Introduction
Breast sagging is a common concern among many women in New York City. It can be caused by various factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations. Fortunately, there are several regular hospitals in New York City that offer high - quality treatments to improve breast sagging. In this article, we will introduce some of the top hospitals and doctors in this field, along with relevant surgical information and patient experiences.
Top Hospitals and Doctors for Breast Sagging Improvement
1. William Lao, MD
Dr. William Lao is a well - known plastic surgeon offering breast lift procedures on 5th Avenue in New York City. A breast lift, also called mastopexy in plastic surgery, is designed to reposition the nipple and elevate the breast tissue. He has over 10 years of experience and has performed more than 500 successful breast plastic surgeries.
- Expertise: Double - board - certified in both the USA and Taiwan. He is a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a double major, followed by a doctorate in medicine. He is also a member of multiple renowned plastic surgery associations and has led presentations about various cosmetic plastic surgeries including breast enhancements.
- Procedure Details:
- Surgery Time: 2 - 3 hours.
- Price: Approximately $10,000 - $20,000 (for an accurate cost, consultation is required).
- Recovery: Patients can return home on the day of surgery and return to routine within 1 - 2 weeks. Can return to work within 3 - 7 days. Initial swelling will subside within a few weeks, and most patients will see their final results in about 6 - 12 weeks.
- Patient Reviews: Many patients are satisfied with Dr. Lao's services. For example, a 57 - year - old female had a facial procedure done by him in December 2014 and was 100% satisfied with the results, feeling that she looked 10 years younger and her confidence was significantly boosted.
2. Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is a skilled and board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. His breast lift procedures aim to correct breast ptosis, which is caused by factors like aging, childbirth, pregnancy, or large breast implants.
- Expertise: His extensive expertise and specialization in breast lift procedures ensure exceptional outcomes. He has a dedicated staff who provide patients with a first - class experience from start to finish.
- Procedure Details:
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is used for the mastopexy procedure, which usually lasts 2 - 2.5 hours.
- Surgery Types:
- Full Mastopexy: Allows for significant lifting and reshaping of the breasts. An incision is made around the areola, extending vertically downward to the breast crease and sometimes horizontally along the breast crease, resembling an anchor shape.
- Periareolar Mastopexy: Also called a “donut” or “circumareolar” mastopexy, suitable for mild to moderate breast sagging with minimal scarring.
- Recovery: Patients are allowed to return home after being monitored. It is recommended that out - of - town patients stay overnight in Manhattan for easier post - operative care. The first - night pain is generally mild and can be managed with prescribed medication. Swelling and bruising are common, and a surgical bra or compression garment should be worn as instructed. Sutures are typically removed within seven days, and it takes about a week or two to resume normal activities, while strenuous activities should be avoided for a few additional weeks.
3. Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker in New York is an experienced breast lift surgeon. His breast lift surgery restores a more youthful, perky, and attractive shape, proportion, and balance to the breasts.
- Expertise: He is an active member of multiple plastic surgery societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Every breast lift procedure with him is uniquely personalized and tailored to the patient's anatomy and desires.
- Procedure Details:
- Pre - operative: Approximately two weeks before the surgery, New York patients will have a comprehensive preoperative visit in his Manhattan office. A complete list of what to do and avoid is reviewed, prescriptions for post - op medications are given, and routine laboratory studies / blood work are ordered.
- Procedure: The breast lift surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in his fully accredited surgical facility on Park Avenue in Manhattan. It is under general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist and takes approximately three hours.
- Recovery: After the surgery, patients are cared for in the recovery room and are discharged home with a friend or relative when fully awake and comfortable. Dr. Kolker recommends taking one week off from work or strenuous activity. No suture removal is required as sutures are dissolvable. Closed suction drainage tubes are removed between three and five days. A special bra is worn for about one week, followed by a sports bra, and regular bras and bathing suit tops can be worn after three to four weeks. The breasts settle into their final shape at approximately 12 weeks after the lift.
