Introduction
After childbirth, many women face issues like breast reduction and sagging. These problems can have both physical and emotional impacts on a woman's life. In New York City, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer excellent solutions for postpartum breast - related issues. This article will rank the top 5 hospitals and provide detailed information about each one to help you make an informed decision.
1. Mount Sinai - New York
Expertise and Surgeon Qualifications
Mount Sinai's team consists of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons. These surgeons are experts at enhancing women's breasts, with in - depth knowledge and extensive experience in breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty. They can help patients who have breasts that are overly large for their frame, which can cause physical pain and act as a barrier to activities like running. The emotional toll of large breasts, such as self - consciousness or embarrassment, is also understood by these surgeons, who approach patient care with warmth, caring, and support.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for breast reduction surgery at Mount Sinai, patients should meet the following criteria:
- Maintain a healthy, stable weight. This is important as weight fluctuations can affect the results of the surgery.
- Not plan on future pregnancies which will affect your breasts. Pregnancy can reverse the improvements achieved through surgery.
- Be physically mature with fully - developed breasts and emotionally mature about your choice. This ensures that the patient is ready for the procedure and has realistic expectations.
Positive Results
Patients can expect many positive results from breast reduction surgery at Mount Sinai, including:
- Less neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of heavy breasts. This can significantly improve the patient's quality of life and mobility.
- Improved self - confidence about breast size. A more proportionate breast size can boost self - esteem.
- Decreased breast size to be in proportion with your body frame. This helps in achieving a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing physique.
- Nipples pointing in a more upward position. This gives the breasts a more youthful and perky appearance.
- Relief from chafing and skin irritation caused by sagging breast skin. This can prevent skin infections and discomfort.
- Balanced size of breasts. Symmetry in breast size is often a desired outcome for many patients.
Combination Procedures
Patients may want to combine breast reduction with breast lift or as part of a mommy makeover for a more complete enhancement. During the consultation, the surgeon will work with the patient to determine the right combination of procedures to help achieve their plastic surgery goals.
2. Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Location and Specialization
The Breast Reduction Center of NYC is located on the upper east side in Manhattan, NY. It is the premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. The breast reduction specialist surgeons here are top - rated board - certified / board - eligible plastic surgeons, offering top - quality surgical care in a state - of - the - art facility. Patients enjoy a beautiful private and relaxed environment that fosters personalized patient care and ensures the best possible surgical experience.
Patient Testimonials
Many patients have had positive experiences at the center. One patient stated, "My surgery experience at the breast reduction center was nothing short of perfect. After years and years of agonizing over the decision, I’m so happy I pulled the trigger and had my surgery there. I’m thrilled with the results and could not have had a more positive experience with the entire team. Communication was effortless and I always had my questions answered as soon as they came up, I was checked in on in the most thoughtful ways pre and post - surgery, literally nothing to complain about. It’s been nothing short of life - changing."
Technique and Pain Management
The surgeons at the center do not use drains in breast reductions, and all the stitches dissolve on their own, making post - op care much less complicated. They also use a special technique during surgery called a nerve block, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine. Only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen are necessary for recovery. This innovative approach to pain management sets the center apart from other plastic surgery practices across the country.
Insurance and Consultation
The center offers virtual consultations (from anywhere in the world). They are in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (but do not accept United Healthcare Community Plan and Oxford Metro plans). They may accept the Empire Plan (NYSHIP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna plans only if you have out - of - network benefits. Unfortunately, they do not accept Medicare, Medicaid, Medi - Cal, Tri - Care, Amida Care, Fidelis, and Metroplus plans. If you have a plan they do not accept, you need to proceed as self - pay. They also offer a complimentary 15 - minute phone consultation where patients can ask questions about surgery, costs, financing, and health insurance coverage.
Candidate Criteria
Typically, breast reduction surgery may be considered reconstructive and medically necessary when one or more of the following criteria are met:
- Your breasts are creating medical problems such as shoulder, back, or neck pain.
- Your bra straps are causing significant grooving in your shoulders.
- Your breasts are causing bad posture characterized by hunched shoulders and a curved back.
