The top 5 hospitals in the selected rankings for breast reconstruction surgery in New York City!
Breast reconstruction surgery is a crucial procedure for many women who have undergone mastectomies or other breast - related surgeries. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals that offer exceptional breast reconstruction services. In this article, we will explore the top 5 hospitals based on various factors such as expertise of surgeons, available techniques, patient satisfaction, and hospital rankings.
1. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Hospital Overview
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai has a remarkable reputation in the medical field. Since 2006, it has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine consecutive years. Moreover, it has achieved Magnet® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services. This hospital has a long - standing commitment to providing high - quality care across various specialties, including breast reconstruction.
Breast Reconstruction Program
Dr. Joshua Levine established the first dedicated perforator flap breast reconstruction program in New York City, the New York Center for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction, at this hospital in 2006. The hospital offers state - of - the - art natural tissue breast reconstruction. Dr. Levine works with expert breast surgeons and has personally directed the advanced training of surgical teams in state - of - the - art procedures. These teams have advanced skills in natural breast reconstruction, which is crucial for complex procedures.
For example, in perforator flap breast reconstruction, having a highly skilled team can navigate the complexities of the procedure, minimize risks, and ensure better patient outcomes. The use of a second expert microsurgeon during perforator flap breast reconstruction in a team approach, as practiced here, also helps in making the procedure more efficient, reducing the time of operation and ensuring faster patient recovery with fewer complications.
Patient Experience
With its focus on excellence in nursing services, patients at this hospital can expect a high level of care and support. The Magnet® status indicates that the nursing staff is highly competent, providing not only physical care but also emotional support during the often - difficult breast reconstruction process. The hospital’s long - standing reputation also gives patients confidence in the quality of the medical procedures they will undergo.
2. Hackensack University Medical Center
Hospital Standing
Hackensack University Medical Center has earned a distinguished place in the medical landscape. It has been recognized as New Jersey’s #1 hospital and is among the top 30 hospitals in the nation to have 10 or more (11) national specialty rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 - 15 best hospitals rankings. This indicates the hospital’s broad - based excellence across multiple medical specialties.
Breast Reconstruction Expertise
Dr. Joshua Levine also has an affiliation with this hospital, where he has created dedicated hospital programs and expert surgical teams for state - of - the - art natural breast reconstruction. The hospital’s high national ranking suggests that it has the necessary resources, advanced equipment, and skilled medical professionals to provide high - quality breast reconstruction surgery. The experienced surgical teams can offer a wide range of breast reconstruction options, from implant - based reconstruction to more complex flap procedures.
Patient Benefits
Patients can benefit from the hospital’s overall high - quality infrastructure and support services. The hospital’s multiple national specialty rankings imply that in case of any additional medical needs during or after the breast reconstruction surgery, patients can access expert care in other related fields. For example, if there are any complications related to general health or post - operative care, the hospital has the expertise to handle them effectively.
3. Weill Cornell Medicine
Comprehensive Care Approach
Weill Cornell Medicine offers a unique approach to breast reconstruction. Its plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field and have been at the forefront of the evolution of breast reconstruction. For over 20 years, the hospital has been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction, which positions it as a leader in this technique.
The hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach, where plastic and reproductive surgeons are part of the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center. This center includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, addressing not only the physical aspects of breast reconstruction but also the overall health and well - being during the breast cancer treatment journey.
Advanced Reconstruction Options
Almost all breast reconstructions at Weill Cornell Medicine are performed on the same day as the mastectomy. The hospital offers both autologous reconstruction (using the patient’s own tissue from areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks) and implant - based reconstruction. They also have innovative techniques such as breast reinnervation. During autologous reconstruction, a novel reinnervation procedure can be performed in about 20 minutes, where a nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest. In implant - based reconstruction, the surgeons have developed a new technique to preserve and reconnect the nerves that supply the skin and nipple, improving sensation and patient quality of life.
Patient - Centered Focus
The hospital’s team prioritizes patient 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, the latest anesthetics and medications are used to ensure faster recovery and healing. After surgery, the care team manages pain with medication and teaches patients how to care for themselves during the recovery process.
4. Mount Sinai West
Renowned Leadership
The breast reconstruction program at Mount Sinai West is led by Hani Sbitany, MD, an internationally renowned leader in breast reconstruction. Under his leadership, the program offers the full complement of breast reconstruction options and specialized expertise in advanced muscle - sparing and microsurgical techniques. These advanced techniques are not available at many other medical centers, which gives the hospital a competitive edge in providing high - quality breast reconstruction services.
Comprehensive Breast Care
The hospital’s breast reconstruction program works closely with breast oncology surgeons to provide comprehensive breast care. Patients can benefit from a coordinated approach that addresses both the cancer treatment and the subsequent breast reconstruction. The two main categories of breast reconstruction available are those involving breast implants and those using the patient’s own tissue (autologous). The reconstruction procedure can usually be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date, depending on the patient’s needs and condition.
Patient - Oriented Services
Patients can easily make an appointment by calling 212 - 523 - 8700. The program also provides patients with the opportunity to review the different reconstruction options with breast reconstruction specialists. This ensures that patients can make an informed decision about which approach is best for them, based on their individual circumstances and preferences.
