Introduction
Breast sagging is a common concern for many women in New York City. Factors such as pregnancy, weight gain and loss, heredity, and advancing age can lead to a loss of breast volume, projection, and position. Breast sagging suspension surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a popular solution to restore a more youthful, perky, and attractive breast shape. In this article, we will explore the top four plastic departments in New York City that have a good reputation for performing breast sagging suspension surgery.
What is Breast Sagging Suspension Surgery?
Breast sagging suspension surgery, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. The surgery involves removing excess skin, tightening the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola to a more youthful position. This can result in firmer, more lifted breasts with a better shape and proportion.
There are different types of breast lift incisions, which are chosen based on the degree of breast sagging, the elasticity of the skin, and the patient's individual goals. The main types of incisions include:
- Circumareolar Mastopexy: Also known as a “doughnut” breast lift, the incision is made around the areola only. This is suitable for mild cases of breast sagging and can also be used to reduce the size of the areola.
- Circumvertical Mastopexy: A “lollipop” breast lift, with an incision around the areola and a vertical line down to the breast crease. This is often used for moderate breast sagging and allows for more skin and tissue removal compared to the circumareolar method.
- Wise - pattern Mastopexy: An “inverted - t” breast lift. The incision includes a circular one around the areola, a vertical line to the inframammary crease, and a horizontal line in the crease. This is used for severe breast sagging and allows for significant skin removal and breast reshaping.
Sometimes, breast implants may be used in conjunction with a breast lift to add volume and enhance the overall result, especially in cases where there has been significant volume loss, such as after pregnancy or weight loss.
Top Four Plastic Departments for Breast Sagging Suspension Surgery in New York City
1. Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He is an active member of multiple prestigious medical associations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Kolker has an artistic approach to breast lift surgery. He understands that each patient is unique, with different anatomical features and aesthetic goals. Therefore, he tailors every breast lift procedure to the individual's specific needs and desires. His vast experience in breast surgery allows him to use the most appropriate technique, whether it's a simple lift or a combined procedure with breast implants.
Many patients have left positive testimonials about their experience with Dr. Kolker. For example, S.K. from NYC said, “My experience with dr. kolker and his staff made it obvious that i should never consider another plastic surgeon! I had several consultations with other cosmetic surgeons for a breast lift procedure before making the indisputable choice to go with dr. kolker.”
In terms of the surgical process, Dr. Kolker performs breast lift surgery in his fully accredited surgical facility on Park Avenue in Manhattan. The procedure is done under general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist and typically takes about three hours. After the surgery, patients are cared for in the recovery room by a licensed registered nurse and are usually discharged home within one to two hours after waking up from the anesthesia.
Recovery advice from Dr. Kolker includes taking about one week off from work or strenuous activity. Suture removal is not required as the sutures are dissolvable. Closed suction drainage tubes are used and are removed between three and five days after the procedure. A special bra provided by the office is worn for about one week, followed by a sports bra. Regular bras and bathing suit tops can be worn after three to four weeks, and the breasts will settle into their final shape at around 12 weeks after the lift.
2. Dr. Daniel Maman
Dr. Daniel Maman is a Harvard fellowship - trained and board - certified plastic surgeon. He specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. He completed a Harvard fellowship and a 6 - year plastic surgery residency at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and has been featured on the New York Times top doctors and Super Doctors in plastic surgery lists.
Dr. Maman and his skilled team offer a personalized and modern approach to patient care. The 90 - minute consultation with him includes a thorough review of the patient's medical history, an in - depth physical assessment, a comprehensive operative plan, a review of cost, accommodations, and follow - up visits, as well as scheduling of the surgery.
When it comes to breast lift surgery, different incision types are used based on the patient's ptosis (breast sagging) level. For mild ptosis, circumareolar incisions are made around the areola only, resulting in minimal scarring. For moderate ptosis, lollipop incisions are used, running around the areola and then vertically to the breast fold. For significant ptosis, anchor incisions are employed, which extend the lollipop incision horizontally across the breast crease. The scars from these incisions can often be hidden by natural breast folds.
