Introduction
Having overly large breasts can pose significant physical and emotional challenges. Physically, it may lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and restricted movement. Emotionally, it can cause self - consciousness and a negative impact on body image. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a solution that many women in New York City turn to. In this article, we will explore the top plastic surgery hospitals and clinics in New York City that offer giant breast reduction procedures, along with important aspects such as the surgery itself, recovery, and candidate suitability.
Understanding Breast Reduction Surgery
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size of overly large breasts. This is achieved by removing excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin to achieve a breast size more proportionate to the patient's body and to alleviate discomfort associated with excessively large breasts. The procedure not only helps in relieving physical issues such as back and neck pain, skin irritation, and posture problems but also enhances self - image and confidence.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
- Physical Relief: Significantly reduces back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and bra strap grooving caused by the weight of overly large breasts. For example, a study showed that many patients experienced a notable decrease in pain levels after the surgery, allowing them to lead a more active and comfortable life.
- Improved Body Proportion: Creates a breast size more in harmony with the body's natural proportions. This helps in enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the body and making it easier to find well - fitting clothing.
- Reduced Skin Irritation: Decreases skin issues under the breasts, like rashes and irritation, often experienced with larger breasts. This can greatly improve the quality of life, especially in hot and humid weather.
- Increased Physical Activity: Makes physical activities and exercise more comfortable, encouraging a healthier lifestyle. Women who previously found it difficult to participate in activities like running or sports can now engage in them more freely.
- Enhanced Clothing Options: Expands clothing choices and improves the fit of garments, which is often a challenge for those with larger breasts. They can now wear a wider range of styles without feeling self - conscious.
- Boosted Self - Confidence: Enhances self - esteem and confidence by addressing body image concerns related to large breasts. Many patients report feeling more comfortable in their own skin after the surgery.
- Improved Posture: Helps in correcting posture problems linked with the weight of large breasts. Over time, this can also have positive effects on overall spinal health.
Candidates for Breast Reduction
Ideal candidates for breast reduction are typically individuals who experience physical or emotional discomfort due to overly large breasts. Here are the key criteria:
- Physical Discomfort: Those suffering from neck, back, or shoulder pain, skin irritation under the breasts, or limitations in physical activity due to the size of their breasts. For instance, women who have to constantly adjust their bra straps to relieve shoulder pain may be good candidates.
- Good Overall Health: Candidates should be in good overall health to withstand the surgical procedure and the recovery process. They may need to have a pre - operative physical examination to assess their health status.
- Realistic Expectations: It's important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. They should understand that while the surgery can significantly improve their situation, it may not achieve a perfect result in all aspects.
- Non - Smoking: Preferably, candidates should be non - smokers as smoking can affect the healing process. If a patient is a smoker, they may be required to quit for a certain period before and after the surgery.
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals and Clinics for Giant Breast Reduction in New York City
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is expert at enhancing women's breasts. Through a warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care, they provide an environment to help patients feel comfortable discussing very private and sensitive concerns about their body. At the confidential consultation, patients will receive all the information they need to make an educated decision about the procedure. To be eligible for breast reduction surgery at Mount Sinai, patients should maintain a healthy, stable weight, not plan on future pregnancies which will affect the breasts, and be physically mature with fully - developed breasts and emotionally mature about their choice.
Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience, takes a minimally invasive, personalized approach that prioritizes patient safety and achieves consistent results. Breast reduction at Rapaport Plastic Surgery is typically performed on - site in their fully accredited Manhattan, New York, surgical suite. In selected cases, the procedure may be performed at Lenox Hill Hospital or the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital. The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia administered and monitored by a board - certified anesthesiologist. Ideal candidates for breast reduction here should be overall healthy and non - smokers or willing to quit. Dr. Rapaport will not perform the surgery on patients who continue to smoke, and he requires abstinence from all smoking for six weeks before the procedure and a minimum of two weeks after.
Gotham Plastic Surgery
The doctors at Gotham Plastic Surgery perform breast reduction on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility in New York City. General anesthesia is commonly used, and surgical times average two to five hours. The most common technique is performed through an incision that is shaped like an anchor whereby the incision circles the nipple, extends vertically downward and then runs horizontally along the crease below the breast. Candidates for surgery are in generally good health, do not smoke, and are looking to improve large or pendulous breasts. Patients who are planning to breastfeed in the future may be advised to postpone surgery because many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples are removed during surgery.
Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Located on the upper east side in Manhattan, NY, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC is the premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. Their breast reduction specialist surgeons are top - rated board - certified / board - eligible plastic surgeons, offering top - quality surgical care in a state - of - the - art facility. The center has an innovative approach to pain management. They do not use drains in their breast reductions, and all the stitches dissolve on their own, making post - op care much less complicated. Their surgeons use a special technique called a nerve block, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine, and only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen are necessary for recovery. They offer virtual consultations from anywhere in the world and are in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (but do not accept United Healthcare Community Plan and Oxford Metro plans). They may accept the Empire Plan (NYSHIP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna plans only if patients have out - of - network benefits.
Rowe Plastic Surgery™
Rowe Plastic Surgery offers breast reduction in NYC & NJ. The board - certified plastic surgeons here are among the top reduction mammoplasty specialists focusing on minimally invasive breast reduction surgery. They work together as a team, including Dr. Lisa F. Schneider, Dr. Norman M. Rowe, and Dr. Charles Pierce. The most common breast reduction procedures at Rowe Plastic Surgery include the pedicle method, inferior pedicle method, superior pedicle method, free nipple graft, anchor incision pattern, and Le Jour incision pattern. The surgeon will choose the technique that promises the best results to fit the patient's body size and desires. The surgery is an inpatient procedure that takes place in a fully equipped ambulatory surgical center. Patients here need to go through a series of pre - operative steps, including an initial consultation, physical exam, and meeting pre - operative requirements such as stopping blood - thinning medications and smoking.
New York - New York Breast Reduction Plastic Surgeons
This site lists several surgeons in New York for breast reduction, including Dr. Stanley Taub in lower Manhattan, Dr. Arnold Breitbart in New York City and Manhasset, Dr. Joseph M. Pober MD, PC in NYC and Ridgewood, Dr. Anthony Berlet in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. Patients can choose a surgeon based on factors such as location, patient reviews, and the surgeon's experience.
NYC Breast Reduction Surgery | Manhattan, New York
Board - certified plastic surgeon Stafford Broumand, MD can perform breast reduction surgery to help patients attain a more appealing and flattering breast size for their unique figure. The outpatient plastic surgery procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. After the surgery, patients can anticipate a recovery phase that typically involves 1 - 2 weeks of initial downtime. Dr. Broumand will use advanced techniques to minimize scarring as much as possible. Breast reduction surgery at this clinic may be combined with other procedures such as a breast lift or breast augmentation for enhanced results.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery, with a team of highly - trained and qualified plastic surgeons, has been enhancing women's lives for over 27 years. Their warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care provides an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing private and sensitive concerns about their body. Breast reduction surgery is performed at their on - site and outpatient facility. Patients may experience temporary numbness of the nipples and breasts for 1 to 2 months, or even up to a year. They can resume light activities and work after about 2 weeks, while vigorous activities and exercises will be limited for at least the first month.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
Pre - operative Preparation
Preparing for breast reduction surgery involves a series of crucial steps:
- Initial Consultation: This is the first step where patients meet with the surgeon. The surgeon will conduct a physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and assess if the patient is a suitable candidate for the surgery. For example, at many clinics, the consultation may last around an hour.
- Medical Assessments: Patients may need to undergo various medical tests, such as blood tests and mammograms, to ensure their health status is suitable for the surgery.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Patients may be advised to stop smoking and avoid certain medications or supplements that could increase bleeding risk. They should also arrange for a responsible adult to accompany them on the day of the surgery and provide transportation home afterward. Additionally, they need to prepare a recovery space at home with postoperative necessities such as loose - fitting clothing, ice packs, and prescribed medications.
During the Surgery
The breast reduction surgery typically follows these general steps:
- Marking: The surgeon marks the incision lines on the breasts, depending on their shape, size, and the required reduction. This is usually done while the patient is standing.
- Anesthesia: Once the patient is comfortably lying on the operating bed, the anesthesiologist puts the patient under general anesthesia, and stays at hand to monitor the patient throughout the surgery.