- You have limitations on physical activity impacting your ability to perform household chores, work duties, or exercise due to your breast size.
- You experience headaches or nerve compression syndromes due to the weight of your breasts.
- You develop rashes and/or infections on the trapped skin under your breasts.
3. Rowe Plastic Surgery™
Surgeon Team
At Rowe Plastic Surgery, a team of three expert plastic surgeons, including Dr. Lisa F. Schneider, Dr. Norman M. Rowe, and Dr. Charles Pierce, work together. They are supported by a large staff of nurses, physician assistants, and other team members. The communication between the breast surgeon and the reconstructive surgeon is essential, and this collaborative approach is critical in defining areas of excision and designing reduction techniques prior to surgery.
Patient Trust in Dr. Rowe
Dr. Norman Rowe is a highly sought - after plastic surgeon in New York City. Women choose him for his exceptional skill in performing breast reduction surgery. His approach to breast reduction is meticulous, ensuring minimal scarring and maintaining the natural aesthetics of the breasts. Patients appreciate his compassionate care and the personalized attention they receive from the initial consultation to post - operative follow - ups.
Types of Breast Reduction
The most common breast reduction procedures at Rowe Plastic Surgery include:
- Pedicle method: The surgeon leaves a pedicle, also called attached tissue graft, with nerves and blood vessels intact, to supply the breast after it’s been reduced in size.
- Inferior pedicle method: A tissue graft is attached into the inframammary fold, where the bottom of your breast meets your chest.
- Superior pedicle method: A pedicle is attached in the upper quadrant of your breast, above your areola.
- Free nipple graft: The surgeon removes your nipple completely and replaces it in a new, higher position as a skin graft.
- Anchor incision pattern: This type of incision circles your areola’s parameter and then follows a straight line down the middle of your breast to the crease where the breast meets your chest.
- Le Jour incision pattern: This “scarless” breast reduction technique reduces the size of the breasts through tiny incisions that result in minimal, imperceptible scarring. Patients with significant breast fat, minimal excess skin, properly - positioned nipples, and adequately sized areolas benefit the most from this technique.
Benefits and Candidate Criteria
The benefits of breast reduction at Rowe Plastic Surgery include the ability to enjoy an active lifestyle, long - lasting and life - changing results, an improved quality of life through reduced back and neck pain, better health through a more active lifestyle, and ease in finding properly proportioned clothing. Candidates for breast reduction should suffer the side effects of oversized breasts, such as neck or back pain, have breasts out of proportion with the rest of their body, and otherwise enjoy good health with realistic expectations about the outcomes of mammoplasty and not be smokers.
4. Antell MD - Dr. Darrick Antell
Surgeon Reputation
Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world’s most celebrated plastic surgeons. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is known for his meticulous precision, integrity in patient care, and outstanding ability to create remarkably natural - looking results. As a breast surgeon, he can beautifully shape, reduce, and improve the appearance of women’s breasts for those whose breasts are too large for their physique.
Consultation Process
During the consultation for breast reduction in New York City with Dr. Antell, he will listen to the patient's concerns and evaluate their medical history and overall health. He will measure and examine the breasts and take photographs for the medical record. He will discuss the aesthetic goals for the size and appearance of the breasts and describe the breast reduction surgery in detail, including its risks and benefits, so that the patient is fully prepared for the procedure and feels confident about it. He may also ask the patient to have tests, including a mammogram, stop smoking for a period of time both before and after the surgery, avoid blood - thinning drugs or supplements, such as aspirin, and arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery.
Insurance Coverage
If the patient's breast size is causing neck, shoulder, or back pain, breast reduction surgery may be covered by insurance. Before the surgery, Dr. Antell can help determine if the procedure meets certain points that an insurance company requires to cover the procedure. The insurance will require a letter from Dr. Antell describing the symptoms and his physical findings, including an estimate of the amount of breast tissue to be removed.