- Patient Testimonials: Many patients have expressed high satisfaction. For example, some patients stated that they never had a second thought about choosing Dr. Kolker after their first visit to his office, and he has changed their lives by making their breasts perfect.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital or Doctor
1. Doctor's Expertise and Experience
As seen from the above - mentioned doctors, their educational backgrounds, professional certifications, and years of experience in performing breast - related surgeries are crucial. A doctor with more experience and a wider range of expertise is more likely to handle complex situations and provide better results. For example, Dr. William Lao's multiple certifications and numerous successful surgeries demonstrate his high - level skills.
2. Hospital Reputation
Reputable hospitals usually have better facilities, more advanced medical technologies, and a more professional medical team. According to US News, some top - ranked hospitals in New York City such as New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, Mount Sinai Hospital, and NYU Langone Hospitals have high national rankings in multiple specialties. These hospitals' good reputations ensure a higher level of safety and quality in breast lift surgeries.
3. Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Patient reviews can provide real - life experiences of what it's like to receive treatment at a particular hospital or from a specific doctor. Positive reviews from past patients about the doctor's skills, bedside manner, and the overall treatment process can give you more confidence in your choice. For instance, the many satisfied patients of Dr. Adam Kolker's breast lift procedures can serve as an indicator of his quality of service.
4. Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of breast lift surgery can vary depending on the doctor, hospital, and complexity of the procedure. It's important to get a clear quote during the consultation and also understand whether your insurance will cover part or all of the cost. Different doctors may offer different price ranges; for example, Dr. William Lao's breast lift surgery costs approximately $10,000 - $20,000.
Common Surgical Procedures for Improving Breast Sagging
1. Augmentation Mastopexy
This is a combination of a breast lift and breast augmentation using implants. It is suitable for patients who not only want to lift their sagging breasts but also increase their size. The procedure can help achieve a more youthful, fuller, and shapelier breast appearance.
2. Circumareolar Mastopexy
Also known as a “doughnut” or “periareolar” breast lift, the incision is made around the areola only. It can address mild sagging and reduce the size of the areola, leaving relatively less visible scars.
3. Circumvertical Mastopexy
Often called a “lollipop” breast lift. An incision is made around the areola with a vertical line heading downwards. This technique allows the doctor to remove more skin and tissue than circumareolar mastopexy and has less scarring compared to a full breast lift, making it suitable for moderate breast sagging.
4. Wise - Pattern Mastopexy
Also known as the “inverted - t” breast lift. The incision is made around the areola, a vertical line down the bottom of the breast, and a horizontal line. It is used for more severe breast sagging and allows for additional skin removal and tightening of the deeper layer of breast tissue.
Pre - operative and Post - operative Care
Pre - operative Care
Before the breast lift surgery, patients need to have a detailed consultation with the doctor. The doctor will review the patient's medical history, including any previous surgeries, medical conditions, and medications taken. For example, patients taking NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen should stop them before the surgery as they may increase the risk of bleeding. Some doctors may also order routine laboratory studies / blood work and appropriate breast imaging studies. In addition, patients need to arrange for someone to transport them home after the surgery and make preparations for home care during the recovery period.
Post - operative Care
After the surgery, patients are usually given bandages and a surgical support bra to wear. They may experience bruising and swelling for one to two weeks, and pain medication may be prescribed to ease discomfort. Patients should avoid strenuous activities, lifting, bending, or straining for at least two weeks. They also need to follow all the recovery and aftercare instructions given by the doctor, such as proper wound care and scheduled follow - up visits. For example, sutures may need to be removed within a certain period, and the type of bra to wear will change over time as the recovery progresses.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several excellent regular hospitals and doctors offering solutions for improving breast sagging. When considering such a procedure, it's essential to carefully evaluate the factors such as doctor's expertise, hospital reputation, patient reviews, cost, and insurance coverage. By understanding the different surgical procedures available and following the pre - operative and post - operative care guidelines, patients can increase the likelihood of achieving satisfactory results. If you are experiencing breast sagging and are interested in improving your breast appearance, we encourage you to consult with a qualified doctor at one of these top hospitals to explore your options further. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards regaining your confidence and a more youthful breast shape.
