Introduction
Breast reconstruction surgery is a significant procedure for many women who have undergone mastectomies or other breast - related surgeries. It not only restores the physical appearance of the breast but also has a profound impact on the patient's emotional well - being and self - confidence. In New York City, there are several hospitals and medical centers renowned for their high - quality breast reconstruction services. This article will present a selected list of these hospitals, along with details about their surgeons, procedures, and what makes them stand out.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
Before delving into the list of hospitals, it's important to understand the benefits of breast reconstruction. According to research and patient testimonials, breast reconstruction can offer numerous advantages:
- Restored Physical Appearance: It helps in regaining the shape and size of the breast, providing a more natural and balanced look to the body. This can make it easier for patients to wear a wider range of clothing and feel more comfortable in their own skin.
- Emotional and Psychological Boost: Many women experience a significant improvement in their self - esteem and body image after breast reconstruction. It can reduce the emotional distress associated with breast loss and allow patients to move forward from their cancer treatment with a more positive outlook.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: With a reconstructed breast, patients may feel more confident in social and intimate situations. It can also have a positive impact on their overall quality of life, helping them to feel whole again.
Top Hospitals for Breast Reconstruction in New York City
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai has a long - standing reputation for excellence. It 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. Joshua L. Levine has a dedicated center for breast reconstruction at this hospital. He established the first dedicated perforator flap breast reconstruction program in New York City, known as the New York Center for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction, at this location in 2006. The center focuses on natural tissue breast reconstruction and has a team of highly skilled surgeons. For example, Dr. Levine has personally directed the advanced training of his surgical teams in state - of - the - art procedures.
Patients who choose this hospital can expect high - level care, access to advanced surgical techniques, and a team approach that ensures the best possible outcomes. The hospital also offers support services to help patients throughout their recovery process.
Mount Sinai West
The breast reconstruction program at Mount Sinai West is led by Hani Sbitany, MD, an internationally renowned leader in breast reconstruction. The program offers the full complement of breast reconstruction options and specialized expertise in advanced muscle - sparing and microsurgical techniques, which are not available at many other medical centers.
There are two main approaches to breast reconstruction offered here: those involving breast implants and those using the patient's own tissue (autologous). The surgical team at Mount Sinai West works closely with breast oncology surgeons to provide comprehensive breast care. Patients can have their reconstruction procedure at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date, depending on their individual circumstances.
Meet the team:
- Hani Sbitany, MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Stephanie Bernik, MD, Breast Surgery
- Jennifer Casher Lehman, MD, Breast Surgery
The address of the facility is 425 West 59th Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10019, and the phone number is 212 - 523 - 8700. Office hours are on Tuesdays from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey (near New York City) is also a top choice for breast reconstruction. It earned the distinction of being New Jersey’s #1 hospital and is among the top 30 hospitals in the nation to have 10 or more (11) national specialty rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 - 15 best hospitals rankings.
Dr. Joshua Levine has a breast reconstruction center at this hospital. The center offers advanced natural tissue breast reconstruction procedures, with a focus on patient - centered care. The surgical teams at Hackensack University Medical Center are well - trained in the latest techniques, ensuring that patients receive high - quality treatment and a better chance of successful recovery.
Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine is committed to making patients who have had mastectomies feel whole and complete again. 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.
For over 20 years, they have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction. The multidisciplinary team at Weill Cornell Medicine includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This allows them to provide comprehensive and personalized care to each patient.
Breast reconstruction options at Weill Cornell Medicine include autologous reconstruction (using the patient's own tissue from areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks) and implant - based reconstruction. They also offer innovative techniques for breast reinnervation during both autologous and implant reconstructions to improve sensation and patient quality of life.
