Introduction

Breast plastic reconstruction is a significant surgical procedure for many women who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer or other reasons. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals and medical centers that offer high - quality breast reconstruction services. This article will explore the top ten newly released breast plastic reconstruction hospitals in New York City, providing comprehensive information about each institution, including their specialties, surgeons, and the services they offer.

Importance of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction can have a profound impact on a woman's physical and emotional well - being. After a mastectomy, a woman may experience a loss of self - confidence and a negative body image. Breast reconstruction restores the appearance of the breast, helping the patient feel more like herself again. It can also provide a sense of closure and a new beginning for those who have gone through the challenging experience of breast cancer treatment.

Top Ten Breast Plastic Reconstruction Hospitals in New York City

1. New York Center for Breast Reconstruction

Specialties and Surgeons

The New York Center for Breast Reconstruction is associated with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai. This hospital has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006 and has achieved Magnet® status for excellence in nursing services. The center offers highly sophisticated, advanced microsurgical procedures in natural tissue breast reconstruction. Dr. Joshua L. Levine is a world - renowned surgeon at this center. Many patients travel from across the U.S. and around the world to seek his expertise.

Procedures Offered

• Advanced natural tissue breast reconstruction
• Specialized microsurgical techniques

Patient Support

For traveling patients, the center provides first - class concierge care. They offer travel and accommodation recommendations and make the travel process as stress - free as possible. Local patients meet with Dr. Levine prior to scheduling surgery, while out - of - town patients (over 3 hours driving distance) meet with him the day of or the day before their scheduled surgery.

2. Weill Cornell Medicine

Excellence in Breast Reconstruction

Weill Cornell Medicine is known for its exemplary plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Their goal is to make patients feel whole and complete again after mastectomy. The surgeons here offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction, especially in nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction, which they have been performing for the past 20 years.

Multidisciplinary Care

The breast center at Weill Cornell Medicine is a multidisciplinary group that includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive optimal health and well - being support throughout the reconstruction process. The team focuses on individualized breast reconstruction for each patient's unique body.

Reconstruction Options

They offer a wide range of breast reconstruction options, including autologous reconstruction (using the patient's own tissue from areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks), implant - based reconstruction, and breast reinnervation procedures. Autologous reconstruction can improve sensory recovery, and implant - based reconstruction is tailored to the patient's unique needs using both saline and silicone breast implants.

3. Mount Sinai - New York

Internationally Renowned Leader

The breast reconstruction program at Mount Sinai West is led by Hani Sbitany, MD, an internationally renowned leader in breast reconstruction. The program offers the full complement of breast reconstruction options and specialized expertise in advanced muscle - sparing and microsurgical techniques. These options are not available at many other medical centers.

Reconstruction Approaches

There are two main categories of breast reconstruction approaches: 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. The medical team at Mount Sinai West works closely with breast oncology surgeons to provide comprehensive breast care.

Meet the Team

In addition to Dr. Sbitany, the team includes Stephanie Bernik, MD, and Jennifer Casher Lehman, MD, both of whom are experts in breast surgery. They work together to ensure that patients receive the best possible care during the breast reconstruction process.

4. Dr. Antell's Practice

Premier Breast Surgeon

Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has focused his professional career on aesthetic procedures and is among the most respected breast augmentation surgeons in the country. He has been honored for his groundbreaking research and has been listed in Harper's Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the nation.

Breast Reconstruction Process

Dr. Antell offers breast reconstruction in NYC that can correct congenital abnormalities and restore the breast after mastectomy. The consultation process is comprehensive, where he works with the patient's breast surgeon to develop a personalized strategy. The reconstruction surgery can be flap - based (using tissue from other areas of the body) or implant - based, and the approach is tailored to the patient's age, health, anatomy, and goals.

Patient Care and Comfort

Dr. Antell understands the physical and emotional trauma that breast cancer patients have endured. His sympathetic and caring nature, combined with his surgical expertise, puts patients at ease. The surgery can be performed at one of the numerous hospitals in NYC where he has privileges or in his private operating room, and the staff provides personalized care to ensure a pleasant experience.

5. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice

Experienced and Skilled Surgeon

Dr. John Sherman is an experienced and highly skilled plastic surgeon who focuses on providing comforting personal care to breast reconstruction patients in New York City. He offers breast reconstruction after mastectomy as well as double mastectomy reconstruction. He often revises previously performed mastectomy reconstruction surgery due to implant problems or aesthetic issues.

Procedure and Insurance

The breast reconstruction procedures are performed either in the office - based surgery center as an outpatient or at the hospital. Patients can choose from hospitals like New York Presbyterian Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, or Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut. Insurance reimbursement varies, but the practice makes every effort to contact the insurance company to help patients predetermine their benefits and also offers financing options.

Recovery Process

Dr. Sherman provides thorough post - operative instructions to help patients with the recovery process. Swelling, bruising, discomfort, and numbness are common during recovery, and he provides medication to manage pain and discomfort. The incisions are precisely made to minimize the visibility of post - surgical marks, which will fade over 12 to 18 months.

6. New York Group for Plastic Surgery

Expert Surgeons

Dr. C. Andrew Salzberg and Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery have spent decades perfecting their breast reconstruction techniques. Dr. Salzberg is the pioneer of the direct - to - implant breast reconstruction procedure, while Dr. Jacobs specializes in diep flap reconstruction and other microsurgical tissue - based reconstructive procedures.

