The plastic surgery hospitals for breast reconstruction in New York City are announced!
For women who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer or other breast - related diseases, breast reconstruction is a vital option that can help them regain their physical appearance and emotional well - being. New York City is home to numerous world - class plastic surgery hospitals that offer state - of - the - art breast reconstruction services. In this article, we will explore some of these prominent hospitals, the procedures they offer, and the reasons why they are trusted choices for breast reconstruction.
NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn
Medical Team
NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn has recently made a significant addition to its medical staff with the appointment of Alyssa Golas, MD. Dr. Golas is a clinical assistant professor in the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone Health. She works closely with Janet Yeh, MD, a Brooklyn - based breast surgical oncologist with NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center.
Reconstruction Options
- Post - mastectomy breast reconstruction: Dr. Golas offers post - mastectomy breast reconstruction options that were previously only available through NYU Langone at Tisch Hospital in Manhattan. These options include state - of - the - art techniques utilizing implants or one’s own tissue to recreate a natural breast, and nipple - sparing techniques.
- One - stage "direct - to - implant" reconstruction: Patients can also be considered for one - stage "direct - to - implant" reconstruction following mastectomy, often referred to as “breast in a day.”
- Free flaps and fat grafting: Dr. Golas performs "free flaps," where tissue, including blood vessels, is taken from one part of the body (typically the abdomen) to reconstruct the breast. Fat grafting can also be performed using liposuction to either create or augment reconstruction.
Benefits
The expanded breast reconstruction service at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn ensures more tailored, personalized care for postsurgical breast cancer patients. It also provides patients the opportunity to stay closer to home when they need these advanced surgical procedures, bringing NYU Langone’s world - renowned clinical excellence to Brooklyn.
Weill Cornell Medicine
Expertise in Breast Reconstruction
Weill Cornell Medicine's plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction. They have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years, positioning them as leaders in this technique.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?
- Exemplary surgeons: The surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team is equipped to promote patient comfort throughout the process.
- Individualized breast reconstruction: The plastic and reconstructive surgeons can customize the breast reconstruction according to each patient's unique body and wishes.
- Multidisciplinary care: The surgeons are part of the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, a multidisciplinary group that includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care.
- Focus on comfort: The team prioritizes patient comfort at every step. Before surgery, patients have time to ask questions, and state - of - the - art surgical suites use the latest anesthetics and medications for quicker recovery. After surgery, the care team manages pain and teaches patients self - care.
Breast Reconstruction Options
Reconstruction Type | Description |
---|---|
Autologous reconstruction | Uses the patient's own tissue from areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks to make the breast. Nerves can be reconstructed to increase sensory recovery in breasts that may be numb after mastectomy. |
Breast innervation during autologous reconstruction | A novel reinnervation procedure that takes about 20 minutes, where a nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest to improve patient quality of life. |
Breast innervation during implant reconstruction | Surgeons developed a new technique to preserve and reconnect the nerves that supply the skin and nipple during mastectomy and expander/implant - based reconstruction, improving sensation and patient quality of life. |
Diep flap reconstruction | An innovative technique that uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts. |
Implant - based reconstruction | Performs breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants. Utilizes both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers, pioneering techniques like direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without drains. |
Mount Sinai - New York
Implant Reconstruction Expertise
Mount Sinai stands at the forefront of breast reconstruction surgery. C. Andrew Salzberg, MD, chief of the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital and professor of surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, pioneered the direct - to - implant approach.
Breast Implant Options
Breast implants at Mount Sinai are made of a flexible silicone casing filled with either saline (sterile salt water) or silicone gel (a soft gelatin - like substance). Many women find that silicone gel implants feel softer and more like a natural breast than saline implants, and both types are approved as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Reconstruction Processes
- Tissue expander process: Breast implant surgery is usually a two - step process. First, a tissue expander (like an empty balloon) is inserted under the chest muscles. Over several weeks, it is inflated until the desired size and shape are reached. Then, a second surgical procedure replaces the expander with the saline or silicone implant of the patient's choice.
- Direct - to - implant process: If a patient is eligible, the surgeon may recommend the direct - to - implant breast reconstruction approach, which avoids the use of a tissue expander. The implant is inserted immediately behind the pectoralis major muscle, with innovative techniques providing additional soft tissue support.
Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Patient - Centered Care
Dr. John Sherman is an experienced and highly skilled plastic surgeon who focuses on providing comforting personal care to breast reconstruction patients in New York City throughout the entire process.
Consultation and Procedure
- Consultation process: It is an essential part of the breast reconstruction process. Patients can ask questions and discuss their desired results, including breast implant size, shape, type of implant, procedure price, and surgical techniques such as diep flap reconstruction and tramp flap reconstruction.
- Procedures offered: Dr. Sherman offers breast reconstruction after mastectomy as well as double mastectomy reconstruction. He often revises previously performed mastectomy reconstruction surgery due to implant problems or aesthetic concerns. The operations are performed either in the office - based surgery center as an outpatient or at hospitals like New York Presbyterian Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, or Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut under general anesthesia.
