New York City's Top Hospitals for Correcting Severe Breast Sagging
Severe breast sagging can be a concern for many women, affecting both their physical comfort and self - confidence. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals and plastic surgeons offering high - quality treatments to correct this issue. This article will explore the top options available, along with important information about breast lift procedures, candidacy, and more.
Importance of Correcting Severe Breast Sagging
Severe breast sagging, also known as breast ptosis, can occur due to various factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight changes. It can lead to physical discomfort, including neck, back, and shoulder pain. Moreover, it may also have a negative impact on a woman's self - esteem and body image. Correcting severe breast sagging through surgical procedures can alleviate these issues, improving both physical well - being and mental health.
Factors Affecting Breast Sagging
- Aging: As we age, the skin loses its elasticity, and the breast tissue becomes less firm. The production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to sagging breasts. According to research, the natural aging process is a significant contributor to breast ptosis, with most women noticing some degree of sagging as they enter their 30s and 40s.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, the breasts enlarge as the milk glands develop. After breastfeeding, the breasts may lose volume, but the skin often remains stretched, resulting in sagging. A study has shown that women who have had multiple pregnancies are more likely to experience severe breast sagging.
- Weight Changes: Significant weight gain can stretch the skin, and when weight is lost, the skin may not fully retract, causing the breasts to sag. Women who have lost a large amount of weight, such as through bariatric surgery, are at a higher risk of breast ptosis.
- Gravity: Over time, the constant pull of gravity on the breasts can cause them to droop. This is especially true for women with larger breasts, as they are more affected by gravity.
Top Hospitals and Plastic Surgeons in New York City for Breast Lift
Healthgrades - Best Breast Reduction Doctors
Healthgrades has compiled a list of doctors in New York who perform breast reduction, which can often be combined with breast lift procedures. Some of the top - rated doctors include:
Doctor's Name | Rating | Location |
---|---|---|
Dr. Peter Henderson, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 10 Union Sq E Frnt 2L, New York, NY 10003 |
Dr. Richard Reish | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 330 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 |
Dr. Leslie Cohen, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 1283 York Avenue 4th floor, New York, NY 10065 |
These doctors have a high number of patient ratings, indicating their experience and the quality of their care.
Mount Sinai - Comprehensive Breast Care
Mount Sinai's team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is well - known for breast enhancement procedures. Their approach to patient care is warm, caring, and supportive, providing an environment where patients can comfortably discuss their concerns about their bodies. They offer breast reduction, which can be combined with breast lift for patients with large, sagging breasts. To be eligible for breast reduction surgery at Mount Sinai, patients should maintain a healthy, stable weight, not plan on future pregnancies, and be physically and emotionally mature about their choice.
Greenwald Plastic Surgery - Specialized Breast Lift
Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald, a premier board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City, is highly sought after for his expertise in mastopexy, or breast lift surgery. He has performed thousands of breast surgeries and is known for achieving natural results. Dr. Greenwald uses advanced surgical techniques to lift sagging breasts to a higher position on the chest, reduce the size of the areolas, correct downward - pointing nipples, and remove excess skin. He offers different incision techniques, including periareolar, vertical incision, and inframammary, depending on the patient's body type and aesthetic goals.
William Lao, MD - Experienced in Breast Lift
Dr. William Lao has performed over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries over the last 10 years. He is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan and a winner of the 2022 Top Doctor Award from New Beauty. Dr. Lao offers different types of breast lift procedures, such as augmentation mastopexy, circumareolar mastopexy, circumvertical mastopexy, and wise - pattern mastopexy. His breast lift surgeries typically take 2 - 3 hours, and patients can expect to return home on the day of surgery and return to routine within 1 - 2 weeks.
Dr. John E. Sherman - Expert in Breast Lift
Dr. John E. Sherman, a skilled and board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City, has extensive expertise in breast lift procedures. He has helped numerous women achieve stunning results. Dr. Sherman offers personalized treatment based on the patient's breast condition and aesthetic goals. His breast lift procedures can be performed as an outpatient basis in his fully accredited operating suite or at a hospital. He will thoroughly discuss the procedure, risks, and recovery with the patient during the consultation.
Columbia Surgery - Multifaceted Plastic Surgery
Columbia Surgery is one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Their plastic surgery division offers a wide range of services, including breast lift. The plastic surgeons on their clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization. They also conduct research in plastic surgery, which allows them to offer the latest and most effective techniques for breast lift procedures. Their breast lift procedures are tailored to each patient's specific needs, taking into account factors such as breast size, shape, and skin condition.
Types of Breast Lift Procedures
Augmentation Mastopexy
This procedure combines a breast lift with breast augmentation using implants. It is suitable for patients who not only want to lift their sagging breasts but also increase their breast size. The implants can provide additional volume and shape, while the lift addresses the sagging issue. The surgery involves making incisions to reshape the breast tissue, remove excess skin, and place the implants.
