Introduction
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a life - changing procedure for many women. Having overly large breasts can lead to a host of physical problems such as neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as emotional distress due to self - consciousness. In New York City, there are several well - known and reputable hospitals that offer top - notch breast reduction plastic surgery services. This article will introduce five such hospitals, exploring their unique features, services, and what makes them stand out in the field.
Mount Sinai - New York
Overview of the Hospital
Mount Sinai is a renowned medical institution in New York. It has a team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons who are experts in enhancing women's breasts. Their approach to patient care is warm, caring, and supportive, creating a comfortable environment for patients to discuss sensitive body - related concerns.
Eligibility for Breast Reduction Surgery
To be eligible for breast reduction surgery at Mount Sinai, patients should meet the following criteria:
- Maintain a healthy, stable weight. Fluctuations in weight can affect the outcome of the surgery.
- Not plan on future pregnancies. Pregnancy can change the size and shape of the breasts, reversing the results of the surgery.
- Be physically mature with fully - developed breasts and emotionally mature about their choice. Understanding the implications and potential outcomes of the surgery is crucial.
Benefits of Breast Reduction
Patients who undergo breast reduction at Mount Sinai can expect a range of benefits:
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Less pain | Reduction of neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of heavy breasts. This can significantly improve the patient's quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. |
Improved self - confidence | Patients often experience an increase in self - confidence as they feel more comfortable with their breast size and overall body appearance. |
Proportionate body | The breast size becomes more in proportion with the body frame, leading to a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look. |
Relief from skin issues | Chafing and skin irritation caused by sagging breast skin are reduced, providing physical comfort. |
Balanced breast size | The surgery can help achieve a more balanced size of the breasts. |
Combination with Other Procedures
Patients may want to combine breast reduction with a breast lift or as part of a mommy makeover for a more complete enhancement. During the consultation, the surgeon will work with the patient to determine the right combination of procedures to achieve their plastic surgery goals.
Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Location and Reputation
Located on the upper east side in Manhattan, NY, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC is the premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. Their breast reduction specialist surgeons are top - rated board - certified or board - eligible plastic surgeons, offering top - quality surgical care in a state - of - the - art facility. Patients enjoy a beautiful private and relaxed environment that promotes personalized patient care.
Unique Surgical Techniques
The center has some unique features when it comes to breast reduction surgery:
- No drains: The surgeons do not use drains in breast reductions, which simplifies post - op care.
- Dissolving stitches: All the stitches dissolve on their own, eliminating the need for stitch removal and further reducing post - op complications.
- Nerve block technique: They use a special nerve block technique during surgery, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine. Patients can recover using only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen.
Insurance and Consultation
The center offers virtual consultations, which is convenient for patients from anywhere in the world. They are in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (but do 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. Unfortunately, they do not accept Medicare, Medicaid, Medi - Cal, Tri - care, Amida Care, Fidelis, and Metroplus plans. If a patient has a non - accepted plan, they need to proceed as self - pay.
Candidate Criteria
Typically, breast reduction surgery may be considered reconstructive and medically necessary when one or more of the following criteria are met:
- The breasts are creating medical problems such as shoulder, back, or neck pain.
- The bra straps are causing significant grooving in the shoulders.
- The breasts are causing bad posture characterized by hunched shoulders and a curved back.
- There are limitations on physical activity impacting the ability to perform household chores, work duties, or exercise due to breast size.
- Headaches or nerve compression syndromes are experienced due to the weight of the breasts.
- Rashes and/or infections develop on the trapped skin under the breasts.
Columbia Surgery
Hospital's Prestige
Columbia University's plastic and reconstructive surgery department is one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Their plastic surgeons are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, ranging from routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations and body contouring surgery after significant weight loss.
Breast Reduction Services
Among the many services offered, breast reduction (mammoplasty) is a key offering. The hospital takes a comprehensive approach to patient care, ensuring that patients are well - informed about the procedure, its risks, and benefits. They also conduct in - depth consultations to understand the patient's aesthetic goals and medical history.
Research and Innovation
The hospital's plastic surgery research laboratory is actively involved in numerous research studies. This includes research related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. Their research on gene therapy for wound healing has shown promising results in expediting the healing of ischemic and diabetic wounds, which could potentially have implications for post - breast reduction surgery recovery.
Expert Team
The plastic surgery team at Columbia consists of highly skilled and experienced surgeons. For example, Dr. Christine Rohde is a chief of the division, trained in a wide range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. She has numerous publications and presentations in the field of plastic surgery. Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman is an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 75 scientific articles and chapters, and he has been included in prestigious lists of top doctors.
NYU Langone Health
Advanced Breast Surgery Techniques
NYU Langone's plastic surgeons are experts in breast plastic surgery. They offer breast reduction using the short scar method, which involves a smaller incision than traditional techniques, resulting in more cosmetically appealing results. They also perform a variety of breast reconstruction techniques, including using perforator flaps, such as the DIEP and S - GAP techniques.
Breast in a Day Program
One of the unique features of NYU Langone is the "Breast in a Day" program. This innovative surgery is for women diagnosed with breast cancer or those at increased risk for cancer. It involves performing a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day. This reduces the number of surgeries and hospital stay time, which can have a positive impact on the patient's physical and emotional recovery.
Patient - Centered Approach
The hospital seamlessly brings together oncologic and reconstructive breast surgery. Their breast surgical oncologists at the Perlmutter Cancer Center and plastic surgeons maintain ongoing communication throughout the planning process, creating a customized surgical plan for each patient. They also use three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care.
Expert Surgeons
NYU Langone has a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons, including Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and Dr. Nolan S. Karp. These surgeons specialize in the latest techniques for breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery.
Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Personalized Approach
Dr. David Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon, takes a minimally invasive, personalized approach to breast reduction surgery. With decades of experience, he prioritizes patient safety and aims to achieve consistent results.
Candidate 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 quality of blood flow within the skin, increasing the risk of major complications. Dr. Rapaport requires abstinence from all smoking for six weeks before the procedure and a minimum of two weeks after.
Surgical Procedure
Dr. Rapaport and his team generally perform breast reduction procedures on - site in their fully accredited Manhattan, New York, surgical suite. In selected cases, the procedure may be performed at Lenox Hill Hospital or the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, with a board - certified anesthesiologist administering and monitoring.
Recovery Process
After surgery, most patients are discharged the same day. All patients must wear a surgical bra for two weeks post - operatively. Since Dr. Rapaport's closure technique involves layers of internal, dissolvable sutures, there usually aren't any visible external sutures. Patients can expect swelling and bruising, and the surgeon may prescribe pain medication, though many patients can manage discomfort with over - the - counter medications. Most patients resume their daily routines within one week, but they should take it easy for the first two weeks and wait three weeks or more before resuming exercise or strenuous activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these five hospitals in New York City - Mount Sinai, Breast Reduction Center of NYC, Columbia Surgery, NYU Langone Health, and Rapaport Plastic Surgery - are well - known and reputable for breast reduction plastic surgery. Each hospital has its own unique features, whether it's the personalized patient care, advanced surgical techniques, or in - depth research. When considering breast reduction surgery, it's important for patients to do thorough research, consult with multiple surgeons, and make an informed decision based on their own needs and circumstances.
If you're considering breast reduction surgery in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for more information. Schedule consultations, ask questions, and gather all the necessary details to make the best choice for your body and well - being. Don't hesitate to share this article with others who may be interested in learning about breast reduction surgery in NYC.