Introduction
Chest plastic reconstruction is a crucial area of medical care, especially for individuals who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer or those with congenital abnormalities. In New York City, a vibrant hub of medical excellence, there are numerous public departments and professionals dedicated to providing high - quality chest plastic reconstruction services. This article aims to explore and rank the top public departments for chest plastic reconstruction in the city, based on various factors such as doctor ratings, experience, available techniques, and patient satisfaction.
Overview of Chest Plastic Reconstruction
Chest plastic reconstruction, also known as breast reconstruction, is a surgical procedure used to restore one or both breasts to a more normal appearance after a mastectomy. It can also be used to correct congenital abnormalities. There are two main types of breast reconstruction: flap and implant - based. Flap reconstruction uses tissue from other areas of the body, while implant - based reconstruction uses silicone or saline implants.
| Reconstruction Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flap Reconstruction | Uses tissue (skin, fat, and muscle) from other areas of the body to reconstruct the breast. Examples include tram flap, free tram flap, diep flap, tug and dug flaps, and gluteus flap. | Results in a more natural - feeling breast; eliminates the risk of complications from implants | More complex surgery; longer recovery time; potential donor - site complications |
| Implant - Based Reconstruction | Uses a silicone or saline implant to rebuild the breast. A tissue expander is often used first to stretch the skin. | Less invasive option; shorter recovery time | Risk of capsular contracture and implant rupture; may not feel as natural as a flap reconstruction |
Factors Considered for Ranking
When ranking the public departments for chest plastic reconstruction in New York City, several factors are taken into account:
- Doctor Ratings: Patient reviews and ratings of the plastic surgeons in the department can provide insights into the quality of care and patient satisfaction. Higher ratings often indicate better surgical skills, communication, and bedside manner.
- Years of Experience: Surgeons with more years of experience in breast reconstruction are likely to be more proficient in handling complex cases and achieving better results. Their experience also means they are more likely to have encountered a wide range of complications and know how to manage them effectively.
- Available Techniques: Departments that offer a wide range of reconstruction techniques, including both flap and implant - based methods, can provide patients with more options to suit their individual needs and preferences.
- Research and Innovation: Departments that are actively involved in research and innovation are more likely to offer the latest and most advanced treatments. This can lead to better outcomes for patients, such as reduced recovery time and fewer complications.
- Patient - Centered Care: Providing personalized care, taking the time to understand the patient's goals and concerns, and offering support throughout the entire process are essential aspects of a high - quality chest plastic reconstruction department.
Top Public Departments and Surgeons in New York City
Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Care
Columbia University is one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Its plastic surgery division has the experience that few other programs can match. The department offers a wide range of plastic and reconstructive surgery services, including breast reconstruction after breast cancer.
- Expert Surgeons: The clinical staff consists of highly skilled plastic surgeons proficient in multiple areas of specialization. For example, Christine Rohde, MD, is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, body contouring, cosmetic surgery, and breast, trauma, and cancer reconstruction. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, MD, is an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters and has been included multiple times in lists of America's top doctors.
- Research - Driven Approach: The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is conducting numerous research studies, including those related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. A major focus is on applications of gene therapy to wound healing, which can potentially improve the recovery process for breast reconstruction patients.
- Comprehensive Services: In addition to breast reconstruction, the department offers cosmetic care, cleft palate/cleft lip care, orthoplastic surgery care, and more. This comprehensive approach allows patients to receive all - around care in one place.
Doctors at Healthgrades - Rated High for Breast Reconstruction
Healthgrades has identified several doctors in New York City who perform breast reconstruction with high ratings.
| Doctor Name | Rating | Number of Ratings | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Philip Torina, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 19 | 5 E 98th St #2 New York, NY 10029 |
| Dr. Kimberly Van Zee, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 32 | 300 E 66th St New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Evan Matros, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 25 | 1275 York Ave New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Alexander Swistel, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 225 | 425 E. 61st St. 8 - 11th floor New York, NY 10065 |
US News - Listed Plastic Surgeons
US News has listed several plastic surgeons in New York who are known for their work in breast reconstruction.
