Introduction
For women in New York City dealing with the discomfort and challenges of overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery can be a life - changing solution. This procedure, also known as mammoplasty, not only enhances physical appearance but also relieves pain and improves overall quality of life. In this article, we will explore the top five and top three plastic surgery hospitals for breast reduction in New York City, along with comprehensive information about breast reduction surgery, including its benefits, procedures, recovery, and more.
Understanding Breast Reduction Surgery
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess fat, skin, and tissue from overly large breasts. According to Rowe Plastic Surgery, this procedure can significantly impact a woman's body shape by reducing breast size in relation to the body frame. Most women experience a reduction of one or two cup sizes. During the procedure, surgeons take great care to maintain breast functionality and sensitivity.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
- Relief from Physical Discomfort: Large breasts can cause various physical problems such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor posture, and bra - strap indentations. Breast reduction surgery can alleviate these discomforts. For example, many women report a significant reduction in back pain after the surgery, allowing them to lead a more active lifestyle.
- Improved Self - Confidence: Women with overly large breasts may feel self - conscious or embarrassed. Reducing breast size can boost self - esteem and self - confidence, helping them feel more comfortable in their own skin.
- Enhanced Mobility: Excess breast weight can restrict movement and make it difficult to participate in physical activities. After breast reduction, women often find it easier to exercise and engage in sports.
- Better Fitting Clothing: Finding properly proportioned clothing can be a challenge for women with large breasts. Breast reduction makes it easier to find clothes that fit well.
Who is a Candidate for Breast Reduction?
You may be a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery if you meet the following criteria:
- You suffer from side effects of oversized breasts, such as neck or back pain.
- The size of your breasts is out of proportion with the rest of your body, leading to poor posture.
- The weight of your breasts causes shoulder pain or painful bra indentations on your shoulders.
- The size of your breasts impairs your ability to lead an active lifestyle.
- One of your breasts is larger than the other.
- You are in good overall health.
- You have realistic expectations about the outcomes of mammoplasty.
- You are not a smoker.
Top Five Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Reduction in New York City
1. Rowe Plastic Surgery
Rowe Plastic Surgery offers breast reduction in NYC and NJ. Their team consists of three expert plastic surgeons - Dr. Lisa F. Schneider, Dr. Norman M. Rowe, and Dr. Charles Pierce, along with a large staff of nurses and other team members. Dr. Norman Rowe is highly sought - after in New York City for his expertise in breast reduction surgery. His approach is meticulous, ensuring minimal scarring and maintaining the natural aesthetics of the breasts. The hospital offers various breast reduction techniques, including the pedicle method, inferior pedicle method, superior pedicle method, free nipple graft, anchor incision pattern, and Le Jour incision pattern. The team also takes a collaborative approach between breast and reconstructive surgeons, which is essential for defining areas of excision and designing reduction techniques prior to surgery.
2. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Zuckerman is an expert in aesthetic breast surgery. He trained at elite medical institutions such as Brown University and New York University. Dr. Zuckerman uses two different techniques to perform breast reductions: the circumvertical (vertical/ “lollipop”) and the anchor/wise pattern. He strives to use the vertical pattern to minimize scarring, and estimates that 75% of his breast reductions allow him to do so. His patients often first come in when issues associated with large breasts become too uncomfortable. He can effectively address problems such as breast ptosis, back and shoulder pain, and self - consciousness. In addition, his office has a state - of - the - art, fully equipped operating room certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, offering privacy, discretion, and convenience.
3. Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Located on the upper east side in Manhattan, this center offers breast reduction plastic surgery with or without a breast lift. Most insurance is accepted for the surgery, and they also offer virtual consultations. Their best - in - class NYC - based board - certified/eligible plastic surgeons commonly use an anchor - shape incision when the procedure is medically necessary. The procedure takes about 2 hours under general anesthesia, and patients return home the same day. They also use an innovative surgical technique that doesn't require drains, and a nerve block is carried out to eliminate the need for prescription - strength postoperative medicines.
4. Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is expert at enhancing women's breasts. They take a warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care, providing an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing private and sensitive concerns about their bodies. Before recommending breast reduction surgery, the surgeon helps the patient determine if it is the right choice. The procedure can help patients gain freedom from the physical and emotional burden of large breasts, with benefits such as less neck, back, and shoulder pain, improved self - confidence, and decreased breast size in proportion to the body frame.
5. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rapaport takes a minimally invasive, personalized approach to breast reduction. He has decades of experience and prioritizes patient safety and consistent results. The hospital generally performs breast reduction procedures on - site in their fully accredited Manhattan surgical suite, and in selected cases, at Lenox Hill Hospital or the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital. After surgery, most patients are discharged the same day. The satisfaction rate of breast reduction at this hospital is high, with over 95% of patients being happy with the results according to a study.
Top Three Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Breast Reduction in New York City
1. Rowe Plastic Surgery
As mentioned earlier, Rowe Plastic Surgery stands out for its experienced team of plastic surgeons, collaborative approach, and a wide range of breast reduction techniques. Their patient - centric care from the initial consultation to post - operative follow - ups ensures a smooth and satisfactory experience for patients. The surgeons at Rowe Plastic Surgery are well - versed in handling different patient needs and ensuring optimal results in terms of both aesthetics and comfort.
2. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Zuckerman's expertise in aesthetic breast surgery and his commitment to using techniques that minimize scarring make this hospital a top choice. His ability to customize the procedure according to the patient's anatomy and surgical goals, along with the state - of - the - art facilities and use of long - acting local anesthetic like exparel®, contribute to a high - quality breast reduction experience. The extensive before - and - after image gallery also gives prospective patients a clear idea of the possible outcomes.
3. Breast Reduction Center of NYC
The convenience of accepting most insurance and offering virtual consultations makes this center accessible to a wide range of patients. The use of advanced surgical techniques, such as the anchor - shape incision and the nerve block to reduce postoperative pain, shows their commitment to providing the best possible care. The fact that patients can return home the same day after the 2 - hour procedure under general anesthesia is also a significant advantage.
Types of Breast Reduction Techniques
Different hospitals may use various breast reduction techniques, each with its own advantages and suitability depending on the patient's specific situation. The following are some common techniques:
Pedicle Method
In this technique, the surgeon leaves a pedicle (attached tissue graft) with nerves and blood vessels intact to supply the breast after it's been reduced in size. It helps maintain the blood supply and nerve function to the breast tissue.
Anchor Incision Pattern
This type of incision circles the areola's parameter and then follows a straight line down the middle of the breast to the crease where the breast meets the chest. It is commonly used for more extensive breast reductions and allows the surgeon to remove a significant amount of excess tissue.
Le Jour Incision Pattern
Using this type of incision for breast reduction, the plastic surgeon gains access to the breast parenchyma for removal. This procedure is popular because it leaves minimal scarring, making it a preferred choice for some patients. It is suitable for patients with significant breast fat, minimal excess skin, properly - positioned nipples, and adequately sized areolas.
Breast Reduction Procedure
Pre - operative Steps
Before the breast reduction surgery, patients need to go through several pre - operative steps:
- Initial Consultation: Contact an experienced breast surgeon to learn more about the procedure. The surgeon will discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history.
- Physical Exam: The doctor will carry out a physical examination, review your medical history, and ask further questions to determine if you're a good candidate for mammoplasty. They will also determine the best reduction option based on your chest, height, weight, and body size.
- Pre - operative Requirements: The doctor may take a baseline mammogram, request you to stop taking blood - thinning medications, aspirin, and anti - inflammatories. Smoking should be stopped weeks before the procedure for the best results.
During the Surgery
The general steps of the breast reduction surgery include:
- Incision Marks: The surgeon marks the incision lines on your breasts while you're standing, based on their shape, size, and required reduction.
- Anesthesia: The anesthesiologist puts you under general anesthesia, and stays at hand to monitor you throughout the surgery.
