Introduction
Sagging breasts are a common concern for many women, often stemming from factors like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging, or heredity. In New York City, there are several top - notch surgeons offering chest suspension or breast lift procedures, each with their own set of unique techniques. This article will delve into the top 5 rankings of chest suspension for sagging breasts in NYC, providing detailed information about the surgeons, their methods, and the overall procedure.
1. Dr. Adam Kolker
Overview
Dr. Adam Kolker is an active member of multiple esteemed plastic surgery societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He has a vast experience in performing breast lift surgeries, known as mastopexy, in New York City.
Technique and Approach
Dr. Kolker believes that every breast lift procedure is a delicate, aesthetic, and sculptural process. He takes into account numerous variables, such as the degree of deflation, breast and nipple position, skin elasticity, and whether volume restoration with breast implants is required. This allows him to personalize each procedure to the patient's anatomy and desires.
Incision Types
- Circumareolar Mastopexy: Also known as the "doughnut" breast lift, it involves an incision around the areola only. This is suitable for mild cases of breast droop.
- Circumvertical Mastopexy: The "lollipop" or short - scar breast lift, with an incision around the areola and a vertical line. It's used for moderate breast droop when more shaping, elevation, and restoration of projection are needed.
- Wise - pattern Mastopexy: The "inverted - t" breast lift, which has an incision around the areola, a vertical line to the inframammary crease, and a horizontal line. This is for severe cases of breast droop.
- Augmentation Mastopexy: Any breast lift performed in conjunction with breast augmentation using breast implants. It is used when the patient desires to restore volume in the upper pole of the breast.
Patient Testimonials
Many patients have expressed their satisfaction with Dr. Kolker's work. One patient, S.K. from NYC, said, “My experience with Dr. Kolker and his staff made it obvious that I should never consider another plastic surgeon! I had several consultations with other cosmetic surgeons for a breast lift procedure before making the indisputable choice to go with Dr. Kolker.”
2. Dr. Kevin Tehrani
Overview
Dr. Kevin Tehrani is the founder and director of Aristocrat Plastic Surgery. He has performed hundreds of successful breast lift surgeries and is known for his expertise in this field.
Technique and Approach
Dr. Tehrani begins with a detailed consultation to understand the patient's goals and expectations. He assesses the patient's breast size, shape, skin elasticity, and degree of sagging to determine the most suitable technique.
Incision Types
- Periareolar Incision: A circular incision made around the areola.
- Vertical Incision: A lollipop - shaped incision made around the areola and extending vertically down to the breast crease.
- Inverted T or Anchor Incision: Combines the peri - areolar and vertical incisions with an additional horizontal incision along the breast crease, resembling an anchor shape. This is used for more severe cases of sagging.
Occasionally, Dr. Tehrani may use an absorbable internal mesh called Galaflex 3DR as support for the breasts, which helps in achieving long - lasting results. The Galaflex 3DR scaffold is made of ultra - pure silk, which is gradually converted by the body into collagen over about 24 months, and it resists infection, reduces tension on incisions, and provides strength to the tissues.
Candidate Criteria
Dr. Tehrani believes that the ideal candidate for a breast lift is someone who has breast sagging, is in overall good health, has a stable weight, has realistic expectations, has finished bearing children, is a non - smoker, is emotionally ready for the procedure, has adequate breast tissue, and is comfortable with the potential of scarring.
3. Dr. John E. Sherman
Overview
Dr. John E. Sherman is a skilled and board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive expertise in breast lift procedures and has helped numerous women achieve stunning results.
Technique and Approach
Dr. Sherman offers two main types of breast lift procedures: full mastopexy and periareolar mastopexy. He tailors the approach based on the gradation of ptosis to ensure an individualized treatment for each patient.
Full Mastopexy
This allows for significant lifting and reshaping of the breasts. An incision is made around the areola, extending vertically downward from the areola to the breast crease, and sometimes horizontally along the breast crease, resembling an anchor shape. Dr. Sherman removes excess skin and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position, and reshapes the breast tissue.
Periareolar Mastopexy
Also known as a “donut” or “circumareolar” mastopexy, it focuses on lifting and reshaping the breasts with minimal scarring. It is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate breast sagging or ptosis.
Recovery and Results
After the breast lift, patients typically experience mild pain on the first night, which can be managed with prescribed medication. Swelling and bruising are common, and patients are provided with a surgical bra or compression garment. Sutures are usually removed within seven days. It takes about a week or two to resume most normal activities, and more strenuous physical activities should be avoided for a few additional weeks. The final results become fully visible once all swelling and bruising have subsided, and the breasts will appear shapelier and more youthful.
4. Dr. Darrick Antell
Overview
Dr. Darrick Antell is among the most respected breast surgeons in New York. He is board - certified and has a reputation for excellence in aesthetic surgery. He has been recognized by many top magazines, including Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine, and is also honored for his research and work in the field.
Technique and Approach
Dr. Antell creates a customized surgical plan based on the patient's existing breast state and desired outcome. There are typically three incisions: around the areola, down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. After reshaping the underlying breast tissue and removing excess skin, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position.
