Introduction
Breast incision scar repair is a crucial aspect of post - breast surgery care, especially for patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery or other breast - related procedures. In New York City, a metropolis known for its world - class medical facilities, there are several hospitals that stand out for their excellence in breast incision scar repair. This article will explore the top 5 hospitals in New York City for this specialized treatment, highlighting their unique features, treatment options, and the expertise of their medical teams.
1. NYU Winthrop Hospital
Overview
NYU Winthrop is the long - island affiliate of NYU Langone Health and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top - 10 New York metro - area hospitals. Founded in 1896 by local physicians and concerned citizens, it is now a 591 - bed medical academic center and ACS level 1 trauma center, featuring more than 75 divisions of specialty care.
Hidden Scar Approach to Breast Surgery
NYU Winthrop has earned the distinction of being Long Island's first Hidden Scar® Center of Excellence. This is a breakthrough approach in breast cancer surgery that aims to remove cancerous tissue while hiding visible scarring. More than 65 percent of women who have undergone breast cancer surgery are reported to be left feeling self - conscious and unhappy with the remaining scar. The Hidden Scar® approach addresses this issue.
There are two main surgical treatment options for breast cancer: breast - conserving lumpectomy (removing only part of the breast tissue) and mastectomy (removing all of the breast tissue). The Hidden Scar® approach can be used in either situation. The smaller incision of this approach requires consistent illumination of the surgical cavity, which is guided by advanced photonics – Intelligent Photonics® technology. This technology improves visibility within the breast cavity, allowing surgeons to clearly see and effectively remove the tumor.
The specially trained surgeons at NYU Winthrop remove the cancerous tissue through a single incision made in a hidden area, such as the natural crease beneath the breast, in the armpit hidden in a natural fold, or along the edges of the areola (which is a nipple - sparing technique and very desirable for some mastectomies). Patients who undergo the Hidden Scar® approach experience optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes and are at no higher risk of cancer recurrence than those who undergo other breast cancer surgical techniques. However, the procedure is available to most breast cancer candidates, with some exclusions based on the size and location of a tumor, breast shape, and breast size.
Medical Team
The medical team at NYU Winthrop is highly qualified. Virginia Maurer, MD, the chief of breast surgery and director of the breast health program, plays a crucial role in promoting and implementing the Hidden Scar® approach. She believes this procedure will become the new 'normal' for breast cancer surgery. Shubhada Dhage, MD, the director of breast surgical services and associate director of breast health, also emphasizes the hospital's goal of going above and beyond standards of care, taking into account the patient's emotional well - being and long - term needs.
2. Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Overall Reputation
Columbia University's plastic and reconstructive surgery program is one of New York’s best and the world’s top medical centers. The clinical staff consists of plastic surgeons who are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, ranging from routine, non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations and body contouring surgery after significant weight loss. The division is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery and is a recognized national and international leader in the field.
Breast Reconstructive Care
The Columbia breast cancer reconstructive surgery program is dedicated to empowering individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery to reclaim their physical and emotional well - being. It brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.
In addition to breast reconstruction, the program offers a variety of other plastic surgery services. The cosmetic care program provides surgical and non - surgical options to improve cosmetic health, including ear and eyelid lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, etc. The reconstructive care services cover issues like breast reconstruction after breast cancer, skin lesion excision, and reconstructive surgery for the nose and ears. There are also specialized programs for cleft palate/cleft lip care and orthoplastic surgery care.
Medical Team
The plastic surgery team at Columbia is composed of many highly skilled surgeons. Christine Rohde, MD, the chief of the division of plastic surgery, is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, body contouring, cosmetic surgery, and breast, trauma, and cancer reconstruction. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, MD, has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters and has been included in lists of America’s top doctors. Jarrod T. Bogue, MD, specializes in microsurgery, orthoplastic surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, as well as cancer and trauma reconstruction. Thomas A. Imahiyerobo, MD, is a national leader in the treatment of cleft lip, cleft palate, craniosynostosis, and other related conditions.
3. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (Affiliated with Dr. Joshua Levine)
Travel and Patient - Centered Care
Many patients, both local and international, choose to travel to New York to seek the surgical expertise of Dr. Joshua L. Levine. The practice provides first - class concierge care to traveling patients, making the trip convenient and supported. Whether a patient is from the tri - state area or traveling from afar, arrangements can be made for surgery. Local patients will meet with Dr. Levine prior to scheduling surgery, while out - of - town patients will meet with him the day of or the day before their scheduled surgery.
Hospital Affiliation and Rankings
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, where Dr. Levine's surgeries are affiliated, has an excellent reputation. It has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006. The hospital has also achieved Magnet® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services.
Advanced Microsurgical Procedures
Dr. Levine is known for his highly sophisticated, advanced microsurgical procedures in natural tissue breast reconstruction. Patients from across the U.S. and around the world come to him not only for his surgical skills but also for the unique patient - centered care. The practice has also developed 12 other dedicated natural tissue breast reconstruction centers in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area.
4. Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center
Comprehensive Breast Care
The Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center focuses on providing comforting, supportive, and compassionate care at every step of the breast surgery process. The center cares for patients in all stages of breast cancer, focusing not only on the prevention and treatment of the disease but also on breast reconstruction approaches that preserve tissue and restore the patient's natural contour.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine
There are several reasons to choose Weill Cornell Medicine for breast surgery. Firstly, the exemplary surgeons have extensive training, expertise, and a passion for improving patients’ health and lives with surgical treatment. The team of experts at the Weill Cornell breast center has advanced many of the latest standards for breast cancer prevention and treatment today. Secondly, the center provides precision medicine, offering individualized, multidisciplinary care for all stages and types of breast cancer. The team includes experts in treating patients with aggressive biology and advanced disease, as well as providing preventative surgical care for those with high risk. Thirdly, patients have access to a network of doctors and specialists. The breast surgeon may consult with experts in radiation oncology, nutrition, and other medical professionals as needed to help patients achieve the best possible quality of life. Weill Cornell Medicine also partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.
Breast Surgery Options
The center offers a range of advanced surgical treatment options for breast cancer treatment and prevention. These include lumpectomy (removing the cancer and abnormal tissue from the breast without removing other parts of the breast), mastectomy (removing all the breast tissue to prevent or treat breast cancer), sentinel lymph node biopsy (identifying, removing, and evaluating the sentinel lymph node for cancer cells), and breast reconstruction (restoring the shape and contour of the breasts after mastectomy).
5. Mount Sinai West
Expert Breast Care Team
At Mount Sinai West, the team of experts includes breast surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, nurse practitioners, medical and radiation oncologists, and genetic counselors. They have vast experience in treating breast disease, whether it is breast cancer or benign breast disease, and can take care of patients at every step of the diagnosis and treatment process.
Range of Breast Care Services
The hospital offers a wide range of breast care services. For diagnostic purposes, it provides state - of - the - art diagnostic breast imaging and biopsy services, such as 3D mammograms (beneficial for women with dense breast tissue), breast ultrasound with cyst aspiration, breast MRI, stereotactic mammography biopsy, ultrasound - guided core biopsy, MRI - guided core biopsy, and seed/reflector and wire - directed/wireless localization procedures. For treatment, if surgery is recommended, they offer a range of inpatient and outpatient procedures, including minimally invasive breast surgery techniques, sentinel node biopsy and axillary node dissections, breast conservation surgery (lumpectomy), and excisional biopsy, mastectomy (including nipple - sparing and skin - sparing techniques), oncoplastic reconstruction, reconstruction surgery (including microvascular reconstruction), and implant reconstruction (including pre - pectoral implants).
Compassionate and Patient - Friendly Environment
Mount Sinai West provides a compassionate and patient - friendly environment for breast care. With the vast resources of the Mount Sinai Health System and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, it has all the treatment options that patients may need.
Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialty | Unique Features | Patient - Centered Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYU Winthrop Hospital | Hidden Scar® breast cancer surgery | Advanced photonics technology, low scarring, recognized as a Center of Excellence | Consideration of patient's emotional well - being, post - surgery care |
| Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery | Comprehensive plastic and reconstructive surgery for breast and other areas | World - class research, multidisciplinary approach | Personalized care, education programs for patients |
| New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (Affiliated with Dr. Joshua Levine) | Advanced microsurgical natural tissue breast reconstruction | Concierge care for traveling patients, high - ranking hospital | Support with travel and accommodation, long - term follow - up |
| Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center | Precision medicine in breast cancer treatment and reconstruction | Multidisciplinary team, partnership with top hospital system | Individualized care plans, consultation with various specialists |
| Mount Sinai West | Full - range breast care from diagnosis to treatment and reconstruction | State - of - the - art diagnostic tools, variety of surgical options | Compassionate environment, seamless coordination between different departments |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Incision Scar Repair
Medical Expertise
The experience and qualifications of the medical team are of utmost importance. Look for hospitals where the surgeons have a proven track record in breast surgery and scar repair. Check their educational background, years of experience, and any specialized training they may have.
Treatment Options
Consider the range of treatment options available at the hospital. A hospital that offers a variety of techniques, such as the Hidden Scar® approach, microsurgical reconstruction, and different types of breast conservation surgeries, gives you more choices based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Patient - Centered Care
Choose a hospital that provides patient - centered care. This includes aspects such as emotional support during the treatment process, assistance with post - surgery recovery, and addressing your concerns and questions. Hospitals that offer services like patient navigation, social work support, and psychological support can make a big difference in your overall experience.
Reputation and Rankings
Research the hospital's reputation and rankings. Hospitals that are highly ranked by organizations like U.S. News & World Report or have received other notable awards and recognitions are more likely to provide high - quality care.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the treatment and whether your insurance will cover it. Some hospitals may have different pricing structures and may work with different insurance providers. Make sure to clarify these details before making a decision.
Conclusion
In New York City, these top 5 hospitals offer outstanding services for breast incision scar repair. NYU Winthrop Hospital leads with its innovative Hidden Scar® approach, reducing the visible signs of breast cancer surgery. Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery provides a comprehensive range of plastic and reconstructive services with a world - class research background. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, in partnership with Dr. Joshua Levine, offers advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction and excellent patient - centered care for traveling patients. Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center emphasizes precision medicine and a multidisciplinary approach. Mount Sinai West provides a full - spectrum of breast care services in a compassionate environment.
If you or someone you know is in need of breast incision scar repair, it is essential to carefully consider these hospitals based on the factors mentioned above. Reach out to them for consultations, learn more about their services, and make an informed decision. Don't hesitate to take the next step towards getting the best possible care for breast surgery and scar repair. Contact these hospitals, schedule appointments, and start your journey towards recovery and restored confidence.