Locations:
- Upper East Side: 525 East 68th street, Starr 8, New York, NY 10065, Call: (646) 962 - 4210
- Upper East Side: 4210
Comparison of Procedures Offered
Different hospitals in New York City offer a variety of breast reconstruction procedures. Here is a comparison:
| Hospital | Implant - based Reconstruction | Autologous Reconstruction | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai | Uses both saline and silicone implants. Pioneered techniques like direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without drains | Expertise in diep flap and other natural tissue techniques | Advanced perforator flap breast reconstruction |
| Mount Sinai West | Starts with a tissue expander, followed by placement of a permanent silicone or saline implant | Offers diep flap and latissimus dorsi flap | Advanced muscle - sparing and microsurgical techniques |
| Hackensack University Medical Center | Standard implant - based procedures | Natural tissue breast reconstruction | - |
| Weill Cornell Medicine | Performs implant - based reconstruction according to individual patient needs, using latest guidelines | State - of - the - art autologous reconstruction from abdomen, thighs, buttocks. Nerve reconstruction for sensory recovery | Novel reinnervation procedures during reconstruction |
Surgeon Profiles
Dr. Joshua L. Levine
Dr. Levine is a world - renowned surgeon. He has established multiple dedicated natural tissue breast reconstruction centers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He was one of the first surgeons to perform perforator flap breast reconstruction surgery in Manhattan and has trained many of the first wave of diep surgeons in the tri - state area.
His surgical approach involves using a second expert microsurgeon when performing perforator flap breast reconstruction, which ensures a higher level of safety and efficiency. He is committed to providing first - class concierge care to both local and traveling patients.
Dr. Hani Sbitany
Dr. Sbitany is an internationally renowned leader in breast reconstruction. He leads the breast reconstruction program at Mount Sinai West. His expertise lies in advanced muscle - sparing and microsurgical techniques, offering patients a wider range of options for breast reconstruction.
He and his team work closely with breast oncology surgeons to ensure comprehensive care for patients undergoing mastectomies and breast reconstruction.
Dr. Ross Ratner
Dr. Ratner is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon and a leading expert in breast reconstruction surgery in New York City. With over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures, he is dedicated to providing exceptional care and outstanding results for his patients.
He believes in personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs and uses advanced surgical methods to achieve aesthetically pleasing results while minimizing recovery time and discomfort.
Patient Considerations
Cost and Insurance
Breast reconstruction surgery is typically covered by insurance, especially when it is part of the treatment plan following a mastectomy. However, coverage can vary, and patients should check with their insurance provider for specific details regarding their plan. In some cases, additional costs may not be fully covered, and patients might need to pay out of pocket. Some hospitals, like those mentioned above, offer affordable prices and flexible financing options to ensure patients can receive the care they need without added financial stress.
Recovery Time
Recovery time from breast reconstruction surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. Flap procedures may require a hospital stay of 5 to 6 days, and patients can expect some swelling, soreness, and bruising for 2 to 3 weeks. Implant - based reconstruction may involve a shorter hospital stay (1 - 2 days) and a quicker return to normal activities. Patients will receive detailed instructions on caring for their surgical site, activity restrictions, and follow - up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.
Travel and Accommodation
For patients who are traveling to New York City for breast reconstruction surgery, many hospitals offer support with travel and accommodation. For example, Dr. Levine's practice provides information on local, domestic, and international travel options. They can make recommendations on where to stay and the best times to fly in for consultations or surgery, although they cannot schedule flights or reserve hotel rooms.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several hospitals with a good reputation for breast reconstruction surgery. Each hospital, such as the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai West, Hackensack University Medical Center, and Weill Cornell Medicine, offers unique advantages in terms of surgical expertise, available procedures, and patient care. The experienced surgeons in these facilities are committed to providing high - quality, personalized treatment to help patients regain their confidence and physical well - being after breast cancer surgery.
If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction surgery, we encourage you to research these hospitals further, schedule consultations with the surgeons, and discuss your options in detail. This will help you make an informed decision about the best place to receive your treatment. Don't hesitate to take the next step towards restoring your body and your self - esteem.
