Understanding Breast Sagging Suspension Surgery

Over time, breasts can lose their firmness and youthful shape due to various factors such as aging, pregnancy, nursing, and significant weight fluctuations. This often results in sagging breasts, which can have a negative impact on a woman's self - confidence and body image. Breast sagging suspension surgery, also known as breast lift or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to correct this issue. A breast lift tightens, raises, and reshapes sagging breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola, which often stretches as the breasts begin to sag.

The top 5 list of hospitals for breast sagging suspension surgery in New York City is out!

Factors Leading to Breast Sagging

Aging: As women age, the production of collagen and elastin in the body decreases. These proteins are essential for maintaining the skin's elasticity and firmness. Without them, the breast skin becomes thinner and less able to support the breast tissue, leading to sagging.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, the breasts undergo significant changes. The hormonal fluctuations cause the breasts to increase in size and volume as they prepare for breastfeeding. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts may lose volume, but the skin often remains stretched, resulting in sagging.
Weight Changes: Significant weight gain can cause the skin to stretch to accommodate the additional fat. When a person loses a large amount of weight, the skin may not be able to shrink back to its original size, leading to sagging breasts.
Gravity: The constant downward pull of gravity over time can contribute to the sagging of breast tissues.

Top 5 Hospitals for Breast Sagging Suspension Surgery in New York City

1. Hospital Associated with Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is among the most respected breast surgeons practicing in New York. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence in aesthetic surgery. He has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine, and recognized by Harper's Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.

Benefits of Choosing This Hospital

Expertise: Dr. Antell has extensive experience in breast lift procedures. He can create a customized surgical plan based on each patient's unique anatomy and desired results.
State - of - the - Art Facility: The hospital has a private, fully - accredited outpatient surgery facility located just across the street from the world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. It is equipped with the latest technology and designed for patient comfort.
Comprehensive Care: Dr. Antell provides detailed pre - operative and post - operative instructions, and his team offers personalized care throughout the patient's journey.

2. Hospital Associated with Dr. John E. Sherman

Dr. John E. Sherman is a skilled and board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has helped numerous women achieve stunning results through breast lift procedures. His extensive expertise and specialization in breast lift procedures ensure that patients receive exceptional outcomes.

Benefits of Choosing This Hospital

Individualized Approach: Dr. Sherman tailors the breast lift procedure according to the gradation of ptosis of each patient, ensuring an individualized treatment for every case.
Multiple Surgical Options: He offers different types of breast lift techniques, such as full mastopexy and periareolar mastopexy, allowing patients to choose the most suitable option for their needs.
Experienced Staff: The dedicated staff supporting Dr. Sherman provides a first - class experience from start to finish.

3. Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai offers breast lift procedures that can be a positive and rewarding experience. Their surgeons can provide results such as firmer, more rounded, shapelier breasts, restored fullness lost after childbearing or weight loss, balanced breast height, and more proportioned areola size.

Benefits of Choosing Mount Sinai

Reputation: Mount Sinai is a well - known and respected medical institution with a long history of providing high - quality healthcare services.
Multidisciplinary Team: Patients have access to a team of experts, including plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, who work together to ensure the best possible outcome.
Research and Innovation: The hospital is involved in cutting - edge research in the field of plastic surgery, which means patients may benefit from the latest techniques and technologies.

4. Hospital Associated with Dr. Adam Kolker

Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York. He personalizes every breast lift procedure to the patient's anatomy and desires. He is an active member of multiple professional organizations, which reflects his commitment to the field of plastic surgery.

Benefits of Choosing This Hospital

Artistic Vision: Dr. Kolker approaches breast lift surgery as a delicate and aesthetic process. He has the artistic vision to create natural - looking and beautiful results.
Customized Treatment: He offers a variety of breast lift procedures, including circumareolar mastopexy, circumvertical mastopexy, and wise - pattern mastopexy, and can recommend the best option based on the patient's breast condition.
Patient - Centered Care: Dr. Kolker and his staff provide comprehensive care, from the initial consultation to the post - operative follow - up, ensuring that patients are well - informed and comfortable throughout the process.

5. Hospital Associated with Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald

Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald is a premier board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He is highly sought after for his expertise in mastopexy. He has performed thousands of breast surgeries and is known for achieving natural results.

Benefits of Choosing This Hospital

Advanced Techniques: Dr. Greenwald uses advanced surgical techniques to deliver outstanding aesthetic results. He offers different incision techniques, such as periareolar, vertical incision, and inframammary, and selects the most appropriate one based on the patient's body type and aesthetic goals.
Patient Safety: He operates in a state - of - the - art surgical center that prides itself on patient safety.
Extensive Experience: With years of experience in breast lift surgery, Dr. Greenwald has a low rate of complications and can handle various cases effectively.

Pre - operative Considerations

Medical Evaluation

Before undergoing breast sagging suspension surgery, patients will need to have a thorough medical evaluation. This includes a review of the patient's medical history, including any pre - existing medical conditions, allergies, and previous surgeries. The doctor may also order additional tests, such as blood work, mammograms, or MRIs, depending on the patient's age and medical history.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Smoking: Smoking can have a negative impact on the healing process. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the tissues. This can increase the risk of complications such as poor wound healing and nipple loss. Patients are usually advised to stop smoking at least several weeks before the surgery.
Medications: Some medications, such as blood thinners, aspirin, and certain herbal supplements, can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Patients may need to stop taking these medications for a certain period before the surgery as advised by their doctor.
Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help improve the patient's overall health and readiness for surgery. However, patients should avoid starting a new, intense exercise regimen too close to the surgery date.