- Incisions: Incisions are made according to the chosen breast reduction technique based on your breasts' anatomy.
- Breast Reduction: The surgeon removes the excess tissue, fat, skin, and glandular tissue from the lower part of your breasts to reduce the size.
- Breast Lift: The bust is reshaped with the remaining breast tissue into natural contours.
- Nipple and Areola Repositioning: The surgeon moves your nipple to a higher location on the breast while it's still attached to its blood supply.
- Closing the Incision: The incisions are brought together, and the doctor uses a combination of skin adhesives, surgical tape, and sutures to close the incision. Whenever possible, absorbent sutures that dissolve naturally are used.
- Dressing: The surgeon dresses the incisions with a gauze bandage and then wraps your bosom in a protective cover.
Post - operative Recovery
Recovery from breast reduction surgery varies from person to person, but generally includes the following aspects:
- Discomfort and Soreness: You may feel some pain and soreness around your breasts during the recovery period. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication or recommend over - the - counter painkillers.
- Return to Work: You can usually return to work in two to three weeks, depending on your job and how you feel. By this stage, you're likely wearing a sports bra for support.
- Exercise Restrictions: Avoid high - intensity exercise, especially running and weight - lifting, for at least a month. Wait until after your follow - up visit to receive exact instructions for a moderate return to physical activities.
- Scarring: Scars are expected due to the incisions. Initially, they may be highly visible, red, or pink, but with proper care, they will fade after several months.
- Final Results: You can expect to see the full results of your surgery in three weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the surgery.
Cost of Breast Reduction Surgery
The cost of breast reduction surgery can vary depending on several factors, such as the current size of your breasts, your goal breast size, your preferred surgeon, and any related medical conditions. In many cases, if the surgery is considered medically necessary due to the physical discomfort caused by large breasts, a significant portion of the costs may be covered by insurance. Hospitals like Rowe Plastic Surgery and Zuckerman Plastic Surgery have insurance experts who can review your case and help you through the insurance approval process. If the reduction is for purely cosmetic reasons or you do not wish to pursue insurance coverage, the hospital can provide you with pricing details.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Reduction
How long will my results last?
The results are long - lasting in most women without the need to repeat the procedure. However, the effects of gravity, normal aging, weight variations, or pregnancy can cause changes in the breasts over time.
When can I sleep without a bra after a breast reduction?
Typically, you can stop wearing the special bra and sleep without one or wear an ordinary bra six weeks after your breast reduction.
At what age can I get a breast reduction?
The best time for a breast reduction is after you're 18 years old or when your breasts have fully developed.
Do breasts grow back after reduction surgery?
Your breasts can grow back if you gain significant weight. However, with proper health and preventive measures, you can avoid this.
Can I get a breast reduction while pregnant?
No, it is advisable to postpone breast reduction surgery until after childbirth. You can have the surgery four to six months after childbirth or after breastfeeding.
Can I have breast reduction surgery twice?
If your breasts increase in size again, your surgeon can recommend a second surgery to achieve the desired bust size.
Where is my surgery performed?
Breast reduction surgery usually takes place at the plastic surgeon's office in a fully equipped ambulatory surgical center. Many of the hospitals mentioned, such as Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, have accredited facilities for this purpose.
Can I breastfeed after surgery?
You can resume breastfeeding after you heal from surgery. However, it may be painful, which is why you're advised against getting the procedure while you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Breast reduction surgery can be a life - changing procedure for women in New York City who are dealing with the challenges of overly large breasts. The top five and top three plastic surgery hospitals mentioned in this article offer high - quality care, experienced surgeons, and a variety of breast reduction techniques. When considering breast reduction, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, understand the procedure and recovery process, and have realistic expectations. Whether it's the expert team at Rowe Plastic Surgery, the scar - minimizing techniques at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, or the insurance - friendly approach at the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, there are options available to meet different patient needs.
If you are suffering from the physical and emotional burdens of large breasts, take the first step and schedule a consultation with one of these top plastic surgery hospitals. It could be the beginning of a new, more comfortable, and confident you.
