Introduction
Breast enhancement and reconstruction surgeries are highly sought - after procedures in New York City. Women often have different reasons for considering these surgeries, from changing the appearance of their breasts to recovering from breast cancer surgeries. In this article, we will explore five top - notch hospitals in New York City that are known for their regular and capable breast - related surgeries.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Range of Services
Mount Sinai offers a wide variety of breast enhancement procedures. From puberty through adulthood, breasts play a significant role in a woman's life, and Mount Sinai understands that patients may want to change the appearance of their breasts, such as making them larger, smaller, or changing their shape. Their plastic surgeons are highly skilled and can help patients achieve their desired results.
At the consultation, the plastic surgeon will listen carefully to the patient's goals. With the help of new technology developed specially for Mount Sinai by Microsoft and Touch MD, patients can visualize their desired outcomes. The hospital provides a personalized breast enhancement plan that may include the following procedures:
- Breast Augmentation: This procedure involves increasing the size of the breasts using implants.
- Breast Implant Revision: For patients who have previously had breast implants and want to make changes or correct issues.
- Breast Lift: To lift and reshape sagging breasts, giving them a more youthful appearance.
- Breast Reduction: Reducing the size of overly large breasts to relieve physical discomfort and improve appearance.
Breast Reconstruction
At the Dubin Breast Center in Mount Sinai, they also offer expert breast reconstruction services. Their plastic surgeons work in close collaboration with breast surgeons and oncologists. Breast reconstruction can generally be categorized into two types:
| Reconstruction Type | Procedure Highlights |
|---|---|
| Implant Reconstruction |
|
| Autologous Reconstruction (Your Own Tissue) |
|
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Breast Reconstruction Excellence
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, affiliated with Dr. Joshua L. Levine's breast reconstruction services, has a remarkable track record. It has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006 and has achieved Magnet® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services.
Many patients, both local and from across the U.S. and around the world, travel to this center for advanced natural tissue breast reconstruction. The center provides a high - level of patient - centered care. Local patients in the tri - state area 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.
The center also helps patients with logistics and planning, offering recommendations on accommodation and transportation. For local travel, options include mass transit, Brooklyn, Manhattan, George Washington Bridge, and Lincoln and Holland tunnels. For domestic and international travel, nearby airports like JFK, LGA, and Newark are accessible.
Antell Plastic Surgery
Renowned Surgeon
Dr. Darrick Antell, the leading plastic surgeon at Antell Plastic Surgery, is a top - notch professional in the field of breast reconstruction in New York City. He is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has focused his career on aesthetic procedures. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he has demonstrated extraordinary skill and talent throughout his education. He has been honored for his groundbreaking research on identical twins and the aging process, with his work displayed in the Smithsonian Museum.
Dr. Antell has been listed in Harper's Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. His sympathetic and caring nature, combined with his outstanding surgical skills, makes him a popular choice for breast reconstruction patients.
Breast Reconstruction Process
Most mastectomy patients are candidates for breast reconstruction, especially those whose cancer has been completely removed and do not require further treatment. Breast reconstruction can occur immediately after the mastectomy or can be delayed. In delayed reconstructions, a tissue expander may be used for four to six weeks to stretch the skin.
There are two main types of reconstruction:
- Flap Reconstruction: It uses tissue (skin, fat, and muscle) from other areas of the body. For example, the Tram flap reconstruction tunnels tissue from the abdomen upward into the breast area. The Free tram flap and Diep flap are newer techniques that sacrifice less abdominal muscle. Other options include the TUG and DUG flaps using thigh tissue and the gluteus flap using buttock tissue. This type of reconstruction results in the most natural - feeling breast.
- Implant - based Reconstruction: A silicone or saline implant is used to rebuild the breast. Usually, a tissue expander is first placed under the pectoral muscle. A saline solution is gradually added to expand the skin, which usually takes six to eight weeks. Then, the expander is removed, and the true implant is placed. If enough skin remains, the true implant can be placed directly.
The recovery process varies depending on the type of procedure. Implant - based reconstruction typically has a shorter recovery time compared to flap reconstruction. While patients may return to normal daily activities within weeks, it takes months to fully heal.
Weill Cornell Medicine
Multidisciplinary Approach
Weill Cornell Medicine is known for its multidisciplinary approach to breast surgery and reconstruction. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field and offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years, positioning them as leaders in this technique.
The hospital's care team is equipped to promote patient comfort throughout the process. From the preparation to the healing process, patients are supported at every step. The plastic and reproductive surgeons are part of the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, a multidisciplinary group that includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care.
Breast Reconstruction Options
Almost all breast reconstructions are performed on the same day as the mastectomy. The breasts are reconstructed using the patient's own skin tissue or breast implants.
There are several options available:
- Autologous Reconstruction (Your Own Tissue): This uses tissue from different areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Nerves can be reconstructed to increase sensory recovery in the breasts, which may be numb after the mastectomy.
- Breast Innervation during Autologous Reconstruction: A novel reinnervation procedure can be performed during breast reconstruction in about 20 minutes. A nerve in the abdominal flap is reconnected to a nerve in the chest, which is associated with improved patient quality of life.
- Breast Innervation during Implant Reconstruction: Their surgeons developed a new technique for breast reinnervation during expander and implant - based reconstruction. The nerves that supply the skin and nipple are preserved and reconnected during the mastectomy.
- Diep Flap Reconstruction: This uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts.
- Implant - based Reconstruction: The hospital uses tissue expanders and implants based on the patient's unique needs. They utilize both saline and silicone breast implants from all implant manufacturers and have pioneered techniques like direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without drains.
Doctors Plastic Surgery (Dr. Ross Ratner)
Expert Surgeon
Dr. Ross Ratner is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon and a leading expert in breast reconstruction surgery in New York City. With over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures, he is dedicated to providing exceptional care and outstanding results for his patients. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Ratner believes in personalized care, taking the time to understand each patient's goals and ensuring they feel confident and comfortable throughout the journey.
Breast Reconstruction Services
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring the shape, appearance, and size of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can be performed using implants, autologous tissue, or a combination of both.
The practice offers several types of breast reconstruction procedures:
- Breast Reconstruction after Breast - conserving Surgery: Involves reshaping the remaining breast tissue and may include symmetrizing the other breast.
- Breast Reconstruction using Implants: Placing a saline or silicone implant in stages, starting with a tissue expander.
- Breast Reconstruction using Your Own Body Tissues (Flap Procedures): Using tissue from the abdomen, back, or thighs, with common flap procedures like the Diep flap, Tram flap, and Latissimus dorsi flap.
- Reconstructing the Nipple and Areola after Breast Surgery: Can be achieved through local tissue rearrangement, skin grafting, or tattooing.
The recovery process from breast reconstruction surgery varies depending on the type of procedure. Most patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication. Detailed instructions on caring for the surgical site, activity restrictions, and follow - up appointments are provided to ensure a smooth recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these five hospitals in New York City - Mount Sinai Hospital, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Antell Plastic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Doctors Plastic Surgery (Dr. Ross Ratner) - are highly capable and regular providers of breast - related surgeries. Each hospital offers a range of services, from breast enhancement to complex breast reconstruction procedures. They have experienced surgeons, advanced technologies, and a patient - centered approach, making them excellent choices for women seeking breast - related surgeries.
If you are considering breast color improvement surgery or breast reconstruction, we encourage you to do further research, consult with the hospitals and surgeons mentioned in this article, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning about breast surgeries in New York City.
