Introduction
Breast reconstruction surgery is a significant medical procedure that offers hope and restoration to many women who have undergone mastectomies or other breast - related surgeries. In New York City, a bustling hub of medical excellence, numerous surgeons and surgical centers offer breast reconstruction services. However, finding the best ones can be a daunting task. This article aims to update you on the top 5 rankings of breast reconstruction surgery in New York City in 2025, taking into account various factors such as surgeon expertise, patient reviews, advanced techniques, and insurance options.
Understanding Breast Reconstruction Surgery
What is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Breast reconstruction surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring the shape, appearance, and size of the breast following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can be performed using implants, autologous tissue (such as tissue from your abdomen or back), or a combination of both. The goal is to rebuild a breast that closely resembles the natural breast, helping patients regain their confidence and sense of wholeness after breast cancer surgery. As per top Google search results, the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 mandates insurance coverage for breast reconstructive surgery in many cases.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
- Restore natural breast shape: Helps to recreate a breast that looks and feels more natural.
- Symmetrical, balanced results: Ensures that both breasts are similar in appearance, improving overall body symmetry.
- Minimally invasive techniques: Some procedures are designed to be less invasive, leading to shorter recovery times and less scarring.
- Boosted confidence: Patients often report an increase in self - esteem and body image after the surgery.
- Quick recovery: Advancements in surgical techniques have led to reduced recovery periods for many patients.
- Minimal scarring: With modern surgical methods, the visible scars can be minimized.
Top 5 Rankings of Breast Reconstruction Surgery in New York City
1. Dr. Ross Ratner - Town Plastic Surgery
Dr. Ross Ratner is a double - board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He is a recognized leader in breast reconstruction surgery with over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures. His advanced breast reconstruction techniques and patient - focused approach make him a top choice for breast reconstruction surgery after cancer. He is affiliated with New York City and Long Island's leading hospitals. The surgical team at Town Plastic Surgery combines surgical excellence with compassionate care. They offer a variety of breast reconstruction options, including implant - based reconstruction and flap procedures like the DIEP flap. The clinic also has high patient satisfaction, as evident from patient testimonials such as "I was so nervous about breast reconstruction after my mastectomy, but Dr. Ratner and his team made me feel so comfortable. They really listened to what I wanted and helped me understand the whole process. The results are what I hoped for. I’m so grateful for their care and support. Couldn’t have asked for better!"
2. David L. Cangello, MD, FACS - Cangello Plastic Surgery
As the head of Cangello Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Cangello focuses on achieving the most natural results possible. He recognizes plastic surgery as an art form and performs all aesthetic procedures with the utmost precision and artistic acumen. While he is recognized in NYC for his expertise in face care, especially rhinoplasty, he also offers excellent breast reconstruction services. His combination of scientific knowledge and artistic skills makes him one of the best plastic surgeons in the city and beyond. Patients can expect high - quality and personalized breast reconstruction procedures.
3. Lara Devgan, MD, MPH - Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty
Dr. Lara Devgan is a board - certified New York City plastic surgeon, the CEO of the luxury medical - grade skin care line Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty, and the former medical director of RealSelf. Her specialty includes cosmetic surgery of the face and body and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer, skin cancer, and facial injuries. She has received several awards in the field of plastic surgery, such as being selected as the #1 plastic surgeon in NYC by RateMDs and being featured on the “America’s Top Plastic Surgeons” list by the New York Times Magazine. Her comprehensive approach to patient care and surgical expertise make her a top candidate for breast reconstruction surgery.
4. Olivia Hutchinson, MD
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's office is located in the upper east side of Manhattan. She deeply believes that plastic surgery serves to enhance already existing beauty. Her main objective in all plastic surgeries, including breast reconstruction, is to obtain a very elegant and organic result. Her areas of expertise are cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. She prioritizes honesty with her clients, which helps in building a relationship of trust. Being a female surgeon in a male - dominated field, she brings a unique perspective and empathetic approach to breast reconstruction.
