Introduction
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic procedure that aims to tighten, raise, and reshape sagging breasts. In New York City, there are several hospitals and surgeons renowned for their excellence in breast lift surgery. This article will introduce three of the top hospitals in New York City that offer superb strength for breast lifting surgery, including the details of the surgeons, the procedures, and other related information.
What is Breast Lift Surgery?
Over time, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and loss of skin elasticity can cause breasts to lose their shape and firmness, resulting in a sagging appearance. A breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to address these issues. It can tighten, raise, and reshape sagging breasts. Additionally, it can reduce the size of the areola, which often stretches as the breasts begin to sag.
The benefits of breast lift surgery are numerous. It can restore youthful contours, improve breast symmetry, boost confidence, ensure better clothing fit, offer post - pregnancy rejuvenation, and provide long - lasting results.
Hospital 1: Dr. Antell's Practice
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Darrick Antell is among the most respected breast surgeons practicing in New York. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence in aesthetic surgery. He has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine, and recognized by Harper's Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. His extraordinary accomplishments include being honored for his groundbreaking research on identical twins and the aging process, and he is the only plastic surgeon who has his work displayed in the Smithsonian Museum.
Breast Lift Procedure
Breast lift surgery at Dr. Antell's practice is a customized procedure. There are typically three incisions: around the areola, down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. After reshaping the underlying breast tissue and removing excess skin, the nipple and areola are then moved to a higher position. The incisions, as well as the areola and nipple, are strategically placed based on individual anatomy to be as inconspicuous as possible when wearing a bra, swimsuit, or other revealing clothing. Meticulous layers of internal, dissolving sutures and external sutures are used to close the incision. The surgery usually takes around two to three hours to complete.
Patient Preparation
- Patients will be provided with instructions to thoroughly prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications.
- They may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the surgery day.
- Depending on medical history, patients may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. Dr. Antell may also send patients for additional imaging prior to the procedure, such as a mammogram, MRI, or ultrasound.
- As the procedure is performed under “twilight” sedation, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the breast lift in NYC, and ensure they have someone to assist them for the first few days.
Recovery and Results
Typically, patients can return home within a few hours of the breast lift procedure. They will need to rest frequently for the first few days, and it will likely be one to two weeks before they can return to their normal routine. There will be some swelling and bruising, and although these symptoms should mostly subside in about three to six weeks, it could be as long as one year before they’re 100% healed and able to see the full results of the procedure. The final results of the breast lift will appear after several months, as swelling dissipates and the new breasts settle. Patients are typically extremely satisfied with the youthful, perky appearance that a breast lift provides.
Cost
The cost of a breast lift, or mastopexy, varies from patient to patient. Factors considered include the base operating room or surgical facility fee, the cost of anesthesia, and the surgeon’s fee. Additional factors that will weigh in to the final cost include how involved the procedure is expected to be and how much of a lift is required. Following a personal consultation, the practice will be able to provide an exact cost for the breast lift. If the procedure is combined with other complementary procedures, the cost may in fact come down.
Hospital 2: William Lao, MD
Surgeon Profile
Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan. He has performed over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries over the last 10 years. He is the winner of the 2022 top doctor award from New Beauty and a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. Graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a double major, followed by a doctorate in medicine, he is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He has led presentations about multiple cosmetic plastic surgeries which include breast enhancements.
Types of Breast Lifts
| Type of Breast Lift | Description | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Augmentation Mastopexy | Combines breast lift with breast augmentation using implants to increase the size, shape, and position of the breasts | Those who want both lift and increased volume |
| Circumareolar Mastopexy | Also called a “doughnut” or “periareolar” breast lift as the incision is made around the areola only. Can address mild sagging and reduce the size of the areola | Patients with mild breast sagging |
| Circumvertical Mastopexy | A short scar breast lift with an incision made around the areola with a vertical line heading downwards, looking very much like a lollipop. Allows removal of more skin and tissue than circumareolar mastopexy but has less scarring than a full breast lift | Moderate breast sagging |
| Wise - Pattern Mastopexy | Also known as the “inverted - t”, the incision is made around the areola and a vertical line down the bottom of the breast, much like the circumvertical mastopexy, but this one includes a horizontal line. Allows for additional skin removal and tightening of the deeper layer of breast tissue | Severe breast sagging |
Patient Selection
Good candidates for a breast lift at Dr. Lao's practice are those who have saggy breasts that have lost their shape and volume, have areolas and nipples that point downward, do not smoke, are at a stable, healthy weight, have breasts that are tube - like or elongated, have uneven breasts, and are done breastfeeding and/or having children.