Breast Reconstruction Choices

Patients have the option of immediate or delayed breast reconstruction. They can also choose between implant reconstruction (using saline or silicone implants) and autologous tissue flap reconstruction (such as diep flap surgery). The surgeons take into account factors like the type of mastectomy, body type, cancer treatments, past surgeries, and personal preferences to help patients make the best decision.

Additional Services

The practice also offers solutions for breast animation deformity correction and nipple reconstruction. For patients with breast animation deformity, they can perform an outpatient procedure to create a new pocket in the prepectoral space or replace the implant with an autologous tissue flap. Nipple reconstruction can be done during a revision procedure once the reconstructed breast has healed.

7. Gotham Plastic Surgery

Comprehensive Breast Reconstruction

Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York offers breast reconstruction as a surgical procedure to recreate a natural - looking breast after mastectomy. The best candidates are women whose cancer has been eliminated as best as can be determined and who are in good general health and non - smokers. The reconstruction process typically consists of multiple procedures that may be performed over a period of time.

Custom Treatment Plans

The doctors at Gotham Plastic Surgery work with patients to develop custom treatment plans. They have extensive experience in breast reconstruction and combine minimally - invasive techniques and advanced technology to achieve the best results. The first step in the reconstruction process is creating the breast mound, which can be done during or after mastectomy in the hospital setting with general anesthesia.

Other Plastic Surgery Services

In addition to breast reconstruction, Gotham Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of plastic surgery services, including procedures for the face, eyes, nose, body, and skin. They use techniques like the Natra Face™ approach, Natra Eye™ technique, and Natra Nose™ technique to provide natural - looking and effective results.

8. Columbia Surgery

Plastic surgery at Columbia University is one of New York’s best hospital programs. As a world - class medical center, it has the experience and resources to deliver high - quality breast reconstructive care. The plastic surgeons here are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations.

Breast Reconstructive Program

The Columbia breast cancer reconstructive surgery program is dedicated to empowering individuals who have undergone breast cancer surgery. It brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide compassionate and personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction. The program aims to help patients reclaim their physical and emotional well - being.

Research and Education

The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is actively involved in numerous research studies, including those related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing. The institution also has programs for students and healthcare professionals, such as a plastic surgery residency program and surgical CME events, to educate the next generation of plastic surgeons.

Team of Surgeons

The division of plastic & reconstructive surgery at Columbia has a team of board - certified surgeons, including Christine Rohde, MD, Jeffrey A. Ascherman, MD, and others. Each surgeon has their own areas of expertise, such as microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery, ensuring comprehensive care for patients.

Comparison of the Top Ten Hospitals

Choosing the Right Hospital for Breast Reconstruction

Surgeon's Expertise

One of the most important factors in choosing a hospital for breast reconstruction is the expertise of the surgeons. Look for surgeons who are board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and have extensive experience in breast reconstruction procedures. Check their track record, patient testimonials, and any awards or recognition they have received. Surgeons with expertise in the specific type of reconstruction you are interested in, such as diep flap reconstruction or direct - to - implant reconstruction, are more likely to provide optimal results.

Hospital Reputation

The reputation of the hospital is also crucial. Hospitals with a long - standing history of providing high - quality medical care, especially in the field of breast reconstruction, are more reliable. Look for hospitals that are ranked highly in national and international healthcare rankings, have received awards for excellence in nursing services, and have a good track record of patient satisfaction. For example, hospitals like New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai, which has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for multiple years, are generally a good choice.

Range of Services

Consider the range of services offered by the hospital. A good breast reconstruction hospital should offer a variety of reconstruction options, including autologous tissue reconstruction, implant - based reconstruction, and other specialized procedures. They should also provide comprehensive pre - operative and post - operative care, including support for emotional well - being, pain management, and follow - up appointments. Additionally, hospitals that offer related services such as breast oncology consultations and genetic counseling can provide a more integrated approach to care.

Patient Support

Patient support is an important aspect of the breast reconstruction process. Look for hospitals that provide personalized care, such as concierge services for traveling patients, support groups, and access to counselors. A hospital that takes the time to understand your individual needs and concerns and provides support throughout the entire process can make your experience more comfortable and less stressful.

Common Questions About Breast Reconstruction

Is breast reconstruction painful?

As with any surgical procedure, there will be some discomfort associated with breast reconstruction. However, the level of pain can vary depending on the type of reconstruction performed. For example, flap reconstructions may be more painful than implant - based reconstructions in the initial stages. Surgeons and the medical team will use pain management techniques, such as medications, to help minimize discomfort. They will also provide instructions on how to manage pain at home during the recovery process.

How long does the recovery process take?

The recovery time for breast reconstruction depends on several factors, including the type of reconstruction, the patient's overall health, and the complexity of the procedure. Implant - based reconstruction usually has a shorter recovery time, and patients may be able to return to normal daily activities within weeks. Flap reconstructions, on the other hand, may require a longer recovery period of several months. Patients can expect some swelling, soreness, and bruising for 2 to 3 weeks, and it may take several months for the breasts to fully heal and for the final results to be visible.