Introduction
Breast sagging is a common concern for many women, often resulting from factors such as aging, pregnancy, and weight loss. In New York City, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer breast lift procedures, also known as mastopexy, to help women regain a more youthful and attractive breast appearance. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the top hospitals in New York City that can repair breast sagging, along with detailed information about the procedures, benefits, and considerations.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This helps to support and contour a new, rejuvenated breast profile while maintaining the volume of the breasts. The procedure can also reposition the nipples and areolas and provide added fullness to the true superior pole and cleavage.
Some of the benefits of a breast lift include:
- Restoring a more youthful and perky breast appearance
- Correcting breast sagging or drooping
- Improving breast symmetry
- Enhancing self - confidence
- Allowing clothing to fit better
Top Hospitals in New York City for Breast Lift
1. Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai offers breast lift procedures that can be a positive and rewarding experience with results that refresh the overall appearance and self - confidence. Their surgeons can provide firmer, more rounded, and shapelier breasts, restore fullness lost after childbearing or weight loss, balance breast height when one breast is positioned lower than the other, and enhance the results of other breast enhancement surgeries, such as breast augmentation.
Some important points about Mount Sinai's breast lift services:
- Surgeons are highly experienced in breast surgeries.
- If a patient is considering future pregnancies, the surgeon may suggest delaying the breast surgery until after giving birth to the last baby.
- Some women combine their breast lift with other cosmetic surgery procedures for a mommy makeover, which can also include a tummy tuck, liposuction, or other procedures.
2. NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone's plastic surgeons are experts in breast plastic surgery, including breast lift (mastopexy). They offer all of the latest reconstruction techniques, including breast reduction using the short scar method, breast lift surgery, secondary breast reconstruction, and augmentation surgery. They also perform breast reconstruction using perforator flaps.
Key features of NYU Langone's breast lift services:
- They have a team of plastic surgeons, including Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and Dr. Nolan S. Karp, who specialize in the latest techniques to perform breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery.
- Use three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care after breast reduction, reconstruction, or augmentation.
- Seamlessly bring together the best in oncologic and reconstructive breast surgery, with breast surgical oncologists at Perlmutter Cancer Center and plastic surgeons maintaining ongoing communication throughout the planning process.
3. Gotham Plastic Surgery
The breast lift at Gotham Plastic Surgery, technically known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can restore a more youthful shape and lift to the breasts. The surgery may be combined with breast augmentation using implants for women who are seeking increased volume and firmness, and it can also reduce the size of large areolas if necessary.
Here are some aspects of Gotham Plastic Surgery's breast lift:
- Candidates for breast lift surgery are in generally good health and have realistic expectations for improvement. The best results are often achieved on women with small, sagging breasts, though surgery can be performed on breasts of any size.
- They create custom treatment plans that combine minimally - invasive techniques and advanced technology to help patients achieve the best version of themselves.
- Individuals who are planning a future pregnancy or weight loss may be advised to postpone surgery.
4. Cosmoplastic Surgery (Dr. Alizadeh)
Dr. Alizadeh, a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 23 years of experience, has developed the Naturabra® breast lift technique. This upgraded procedure minimizes scarring and maximizes the effect and lasting power of the results. It creates an internal support using the patient's own tissue to create an internal bra, giving the breasts a more youthful, lifted appearance that truly lasts.
Details about Dr. Alizadeh's breast lift services:
- The average cost of the breast lift (surgeon's fee) starts at $15,000, not including surgery center fees or anesthesia fees.
- Combination procedures like breast augmentation, breast reduction, mommy makeover, or fat grafting are available.
- The pain level is relatively mild, and there are options for local, general, or IV sedation.
- The recovery period is four to six weeks, and the results are long - term.
5. Rowe Plastic Surgery
Rowe Plastic Surgery offers breast lift surgery in New York City and New Jersey. Their top breast lift surgeons perform life - changing breast lifts in facilities in Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, and the Hamptons. The procedure can remove excessive skin, tighten and reshape tissues, improve contours, reduce the areola, and reposition the nipples higher up on the chest.
Notable points about Rowe Plastic Surgery's breast lift services:
- They offer a variety of breast lift techniques, such as crescent breast lift, lollipop lift, anchor lift, circumareolar/donut/benelli lift, and no - scar breast lift.
- Surgeons tailor the surgical procedure to best achieve the patient's expectations.
- They use the latest techniques and equipment and are committed to patient satisfaction, developing a tailored treatment plan for each patient.
6. Dr. Philipp Franck - Best Mastopexy in New York City
Dr. Philipp Franck, a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, is highly skilled in aesthetic breast surgery, including advanced mastopexy techniques. He tailors each breast lift to deliver natural, proportionate results that complement the patient's body's overall shape.
Features of Dr. Franck's breast lift services:
- Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort, although different sedation options may be considered based on individual preference and medical needs.
- Common incisions include periareolar (donut lift), vertical (lollipop lift), and anchor (inverted - t lift), depending on the specific needs and degree of ptosis (sagging).
- Many women choose to combine a breast lift with additional treatments such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tuck, or liposuction for a more comprehensive transformation.
7. Columbia Surgery
Columbia Surgery, as one of New York's best hospitals and a world - top medical center, offers breast lift (mastopexy) as part of its cosmetic care program. Their plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization and are at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery.
What to expect from Columbia Surgery's breast lift services:
- They have a team of board - certified surgeons with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures.
- The hospital's breast cancer reconstructive surgery program brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction, which may also involve breast lift procedures in some cases.
- Research - based approach with ongoing studies in areas like stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy applications in plastic surgery.
