Introduction to Accessory Breast Liposuction in New York City

Accessory breast liposuction is a surgical procedure gaining popularity in New York City. It offers a solution for both men and women dealing with issues related to excessive breast fat. In men, it can address gynecomastia, while women can use it to reduce the size of overly large breasts. The city is home to numerous hospitals and clinics that specialize in this procedure, but in this article, we'll highlight the top three.

Understanding Accessory Breast Liposuction

Breast liposuction, also known as chest liposuction, is a procedure that removes fat from the breasts using a suction technique. This process is often considered a less invasive alternative to traditional breast reduction surgery. It can be performed for medical reasons, such as alleviating pain and discomfort associated with large breasts, or for cosmetic purposes, to improve physical appearance.

Benefits of Breast Liposuction

• Faster procedure: Compared to traditional breast reduction surgery, which can take 2 - 3 hours, breast liposuction can often be completed within an hour.
• Lower risk of loss of nipple sensation: Since the incisions are smaller and less invasive, the risk of losing nipple sensation is reduced.
• Minimal trauma to breast tissue: Liposuction targets fatty tissue, sparing the glandular breast tissue, which is important for breastfeeding in women.
• Minimal risk of unsightly scarring: The incisions are tiny, and the scars are usually almost invisible, often located under the breast fold or in the armpits.
• Preserve breast symmetry: By suctioning an equal amount of fat from both breasts, symmetry can be maintained.
• Faster recovery time: Patients generally have a shorter recovery period compared to traditional breast reduction surgery.
• Up to 55% reduction in breast volume: For patients with a significant amount of fat in their breasts, this procedure can achieve a substantial reduction in volume.

Top Three Hospitals for Accessory Breast Liposuction in New York City

Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Columbia University is one of New York's best hospitals and a world - renowned medical center. Their plastic and reconstructive surgery department has a wealth of experience in performing a wide range of procedures, including accessory breast liposuction.

Expertise and Staff

The clinical staff consists of plastic surgeons proficient in multiple areas of specialization. These experts have extensive knowledge and skills in both routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures and complex reconstructive operations. For instance, Chief of the division of plastic surgery, Dr. Christine Rohde, is a highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher. She is trained in the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and breast reconstruction. With such a high - caliber team, patients can be confident in receiving top - notch care.

Research and Innovation

The hospital's plastic surgery research laboratory is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research. They are conducting numerous studies related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for wound healing. This research not only contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge but also allows the surgeons to incorporate the latest techniques and findings into their practice, providing patients with the most innovative and effective treatments.

Patient - Centered Care

Columbia University takes a patient - centered approach. The plastic surgeons take the time to understand each patient's goals and concerns during the initial consultation. They provide comprehensive information about the procedure, risks, and benefits, allowing patients to make informed decisions. The after - care program is also well - structured, with regular follow - up appointments to ensure proper healing and patient satisfaction.

Weill Cornell Medicine - Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Weill Cornell Medicine is another leading institution in New York City for cosmetic breast surgery, including accessory breast liposuction.

Exemplary Surgeons

The surgeons at Weill Cornell are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are affiliated with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in the city and the U.S. This affiliation ensures that patients have access to state - of - the - art facilities and the latest medical technologies. The surgeons are highly skilled in performing a variety of breast surgeries, and they are committed to achieving natural - looking results that enhance the patient's self - image and confidence.

Individualized Treatment

Weill Cornell Medicine emphasizes individualized breast surgery. The plastic and reconstructive surgeons take into account each patient's unique body characteristics, including race, ethnicity, gender, and gender identity. They work closely with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their specific needs and goals. Whether a patient is looking for a subtle reduction or a more significant change, the surgeons can tailor the procedure accordingly.

Focus on Comfort

Patient comfort is a top priority at Weill Cornell. From the initial consultation, patients are given the opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns. The surgical suites are equipped with the latest anesthetics and medications to ensure a smooth and comfortable surgical experience. After the surgery, the care team manages pain effectively and provides detailed instructions on how to care for the incisions and promote healing.

Shafer Plastic Surgery

Shafer Plastic Surgery in New York City is well - known for its expertise in breast liposuction.

Experienced Surgeon

Dr. David Shafer is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon with years of training and experience. He combines technical skill with an in - depth understanding of aesthetics. His goal is to provide patients with excellent care and the best possible results. He takes the time to listen to each patient's goals and expectations for their breast reduction procedure and determines if breast liposuction is the right option.

Customized Approach

For breast liposuction, Dr. Shafer uses a customized approach. He understands that each patient's body is different, and the amount and distribution of fat in the breasts can vary. He tailors the procedure to target the specific areas of concern and achieve the desired outcome. Whether a patient wants a minimal fat removal for a more subtle result or a significant reduction for a more dramatic change, Dr. Shafer can design a treatment plan to meet their needs.

Comprehensive Aftercare

The aftercare at Shafer Plastic Surgery is comprehensive. Patients are provided with compression garments to help manage swelling and support the breasts during the recovery period. The medical team also provides detailed instructions on post - operative care, including activity restrictions, wound care, and follow - up appointments. They are available to answer any questions or concerns that patients may have during the recovery process.

