success and a good reputation often charge more. Their skill and knowledge can make a significant difference in the outcome of the surgery.
- Complexity of the Case: Some patients may require more extensive work during surgery, which means more time and resources are used, thus raising the price.
- Location of the Surgery: Private clinics might charge different rates than bigger hospitals. High - end clinics in New York City may add to the overall cost due to their amenities and services offered.
Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction Surgery
Many insurance plans might cover breast reduction surgery, as it is often seen as medically necessary rather than just a cosmetic procedure. However, each insurance company has its own rules on what they will pay for.
For example, conservative breast reduction surgery is often considered a cosmetic procedure. But if breast reduction is being performed as part of the treatment for persistent medical issues, such as neck, back, or shoulder pain caused by large breasts, it may be considered medically necessary and therefore covered by insurance. It's crucial to understand the nuances of insurance, such as in - network vs. out - of - network providers, payment schedules, and how the surgeon will plan to bill the insurance company. Insurance companies can also review claims within a certain time after surgery and recuperate any funds paid that are subsequently deemed frivolous.
Patients should contact their insurance company before making any decisions about breast reduction surgery. They should ask about deductibles, copays, and exactly what will and won't be covered. For instance, some costs like pre - surgery tests or special post - operative care may not be covered by insurance.
What to Expect During Breast Reduction Surgery
The breast reduction procedure typically begins with the patient lying in the supine position. Anesthesia is administered to avoid pain during surgery. The surgical area is then sterilized, and an incision is made around the areola and down the breasts. The flap of skin containing the areola and nipple is displaced, and excessive fat, breast tissue, and skin are removed to reduce the size of the mammary gland.
In some cases, when a large amount of tissue and fat is removed, the skin flap with the areola and nipples is detached and repositioned at a higher level according to the new size. Drainage tubes are inserted into the breasts to drain away blood and fluid. Bandages are applied over the stitched incisions, and the patient is asked to wear a surgical bra. The goal is to make both breasts look alike, although small variations in breast and areola size may still occur.
There are different surgical techniques that can be used for breast reduction:
- 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 to make a keyhole shape. 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 to allow for the removal of a large amount of tissue and skin. The length of the horizontal fold incision depends on the amount of skin excess in the inferior pole of the breast.
- Liposuction: This can be used as needed with any of the above techniques to remove excess fatty tissue.
Recovery Process After Breast Reduction Surgery
The recovery time for breast reduction surgery takes several months. Immediately after the surgery, patients may need to stay in the hospital for at least one night for monitoring. They are then discharged and have to stay in New York City for at least 14 days for follow - up procedures.
In the initial days, there will be pain and swelling, for which patients are given oral painkillers. They cannot go to work for 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery. It is important to avoid intensive physical activity for at least 1 month and not to wear underwire bras for a few months. A normal bra can be worn after 4 weeks. It takes 6 to 8 weeks for the swelling and tenderness to go away. Even after complete recovery, scars do not disappear but will fade and become less visible. Changes continue to take place for a year after the surgery.
Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. Patients should:
- Come for regular check - ups as scheduled by their doctor.
- Take their medicines regularly as prescribed.
- Have someone to look after them during the initial recovery period.
- Follow a healthy diet plan to aid in the recovery process.
- Avoid wearing fancy, underwire bras in the early days and only wear a surgical bra.
- Not take a bath in the first few days to prevent infection from a wet bandage.
- Not ignore any soreness, redness, or abnormal secretions from the breasts and visit the doctor immediately if any such symptoms occur.
- Drink plenty of water to help with a quick recovery.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Not try to lift heavy objects to prevent the stitches from opening up prematurely.
- Do stretching exercises as advised by the physician.
Success Rate of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction mammoplasty is found to be successful in most cases. According to a survey, 80% of women are satisfied with the results of the surgery. The surgery effectively reduces neck pain, back pain, headache, and shoulder pain, as the breasts no longer sag and cause these problems. Respiratory and circulatory problems may also be resolved.
However, in case the surgery is not successful, there may be some complications. These can include prominent scars that may be subjected to hypertrophy, less than the required amount of tissue and fat removal, or in some cases, too much breast tissue removal leaving the chest flat. In such situations, a secondary breast reduction surgery may be performed to correct the issues.
Alternatives to Breast Reduction Surgery
If a patient is not ready for or does not want to undergo breast reduction surgery, there are some alternatives available:
- Weight Loss: Losing weight can be effective in reducing breast size. Certain exercises can help decrease the amount of excess adipose tissue in the breasts, making them smaller.
- Liposuction: This is a less invasive method where a small incision is made to insert a cannula, and fat is sucked out, reducing breast size. It has less scarring and a faster recovery time compared to traditional breast reduction surgery.
- Fitting Bra: A specialized fitting bra is not a permanent solution but can make the breasts look smaller. It is different from a standard bra.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast reduction surgery in New York City offers a life - changing solution for many women. By choosing a reputable hospital like Mount Sinai Hospital, NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan, or the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, patients can increase their chances of a successful and satisfying surgical experience. Understanding the cost factors, insurance coverage, surgical process, recovery period, and alternatives is essential for making an informed decision.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with the hospitals mentioned above, and discuss your concerns and expectations with the surgical teams. You can also talk to other patients who have undergone the procedure to gain more insights. Share this article with others who may be interested in breast reduction surgery to help them make better - informed choices.