- Incisions: Incisions are made according to the best breast reduction technique based on the patient's breast anatomy. Common incision patterns include the anchor incision, lollipop incision, etc.
- Tissue Removal: The surgeon removes the excess tissue, fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the lower part of the breasts to reduce the size.
- Breast Lift: The bust is reshaped with the remaining breast tissue into natural contours as part of the breast lift.
- Nipple and Areola Repositioning: The surgeon moves the nipple to a higher location on the breast while it is still attached to its blood supply.
- Closing the Incision: By bringing the incisions together, the newly reduced breasts gain a natural shape. The doctor uses a combination of skin adhesives, surgical tape, and sutures to close the incision. Whenever possible, absorbent sutures that dissolve naturally are used.
- Dressing: The surgeon dresses the incisions with a gauze bandage and then wraps the bosom in a protective cover.
Post - operative Recovery
The recovery process after breast reduction surgery is an important phase:
- Immediate Post - op: After the surgery, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort in the breast area. They may be prescribed pain medication and required to wear a special surgical bra or compression garment to support the healing breasts. Most patients are discharged the same day, but those who live more than a one - hour drive away should plan to spend the night in NYC.
- Initial Recovery: In the first 1 - 2 weeks, patients should expect some pain and soreness around the breasts. They need to avoid heavy lifting and lifting their arms over their heads. They may also need to take time off work, depending on the nature of their job. For example, those with physically demanding jobs may need to take more time off compared to those with sedentary jobs.
- Longer - term Recovery: As the recovery progresses, the swelling and bruising will gradually diminish. The final results might take several months to fully materialize as the breasts settle into their new position. Patients should attend follow - up appointments with their surgeon to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns during the recovery process.
Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction
Whether breast reduction surgery is covered by insurance depends on several factors. In some cases, if the surgery is deemed medically necessary, it may be covered. Insurance companies may consider the surgery medically necessary if the patient meets certain criteria, such as experiencing severe back, neck, or shoulder pain due to large breasts, or having significant skin irritation. However, the process of getting insurance approval can be complex. For example, at the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, they can help patients determine if they are eligible for insurance coverage and assist with the necessary paperwork. It's important for patients to consult with their insurance provider and the surgical clinic to understand the specific requirements and coverage details.
FAQs about Breast Reduction
How long does breast reduction surgery usually take?
Breast reduction surgery typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the amount of reduction desired.
Will there be visible scarring after breast reduction surgery?
Some scarring is inevitable with breast reduction surgery, but surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize scarring as much as possible. Over time, these scars typically fade and become less noticeable.
How long is the recovery period after breast reduction?
Most patients can expect an initial recovery period of 1 - 2 weeks. However, it may take several weeks to months for swelling to completely subside and for the final results to be fully apparent.
When can I return to work and normal activities after breast reduction surgery?
Patients usually return to work and light activities within 1 - 2 weeks post - surgery. However, it's advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 4 - 6 weeks.
Are the results of breast reduction permanent?
The results of breast reduction are generally long - lasting. However, factors like weight fluctuations, aging, and hormonal changes can affect breast size and shape over time.
What are the risks associated with breast reduction surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and complications related to anesthesia. Surgeons will discuss these risks in detail during the consultation.
Can breast reduction surgery be combined with any other procedures?
Yes, breast reduction surgery can often be combined with other procedures for enhanced results. For instance, a breast lift is a common procedure paired with breast reduction. In some cases, breast augmentation might be performed alongside breast reduction to achieve a specific shape or volume.
Conclusion
Breast reduction surgery can be a life - changing procedure for women in New York City who are struggling with the physical and emotional burdens of overly large breasts. The city offers a wide range of top - notch plastic surgery hospitals and clinics, each with experienced surgeons and high - quality care. Understanding the procedure, recovery process, and insurance coverage is essential for anyone considering breast reduction. By choosing the right hospital and surgeon, patients can expect to achieve a more proportionate breast size, relieve physical discomfort, and boost their self - confidence.
If you think breast reduction surgery might be the right choice for you, we encourage you to reach out to one of the hospitals or clinics mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation to learn more about the procedure, discuss your goals, and get personalized advice from a qualified surgeon. Share this article with others who might benefit from this information, and explore more about plastic surgery and body enhancement on our platform.