Introduction
Accessory breast fat pads can cause discomfort and self - consciousness for many individuals in New York City. Removing these fat pads often requires the expertise of a reliable hospital and experienced surgeons. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and medical facilities in New York City known for their proficiency in removing accessory breast fat pads. We will consider various factors such as surgical techniques, patient satisfaction, doctor ratings, and post - operative care.
What are Accessory Breast Fat Pads?
Accessory breast tissue, also known as supernumerary breasts or polymastia, is the presence of additional breast tissue outside the normal breast area. This extra tissue is usually located in the armpit (axillary) region but can also be found in other areas of the body. Accessory breast fat pads are abnormal clumps of breast - related fat that can cause both physical and emotional distress. Many people with this condition often feel self - conscious about their appearance and may experience discomfort, such as tightness or soreness.
According to research, accessory breast tissue is often genetic. Dr. Preminger explains, “accessory breast tissue, or underarm fat, is often genetic – a lot of family members, mothers and daughters, can actually have the same problem.”
Considerations for Choosing a Hospital
Surgeon Expertise
The skill and experience of the surgeon are crucial factors. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have a proven track record in performing accessory breast fat pad removal surgeries. They should be able to discuss different surgical techniques, potential risks, and expected outcomes with the patient.
Surgical Techniques
Modern and minimally invasive surgical techniques are preferred as they often result in less scarring, quicker recovery times, and fewer complications. Hospitals that offer a variety of surgical options, such as tumescent liposuction or specialized breast tissue removal methods, are more likely to provide personalized treatment.
Patient Satisfaction
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give an insight into the quality of care provided by the hospital. High patient satisfaction rates indicate that the hospital is likely to offer a positive experience from consultation to post - operative follow - up.
Post - operative Care
Adequate post - operative care is essential for a successful recovery. This includes pain management, wound care instructions, and follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process.
Top Hospitals in New York City for Removing Accessory Breast Fat Pads
1. Manhattan Armpit Fat Surgery by Dr. Preminger
Dr. Preminger is a well - known Manhattan plastic surgeon who specializes in accessory breast tissue surgery. Her approach is highly patient - centric, taking into account the individual needs and concerns of each patient.
**Surgical Techniques**: She offers coolsculpting, liposuction, or breast tissue removal surgery to treat axillary breast tissue. Today, a minimally invasive method is used for axillary breast tissue removal. A minimal incision is made, and the tumescent liposuction technique is used to aspirate the breast and fat tissue. When nipples or areolas are present, they are excised after the liposuction portion of the procedure, and extra skin is removed using a small fusiform incision.
**Patient Experience**: Patients report great satisfaction after the surgery. Many have come forward to share their positive experiences, such as the mother - daughter pair where the mother had the surgery first, and then the daughter followed. The daughter said, “I’ve had this problem my whole life and I didn’t know that anything could be done for it.”
**Procedure Details**: - **Procedure Length**: 1 - 3 hours - **Anesthesia**: Local - **In/Out Patient**: Outpatient - **Risks**: Scarring, infection, persistent arm tightness - **Side Effects**: Bruising, inflammation, lymphedema, numbness - **Recovery**: Patients can be back at work in as little as 1 week, although 3 weeks is ideal. They can resume light exercise at 1 week and strenuous activity at 4 - 6 weeks as directed. Swelling usually resolves in 2 weeks, and full improvement is visible at six months.
2. Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Although mainly known for breast reduction surgeries, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC also has the expertise to handle accessory breast fat pad removal. The center is located on the upper east side in Manhattan and offers a state - of - the - art facility with a focus on personalized patient care.
**Surgeon Expertise**: The breast reduction specialist surgeons at this center are top - rated board - certified/board - eligible plastic surgeons. They have extensive experience in breast - related surgeries and can provide high - quality surgical care.
**Patient Environment**: Patients enjoy a beautiful private and relaxed environment that fosters personalized attention. The center aims to make the surgical experience as easy and comfortable as possible for the patients.
**Insurance and Financing**: The center is in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (but does 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 the patient has out - of - network benefits. They also offer options for financing, such as CareCredit, to help patients manage their out - of - pocket healthcare expenses.
3. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery is an expert in aesthetic breast surgery. His experience and skills can be applied to accessory breast fat pad removal procedures.
**Surgical Techniques**: He uses two different techniques for breast - related surgeries: the circumvertical (vertical / “lollipop”) or the anchor / wise pattern. To minimize scarring, he uses the vertical pattern unless the reduction required is large. He may also perform small - volume liposuction of the armpit area to ensure a natural - looking result.
**Patient Care and Safety**: Dr. Zuckerman's breast reduction surgeries are performed under general anesthesia with a board - certified anesthesiologist present. His in - office operating room in midtown Manhattan is state - of - the - art and certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF), ensuring a high standard of care.
**Recovery and Aftercare**: After surgery, patients are provided with a specialty surgical bra to support the breasts and aid in the healing process. Dr. Zuckerman also applies a long - acting local anesthetic called Exparel® to minimize postoperative pain and discomfort.
4. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Dr. John E. Sherman, a board - certified plastic surgeon, understands the physical and emotional implications of breast - related issues, including accessory breast fat pads. He offers personalized surgical plans to meet the needs and goals of his patients.
**Treatment Options**: For patients with accessory breast fat pads, he may recommend breast reduction surgery, which involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. In some cases, liposuction can also be used as a minimally invasive option to reduce the size of the fat pads.
**Consultation and Preparation**: During the consultation, Dr. Sherman discusses the various incision techniques available, the risks and benefits of the procedure, and what to expect during recovery. He also provides detailed preoperative instructions, such as discontinuing certain medications and avoiding nicotine products to ensure a smooth surgical process and desirable results.
5. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world’s most celebrated plastic surgeons. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is known for his meticulous precision and ability to create remarkably natural - looking results in breast - related surgeries, including accessory breast fat pad removal.
**Surgical Process**: The breast reduction (which can be applicable to accessory breast fat pad removal) begins with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient throughout the procedure. Incision types depend on the amount of breast tissue to be removed, such as around the areola, at the crease under the breast then up to the nipple, or around the areola and down to the base of the breast.
**Post - operative Support**: After the surgery, Dr. Antell provides detailed instructions for recovery and aftercare. Patients are given a compression dressing, and swelling and bruising are expected but usually subside over time. He and his staff are available to assist patients throughout the recovery period.
Comparing the Hospitals
| Hospital/Doctor | Surgical Techniques | Patient Experience | Recovery Time | Insurance and Financing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan Armpit Fat Surgery by Dr. Preminger | Minimally invasive methods like tumescent liposuction, excision of nipples/areolas if necessary | High patient satisfaction, with many success stories | Back at work in 1 - 3 weeks, full improvement at 6 months | Not detailed in the available information |
| Breast Reduction Center of NYC | Breast reduction techniques, nerve - block for pain management | Patients report a positive experience with personalized care | Quick recovery times with relatively minimal complications | In - network with some insurers, financing options available |
| Zuckerman Plastic Surgery | Circumvertical or anchor/wise pattern incisions, possible armpit liposuction | Emphasis on patient safety and high - quality results | Resume normal activities in 2 weeks, avoid strenuous tasks for 4 weeks | Not detailed in the available information |
| Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice | Breast reduction and liposuction options | Personalized surgical plans and consultation process | Return to light activity in a few days, avoid strenuous activity for 4 - 6 weeks | Not detailed in the available information |
| Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice | Incisions based on tissue amount, reshaping and repositioning of nipples | Expert surgeon with a reputation for natural - looking results | Return to many daily activities in days, full results visible in 6 months | Check with insurance company for coverage |
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, removing accessory breast fat pads comes with certain risks. Some common risks and complications include:
- **Scarring**: Incisions made during the surgery will result in scars. However, modern surgical techniques aim to minimize scarring. For example, minimally invasive methods like the ones used by Dr. Preminger often lead to less visible scars.
- **Infection**: There is a risk of infection at the incision site. Patients are usually prescribed antibiotics to prevent this, and proper wound care is essential.
- **Bleeding or Hematoma Formation**: Excessive bleeding or the formation of a hematoma (a collection of blood outside the blood vessels) can occur. Surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk during the surgery.
- **Changes in Nipple or Breast Sensation**: Some patients may experience altered nipple or breast sensation after the surgery. In most cases, this resolves over time, but in rare cases, it can be permanent.
- **Remaining Breast Asymmetry**: Achieving perfect symmetry can be challenging, and there may be some degree of breast asymmetry after the surgery.
- **Fat Necrosis**: This is the death of fat cells in the breast tissue. It can cause lumps or a change in the texture of the breast.
Patient Preparation for the Procedure
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful surgery and recovery. Here are some steps patients can take:
Medical Evaluation
Undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including a physical examination, blood tests, and possibly a mammogram. This helps the surgeon assess the patient's overall health and any potential risks.
Lifestyle Changes
- Quit smoking at least several weeks before the surgery, as smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to improve overall health and prepare the body for surgery.
- Avoid taking certain medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and some herbal supplements. Consult with the surgeon about which medications to stop.
Arrangements for Recovery
- Arrange for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and to assist with daily activities during the initial recovery period.
- Set up a comfortable recovery area at home with essentials such as pillows, ice packs, and easy - to - reach medications.
- Stock up on nutritious food and drinks to support the healing process.
Conclusion
Removing accessory breast fat pads can have a significant impact on a person's physical comfort and self - confidence. In New York City, there are several excellent hospitals and medical practices that offer high - quality surgical services for this procedure. Hospitals like those led by Dr. Preminger, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, Dr. John E. Sherman, and Dr. Darrick Antell all have their unique strengths in terms of surgical techniques, patient care, and post - operative support.
When choosing a hospital, it is important for patients to consider their specific needs, the expertise of the surgeon, the surgical techniques used, and the post - operative care provided. By making an informed decision, patients can increase the likelihood of a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.
If you are considering having your accessory breast fat pads removed, we encourage you to schedule consultations with multiple providers. During these consultations, you can ask questions, discuss your concerns, and get a better understanding of the procedure. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below and share this article with others who may benefit from this information.