Setting Realistic Expectations

It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the results of breast lift surgery. A breast lift primarily addresses breast sagging and improves the shape and position of the breasts. It does not necessarily increase breast size, although some patients may opt to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation for a fuller appearance. The final results of the surgery may take several months to become fully apparent as the swelling subsides and the breasts settle into their new shape.

The Surgical Procedure

Anesthesia

Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or “twilight” sedation. General anesthesia renders the patient completely unconscious during the procedure, while “twilight” sedation makes the patient drowsy and relaxed but not fully unconscious. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the surgery to ensure their safety.

Incisions

There are several types of incisions used in breast lift surgery, and the choice of incision depends on the patient's breast condition and the desired outcome.

Periareolar Incision: This incision is made around the areola. It is suitable for patients with mild breast sagging and minimal excess skin. The scar is relatively hidden around the areola.
Vertical Incision: Also known as the “lollipop” incision, it is made around the areola and extends vertically down to the breast crease. This is used for moderate breast sagging and allows for more significant lifting and reshaping of the breasts.
Anchor Incision: This incision includes a periareolar incision, a vertical incision, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease. It is used for severe breast sagging and provides the maximum amount of lifting and reshaping.

Reshaping and Repositioning

After making the incisions, the surgeon will remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue. The nipple and areola are then moved to a higher position on the breast to create a more youthful appearance. The incisions are closed with sutures, and the breasts are dressed with bandages and a surgical bra for support.

Post - operative Care and Recovery

Immediate Post - operative Period

After the surgery, patients will be taken to a recovery room where they will be monitored closely by the medical staff. They may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the breast area, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the doctor. Patients are usually discharged home on the same day or after an overnight stay in the hospital, depending on the type of surgery and their condition.

Recovery Process

Rest and Limited Activity: Patients are advised to rest for the first few days after surgery and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. This helps the body heal and reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding and swelling.
Wound Care: Patients need to keep the incision sites clean and dry. They may be given instructions on how to change the bandages and care for the wounds. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to prevent infection.
Surgical Bra: Patients will be required to wear a surgical bra for a certain period after surgery. The surgical bra provides support to the breasts and helps reduce swelling.
Follow - up Appointments: Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Long - term Results

The final results of breast lift surgery become more apparent as the swelling subsides and the breasts settle into their new shape, which usually takes several months. While the results of a breast lift are long - lasting, factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can affect the appearance of the breasts over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a stable weight and regular exercise, can help preserve the results of the surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, breast lift surgery carries some risks and potential complications.

Common Complications

Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during and after the surgery. In some cases, additional treatment may be required to stop the bleeding.
Infection: Infections can occur at the incision sites. Symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
Loss of Nipple Sensation: Some patients may experience a temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts. This can affect the ability to breastfeed and the sexual sensitivity of the breasts.
Scarring: Breast lift surgery leaves scars, although the surgeon will try to minimize their appearance. The scars may take several months to fade and may vary in size and visibility depending on the type of incision used.
Unsatisfactory Results: There is a possibility that the patient may not be satisfied with the final results of the surgery. This could be due to factors such as uneven breast shape, size differences, or excessive scarring. In some cases, revision surgery may be required.

Reducing Risks

To reduce the risks associated with breast lift surgery, patients should choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, follow the pre - operative and post - operative instructions carefully, and disclose all relevant medical information to the doctor.

Cost Considerations

The cost of breast lift surgery in New York City can vary depending on several factors.

Factors Affecting Cost

Surgeon's Fee: The experience and reputation of the surgeon can significantly impact the cost. More experienced and well - known surgeons may charge higher fees.
Facility Fees: The cost of using the surgical facility, including the operating room, equipment, and staff, is also a factor. Private surgical centers and hospitals may have different fee structures.
Anesthesia Fees: The type of anesthesia used and the duration of the surgery affect the anesthesia fees.
Complexity of the Procedure: Patients with more severe breast sagging or additional requirements, such as combining the breast lift with breast augmentation, may incur higher costs.

Insurance Coverage

Breast lift surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure, so it is usually not covered by health insurance. However, in some cases, if the breast sagging is causing significant physical pain or discomfort, and it can be medically justified, insurance may cover a portion of the cost. Patients should check with their insurance provider to determine their coverage.

Conclusion

Breast sagging suspension surgery can be a life - changing procedure for women who are unhappy with the appearance of their sagging breasts. By choosing one of the top hospitals in New York City, patients can have access to experienced surgeons, state - of - the - art facilities, and comprehensive care. However, it is important to carefully consider the pre - operative, surgical, and post - operative aspects of the procedure, as well as the potential risks and costs.

If you are considering breast sagging suspension surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at one of the hospitals mentioned above. During the consultation, you can discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations, and get all the information you need to make an informed decision. Share this article with your friends and family who may also be interested in learning more about breast lift surgery, and explore related topics on our website to gain a deeper understanding of the world of cosmetic surgery.