He uses meticulous layers of internal, dissolving sutures and external sutures to close the incision, ensuring that the incisions are as inconspicuous as possible when the patient wears a bra, swimsuit, or other revealing clothing.
Benefits of the Procedure
The breast lift surgery with Dr. Antell offers several benefits, including restoring youthful contours, improving breast symmetry, boosting confidence, providing a better clothing fit, post - pregnancy rejuvenation, and long - lasting results. However, he also discusses the potential risks, such as bleeding, infection, loss of the nipple, changes in sensation, and adverse reactions to anesthesia, during the initial consultation.
5. Dr. David Cangello
Overview
Dr. David Cangello is one of the top board - certified plastic surgeons in New York City. He takes an artistic approach to plastic surgery and is dedicated to helping patients achieve their cosmetic goals.
Technique and Approach
Dr. Cangello selects the surgical technique based on the extent of sagging, the size of the breasts, and the amount of excess skin. He offers the following methods:
Crescent Mastopexy
The least invasive technique, where a small crescent - shaped piece of breast skin and tissue is removed from the top of the areola to provide lift. It results in the least amount of scarring, with the scar going around half of the circumference of the areola, but the areolar size cannot be reduced.
Benelli Mastopexy
Also known as a “donut lift” or a “circumareolar lift,” it involves a donut - shaped incision around the areola. Excess tissue and skin are removed, and the areola can be reshaped and made smaller. The remaining breast tissue is then tightened and sutured around the areola, and the resultant scar is easily concealed.
Vertical Mastopexy
Called the “lollipop lift,” it is recommended for women with a moderate level of breast sagging. The lollipop - shaped incision encircles the areola and runs vertically down the breast into the breast crease. Skin and tissue are removed from the lower part of the breast and around the areola, and the remaining breast tissue is repositioned higher on the chest wall and reshaped.
Anchor Mastopexy
Recommended for women with significant breast sagging. The incision is similar to the vertical mastopexy but has an additional incision along the breast crease, forming an anchor shape. It allows for tightening the breast both vertically and horizontally.
Comparison of the Surgeons and Their Techniques
| Surgeon | Notable Techniques | Ideal Candidate | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Adam Kolker | Circumareolar, Circumvertical, Wise - pattern, Augmentation Mastopexy | Women with various degrees of breast droop, those desiring volume restoration | Highly personalized approach based on multiple factors |
| Dr. Kevin Tehrani | Periareolar, Vertical, Inverted T Incision; Galaflex 3DR | Healthy women with breast sagging, stable weight, realistic expectations | Use of Galaflex 3DR for long - lasting support |
| Dr. John E. Sherman | Full Mastopexy, Periareolar Mastopexy | Women with sagging breasts due to aging, pregnancy, etc., in good health | Individualized treatment based on ptosis gradation |
| Dr. Darrick Antell | Customized incisions around areola, vertical, and horizontal | Anyone in good health seeking to rejuvenate sagging breasts | High - profile recognition and focus on natural - looking results |
| Dr. David Cangello | Crescent, Benelli, Vertical, Anchor Mastopexy | Women with different levels of breast sagging, considering aesthetic goals | Artistic approach and range of minimally to highly invasive options |
General Considerations for Chest Suspension or Breast Lift
Candidate Selection
To be a good candidate for a breast lift, a woman should generally be in good physical and mental health. Conditions like unregulated diabetes, blood coagulation disorders, or smoking can increase the risk of complications and may disqualify a patient. It's also advisable to have a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the long - term results of the procedure. Women who are still planning to have children should consider that pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to sag again and may impact the outcome of the surgery.
Pre - operative Preparation
Patients typically need to have a comprehensive preoperative visit with the surgeon. During this visit, they will receive a list of what to do and what to avoid, such as dietary and medication guidelines. Prescriptions for post - operative medications are given, and pre and post - operative instructions are reviewed. Routine laboratory studies and appropriate breast imaging studies may be ordered. It's also important to arrange for someone to drive the patient home after the surgery and to have assistance during the initial recovery period.
Post - operative Recovery
Recovery from a breast lift varies from person to person. Generally, patients experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after the surgery. Pain can be managed with prescribed medication. They are usually advised to wear a surgical bra or compression garment for a certain period to support the breasts and aid in the healing process. Strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks, and regular exercise can gradually be resumed as recommended by the surgeon. The final results of the breast lift become apparent after several months as the swelling subsides and the breasts settle into their new shape.
Conclusion
In New York City, the top 5 surgeons mentioned above offer a range of chest suspension or breast lift techniques to address sagging breasts. Each surgeon has their own unique approach, expertise, and method of tailoring the procedure to the patient's specific needs. Factors such as the degree of breast sagging, the patient's overall health, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle should be carefully considered when choosing a surgeon and a technique.
If you are considering a breast lift, it is highly recommended that you schedule a consultation with one or more of these surgeons. During the consultation, you can discuss your concerns, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the procedure, risks, and expected results. Take the time to make an informed decision that will help you achieve the best possible outcome and enhance your confidence and self - esteem.