Recovery Process
After the breast lift, bandages will be placed over the breasts and patients will likely be given a surgical support bra to wear. They may experience bruising and swelling for one to two weeks and may be given medication to help ease any discomfort or pain after the procedure. Patients should not perform any strenuous activities or do any lifting, bending, or straining for at least two weeks after the breast lift. Most patients can return to work within 3 - 7 days and see their final results in about 6 - 12 weeks as their breasts settle into place.
Cost
The average cost of breast lift surgery in New York City at Dr. Lao's practice typically starts at $8,000 and can range up to $20,000 or more. Prices vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia costs, and surgeon fees. For a personalized cost estimate and detailed information about the procedure, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with Dr. William Lao.
Hospital 3: Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice
Surgeon Profile
Dr. Adam Kolker is an active member of multiple professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, etc. He is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon. Every breast lift procedure with him is uniquely personalized and tailored specifically to both anatomy and desire.
Planning and Incision Types
Breast lift planning begins with an in - depth discussion and careful examination so that patients' unique desires can be paired with their physical needs to establish the best breast lift technical approach. Breast lift incision choices will vary depending upon the degree of deflation, the breast and nipple position, the elasticity of the skin, and whether or not volume will be restored concomitantly with breast implants. The types of breast lift incisions include circumareolar mastopexy (a “doughnut” breast lift with an incision around areola only), circumvertical mastopexy (a “lollipop” breast lift), wise - pattern mastopexy (an “inverted - t” breast lift), and augmentation mastopexy (any breast lift performed in conjunction with breast augmentation with breast implants).
Breast Lift Procedure Details
Performed exclusively by Dr. Kolker in his fully accredited surgical facility on Park Avenue in Manhattan, New York City breast lift surgery is an outpatient procedure. The office - based surgery unit is accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. After preoperative marking, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist. The procedure duration is approximately three hours.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following the breast lift in Manhattan, patients will be cared for by a licensed registered nurse in the recovery room. They will be discharged home with a friend or relative when they are fully awake and comfortable, generally one to two hours after the completion of surgery. Dr. Kolker recommends taking one week off from work or strenuous activity, although in certain circumstances a return to "light duties" may be possible after as few as four to five days. No suture removal will be required, as sutures are placed beneath the skin and are dissolvable. Closed suction drainage tubes are most often used that are removed between three and five days after the procedure. A special bra that is provided by the office is worn for approximately one week, after which a sports bra is worn. Regular bras and bathing suit tops can be worn after three to four weeks. Settling of the breasts to their final shape is at approximately 12 weeks following the breast lift.
Cost and Other Considerations
The cost of the breast lift is determined based on various factors, and a personalized quote will be provided after a consultation. Dr. Kolker will also consider patients' questions regarding nipple reduction, breastfeeding, and exercise after the breast lift. He will offer advice based on individual situations.
General Considerations for Breast Lift Surgery
Candidate Evaluation
Anyone in good health seeking to rejuvenate the appearance of sagging breasts is likely a candidate for a breast lift. However, it is important to be realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. A mastopexy does not add volume, it simply lifts and tightens. Pregnant women or those planning future pregnancies should consider that pregnancy may slightly stretch the breasts again and affect the results of the procedure. Women with heavy breasts may find that the results do not last as long, as gravity and aging will continue to affect the skin tissue.
Potential Risks
Although all surgery involves some level of risk and the potential for complications, a mastopexy is typically a safe procedure when performed by a board - certified plastic surgeon who employs the latest surgical techniques and the most stringent patient health and safety protocols. The most common complications include bleeding, infection, loss of the nipple, changes in sensation, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Surgeons will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during the initial consultation, and patients can reduce their risks by closely following the surgeon’s advice both before and after surgery.
Insurance Coverage
Breast lifts are typically considered cosmetic, so insurance may not cover the procedure. However, in some cases, breast lift surgery (mastopexy) may be covered by insurance when it is deemed medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic. Some plans provide coverage when severe sagging causes documented health issues, such as chronic skin infections, rashes, or persistent pain in the shoulders, neck, or back.
Conclusion
Breast lift surgery can be a life - changing procedure for many women, helping them to regain their confidence and a more youthful appearance. In New York City, Dr. Antell, Dr. William Lao, and Dr. Adam Kolker and their respective practices offer outstanding options for those seeking breast lift surgery. Each surgeon has their own unique expertise, approach to the procedure, and patient - care philosophy. When considering breast lift surgery, it is essential to consult with a qualified surgeon, understand the procedure, its risks, and recovery process, and have realistic expectations about the results.
If you are interested in learning more about breast lift surgery or are considering having the procedure done, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these highly - regarded surgeons in New York City. Don't let sagging breasts hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards a more confident you!