After the surgery, the recovery process is carefully managed. Local patients have the option to recover at home in NYC or in one of the luxury recovery rooms located in select hotels in the city. The time in the operating room for a breast lift usually ranges from 2.5 to 3 hours, and it is an outpatient procedure. The recovery timeline varies, but patients are recommended to have at least 3 to 5 days of rest before returning to work or other activities. Strenuous activity should be avoided for four to six weeks to reduce the bleeding risk and maintain the results.
3. The Plastic Surgery Group of NYC
The plastic surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Group of NYC are best - in - class board - certified professionals. They offer free breast lift plastic surgery consultations at their NYC practice.
Breast lift plastic surgery at this group corrects the natural sagging that occurs over time or due to pregnancy by lifting and reshaping the breasts. The surgery can be beneficial for patients who are unhappy with sagging breasts, enlarged areolas, fallen or drooping nipple positions, or uneven breast positions. Although breast lift surgery does not increase the size of the breasts, the breasts may appear larger because they are higher and firmer.
The plastic surgery center adheres to stringent guidelines for safety, operation, equipment, access to hospital care, and use of anesthesia. The office - based plastic surgery facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities and is inspected annually to ensure compliance with the association's rigorous standards for patient safety.
Patients at this group have also had positive experiences. For example, a patient who had a breast lift (no implants) with Dr. Singh last month said, “I am blown away with the results already! After 2 kids and losing over 100 lbs my breasts were miserable! Dr. Singh is thorough, knowledgeable and clearly a perfectionist. As someone who is very meticulous, i can say with confidence thay his attention to detail is impeccable! My recovery went far better than i expected and what made it incomparable was that he contacted me from his cell multiple times to make sure i was feeling okay and still does so a month later. I am so grateful to dr. Singh for restoring confidence that i've been missing for 10 years! I highly recommend him.”
4. Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan. He has performed over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries over the last 10 years. He is the winner of the 2022 top doctor award from New Beauty and is a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery.
For breast lift surgery, Dr. Lao offers several techniques. Augmentation mastopexy combines a breast lift with breast augmentation using implants to increase the size, shape, and position of the breasts. Circumareolar mastopexy is used for mild sagging and reduces the size of the areola. Circumvertical mastopexy is a short - scar option suitable for moderate sagging, allowing for more skin and tissue removal compared to circumareolar mastopexy. Wise - pattern mastopexy is used for severe sagging and enables additional skin removal and tightening of the deeper layer of breast tissue.
The surgery time is usually 2 - 3 hours under general anesthesia. Patients are able to return home on the day of surgery and can return to routine within 1 - 2 weeks. However, they should avoid heavy lifting and swimming for 6 weeks. Immediately after the surgery, bandages are placed over the breasts, and a surgical support bra is provided. Patients may experience bruising and swelling for one to two weeks and can be given medication to ease discomfort.
Before the surgery, patients need to have a consultation with Dr. Lao. During the consultation, he will review the patient's medical history, examine the breasts, and determine the right technique and treatment plan. Patients should stop taking NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen before the breast lift as these medications may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Department for Breast Sagging Suspension Surgery
Surgeon's Experience and Credentials
As demonstrated by the top four plastic departments mentioned above, the experience and credentials of the surgeon are of utmost importance. Board - certified surgeons, especially those who are members of well - known professional organizations, have undergone rigorous training and meet high - quality standards. Surgeons with years of experience in breast lift surgery are more likely to handle complex cases and achieve better results.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an insight into the patient experience at a particular plastic department. Positive reviews about the surgeon's skills, bedside manner, and the quality of after - care are indicators of a reliable plastic department. For example, the many satisfied patients of Dr. Kolker and Dr. Singh at the respective practices speak volumes about the level of service provided.
Techniques and Approaches
Different plastic surgeons may use different techniques and approaches for breast sagging suspension surgery. It's important to discuss with the surgeon which technique is most suitable for your individual situation. Surgeons who offer a variety of techniques, like Dr. Lao, are better able to customize the procedure to meet your specific needs.
Cost and Financing Options
The cost of breast sagging suspension surgery can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's fees, and the location. Some plastic departments may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. For example, at Dr. William Lao's practice, patients can get a personalized cost estimate during the consultation, and the patient coordinator will address any questions regarding the cost and financing.