Circumareolar Mastopexy
Also known as a “doughnut” or “periareolar” breast lift, this procedure involves making an incision around the areola. It is suitable for patients with mild sagging and can also reduce the size of the areola. The procedure is less invasive than other types of breast lift and may result in less scarring.
Circumvertical Mastopexy
This is a short - scar breast lift with an incision made around the areola and a vertical line heading downwards, resembling a lollipop. It allows the surgeon to remove more skin and tissue than circumareolar mastopexy but has less scarring than a full breast lift. It is a popular choice for patients with moderate breast sagging.
Wise - Pattern Mastopexy
Also known as the “inverted - t” breast lift, this procedure involves making an incision around the areola, a vertical line down the bottom of the breast, and a horizontal line. It is suitable for patients with severe breast sagging as it allows for significant skin removal and tightening of the deeper layer of breast tissue.
Candidacy for Breast Lift
Not all women are suitable candidates for breast lift procedures. To be a good candidate, you should:
- Have saggy breasts that have lost their shape and volume due to factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes.
- Have areolas and nipples that point downward.
- Be at a stable, healthy weight. Significant weight fluctuations after the surgery can affect the results.
- Not smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after the surgery.
- Be in good general health, both physically and mentally. You should be able to withstand the surgery and the recovery process.
- Have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. A breast lift can improve the appearance of your breasts but may not make them perfect.
Pre - operative Preparation
Before undergoing a breast lift procedure, there are several steps you need to take:
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history, examine your breasts, and discuss your goals and expectations. You should also ask any questions you have about the procedure, risks, and recovery.
- Medical Tests: Depending on your medical history, you may need to undergo certain medical tests, such as blood tests, a mammogram, or an EKG. These tests help the surgeon assess your overall health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the surgery.
- Medication and Supplements: Your surgeon will advise you on which medications and supplements to stop taking before the surgery. Some medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can increase the risk of bleeding during the surgery. You may also need to start taking certain medications, such as antibiotics, before the surgery.
- Arrangements: Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the surgery and to assist you during the first few days of recovery. You may also need to take time off work, depending on your job requirements.
Breast Lift Procedure
The breast lift procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs throughout the surgery to ensure your safety.
- Incision: The surgeon will make incisions based on the type of breast lift procedure chosen. The incisions are typically made around the areola, down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease.
- Reshaping and Lifting: The surgeon will reshape the underlying breast tissue, remove excess skin, and move the nipple and areola to a higher position. This creates a more youthful and uplifted appearance of the breasts.
- Closing the Incisions: The incisions are closed with sutures, which may be dissolvable or non - dissolvable. The surgeon will also place dressings and a surgical bra on your breasts to provide support during the recovery process.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after a breast lift varies from person to person. Here are some general guidelines:
- Initial Recovery: You will need to rest frequently for the first few days after the surgery. You may experience swelling, bruising, and pain, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. You will also need to wear a surgical bra for several weeks to support your breasts and help with the healing process.
- Returning to Normal Activities: Most patients can return to work within 1 - 2 weeks, depending on the nature of their job. However, you should avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting and exercise, for at least 4 - 6 weeks. Your surgeon will advise you on when it is safe to resume normal activities.
- Scar Healing: Scars from a breast lift will fade over time, but they will never completely disappear. Your surgeon may recommend scar - treatment products or techniques to help minimize the appearance of scars.
- Follow - up Appointments: You will need to attend follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress. The surgeon will check your incisions, remove any sutures if necessary, and answer any questions you may have.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, breast lift surgery carries some risks and potential complications, including:
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery. This can usually be managed by the surgical team, but in some cases, additional surgery may be required.
- Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site. Your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, but if you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
- Loss of Nipple Sensation: Some patients may experience a loss of nipple sensation, which can be temporary or permanent. This is more common in patients who have had more extensive breast lift procedures.
- Scarring: Although surgeons try to minimize scarring, some scarring is inevitable after a breast lift. The appearance of scars can vary from person to person.
- Asymmetry: There is a risk of asymmetry in the breasts after the surgery. Your surgeon will try to achieve symmetry as much as possible, but in some cases, further surgery may be required to correct any asymmetry.
Cost of Breast Lift in New York City
The cost of a breast lift in New York City can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon's experience, the complexity of the procedure, the type of anesthesia used, and the surgical facility. On average, the cost of a breast lift can range from $8,000 to $20,000 or more. It is important to note that most insurance companies do not cover breast lift procedures as they are considered cosmetic. However, some financing options may be available to help you pay for the surgery.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wide range of options for women seeking to correct severe breast sagging. From highly - rated plastic surgeons to world - class hospitals, there are many resources available to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. However, it is important to carefully consider your options, choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, and have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. By following the pre - operative and post - operative instructions, you can minimize the risks and ensure a successful recovery.
If you are considering a breast lift procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon in New York City. They can provide you with more detailed information about the procedure, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision. Don't forget to share this article with your friends who may also be interested in breast lift procedures.