5. New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
National Recognition
New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is a top - ranked hospital in the nation. It was named the top hospital in New York and made the honor roll as No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals rankings. The institution is recognized for its excellence in 14 adult specialties and 8 children’s specialties, including high - quality surgical oncology expertise in breast surgery, among other areas.
Surgical Excellence
The hospital has a long - standing reputation for surgical excellence. It offers state - of - the - art surgical advances in various fields. In the context of breast reconstruction, the hospital’s skilled surgeons can leverage the overall high - level surgical expertise and resources available. The high - performing surgical and medical interventions from the surgeons, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report, suggest that patients can expect a high - quality breast reconstruction procedure with good outcomes.
Multidisciplinary Support
Given its comprehensive range of specialties, patients undergoing breast reconstruction at this hospital can access a wide range of support services. For example, in case of any post - operative complications or the need for additional medical support related to other health conditions, the hospital has a network of experts in different fields who can collaborate to provide the best possible care.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Reconstruction
Surgeon Expertise
The skill and experience of the surgeons performing breast reconstruction are of utmost importance. Look for surgeons who are board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and have extensive experience in breast reconstruction procedures. For example, Dr. Joshua Levine at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and Hackensack University Medical Center is a world - renowned surgeon who has trained many other surgeons in advanced techniques. Dr. Ross Ratner at Doctors Plastic Surgery is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful breast reconstruction procedures.
Available Techniques
Different hospitals offer various breast reconstruction techniques, including implant - based reconstruction, flap reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue (such as DIEP flap, TRAM flap, and latissimus dorsi flap), and nipple and areola reconstruction. A hospital that offers a wide range of options can better tailor the procedure to the patient’s individual needs, body type, and preferences. For instance, Weill Cornell Medicine offers innovative reinnervation techniques during both autologous and implant - based reconstruction to improve patient sensation and quality of life.
Patient Satisfaction
Reading patient testimonials and reviews can give you an idea of the patient experience at a particular hospital. Positive reviews regarding the quality of care, communication with the medical team, and the final results of the breast reconstruction are good indicators. For example, at Doctors Plastic Surgery, many patients have shared their satisfaction with the care and results of their breast reconstruction, highlighting the surgeon’s ability to listen to their needs and provide personalized care.
Hospital Reputation
Hospitals with a good reputation, such as those ranked highly in national or regional hospital rankings, are generally more likely to provide high - quality care. Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program, and other independent organizations can be used as a reference. As mentioned earlier, New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai have strong reputations based on such rankings.
Multidisciplinary Care
Breast reconstruction is often part of a larger breast cancer treatment journey. Hospitals that offer multidisciplinary care, with a team of oncologists, geneticists, nurses, and plastic surgeons working together, can provide more comprehensive and coordinated care. Weill Cornell Medicine’s approach, where the plastic surgeons are part of a larger breast center that includes other breast - cancer - specialized professionals, is an excellent example of this.
Common Questions About Breast Reconstruction
How long will the surgery take?
The surgery typically takes 2 to 6 hours, depending on the type of reconstruction being performed. For example, flap procedures may take longer due to their complexity compared to implant - based reconstructions. Your surgeon will provide a more accurate estimate during your consultation.
Will I need multiple surgeries?
Some patients may require more than one surgery to achieve the final desired outcome. This can include procedures for nipple reconstruction, adjustments to the reconstructed breast, or symmetry procedures on the opposite breast. For instance, after an initial breast reconstruction, a patient may choose to have a separate procedure for nipple and areola reconstruction.
How soon after a mastectomy can I have breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction can be done immediately following a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). The timing will depend on your health, cancer treatment plan, and personal preference. For example, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation after a mastectomy, you may choose delayed reconstruction to ensure that the surgical site has fully healed and that the body can better tolerate the additional procedure.
Is breast reconstruction surgery painful?
Pain is usually managed with medication, and most patients find the discomfort to be manageable. Your surgeon will work with you to ensure your pain is well - controlled during recovery. For example, in the post - operative period, painkillers are prescribed, and the medical team monitors the patient’s pain levels to adjust the medication as needed.
What is the difference between implant - based and flap - based reconstruction?
Implant - based reconstruction uses silicone or saline implants to create the new breast mound, while flap - based reconstruction uses tissue from another part of your body, such as the abdomen or back. Implant - based reconstruction is often a relatively straightforward procedure, but flap - based reconstruction can provide a more natural look and feel. For example, a DIEP flap procedure uses tissue from the abdomen, which can result in a more realistic - looking breast compared to an implant - based reconstruction.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wealth of options for women seeking breast reconstruction surgery. The top 5 hospitals mentioned - New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Hackensack University Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Mount Sinai West, and New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center - all bring unique strengths to the table, including expert surgeons, advanced techniques, and patient - centered care. When choosing a hospital for breast reconstruction, it is essential to consider factors such as surgeon expertise, available techniques, patient satisfaction, hospital reputation, and multidisciplinary care.
If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for consultations. Learn more about their services, meet the surgeons, and make an informed decision that is right for your individual needs. Don’t hesitate to take the next step towards restoring your confidence and well - being through breast reconstruction.