Surgical Procedure and Risks
Breast reduction begins with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or with another form of “twilight” sedation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure to ensure safety. Incision types usually depend on the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed, including around the areola (for a less significant breast reduction), at the crease under the breast then up to the nipple (for mildly drooping breasts), and around the areola and down to the base of the breast (for removing more significant amounts of excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue). As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. There is also a risk of changes in nipple or breast sensation, which typically resolves in a few months, and in rare cases, partial or total loss of the nipple and areola.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the breast reduction surgery, the patient will be able to return home with a family member or friend the same day. Dr. Antell will provide instructions to guide the patient through the recovery period, and he and his staff will be available to help. The patient will have a compression dressing on their breasts to support the new shape and reduce swelling. Most patients can return to many of their daily activities within days, but should wait to exercise until cleared by Dr. Antell, usually about two weeks after the surgery. The external sutures will usually be removed one to two weeks after the procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months to fully dissipate, with the final result typically being visible around six months. The scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade, although they will never disappear completely.
5. Luxurgery - Dr. Shridharani
Common Procedure and Symptoms
Breast reduction surgery at Luxurgery is a plastic surgery procedure commonly performed to decrease breast size in women with signs and symptoms consistent with excessively large breasts (macromastia / gigantomastia). Symptoms associated with having excessively large breasts include neck pain, back pain, shoulder strap grooving, poor posture, rashes beneath the breast, and decreased sensation to the nipples due to the excess weight. Emotionally, it can lead to issues with self - esteem, depression, and social withdrawal.
Long - Term Results
The results of breast reduction surgery by Dr. Shridharani will be long - lasting. The smaller breast size should help relieve the patient from the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction. However, over time, the breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors, and gravity.
Technique and Post - Op Care
Dr. Shridharani does not use drains in breast reduction surgery as there is much evidence to support that their use is unnecessary. This avoids the pain and discomfort associated with drains. Most patients can go home right after the procedure, and the team will check on them during the recovery period. Many women who undergo a breast reduction at Luxurgery are still able to breastfeed, except in rare cases where the nipple is completely removed and replaced.
Patient Population and Recovery
Teens are a common population that request breast reduction surgery at Luxurgery. They typically recover from surgery quicker as they are generally very healthy. After a breast reduction, patients should not lift their arms fully above their head for one to two weeks and should not begin an exercise regimen until six weeks post - surgery. Patients are normally back to work within one week of the procedure, and light activities may be resumed after two weeks, with intense “cardio” permitted at 3 - 4 weeks and strength training at 5 - 6 weeks post - surgery.
Insurance and Other Considerations
Medical insurance coverage varies depending on the patient, surgery, and coverage provider. Many insurance companies will cover a breast reduction after other attempts to relieve back pain have not been successful, such as going to a chiropractor. If the breasts are too small after the reduction mammaplasty procedure, patients should wait at least 6 months before assessing the final size and shape, and then options like breast implants or fat transfer can be considered.
Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals
Hospital | Expertise | Technique | Patient Experience | Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mount Sinai - New York | Highly trained plastic surgeons, expertise in overall breast enhancement | Standard breast reduction techniques, can combine with other procedures | Warm and supportive patient care environment | May cover if medically necessary, surgeon helps with paperwork |
Breast Reduction Center of NYC | Top - rated board - certified surgeons, specialized in breast reduction | No drains, nerve block for pain management | Private and relaxed environment, excellent communication | Accepts some major insurance plans, offers virtual consultations |
Rowe Plastic Surgery™ | Team of expert plastic surgeons, collaborative approach | Multiple breast reduction techniques available | Personalized attention, high patient satisfaction | Insurance experts help review cases |
Antell MD - Dr. Darrick Antell | World - renowned plastic surgeon, precise and natural - looking results | Various incision types based on tissue amount | Comprehensive consultation process, after - care support | Assists in determining insurance coverage |
Luxurgery - Dr. Shridharani | Up - to - date with latest techniques, works with teens | No drains, up - to - date plastic surgery knowledge | Quick recovery for teens, good post - op follow - up | Coverage varies, discusses options during consultation |
Conclusion
Postpartum breast reduction and sagging can be distressing for many women. In New York City, the top 5 hospitals - Mount Sinai - New York, Breast Reduction Center of NYC, R