Introduction to Breast Reduction in New York City
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that has gained significant popularity in New York City. Many women in the city who suffer from the physical and emotional discomfort caused by overly large breasts are turning to this procedure for relief. In this article, we will explore five well - known and regular hospitals in New York City that offer high - quality breast reduction services.
Understanding the Need for Breast Reduction
Having breasts that are disproportionately large for one's frame can bring about a host of problems. Physically, it can cause pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. The weight of heavy breasts can lead to poor posture, which may further exacerbate these pain issues. It can also cause skin irritation and rashes under the breasts, as well as make it difficult to engage in physical activities. Emotionally, women with overly large breasts may experience self - consciousness and embarrassment, which can have a negative impact on their self - esteem and quality of life. According to various studies, breast reduction can provide relief from these physical and emotional burdens, improving the overall well - being of patients.
Top Five Hospitals for Breast Reduction in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Overview
Mount Sinai is a well - respected name in the medical field, known for its comprehensive range of services, including plastic surgery. The hospital's team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is dedicated to providing top - notch care to patients seeking breast reduction.
Services Offered
- Consultation: During the consultation, the surgeons will thoroughly evaluate the patient's physical condition, including their breast size, shape, and overall health. They will also discuss the patient's goals and expectations for the surgery. For example, if a patient is experiencing severe back pain due to large breasts, the surgeon will take this into account when planning the procedure.
- Procedure: The breast reduction surgery at Mount Sinai is performed with a focus on patient safety and achieving the best possible results. The surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure that the scars are minimized and the new breast shape is natural - looking. The hospital also offers options to combine breast reduction with other procedures such as breast lift, depending on the patient's needs.
- Recovery and Aftercare: After the surgery, patients receive detailed instructions on how to care for their breasts during the recovery period. The hospital's staff will schedule follow - up visits to monitor the patient's progress and address any concerns that may arise. Mount Sinai provides a warm and supportive environment to help patients feel comfortable throughout the entire process.
Patient Eligibility
To be eligible for breast reduction surgery at Mount Sinai, patients should maintain a healthy, stable weight. They should not be planning future pregnancies, as pregnancy can affect the results of the surgery. Additionally, patients should be physically mature with fully - developed breasts and emotionally ready to make this decision.
2. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Overview
Rapaport Plastic Surgery, led by board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rapaport, is a well - known practice in New York City for breast reduction procedures. Dr. Rapaport has decades of experience in the field and takes a personalized approach to each patient.
Services Offered
- Consultation: The initial consultation at Rapaport Plastic Surgery is a comprehensive process. Dr. Rapaport will listen to the patient's concerns, examine their breasts, and take photographs for the medical record. He will then discuss the various options available for breast reduction, including the different incision techniques and the expected results.
- Procedure: Dr. Rapaport performs breast reduction surgeries at the practice's fully accredited Manhattan surgical suite or at selected partner hospitals such as Lenox Hill Hospital or the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital. The surgeries are typically performed under general anesthesia, and Dr. Rapaport uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. For example, he may use a lollipop incision or anchor incision to remove and reshape excess breast tissue, depending on the amount of tissue to be removed.
- Recovery and Aftercare: After the surgery, patients are required to wear a surgical bra for two weeks to support the breasts. Dr. Rapaport's closure technique involves layers of internal, dissolvable sutures, so there are usually no visible external sutures to be removed. The practice schedules follow - up visits to monitor the healing process, and patients are given instructions on pain management and activity restrictions.
Patient Requirements
Ideal candidates for breast reduction at Rapaport Plastic Surgery should be overall healthy and non - smokers or willing to quit. Smoking significantly reduces the blood flow in the skin, which can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Dr. Rapaport requires patients to abstain from smoking for six weeks before the procedure and a minimum of two weeks after.
3. Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Overview
Located on the upper east side in Manhattan, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC is a premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. The center is staffed by top - rated board - certified/board - eligible plastic surgeons who offer high - quality surgical care in a state - of - the - art facility.
Services Offered
- Consultation: The center offers virtual consultations, which are convenient for patients from around the world. During the consultation, the surgeons will assess the patient's situation, including the symptoms they are experiencing due to large breasts, such as back pain, shoulder grooving, or skin irritation. They will also discuss the possibility of insurance coverage for the surgery.
- Procedure: The center's surgeons use a special technique during surgery called a nerve block, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine. Only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen are necessary for recovery. The surgeons do not use drains in breast reductions, and all the stitches dissolve on their own, making post - op care much less complicated.
- Insurance and Financing: The Breast Reduction Center of NYC is in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (but does not accept United Healthcare community plan and Oxford metro plans). They may accept the Empire Plan (NYSHIP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna plans only if the patient has out - of - network benefits. The center also offers information on financing options through CareCredit.
Patient Criteria
Patients who are considering breast reduction at this center should have breasts that are causing medical problems such as shoulder, back, or neck pain. They should also show signs of bra strap grooving, bad posture, limitations on physical activity, or skin rashes and infections under the breasts. The center aims to remove approximately 50% of the breast volume to treat these symptoms effectively.
4. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Overview
Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world's most celebrated plastic surgeons. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is known for his meticulous precision and outstanding ability to create natural - looking results in breast reduction surgeries.
