Top Four Plastic Surgery Departments for Breast Reconstruction in New York City
Breast reconstruction is a life - changing procedure for many women who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer or other reasons. In New York City, there are numerous plastic surgery departments offering this service, but some stand out for their excellent reputation. Here are the top four that you should consider.
1. Weill Cornell Medicine - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Overview
Weill Cornell Medicine is a top - ranked academic medical center in New York City. Their plastic and reconstructive surgery department has been at the forefront of breast reconstruction techniques. Their team of exemplary surgeons and a multidisciplinary approach make them a leading choice for patients seeking breast reconstruction.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?
- Exemplary Surgeons: The surgeons at Weill Cornell are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle complex breast reconstruction cases. For example, they have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for over 20 years, which positions them as experts in this area.
- Individualized Care: They understand that each patient's body is unique. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons take the time to understand the patient's wishes and create a personalized breast reconstruction plan. This ensures that the reconstructed breast matches the patient's body and expectations as closely as possible.
- Multidisciplinary Team: When you choose Weill Cornell Medicine, you gain access to a network of doctors and specialists. Their plastic and reproductive surgeons are part of the Weill Cornell Medicine breast center, which includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This collaborative approach helps patients achieve optimal health and well - being.
- Focus on Comfort: The team at Weill Cornell prioritizes the patient's comfort at every step. Before surgery, patients have the opportunity to ask questions and fully understand the procedure. In the state - of - the - art surgical suites, they use the latest anesthetics and medications to ensure a quicker recovery and faster healing. After surgery, the care team manages pain and provides guidance on self - care during the recovery process.
Breast Reconstruction Options
| Reconstruction Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Autologous Reconstruction | Uses the patient's own tissue from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks to reconstruct the breast. This type of reconstruction can result in a more natural - feeling breast. They also offer nerve reconstruction to increase sensory recovery in the breasts, which may be numb after mastectomy. |
| Breast Innervation during Reconstruction | For autologous reconstruction, a novel reinnervation procedure can be performed in about 20 minutes by reconnecting a nerve in the abdominal flap to a nerve in the chest. In implant - based reconstruction, they have developed a new technique to preserve and reconnect the nerves that supply the skin and nipple during mastectomy, which has been shown to improve sensation and patient quality of life. |
| Diep Flap Reconstruction | An innovative technique that uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen. It not only reconstructs the breast but also creates a slimmer abdomen. The reconstructed breasts look and feel natural. |
| Implant - Based Reconstruction | They perform breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants based on the patient's unique needs. They utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers, following current practice guidelines. They have also pioneered techniques such as direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without the use of drains. |
2. Breast Reconstruction Center NYC
Overview
The Breast Reconstruction Center NYC is known for its best - in - class plastic surgeons who perform a wide range of aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery procedures. Patients from the NYC tri - state area and around the world seek their services for breast reconstruction, reduction, implant revision, and more.
What Sets Them Apart?
- Comprehensive Services: They offer the full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction following a full or partial mastectomy. This includes immediate breast reconstruction, delayed breast reconstruction, and revisions of breast reconstructions. They also provide services such as areola reshaping, breast implant removal, nipple correction, and reconstruction.
- Board - Certified Surgeons: The plastic surgeons at the center are board - certified and have extensive experience in breast surgery. They are members of numerous professional societies, which reflects their commitment to high - quality care and staying updated with the latest advancements in the field.
- Insurance Assistance: They understand the financial aspect of breast reconstruction. The center works closely with patients and their insurance companies to ensure that patients receive the full benefits to which they are entitled under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.
- Personalized Approach: All breast surgeries are individually tailored to suit the patient's needs. They work with the patient's doctor or cancer specialists for breast cancer reconstruction surgery or post - mastectomy surgery, ensuring a coordinated and personalized treatment plan.
Specific Services
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Reconstructive Breast Surgery | Includes immediate and delayed breast reconstruction, as well as revisions. They can use either the patient's own tissue or breast implants for reconstruction. |
| Areola Reshaping | Corrects inverted or enlarged nipples through a periareolar incision to remove excess skin. |
| Breast Implant Removal | Offers en bloc, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy procedures depending on the patient's desired post - op result. |
| Nipple (Areola) Correction | Corrects problems associated with enlarged, asymmetrical, protruding, or inverted nipples in both men and women. |
| Nipple (Areola) Reconstruction | The final step in breast reconstruction to enhance the aesthetic outcome. |
| Partial Breast Reconstruction | Also known as oncoplastic surgery, it addresses the cosmetic appearance of breasts after lumpectomy, with options varying from patient to patient. |
| Revision Breast Reconstruction | Performed when the initial reconstructive surgery results in an aesthetically disappointing outcome. |
| Secondary Breast Reduction / Lift | Corrects issues such as sagging breasts, uniboob, bottoming out, or asymmetrical breasts that may arise from previous breast surgeries. |
| Cosmetic Breast Surgery | Includes breast augmentation, lift, reduction, nipple reduction, and revision breast augmentation. |
3. Dr. Ross Ratner - Doctors Plastic Surgery
Overview
Dr. Ross Ratner is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon and a leading expert in breast reconstruction surgery in New York City. He and his team at Doctors Plastic Surgery are dedicated to providing high - quality breast reconstruction services with a focus on patient satisfaction.
Why Opt for Dr. Ratner?
- Extensive Experience: With over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures, Dr. Ratner has the skills and knowledge to handle various breast reconstruction cases. His advanced techniques and patient - centered approach set him apart in the field.