The Procedure of Accessory Breast Liposuction

Pre - operative Preparation

Before the actual accessory breast liposuction procedure, patients will have an initial consultation with their surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will explain all the risks and benefits of the procedure. It is important for patients to share their concerns and expectations and ask as many questions as possible. The surgeon will also evaluate if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure.

A good candidate for accessory breast liposuction typically meets the following criteria:

• Men with enlarged breasts or gynecomastia, especially pseudo - gynecomastia (enlargement of the male breast caused by an excessive amount of fat tissue, with normal glandular breast tissue).
• Women with a large proportion of fat in the breasts who are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts and experience neck or back pain due to breast weight. Both older and younger women with more fat in their breasts can be good candidates.
• Healthy men and women who do not have any life - threatening medical conditions or illnesses that could impair their healing.
• Men and women with firm and elastic skin.
• Those with realistic expectations, a positive outlook, and specific goals in mind about the results. Patients should not expect perfect breasts after the procedure.
• No significant breast lumps in the area. Any breast mass needs to be evaluated before undergoing the procedure.

To ensure the patient's safety and suitability for the procedure, the surgeon may require the patient to undergo lab testing or a medical evaluation. They may also provide a set of pre - operative instructions, such as:

• Stop smoking cigarettes as it can slow down the healing process.
• Avoid taking certain medicines, such as aspirin, anti - inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding.
• Do not drink alcohol as it can increase bruising and prolong healing.

On the Day of Surgery

On the day of the surgery, the surgeon may measure the breast volume before starting the procedure. This is usually done by immersing the breast in a beaker full of warm water and recording the volume of water needed to refill the beaker after removing the breast. This helps the surgeon plan the amount of fat to be reduced from each breast. Most male patients may not need this measurement.

The surgeon will then draw lines on the breasts using a marker to mark the areas to be treated. Anesthesia will be administered next. In most cases, local anesthesia is used, which allows the patient to be awake during the procedure while the targeted areas are numbed. However, general anesthesia may be used in some situations, putting the patient in a temporary sleep.

The Liposuction Process

Breast liposuction is most commonly performed using the tumescent technique. With this technique, the surgeon will make multiple tiny incisions (around 1 – 1.5 mm in size) on the skin overlying the breast. A large volume of tumescent solution will be injected into the breasts. This solution helps control bleeding, minimize pain, and make the removal of fat easier. After that, the surgeon will insert microcannulas (around 1.55 – 2.7 mm in size) through the incisions and start suctioning the fat from the breast. Once the desired amount of fat has been removed, super - absorbent pads will be applied to the incision area, and a breast compression garment will be placed on top to hold the pads in place.

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate Post - operative Period

After the surgery, the patient will be taken to a recovery room where the medical team will monitor their condition. In some cases, patients may be able to leave the hospital right away, especially if local anesthesia was used. However, if general anesthesia was administered, an overnight stay may be required.

Recovery Time

Patients can expect to feel some discomfort and soreness in the skin and muscles for the first several days following the procedure. Swelling is also common and will gradually subside over time. In women, there may be temporary lumpiness that can persist for several weeks, but this is part of the normal recovery process. Most people can return to light activities and work within a week or two, but if the job is physically demanding, four to six weeks off work may be necessary. Strenuous activities, such as vigorous exercise and heavy lifting, should be avoided for about six weeks.

Aftercare Instructions

Patients will be given a set of postoperative instructions that they must follow strictly:

• Wear the compression garments for two to three weeks. Compression garments help contain fluids in the area, reduce swelling, and maintain the proper shape of the breasts. They should only be removed when changing dressings.
• Take the prescribed medications as directed. This may include pain medications to manage discomfort.
• Avoid sexual activity for at least a week.
• Resume gentle walking to promote blood flow.
• Do not smoke and avoid being around smokers for at least two weeks, as smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
• Get plenty of rest and use extra pillows for support while sleeping.
• For women, a mammogram may be required six months following the breast reduction to detect any calcifications caused by the procedure.

Success Rate and Possible Complications

Success Rate

Accessory breast liposuction is generally a safe and effective procedure with a high success rate. Most patients who undergo this procedure report being satisfied with the results. The procedure can effectively reduce breast size, improve breast shape, and alleviate physical and psychological discomfort associated with large breasts.

Possible Complications

Although the risks are relatively low compared to traditional breast reduction surgery, there are still some possible complications. These include excessive bruising, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), bleeding, contour irregularities, fluid collections, inverted nipples, loss of nipple skin, numbness of the nipples, asymmetry, visible scarring, and loose breast skin. To minimize these risks, it is crucial to choose a board - certified surgeon and follow all pre - and post - operative instructions carefully.

Conclusion

Accessory breast liposuction is a viable option for both men and women in New York City who are looking to reduce breast size or address breast - related issues. The top three hospitals mentioned in this article - Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine - Cosmetic Breast Surgery, and Shafer Plastic Surgery - offer high - quality care, experienced surgeons, and innovative techniques. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it's in research, individualized treatment, or patient comfort. If you are considering accessory breast liposuction, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with these hospitals, and make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences.

Take the first step towards achieving your desired breast appearance by reaching out to one of these top - notch institutions today. You can call the contact numbers provided or visit their websites to learn more and schedule an appointment. Start your journey to a more confident you!