Services Offered
- Consultation: During the consultation, Dr. Antell will listen attentively to the patient's concerns, evaluate their medical history and overall health. He will measure and examine the breasts, take photographs, and discuss the patient's aesthetic goals for the breast size and appearance. He will also describe the breast reduction surgery in detail, including the risks and benefits.
- Procedure: The breast reduction procedure begins with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another form of “twilight” sedation. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient throughout the procedure. Dr. Antell will make incisions based on the amount of breast tissue to be removed, such as around the areola, at the crease under the breast and up to the nipple, or around the areola and down to the base of the breast. He will then remove the excess fat, skin, and tissue, reshape the breasts, and reposition the nipples.
- Recovery and Aftercare: After the surgery, patients can return home the same day with a family member or friend. Dr. Antell will provide detailed instructions for recovery, including wearing a compression dressing on the breasts. Patients should expect swelling and bruising, which will gradually fade. Most patients can return to many of their daily activities within days, but they need to wait until cleared by Dr. Antell to resume exercise, usually about two weeks after surgery.
Patient Qualifications
Ideal candidates for breast reduction with Dr. Antell are generally in good health, do not smoke, are not obese, have fully developed breasts, are finished having children, are at or near their ideal weight, and are located in NYC or the surrounding areas.
5. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice
Overview
Dr. John E. Sherman, a board - certified plastic surgeon, understands the physical and emotional implications of breast hypertrophy. His practice offers personalized breast reduction surgical plans to meet the needs and goals of each patient.
Services Offered
- Consultation: Dr. Sherman will discuss the various incision techniques available, the risks and benefits of the procedure, and what to expect during recovery. He will also take into account the patient's medical history, body image concerns, and overall health status to determine if they are suitable candidates for the surgery.
- Procedure: The breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about 3 - 4 hours to complete, depending on the patient's individualized treatment plan. Dr. Sherman makes incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. He then removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, repositions the nipple and areola, and reshapes the remaining breast tissue.
- Recovery and Aftercare: After the surgery, patients' breasts will be secured with dressings, and they need to wear a supportive surgical bra for several weeks. Dr. Sherman will prescribe medication to manage pain, bruising, and swelling, and provide detailed instructions for post - operative care.
Patient Suitability
Women who are non - smokers, in good overall health, within an acceptable weight range, have no serious heart conditions, and no undiagnosed breast lumps are suitable candidates for breast reduction at Dr. Sherman's practice. Smokers must be willing to quit for 4 - 6 weeks before and after the procedure.
Comparing the Five Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialty Features | Recovery Process | Insurance and Cost | Surgeon Expertise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Comprehensive care, option to combine with other procedures | Supportive follow - up, patient - centered care | May be covered by insurance, case - by - case basis | Highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons |
| Rapaport Plastic Surgery | Minimally invasive techniques, personalized approach | Internal dissolvable sutures, short - term surgical bra use | Dr. Rapaport does not participate in insurance networks, out - of - network benefits may apply | Board - certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience |
| Breast Reduction Center of NYC | Nerve block technique for pain management, no drains, dissolvable stitches | Over - the - counter pain medication, easy post - op care | In - network with some insurance plans, may accept others with out - of - network benefits | Top - rated board - certified/board - eligible plastic surgeons |
| Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice | Meticulous precision, natural - looking results | Same - day discharge, detailed recovery instructions | Dr. Antell can help determine insurance coverage | World - renowned plastic surgeon trained at Stanford and Cornell |
| Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice | Personalized surgical plans | Supportive post - operative care, prescribed pain management | Cost depends on various factors, discussed during consultation | Board - certified plastic surgeon with understanding of physical and emotional aspects |
General Considerations for Breast Reduction Surgery
Pre - surgery Considerations
Before undergoing breast reduction surgery, patients should have a clear understanding of the procedure. They should research different hospitals and surgeons, read patient reviews, and schedule consultations to find the best fit for their needs. Patients also need to follow the pre - operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as discontinuing certain medications, supplements, or blood thinners, and quitting smoking if applicable. It is important to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and take time off from work and social commitments for recovery.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery is determined on a case - by - case basis. In general, if the breast size is causing medical problems such as neck, shoulder, or back pain, the surgery may be covered by insurance. However, insurance companies usually require a letter from the surgeon describing the patient's symptoms and physical findings, including an estimate of the amount of breast tissue to be removed. Some hospitals, like the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, can assist patients with the insurance paperwork.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, breast reduction carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, reaction to anesthesia, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and in rare cases, partial or total loss of the nipple and areola. However, when performed by an experienced, board - certified plastic surgeon, the risks are significantly reduced. Surgeons will discuss these potential risks with patients during the consultation process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast reduction surgery can be a life - changing procedure for women in New York City who are suffering from the physical and emotional burden of overly large breasts. The five hospitals and practices mentioned in this article - Mount Sinai Hospital, Rapaport Plastic Surgery, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC, Dr. Darrick Antell's practice, and Dr. John E. Sherman's practice - are all well - known and offer high - quality services. Each has its own unique features, from surgical techniques to patient care and insurance options. If you are considering breast reduction surgery, it is essential to do thorough research, schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Call to Action: If you are interested in learning more about breast reduction surgery or have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to one of the hospitals or practices mentioned in this article. You can also continue to explore our website for more in - depth information on breast reduction and other related topics.
