Introduction

Funnel - chest, or pectus excavatum, can be a source of both physical discomfort and psychological distress for many individuals. In New York City, a bustling hub of medical innovation and expertise, there are numerous plastic surgery options available for those looking to correct this condition. This article will explore the top ten funnel - chest plastic surgery options in New York City and provide valuable information about their associated price lists. Understanding the different surgical procedures and their costs can help patients make informed decisions about their journey towards a more confident self.

What is Funnel - Chest (Pectus Excavatum)?

Funnel - chest is a congenital deformity where the breastbone sinks into the chest, creating a sunken appearance. This condition can vary in severity, from mild cosmetic concerns to more severe cases that can affect the heart and lungs. Most adults with funnel - chest are mainly concerned about the visible dent in their sternum, which can lead to a lack of confidence.

Top Ten Funnel - Chest Plastic Surgery Options in New York City

1. Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are one of the most common plastic surgery methods for correcting pectus excavatum. They are suitable for patients without pulmonary and cardiac impairments caused by the deformity. The silicone material, which acts like fat, is inserted directly underneath the skin through a small incision into the indented area. This procedure is mainly for adult or teenage patients who are insecure about their bodily appearance. Benefits include being minimally invasive, inexpensive, and easy to perform, with expected excellent results. However, there can be some problems such as material abrasion in later years, late development of seroma, dense calcification, unpleasant skin volume, and pain in the surgery area. Some plastic surgery centers can design custom - shaped implants using CT scans or 3D surface digital scanners, but this can be costly.

2. Fat Grafting

Fat grafting involves transferring fat from one area of the body, such as the stomach, legs, or waistline, to the sunken breastbone area. The main advantage is that there is no surgical trauma or noticeable scars. However, it isn't widely used for pectus excavatum correction. Most pectus excavatum patients have skinny frames and lack a sufficient amount of transferrable fat, making this procedure difficult. It may work better for adult sufferers whose weight is equal to or above their healthy weight range.

3. Macrolane

Macrolane, also known as hyaluronic acid, is a body contour filler. It has been used in plastic surgery, mainly for face wrinkle therapy. Surgeons can use it to improve the pectus excavatum condition. However, a large volume of Macrolane is needed to "fill" a sunken chest, which is very costly. Additionally, the result is impermanent as the material will be resorbed over time, and the dent may return to its original state after about two years.

4. Brava - Breast Augmentation & Shaping System

This technique is originally designed for breast reconstruction and enlargement. It works as an outer tissue expander to create edema and boost blood perfusion. A 2015 study discussed its effectiveness, and a 7 - year study in 2016 showed that when combined with vacuum device therapy, it can yield excellent results in the presternal area without leaving permanent ugly scars on the chest.

5. Tissue Engineering

Repairing a mild pectus excavatum deformity using needle transplantation of cultured autologous chondrocytes is a promising but currently under - investigation technique. It is a unique topic in breast enlargement surgery and has the potential to offer long - term solutions for patients with funnel - chest.

6. Surgeon - Specific Techniques at Doctors Plastic Surgery

Doctors Plastic Surgery offers several procedures that can be relevant for funnel - chest patients. Their surgeons are board - certified and have privileges at multiple reputable hospitals, including Huntington Hospital, Jacobi Medical Center, and Lenox Hill Hospital. The clinic offers financing options for procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift, and liposuction. For patients with funnel - chest, these related procedures may be combined with other techniques to achieve a more comprehensive result. Financing starts at $187 per month for some procedures for patients with good credit. Their consultation process includes meeting the surgeon, physical and health evaluation, body type and BMI evaluation, implant evaluation (for breast patients), financing and scheduling discussions, and a fully personalized procedure plan.

7. Expertise at Dr. Adam R. Kolker's Practice

Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive experience in breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction. While his practice is well - known for overall body cosmetic surgery, his skills and expertise can also be applied to funnel - chest correction, especially when it involves related breast and chest area adjustments. Dr. Kolker has been featured in numerous top doctor lists, such as New York Magazine's Best Doctors, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons, and Castle Connolly's Top Doctors.

8. Neinstein Plastic Surgery Approach

Neinstein Plastic Surgery focuses on patient care with a hospitality - service lens. Their breast augmentation consultation process is detailed, with a patient concierge team answering questions about costs, financing, etc. They use board - certified anesthesia doctors and offer different surgeons for breast augmentation, including a dedicated breast surgery specialist, Dr. Anna Steve. For funnel - chest patients considering breast - related augmentation or adjustment procedures, they can expect a well - organized and patient - centered approach. However, the cost of breast augmentation and related procedures can vary based on factors such as implants, facility fee, anesthesia fee, and surgeon fee. There may also be additional costs for size change, medical clearance, surgical bras, complications, and revision surgery.

9. Deluca Plastic Surgery Options

Deluca Plastic Surgery provides a range of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. For funnel - chest, relevant breast and chest surgeries like breast augmentation, breast lift, and male breast reduction are available. Their surgeon fees and in - office procedure estimates are provided, but it's important to note that these are only estimates and subject to change. Additional fees for anesthesiologist, surgery center/hospital operating room, implants, prescriptions, pre - op clearance and lab work, compression garments, and travel costs may apply. They offer financing options through Care Credit for well - qualified patients.

