Star - ranked hospital list for breast lifting surgery in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

Breast lifting surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. Many women opt for this surgery to restore a more youthful, perky, and attractive shape to their breasts. Factors such as pregnancy, weight gain and loss, heredity, or advancing age can lead to loss of breast volume, projection, and position. In this article, we will explore the star - ranked hospitals and surgeons for breast lifting surgery in New York City, including detailed information about the procedure, recovery, risks, and the top options available.

Understanding Breast Lifting Surgery

What is Breast Lifting Surgery?

Breast lifting surgery is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This helps to support and contour a new, rejuvenated breast profile. The main goal is to maintain the volume of the breasts while improving the shape and contour, and elevating the position of the nipples. As stated by multiple sources, it can address breasts that have sagged or lost volume due to various factors like aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or genetics. For example, breastfeeding can cause the milk glands to stretch the breast skin, and once breastfeeding is over, the skin may not return to its original elasticity, resulting in saggy breasts.

Types of Breast Lifting Techniques

There are several different techniques for breast lift, and each is chosen based on the patient's specific needs, the degree of sagging, and other factors:

• Circumareolar Mastopexy (Donut Lift): An incision is made around the areola only. This is suitable for mild sagging and can also reduce the size of the areola. It is a less invasive option with relatively minimal scarring. As described by Dr. William Lao and other surgeons, it is a good choice for patients with less severe breast droop.
• Circumvertical Mastopexy (Lollipop Lift): An incision is made around the areola with a vertical line heading downwards. This technique allows for more skin and tissue removal than the circumareolar mastopexy and is used to address moderate sagging. It offers a significant reshaping while limiting scarring, making it a popular choice for many patients.
• Wise - Pattern Mastopexy (Inverted - T Lift): The incision is made around the areola, a vertical line down the bottom of the breast, and a horizontal line. This technique is recommended for more extensive lifting needs, such as in cases of severe sagging. It provides comprehensive reshaping but may result in more visible scarring compared to the other two techniques.
• Augmentation Mastopexy: This involves combining a breast lift with breast augmentation using implants to increase the size, shape, and position of the breasts. It is often chosen by patients who not only want to lift their breasts but also add volume, especially after significant volume loss due to pregnancy or weight loss.

Factors Affecting the Choice of Incision

The choice of incision type in breast lift surgery depends on multiple factors:

• Degree of Deflation: If there is significant loss of breast volume, a more extensive incision may be required to achieve the desired lift and reshaping. For example, in cases of severe deflation, the wise - pattern mastopexy may be more appropriate.
• Elasticity of the Skin: Skin with poor elasticity may need a more invasive approach to ensure a long - lasting and satisfactory result. Patients with loose, inelastic skin may benefit from a lollipop or inverted - t lift.
• Breast and Nipple Placement: The position of the nipple and areola relative to the breast crease is an important factor. If the nipple is significantly below the breast crease, a more extensive lift may be necessary.
• Concomitant Breast Augmentation: If breast implants are to be used simultaneously with the lift, the incision choice may be influenced by the need to create enough space for the implants and ensure proper placement. For example, an augmentation mastopexy may require a larger incision compared to a simple breast lift.

Top Star - Ranked Surgeons for Breast Lifting Surgery in New York City

Healthgrades - Ranked Surgeons

Healthgrades has listed several doctors who perform breast lift surgery in New York. These surgeons have an average rating of 4.4 stars, and here are some of the top - rated ones:

Other Renowned Surgeons

• Dr. Adam Kolker: A double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York. He is an active member of multiple professional organizations. Dr. Kolker tailors each breast lift procedure to the patient's unique anatomy and desires. His approach is a very delicate, aesthetic, and sculptural process, aiming to achieve the most beautiful results. Patient testimonials show high satisfaction, with many stating that they would never consider another plastic surgeon after experiencing his services.
• Dr. Philipp Franck: A board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He completed his training at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals and has extensive experience in breast surgery. Named one of New York’s rising star surgeons by the New York Times Magazine since 2023, he also serves as a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University Hospital in New York. His patient - centered care and excellent surgical outcomes have earned him a place in Castle Connolly’s list of top doctors nationwide.
• Dr. William Lao: 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. Dr. Lao combines advanced surgical techniques from both the East and the West to customize procedures for the best results. He is a recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the 2022 top doctor award from New Beauty, and is a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery.

Top Star - Ranked Hospitals for Breast Lifting Surgery in New York City

New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital

Several of the top - rated surgeons, such as Dr. Evelyn Cantillo, Dr. Melissa Frey, and Dr. Heather Yeo, are on staff at New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. This indicates that the hospital has a strong team of professionals capable of performing high - quality breast lift surgeries. The hospital likely offers a range of facilities and resources to support the surgical process, from pre - operative consultations to post - operative care.

Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine is a well - known institution for cosmetic breast surgery, including breast lift. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field. The hospital partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. They offer individualized breast surgery for patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities. The focus on patient comfort is evident throughout the process, from using the latest anesthetics and medications to a dedicated care team for pain management and after - care instruction.

Columbia Surgery - New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center

This hospital is ranked no. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals and is recognized as the top hospital in New York. It has been designated the no. 1 hospital in New York for over 20 years. The institution is recognized for its excellence in 14 adult specialties and 8 children’s specialties, including breast surgery. The surgical oncology expertise in breast surgery is of high quality, providing trusted care for patients undergoing breast lift procedures.

The Breast Lifting Surgery Process

Pre - operative Preparation

Before undergoing breast lift surgery, patients need to take several steps:

• Consultation: This is a crucial step where the patient meets with the surgeon. The surgeon will evaluate the patient's medical history, including any previous surgeries or treatments, current medications, and lifestyle factors. They will also examine the breasts to determine the degree of sagging, breast tissue quality, and skin elasticity. The surgeon will discuss the patient's goals and expectations, explain the different surgical techniques available, and recommend the most suitable approach. For example, if a patient has significant breast deflation and also wants to increase breast volume, the surgeon may suggest augmentation mastopexy.
• Medical Tests: Patients may be required to undergo routine laboratory studies and blood work. Depending on their age and medical history, breast imaging studies such as mammograms or ultrasounds may also be ordered. These tests help the surgeon assess the patient's overall health and detect any potential issues that could affect the surgery or recovery.
• Lifestyle Changes: Patients are usually advised to stop smoking before the surgery, as smoking can impair healing. They may also need to avoid certain medications, such as non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

The Surgical Procedure

Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort. The surgical process generally includes the following steps:

• Preparation and Marking: The surgeon will mark the planned incision sites while the patient is standing. This ensures the most precise placement and optimal lift, taking into account the patient's body position and the desired outcome.
• Incision Placement: The surgeon will make the chosen incision type (circumareolar, circumvertical, or wise - pattern) based on the patient's specific needs. For example, in a circumareolar mastopexy, the incision is made around the areola; in a circumvertical mastopexy, an additional vertical line is added; and in a wise - pattern mastopexy, a horizontal line is also included.
• Tissue Reshaping: Excess skin is removed, and the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve contour and firmness. The areola may be reduced in size if necessary and moved to a higher, more youthful position on the breast.
• Closing the Incisions: Sutures are placed in layers within the breast tissue to create and support the new shape, and the skin is closed with meticulous technique to minimize scarring.

Post - operative Recovery

Recovery after breast lift surgery varies from patient to patient, but generally includes the following aspects:

• Immediate Post - operative Care: After the surgery, the patient will be taken to a recovery room where they will be monitored by a licensed registered nurse. They will be given pain medication to manage any discomfort. A bandage will be applied over the operated area, and a surgical bra will be provided for support.
• Return Home: Most patients can go home on the same day of the surgery, assuming no complications. However, they need to have someone accompany them home. It is recommended to take one week off from work or strenuous activity, although in some cases, a return to "light duties" may be possible after 4 - 5 days.
• Wound Care: Closed suction drainage tubes are often used and are removed between 3 - 5 days after the procedure. The patient needs to keep the incision area clean and dry to prevent infection. They may be instructed to change the dressing regularly as directed by the surgeon.
• Follow - up Appointments: The surgeon will schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the patient's healing progress. During these appointments, the surgeon will check the incisions, assess the breast shape, and provide further instructions on recovery and after - care. The patient may need to be seen several times during the first two weeks post - op and at intervals through the first year.
• Exercise and Activity Restrictions: Return to light exercise (such as walking, using an elliptical machine, or a stationary bike) can begin at 5 - 7 days, and more vigorous exercise can resume at 3 weeks. Chest exercise may be resumed after about 6 weeks if breast implants are used in conjunction with a breast lift. Heavy lifting and swimming should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

Benefits of Breast Lifting Surgery

Aesthetic Benefits

• Youthful Appearance: Breast lift surgery can restore a more youthful and perky look to the breasts. It can correct sagging, lift the nipples, and improve the overall shape and contour of the breasts, making the patient look and feel younger.
• Improved Symmetry: The procedure can correct uneven breast positioning or asymmetrical nipples, creating a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
• Enhanced Breast Shape: It can reshape the breasts to a more attractive and proportional form, especially if the breasts have lost volume or have an undesirable shape due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.

Psychological Benefits

• Boosted Confidence: Many patients experience a significant boost in their self - confidence after breast lift surgery. They feel more comfortable in clothing, swimwear, or lingerie with a lifted and reshaped breast profile. They may be more willing to engage in social activities and feel better about their physical appearance.
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