- Dr. Ernest S. Chiu, MD: He has more than 20 years of experience in plastic surgery, including general plastic surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, plastic & reconstructive microsurgery, and wound healing. His clinic at 240 East 38th street, New York, NY, 10016, is a well - known destination for patients seeking high - quality plastic surgery services.
- Dr. Jarrod T. Bogue, MD: Affiliated with New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, he has been in practice between 5 – 10 years. He specializes in burn, plastic & reconstructive microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and general plastic surgery.
- Dr. David L. Abramson, MD: With more than 20 years of experience and affiliation with Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health, he offers aesthetic/cosmetic plastic surgery, breast reconstruction, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Travel for Surgery - Dr. Joshua L. Levine
Dr. Joshua L. Levine is a world - renowned surgeon who treats patients from across the US and around the world. His practice offers first - class concierge care to traveling patients.
- Advanced Microsurgical Procedures: He is known for his highly sophisticated, advanced microsurgical procedures in natural tissue breast reconstruction. Patients are attracted to his expertise in this area, as it can provide more natural - looking results.
- Multiple Reconstruction Centers: In addition to his flagship office in New York City, he has developed 12 other dedicated natural tissue breast reconstruction centers in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area. This allows patients to choose a location that is most convenient for them.
- Support for Traveling Patients: The practice provides assistance with travel and accommodation arrangements, making it easier for patients to travel for their surgeries. They also offer guidance on the best times to fly in for consultations or surgeries.
Breast Reconstruction Center NYC
The Breast Reconstruction Center NYC is committed to helping patients achieve their breast surgery goals, with beautiful and natural - looking results.
- Board - Certified Surgeons: The center's best - in - class board - certified breast surgery specialist plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery procedures. They are members of numerous professional societies, indicating their high level of expertise and commitment to the field.
- Comprehensive Surgical Options: The center offers a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction, including immediate breast reconstruction, delayed breast reconstruction, and revisions of breast reconstructions. They also provide services such as areola reshaping, breast implant removal, and nipple correction.
- Patient - Centered Approach: The surgeons at the center take the time to understand each patient's needs and work closely with their doctors or cancer specialists. They also offer in - person and virtual consultations, making it convenient for patients to get the information they need.
How to Choose the Right Department and Surgeon
Choosing the right public department and surgeon for chest plastic reconstruction is a crucial decision. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice:
- Research: Look for departments and surgeons with a good reputation. Check online reviews, ratings, and patient testimonials. Explore their websites to learn about their experience, available techniques, and research activities.
- Consultation: Schedule consultations with multiple surgeons. During the consultation, ask questions about the procedure, risks, recovery time, and expected results. Pay attention to how the surgeon communicates with you and whether they take the time to understand your concerns.
- Credentials: Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Check their memberships in professional organizations, as this can indicate their commitment to maintaining high standards of care.
- Insurance: If you have insurance, find out which departments and surgeons are in - network. Also, check if the department offers insurance liaison services to help you navigate the insurance process.
- Personal Comfort: Trust your instincts. Choose a surgeon and department where you feel comfortable and confident. The relationship between you and your surgeon is an important factor in the success of your breast reconstruction.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several excellent public departments and surgeons for chest plastic reconstruction. Each department has its own strengths, whether it's the experience of the surgeons, the range of available techniques, the research - driven approach, or the patient - centered care. When considering breast reconstruction, it's important to do thorough research, have consultations with multiple surgeons, and make a decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
If you or someone you know is considering chest plastic reconstruction in New York City, take the time to explore the options mentioned in this article. Share this information with others who may find it useful, and don't hesitate to reach out to the departments or surgeons for more information and consultations. Start your journey towards restoring your confidence and well - being today.