Insurance and Recovery
- Insurance: Insurance reimbursement varies, but the cost of these operations is usually covered by the patient's insurance carrier. The practice will help patients predetermine their benefits and also offers financing options.
- Recovery: Dr. Sherman provides thorough post - operative instructions. Swelling, bruising, discomfort, numbness, and other sensations are expected during recovery, but they will subside over time. Incision lines will fade over 12 to 18 months.
NewYork Presbyterian
Advanced Reconstruction Techniques
NewYork Presbyterian's plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction, especially in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction over the past 20 years.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
- Autologous reconstruction: Uses the patient's own body tissue from areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks to reconstruct nerves and breast structure.
- Breast innervation during autologous reconstruction: A novel 20 - minute reinnervation procedure that reconnects a nerve in the abdominal flap to a nerve in the chest.
- Breast innervation during implant reconstruction: Preserves and reconnects the nerves that supply the skin and nipple during mastectomy and reconstruction to improve sensation.
- Diep flap reconstruction: Utilizes a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts.
- Implant - based reconstruction: Surgeons utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers, following current practice guidelines that discourage the use of textured implants.
Gotham Plastic Surgery
Breast Reconstruction Service
Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York City offers breast reconstruction, a surgical procedure that recreates a natural - looking breast after mastectomy due to cancer or other diseases. Some women choose immediate reconstruction, while others may start the process years later. Reconstruction following breast cancer surgery is often covered by insurance.
Patient Requirements
The best candidates for breast reconstruction are women whose cancer has been eliminated as best as can be determined, and who are in good general health and do not smoke. Women with breast irregularities may also choose breast reconstruction to reshape their breasts for better symmetry and aesthetics.
Reconstruction Process
The reconstruction process typically consists of multiple procedures over time. The first step is creating the breast mound, which may occur during or after mastectomy in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. Follow - up procedures may be performed in the hospital or an outpatient facility with either general or local anesthesia.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Experienced Surgeons
Dr. C. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs are the key surgeons at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery. Dr. Salzberg is the pioneer of the direct - to - implant breast reconstruction procedure, and Dr. Jacobs specializes in diep flap reconstruction and other microsurgical techniques for breast reconstruction using a woman's own tissue.
Reconstruction Choices
- Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction: Immediate reconstruction can avoid a subsequent surgery and recovery period, prevent scar tissue formation from the mastectomy, and allow the use of remaining breast skin in its original size and shape. Delayed reconstruction may be recommended for patients with intermediate or advanced breast cancer to control the cancer first, or for those who need more time to consider their options.
- Implant vs. Autologous Tissue Flap: Implant reconstruction uses saline or silicone breast implants. It has aesthetic appeal and shorter surgery time but may have issues like capsular tissue build - up and the need for a second surgery. Autologous tissue flap reconstruction, such as diep flap surgery, uses the patient's own tissue from the abdomen. It results in a more natural - looking and long - lasting breast but involves a longer and more complex surgery and leaves a scar on the abdomen.
Special Considerations
- Breast animation deformity correction: For patients with breast animation deformity (a complication associated with submuscular implant placement), the practice offers solutions such as creating a new pocket in the prepectoral space or replacing the implant with an autologous tissue flap.
- Nipple reconstruction: If nipple - sparing mastectomy is not an option, nipple reconstruction can be performed during a revision procedure. It can involve creating a tissue flap and tattooing to recreate the appearance of the nipple and areola.
Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Expert Breast Surgeon
Dr. Darrick Antell is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is among the most respected breast augmentation surgeons in the country. He has received numerous honors and is listed among the best breast plastic surgeons in the nation.
Consultation and Procedure Details
- Consultation: Dr. Antell can work with the patient's breast surgeon to develop a reconstruction strategy. He will explain the reconstruction options based on the patient's age, health, anatomy, and goals, and discuss the risks of the procedure.
- Reconstruction types: There are two types of reconstruction - flap and implant - based. Flap reconstruction uses tissue from other areas of the body, resulting in a more natural - feeling breast. Implant - based reconstruction uses a silicone or saline implant, often with a tissue expander first.
- Recovery: Recovery from implant - based reconstruction is typically shorter than from flap reconstruction. While patients may return to normal daily activities within weeks, complete healing takes months. Scarring is inevitable but will fade over time.
Conclusion
In New York City, there is a wide range of plastic surgery hospitals and practices that offer high - quality breast reconstruction services. From NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn's expanded services to the specialized expertise of individual surgeons like Dr. John E. Sherman, Dr. Darrick Antell, and the teams at other institutions, patients have access to a variety of advanced techniques and personalized care. The choice of hospital and reconstruction method depends on multiple factors, including the patient's specific medical situation, personal preferences, and aesthetic goals.
If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction, we encourage you to reach out to these trusted institutions and professionals. Take the time to schedule a consultation, learn about your options, and make an informed decision that is right for you. By doing so, you can take an important step towards restoring your body and enhancing your quality of life.