Introduction

Mild pectus excavatum is a condition where the breastbone (sternum) appears sunken, and the chest is concave. In New York City, many patients seek treatment from the best doctors in the field. This article will explore the ranking of doctors for mild pectus excavatum in New York City, the associated prices, and also present some case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the treatment process.

Understanding Mild Pectus Excavatum

Definition and Symptoms

Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the front of the chest wall. In mild cases, the sunken appearance of the chest may be less prominent compared to severe cases. The majority of these cases are not associated with any other condition (isolated findings). However, some patients may experience mild chest pain, shortness of breath during strenuous activities, or self - esteem issues due to the appearance of their chest (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually starts with a physical examination of the chest. Doctors may also recommend several tests to check for associated problems with the heart and lungs, including:

• Chest X - ray: Can visualize the dip in the breastbone and often shows the heart being displaced into the left side of the chest. It is a painless test that takes only a few minutes to complete.
• CT scan or MRI: These tests help determine the severity of the pectus excavatum and whether the heart or lungs are being compressed. They take many images from a variety of angles to produce cross - sectional images of the body's internal structure.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Can show whether the heart's rhythm is normal or irregular and if the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are timed properly. It involves the placement of more than a dozen electrical leads attached to the body with a sticky adhesive.
• Echocardiogram: A sonogram of the heart that shows real - time images of how well the heart and its valves are working. The images are produced by transmitting sound waves via a wand pressed against the chest, giving doctors a look at how the chest wall may be affecting heart function and the flow of blood through the heart.
• Lung function tests: Measure the amount of air the lungs can hold and how quickly they can empty.
• Exercise function test: Monitors how well the heart and lungs function while the patient exercises, usually on a bike or treadmill.

Ranking of Doctors for Mild Pectus Excavatum in New York City

Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein

Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein is a pediatric surgeon based in New York, NY. He is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital and Cohen Children's Medical Center. While specific details about his experience with mild pectus excavatum cases may require further research, his standing as a pediatric surgeon makes him a potential option for treating young patients with this condition. His contact number is (646) 973 - 3822 (Castle Connolly, 2025).

Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein

Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein specializes in thoracic surgery, with a special focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum. He practices primarily in New York, NY, and is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Graduated from Canada in 1983, he completed his training at Univ Toronto Affil Hosp, UT MD Anderson Canc Ctr, and Univ Toronto Affil Hosp. He is board - certified in surgery and thoracic surgery. Patients can reach him at 866 - 721 - 8718. His extensive training and specialization in pectus excavatum make him a highly ranked doctor in the area (Castle Connolly, 2025).

Other Notable Doctors

NYU Langone also has a team of doctors dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for pectus excavatum. While specific names may not be fully detailed here, their commitment to comprehensive treatment makes them a significant player in the field. Patients can browse their list of providers and schedule an appointment online (NYU Langone Health, 2025).

Treatment Options for Mild Pectus Excavatum

Physical Therapy

For patients with mild pectus excavatum who do not have significant symptoms, physical therapy can be a viable option. Certain exercises can improve posture and increase the degree to which the chest can expand. This may help alleviate some of the mild discomfort and improve the appearance of the chest to a certain extent. Physical therapists can design a customized exercise program based on the patient's specific condition and physical abilities (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

Surgical Options

Nuss Procedure

The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique for correcting pectus excavatum. Developed by Dr. Donald Nuss, it has become a popular choice for treating this condition. In this procedure, the surgeon makes two small incisions, one on each side of the chest. A small video camera called a thoracoscope is placed through one of the incisions to allow the surgeon to view inside the chest. A curved steel bar that has been shaped to fit the patient is inserted through the incisions and placed under the breastbone. The bar is then flipped over to create an arch that presses upward on the breastbone. In some cases, more than one bar is used. The bars are removed after two or three years. This procedure usually takes 1 to 4 hours, and patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. It leads to less blood loss, smaller incisions, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgeries (Mayo Clinic, 2022; UCLA Health, 2025).

Ravitch Technique

The Ravitch technique is an older, more traditional open - surgery method for correcting pectus excavatum. The surgeon makes a cut (incision) across the front part of the chest. The deformed cartilage is removed, and the rib lining is left in place to allow the cartilage to grow back correctly. A cut is then made in the breastbone, which is moved to the correct location. The surgeon may use a metal strut (support piece) to hold the breastbone in the normal position until it heals, which takes 3 to 12 months. The metal struts are removed in 6 to 12 months through a small cut in the skin under the arm. This procedure usually involves a longer hospital stay, typically 3 to 7 days, and a more extensive recovery period compared to the Nuss procedure (Mount Sinai, 2025).

Prices of Treatment

The cost of treating mild pectus excavatum can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the treatment method, the doctor's experience, the hospital's location, and the patient's insurance coverage. In general, the Nuss procedure, being a minimally invasive technique, may be associated with a lower overall cost due to shorter hospital stays and less extensive post - operative care. However, the exact cost can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. For example, in some cases, the cost of the Nuss procedure may be around $15,000 - $30,000, while the Ravitch technique could cost $20,000 - $40,000. Insurance coverage also plays a crucial role. Some insurance policies may cover a significant portion of the cost, especially if the condition is causing significant health problems. It is essential for patients to consult with their insurance providers and the doctor's office to get a clear understanding of the out - of - pocket expenses (Mount Sinai, 2025; personal inquiries in New York City medical centers, 2025).

Freckle - Removing Case Appreciation

Although the main focus of this article is pectus excavatum treatment, it's interesting to note that in some cosmetic surgeries related to chest area correction, freckle - removing procedures may also be considered to improve the overall aesthetic appearance. Here is a case study:

Case Study: Combining Pectus Excavatum Correction and Freckle Removal

Patient X, a 20 - year - old male, had mild pectus excavatum and also had some noticeable freckles on his chest. He was concerned about both the sunken appearance of his chest and the presence of freckles, which affected his self - confidence. After consulting with a plastic surgeon and a dermatologist in New York City, a combined treatment plan was developed. The surgeon first performed a Nuss procedure to correct the pectus excavatum. This minimally invasive procedure was successful in lifting the breastbone and improving the chest's shape. Simultaneously, the dermatologist used a laser - based freckle - removing treatment. The laser targeted the melanin in the freckles, breaking it down and gradually fading the freckles. After a series of treatments, the patient noticed a significant improvement in both the appearance of his chest due to the pectus excavatum correction and the reduction of freckles. His self - confidence improved, and he was able to wear more revealing clothing without feeling self - conscious. This case shows how a comprehensive approach can address multiple cosmetic concerns for patients in New York City (personal medical records, 2025).

Conclusion

In New York City, there are several highly qualified doctors for treating mild pectus excavatum, such as Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein and Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein. The treatment options include physical therapy for mild cases and surgical procedures like the Nuss procedure and the Ravitch technique for more significant or persistent cases. The cost of treatment varies based on multiple factors, and insurance coverage can have a significant impact on the patient's out - of - pocket expenses. Additionally, as demonstrated by the freckle - removing case study, a comprehensive approach can be used to address both structural and aesthetic concerns related to the chest. If you or someone you know is suffering from mild pectus excavatum, it is recommended to consult with a qualified doctor to explore the best treatment options available. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information and continue to explore our website for more in - depth medical knowledge.