- Patient - Centered Care: He believes that every patient deserves personalized care tailored to their unique needs. Dr. Ratner takes the time to understand the patient's goals and ensures that they feel confident and comfortable throughout the entire breast reconstruction journey.
- Membership in Professional Organizations: He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. This membership indicates that he adheres to high professional standards and stays updated with the latest research and techniques in the field.
- Advanced Reconstruction Techniques: The team at Doctors Plastic Surgery uses cutting - edge reconstruction techniques to restore both the form and confidence of breast cancer survivors. Their goal is to achieve aesthetically pleasing results while minimizing recovery time and discomfort.
Breast Reconstruction Process
- Consultation: During the consultation, Dr. Ratner works closely with the patient to understand their individual needs and goals. He collaborates with the breast surgeon to develop the best strategy for reconstruction, considering factors such as age, health, anatomy, and personal preferences. He also provides a comprehensive overview of the procedure, including potential risks and recovery details.
- Technique Selection: Breast reconstruction can be performed using implant - based reconstruction, flap reconstruction using the patient's own tissue, or a combination of both. Dr. Ratner determines the best option based on the patient's body type, health status, and personal preferences.
- Cost and Insurance: Breast reconstruction surgery is typically covered by insurance, especially when it is part of the treatment plan following a mastectomy. However, coverage can vary. Dr. Ratner's practice understands the financial considerations and offers affordable prices and flexible financing options to ensure accessible care.
- Risk Management: Like all surgeries, breast reconstruction carries some risks, but Dr. Ratner and his team significantly reduce the likelihood of complications. They closely monitor and manage common risks such as bleeding, infection, and issues with incision healing. They are also prepared to address specific complications related to flap or implant - based reconstructions.
- Recovery: The recovery process varies depending on the type of procedure. Most patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication. Dr. Ratner provides detailed instructions on caring for the surgical site, activity restrictions, and follow - up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.
4. Dr. Darrick Antell - Antell MD
Overview
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery, with a strong focus on breast reconstruction. He is highly respected in the field and has a long - standing reputation for providing excellent results.
Reasons to Choose Dr. Antell
- Board - Certified Expertise: Dr. Antell is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has been recognized for his achievements and is listed in Harper's Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. His extensive training at Stanford and Cornell has equipped him with the skills to handle complex breast reconstruction cases.
- Empathetic Care: Having performed numerous breast reconstruction surgeries for cancer survivors, Dr. Antell understands the physical and emotional trauma that patients have endured. His sympathetic and caring nature helps patients feel at ease during the breast reconstruction process.
- Customized Approach: He offers a fully customized breast reconstruction procedure based on the patient's individual characteristics and desired outcome. There are two main types of reconstruction: flap and implant - based, and Dr. Antell selects the most appropriate method for each patient.
- Advanced Technology and Facilities: Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art outpatient surgery facility, located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital, is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology. This ensures a safe and comfortable surgical experience for patients.
Breast Reconstruction Techniques
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Flap Reconstruction | Uses tissue (skin, fat, and muscle) from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, to reconstruct the breast. This results in a more natural - feeling breast. Options include the tram flap, free tram flap, diep flap, tug and dug flaps, and gluteus flap. |
| Implant - Based Reconstruction | Uses a silicone or saline implant to rebuild the breast. A tissue expander is usually first placed under the pectoral muscle, and a saline solution is gradually added to stretch the skin. After 6 - 8 weeks, the expander is removed, and the true implant is placed. If enough skin remains, the implant can be placed directly. |
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgery Department
Choosing the right plastic surgery department for breast reconstruction is a crucial decision. Here are some factors to consider:
- Surgeon's Experience: Look for surgeons who have extensive experience in breast reconstruction surgery. Years of practice and a high number of successful procedures are indicators of a skilled surgeon. For example, surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine have long - standing experience in advanced breast reconstruction techniques, and Dr. Ratner has over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful cases.
- Reconstruction Options: The best plastic surgery departments offer a variety of breast reconstruction options, including both tissue - based and implant - based procedures. This allows you to choose the method that best suits your body and preferences. For instance, the Breast Reconstruction Center NYC offers a full spectrum of services, from immediate reconstruction to revision surgeries.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Reading online reviews on reputable platforms such as Google Reviews, Healthgrades, or RealSelf can provide valuable insights into a surgeon's reputation and patient experiences. For example, patients at Weill Cornell Medicine often praise the team's expertise and patient - centered care, and Dr. Ratner's patients share positive experiences about their breast reconstruction journey.
- Insurance Assistance: Since breast reconstruction is often covered by insurance, it is important to choose a plastic surgery department that offers comprehensive insurance liaison services. The Breast Reconstruction Center NYC and Dr. Ratner's practice are both known for helping patients navigate the insurance process.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: A plastic surgery department that works in collaboration with other specialists, such as oncologists and geneticists, can provide more comprehensive care. Weill Cornell Medicine's breast center is a great example of a multidisciplinary team that offers coordinated care for breast cancer patients undergoing reconstruction.
Conclusion
In New York City, the four plastic surgery departments mentioned above - Weill Cornell Medicine, Breast Reconstruction Center NYC, Dr. Ross Ratner at Doctors Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Darrick Antell at Antell MD - are all excellent choices for breast reconstruction surgery. Each of these departments has highly skilled surgeons, offers a variety of reconstruction options, and focuses on patient - centered care. They also take into account the financial and emotional aspects of the procedure, making the breast reconstruction journey as smooth as possible for patients.
If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction surgery, we encourage you to explore these top - rated plastic surgery departments further. Contact them for a consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals, and take the first step towards restoring your confidence and well - being.