After - care and Support
Good after - care and support are crucial for a successful recovery. Surgeons who provide detailed post - operative instructions, follow - up visits, and are available to answer patients' questions during the recovery period are highly desirable. Practices like Dr. Maman's and Dr. Kolker's ensure that patients have a smooth recovery process by providing personalized care and attention.
FAQs about Breast Sagging Suspension Surgery
Is a breast lift painful?
Thanks to the use of anesthesia during the procedure, there should be minimal to zero pain during the surgery. However, patients may experience some soreness or mild pain following the procedure, which can usually be managed with over - the - counter pain medication or by applying cold compresses.
How long until I see results?
Patients will likely see immediate results right after the breast lift, but the breasts will continue to change and settle over the next couple of months. Most patients will see their final results in about 6 - 12 weeks as the breasts settle into place.
Can I combine a breast lift with other procedures?
Yes, many patients combine a breast lift with other procedures such as a tummy tuck or a mommy makeover. However, it's important to discuss this with your surgeon during the consultation to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your situation.
What are the risks associated with a breast lift?
Some of the risks associated with breast lift surgery include breast contour or irregular shapes, deep vein thrombosis, fat necrosis, fluid accumulation, infection, loss of nipple and areola (partial or total), negative reactions to the anesthesia, nipple or breast sensation change (temporary or permanent), poor healing, and possible revisional surgery. However, these risks are relatively rare when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.
Will a breast lift surgery increase the size of my breasts?
A breast lift can alter the size of your breasts by one full cup, but it's not exactly “increasing your size.” The procedure restores the breasts to their accurate size and provides better comfort for the recipient. If you want to increase the size, you can discuss combining a breast lift with breast augmentation with your surgeon.
Should I get a breast lift if I have larger breasts?
If you are considering a breast reduction, a breast lift can be paired perfectly with that procedure. If you want to keep the size of your original breasts but make them perkier, you should discuss your aesthetic preferences with your surgeon. Gravity is a major factor in drooping breasts, and heavier breasts are typically more affected.
Can I combine my breast lift with implants?
Yes, many patients in New York City combine their breast lift with breast implants to increase their cup size. This combination is especially popular among patients who have had children, as it addresses the drooping and deflation that typically occurs from breastfeeding.
Will losing weight alter my breast lift results?
Minor fluctuations in weight gain or loss may not significantly affect the breast lift results. However, substantial weight loss or gain can affect the elasticity of the breast skin, which may contribute to saggy breasts. It's recommended to maintain a stable weight for the best long - term results.
What determines the incision type?
The breast lift incision will be based on the degree of deflation, the elasticity of your skin, your breast and nipple placement, and whether or not your procedure will be done simultaneously with breast augmentation. The most common types of incisions are circumareolar, lollipop, or inverted t. Your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each type with you during the consultation and determine which one is best for you.
Will there be scars after breast lift?
Unfortunately, any surgical procedure will result in some scarring. However, experienced surgeons are very deliberate in where they make their incisions to make them as discreet as possible. As the incisions heal, the scars will initially appear as raised, red lines, but they will fade and flatten naturally over time. Surgeons may also provide directions and treatments to help lessen the appearance of scars.
Conclusion
Breast sagging suspension surgery can be a life - changing procedure for women in New York City who are unhappy with the appearance of their sagging breasts. The top four plastic departments mentioned in this article - those associated with Dr. Adam Kolker, Dr. Daniel Maman, the Plastic Surgery Group of NYC, and Dr. William Lao - all have a good reputation for providing high - quality breast lift surgeries. When choosing a plastic department, it's important to consider factors such as the surgeon's experience, patient reviews, techniques used, cost, and after - care. By doing thorough research and having in - depth consultations with the surgeons, you can make an informed decision and achieve the beautiful, lifted breasts you desire.
If you're considering breast sagging suspension surgery, don't hesitate to reach out to these plastic departments for a consultation. Learn more about the procedures, discuss your goals and concerns, and take the first step towards enhancing your appearance and boosting your confidence.