5. Adam R. Kolker, M.D., F.A.C.S. - Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Dr. Adam R. Kolker always has his patients’ interests in mind. In addition to his extensive training in plastic surgery, he also studied arts. This combination of scientific mastery and artistic creativity makes his work stand out, achieving more beautiful and natural results in breast reconstruction. He has received several recognition awards in his field, which gives him a lot of credibility. His focus on patient safety and attention to detail make him a top - rated surgeon for breast reconstruction in New York City.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon
Surgeon Experience
Breast reconstructive surgery is a complex procedure that requires years of practice and a high number of procedures to master. Ideally, look for a doctor with decades of experience in both tissue - based and implant - based procedures. For example, a surgeon like Dr. Stephen M. Evangelisti has over 37 years of experience in breast reconstruction surgery, as mentioned in some of the search results.
Types of Procedures Offered
The best plastic surgeons should offer a variety of breast reconstruction procedures. Tissue - based procedures use the patient's own tissue and fat to reshape the breast mound, which some patients prefer for a more natural look and to avoid implant - related complications. Implant - based reconstruction is useful when the patient doesn't have enough tissue for a tissue - based procedure. Also, consider if the surgeon offers revision reconstructive surgery, as complications may arise years after the initial surgery.
Insurance Liaison Services
Although the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 mandates insurance coverage for breast reconstructive surgery, dealing with insurance companies can be a hassle. Look for a plastic surgeon who offers insurance liaison services to help you navigate the complexities of your policy.
Patient Reviews and Ratings
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. Surgeons with high ratings and positive reviews are more likely to provide satisfactory services. For instance, Dr. Derek Brinster has a 4.2 - star rating on Healthgrades with 21 ratings, which can be a factor to consider when evaluating surgeons.
Common Breast Reconstruction Techniques
Flap Procedures
Flap procedures use tissue from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, back, or thighs, to reconstruct the breast. The most common flap procedures include the DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric perforator) and the TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominis muscle). These techniques can provide a more natural look and feel compared to implants. The DIEP flap, in particular, offers the added benefit of sparing abdominal muscles for faster recovery.
Implant - Based Reconstruction
This method uses silicone or saline implants to restore breast shape and volume after mastectomy. It is a less invasive option with a shorter recovery time in some cases. Surgeons will work with patients to choose the right size and type of implant to ensure symmetrical and natural - looking results.
Cost and Insurance for Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery is typically covered by insurance, especially when it is part of the treatment plan following a mastectomy. However, coverage can vary, and it's important to check with your insurance provider for specific details regarding your plan. Some surgical centers, like those mentioned in the search results, accept most insurance plans and also offer flexible financing options through partners like CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry to make the procedure more affordable for patients.
Recovery Process after Breast Reconstruction Surgery
The recovery process varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Most patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication. They will receive detailed instructions on caring for the surgical site, activity restrictions, and follow - up appointments. For flap procedures, the recovery may be more extended compared to implant - based reconstruction due to the more complex nature of the surgery.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City continues to be a prime destination for breast reconstruction surgery, with a number of highly skilled surgeons and advanced surgical centers. The top 5 surgeons we've highlighted - Dr. Ross Ratner, David L. Cangello, MD, FACS, Lara Devgan, MD, MPH, Olivia Hutchinson, MD, and Adam R. Kolker, M.D., F.A.C.S. - each bring their unique expertise, patient - centered approach, and high - quality results to the table. When choosing a breast reconstruction surgeon, it's essential to consider factors such as experience, the types of procedures offered, insurance support, and patient reviews.
If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction surgery in New York City, take the time to research and consult with these top - ranked surgeons. Their experience and dedication can make a significant difference in achieving the best possible outcome and helping you regain your confidence and sense of self.
We encourage you to share this article with others who may find it useful and to explore more about breast reconstruction surgery and related topics to make an informed decision. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, feel free to leave a comment or reach out for more information.