Types of Breast Lift Procedures
There are several types of breast lift procedures available, and the choice depends on the patient's breast size, the degree of sagging, and personal preferences. The following is a detailed breakdown:
Procedure Type | Description | Best Suited For |
---|---|---|
Crescent Breast Lift | This minimally invasive breast lift focuses on the areola’s top area. The surgeon makes a semi - circular incision along the top of the areola to correct mild breast drooping. It may be combined with a breast augmentation procedure. Ideal for correcting nipple and areola issues, such as a nipple reduction or areola reduction. | Women with mild breast sagging and specific nipple/areola concerns. |
Lollipop Lift | A circular incision is made around the entire areola, followed by a straight line down to the crease line. The incision gets its name from its lollipop - like shape. It corrects moderately sagging breasts, and the tiny scar disappears over time. | Women with moderate breast sagging. |
Anchor Lift | In addition to the lollipop lift incisions, the surgeon makes another horizontal incision at the crease of the breast. This is often the best solution for severely sagging breasts and is most effective when combined with breast reduction surgery. | Women with severe breast sagging. |
Circumareolar/Donut/Benelli Lift | Involves a circular incision around the areola and is used to treat mild to severe ptosis or breast drooping. It repositions the areola and nipple higher on the breast while tightening the breast skin and minimizes the amount of skin and tissue removed from the area around the nipple and areola. | Women with various degrees of breast sagging, especially those concerned about minimizing tissue removal around the areola. |
No - Scar Breast Lift | Entails using advanced technology such as ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to avoid scarring. The doctor may be able to tighten and raise the breasts without traditional surgical incisions. | Women with minimal breast sagging who want to avoid visible scars. |
Candidates for Breast Lift
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a breast lift. The following factors are considered when determining candidacy:
- General Health: Candidates should be in good overall health without uncontrolled medical issues. Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity may increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.
- Stable Weight: Significant weight fluctuations post - surgery can affect the results of the breast lift. It is recommended that patients have a stable weight for at least six months before considering the procedure.
- Breast Sagging Concerns: If the breasts have lost shape or volume, and the nipples and areolas point downward or are displaced due to loss of skin elasticity, a breast lift may be appropriate.
- Non - Smoker or Willing to Quit: Smoking can impair healing, so quitting is highly advisable before and after surgery. Smoking restricts blood flow, which can lead to poor wound healing and an increased risk of complications.
- Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the results of the breast lift. While the procedure can improve the appearance of the breasts, it may not achieve perfection, and there will be some scarring, although this can fade over time.
Pre - surgery Considerations
Before undergoing a breast lift, patients need to take several important steps:
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's breasts, discuss the patient's goals and concerns, and recommend the most appropriate type of breast lift procedure. The surgeon will also review the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order some preoperative tests.
- Medication and Lifestyle Changes: The patient may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, aspirin, and some herbal supplements, as they can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Smokers should quit smoking at least four weeks before the procedure to promote faster healing. A baseline mammogram may be necessary before surgery to check the condition of the breast tissue.
- Pre - operative Instructions: The surgeon will provide detailed pre - operative instructions, including what to eat and drink before surgery, when to stop eating and drinking, and how to prepare for the hospital stay. Patients should also arrange for someone to drive them home after surgery and to assist them during the initial recovery period.
The Breast Lift Procedure
The breast lift procedure generally follows these steps:
- Anesthesia: A certified anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to put the patient to sleep during the procedure. The anesthetist will monitor the patient's condition throughout the surgery.
- Marking the Incision Points: The surgeon will mark the incisions and position of the lifted breasts while the patient is standing. The strategic positioning of the incisions helps reduce the visibility of any scarring.
- Making the Incisions: Depending on the chosen breast lift procedure, the surgeon will make the necessary incisions. Through these incisions, the surgeon will lift the breasts, reposition the areolas, and remove any excess skin and tissue as appropriate.
- Tissue Reshaping: The underlying breast tissue will be lifted and reshaped to improve contour and firmness.
- Areola Repositioning: If necessary, the areola may be reduced in size and moved to a higher, more youthful position on the breast.
- Closing the Incisions: The surgeon will close the incisions with surgical tape, sutures, or adhesive and dress the area.
Recovery After Breast Lift
The recovery process after a breast lift is an important part of achieving the best results. Here's what to expect:
- Immediately After the Procedure: Patients are likely to experience some grogginess as the anesthesia wears off during the first day. There will be some discomfort and tenderness in the breasts, which can be managed with prescription medications. Swelling and discoloration in the breasts are also common.
- Post - surgery Care: Patients should avoid showering for the first few days after surgery. They must wear a special surgical bra at all times for the first several weeks to aid in healing. When the doctor gives the all - clear, they can switch to a regular sports bra. Direct sun exposure should be avoided to prevent scarring from darkening.
- Incisions and Scarring: The incisions usually heal within a week or two. Before then, it is crucial to keep them clean and dry. Depending on the chosen breast lift procedure, there may be some visible scars in the first few weeks and months. These scars will fade within six months, although some may remain slightly visible. Applying sunscreen to the scars can help protect them from the sun.
- Returning to Normal Activities: Most women can resume light activities within a week or two, but strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4 - 6 weeks. The total recovery time depends on the type of breast lift procedure and the patient's overall health.
Cost of Breast Lift in New York City
The cost of a breast lift in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's level of experience, the geographical area, the length of the procedure, the anesthesiologist's fees, the amount of tissue and skin that has to be removed, any medical lab tests, the surgical facility costs, and medication for post - operative pain. On average, the cost can range from several thousand dollars. For example, at Cosmoplastic Surgery, the surgeon's fee starts at $15,000, not including surgery center fees or anesthesia fees. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a breast lift in New Jersey (which can be a reference for New York City as well) is between $4,500 to $5,000, but this can be higher in some cases in New York City due to higher costs of living and the expertise of the surgeons.