10. Oppenheimer Plastic Surgery Services

Oppenheimer Plastic Surgery is transparent about their pricing. They offer various breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction, which can be relevant for funnel - chest correction. Their pricing includes surgery, anesthesia, facility fee, and other associated costs. For example, breast augmentation costs $7,995, breast lift is $10,195, and breast reduction is $11,365. They also offer a consultation fee that goes towards the surgery cost if the patient decides to proceed.

Price List Information

General Price Ranges for Funnel - Chest - Related Procedures

It's important to note that the prices mentioned here are approximations and can vary based on multiple factors such as the surgeon's experience, the complexity of the case, the type of procedure, and additional costs.

For pectus excavatum implants, statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons say that pectoral implants start at about $3,800, which is considerably less than a standard Nuss procedure costing about $40,000.

Factors Affecting the Cost

• Surgeon's Training and Expertise: Highly experienced and well - known surgeons often charge more for their services. Their extensive training and track record of successful surgeries justify the higher price as they can provide more predictable and high - quality results.
• Prosthetics: If implants are required for the procedure, the cost of the implants themselves can vary significantly. Different types of implants, such as silicone or saline, have different price points, and custom - made implants are usually more expensive.
• Anesthesia: The type of anesthesia used (general or local) and the duration of the surgery affect the anesthesia fee. A board - certified anesthesiologist will also charge more than a less experienced provider.
• Hospital Procedures: Surgeries performed at a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center may have higher costs due to facility fees. The cost can also depend on the length of the hospital stay and the availability of specialized equipment.
• Revision Surgery: If a patient requires a revision surgery, it can be more complex and costly than the initial procedure. This is because additional steps may be needed to correct previous results and ensure a satisfactory outcome.

Financing Options

Many plastic surgery clinics in New York City offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of funnel - chest plastic surgery. Some common financing options include:

• Care Credit: A healthcare credit card that allows patients to finance their medical procedures. It offers flexible payment plans and may have promotional offers such as zero - interest financing for a certain period.
• Alphaeon: A financing company that specializes in medical procedures. They provide financing solutions for patients with different credit profiles, making it accessible to a wider range of individuals.
• Cherry: Another financing option that offers personalized payment plans for plastic surgery. Patients can apply online and get a quick decision on their financing application.

It's important to note that not all patients will qualify for down payment waiver or the lowest rate. Patients should carefully review the terms and conditions of the financing options and make sure they can afford the monthly payments.

The Consultation Process

The consultation is a crucial step in the funnel - chest plastic surgery journey. During the consultation, patients can expect the following:

• Meeting the Surgeon: Patients will meet with a highly trained and experienced plastic surgeon who will discuss their unique needs, wants, and personalized procedure plan. It's important to establish a good rapport with the surgeon and feel comfortable asking questions.
• Physical and Health Evaluation: The surgeon and medical assistant will conduct a physical examination and review the patient's health history. This is to ensure that the procedure is safe for the patient and to identify any potential risks or complications.
• Body Type and BMI Evaluation: Understanding the patient's body type and BMI is important for determining the best surgical approach and setting realistic expectations. The medical staff will assess how the patient's body will respond to the procedure.
• Implant Evaluation (if applicable): For breast - related procedures, the surgeon and medical assistant will evaluate the patient's implant options. They may use tools like the Mentor breast implant sizer to help the patient choose the most suitable implant for their body type and desired results.
• Financing and Scheduling: After the evaluation, the patient will sit down with a dedicated patient coordinator to discuss pricing and financing options. The coordinator will also work with the patient to schedule the procedure around their daily life constraints.
• Personalized Procedure Plan: At the end of the consultation, the patient will receive a comprehensive, fully personalized procedure plan. This includes educational materials, an overview of the health evaluation, and details on the planned procedure, including costs and financing options.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Selecting the right plastic surgeon for funnel - chest correction is essential for a successful outcome. Here are some tips to help patients make the right choice:

• Board Certification: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met high standards of education, training, and experience.
• Experience: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in performing funnel - chest plastic surgery or related procedures. Ask about the number of similar surgeries they have performed and their success rate.
• Patient Testimonials: Read patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of the surgeon's bedside manner, communication skills, and the quality of their results. You can also ask the surgeon for before - and - after photos of their patients.
• Hospital Privileges: A surgeon with hospital privileges is recognized and authorized to perform surgeries in reputable hospitals. This indicates their credibility and adherence to high medical standards and ensures access to hospital resources and emergency services if needed.
• Communication: Choose a surgeon who listens to your concerns, answers your questions thoroughly, and involves you in the decision - making process. Good communication is key to a successful doctor - patient relationship.

Conclusion

In New York City, there are many options for funnel - chest plastic surgery, each with its own set of advantages and price ranges. Patients have the opportunity to choose from a variety of surgical techniques and experienced surgeons. It's important for patients to understand the different procedures, the associated costs, and the factors that can affect those costs. By doing thorough research, having detailed consultations, and carefully considering their options, patients can make an informed decision that is right for them. Whether it's improving their physical appearance or enhancing their confidence, funnel - chest plastic surgery can be a life - changing experience.

If you're considering funnel - chest plastic surgery in New York City, take the next step by scheduling a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon. Learn more about your options, ask questions, and start your journey towards a more confident you. Share this article with others who may be interested in funnel - chest plastic surgery and spread the knowledge.