Introduction
Breast implant contracture is a concern for many women who have undergone breast augmentation or reconstruction procedures. Finding the right hospital to address this issue is crucial for a successful outcome. In New York City, there are several public hospitals that are well - known for their expertise in dealing with breast implant contracture. This article will explore these hospitals, their services, and relevant information to help patients make informed decisions.
Understanding Breast Implant Contracture
What is Breast Implant Contracture?
Breast implant contracture occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around a breast implant tightens and squeezes the implant. This can lead to a variety of problems, including a firm or hard breast, pain, and an unnatural appearance. There are different grades of breast implant contracture, ranging from mild (Grade I) to severe (Grade IV). As per various medical studies, certain factors can increase the risk of breast implant contracture, such as infection, hematoma, and the type of implant used.
Symptoms
- Firmness: The breast may feel unusually firm to the touch.
- Pain: Patients may experience pain or discomfort in the breast area.
- Change in shape: The breast may change shape, becoming distorted or misshapen.
- Asymmetry: There may be a noticeable difference between the two breasts.
Three Public Hospitals in New York City for Breast Implant Contracture
NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue
Overview
NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue is a well - established public hospital with a long history of providing high - quality healthcare services. It is affiliated with the NYU School of Medicine and is a major referral center for highly complex cases. The hospital's breast care service has achieved “Center of Excellence” accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) of the American College of Surgeons, which is the highest form of clinical and quality care recognition for breast cancer centers in the United States.
Services for Breast Implant Contracture
- Multidisciplinary Approach: A team of experts including surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and plastic and reconstructive surgeons work together to provide comprehensive care. For breast implant contracture cases, they can assess the situation from multiple perspectives and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Reconstructive Surgery: In cases where breast implant contracture requires surgical intervention, the hospital's plastic and reconstructive surgeons are highly skilled. They can perform procedures such as removing the existing implant, treating the capsule, and replacing the implant if necessary. They also offer flap reconstruction and other advanced techniques to ensure the best possible aesthetic and functional outcome.
- Patient Support: The hospital provides a wide range of support services, including patient navigation, social work, and psychological support. These services help patients cope with the physical and emotional challenges associated with breast implant contracture and its treatment.
Contact Information
To get in touch with the breast surgery service at Bellevue, patients can call (212) 562 - 2911. The breast surgery team includes experienced doctors such as Kathie - Ann Joseph, MD, who is the chief of the breast surgery service and an associate professor at the Department of Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Erica Friedman, MD, who is a breast surgery attending and an assistant professor at the same department.
New York - Presbyterian / Lower Manhattan Hospital
Overview
New York - Presbyterian / Lower Manhattan Hospital is a part of the prestigious New York - Presbyterian healthcare system. It is known for its advanced medical technology and highly qualified medical staff. The hospital offers a wide range of services related to breast health, including the treatment of breast implant contracture.
Services for Breast Implant Contracture
- Diagnostic Services: The hospital has state - of - the - art diagnostic equipment that can accurately assess the extent of breast implant contracture. This includes MRI, mammography, and ultrasound. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
- Surgical Expertise: The plastic surgeons at the hospital are well - versed in treating breast implant contracture. They use the latest surgical techniques to address the problem, such as capsulotomy or capsulectomy. Capsulotomy involves cutting the scar tissue, while capsulectomy involves removing the entire capsule. The surgeons also take into account the patient's aesthetic goals when performing these procedures.
- Follow - up Care: After surgery, the hospital provides comprehensive follow - up care to ensure a smooth recovery. This includes monitoring the patient's progress, managing pain, and providing guidance on post - operative care.
Contact Information
Patients can reach out to the hospital's breast surgery department to get more information about their services for breast implant contracture. The hospital can be contacted at their main phone number, and specific details about the breast surgery services can be obtained through the hospital's website or patient information desk.
NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan
Overview
NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan is another important public hospital in New York City. It is affiliated with the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation and is dedicated to providing accessible and high - quality healthcare to the community. The hospital has a comprehensive breast care program that includes services for breast implant contracture.
Services for Breast Implant Contracture
- Financial Transparency: The hospital is known for its price transparency in surgical procedures related to the breast. For example, the cash price for the removal of a ruptured breast implant (hcpcs 19330) is $3,298.05. This transparency helps patients make more informed decisions about their healthcare costs.
- Surgical Options: The hospital offers a range of surgical options for treating breast implant contracture. Their surgeons are trained to perform different types of procedures depending on the severity of the contracture and the patient's individual circumstances. Whether it is a minimally invasive procedure or a more complex surgical intervention, the hospital can provide appropriate care.
- Patient - Centered Care: The hospital focuses on providing patient - centered care. The staff takes the time to understand the patient's concerns and goals and works closely with them throughout the treatment process. They also provide education and support to help patients make the best decisions for their breast health.
Contact Information
Patients can contact NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan at (212) 423 - 6262 to inquire about their breast implant contracture services. The hospital's location is at 1901 First Avenue, New York, NY 10029.
Comparison of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital Name | Accreditation | Special Services | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue | “Center of Excellence” accreditation by NAPBC | Multidisciplinary approach, advanced reconstructive surgery, comprehensive patient support | (212) 562 - 2911 |
| New York - Presbyterian / Lower Manhattan Hospital | Part of New York - Presbyterian healthcare system | Advanced diagnostic services, surgical expertise, thorough follow - up care | Main phone number and website for details |
| NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan | Affiliated with NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation | Price transparency, range of surgical options, patient - centered care | (212) 423 - 6262 |
Other Considerations for Choosing a Hospital for Breast Implant Contracture
Doctor Reputation
It is important to research the doctors at each hospital who will be treating breast implant contracture. Websites like Healthgrades can provide patient ratings and reviews of doctors. For example, in New York, there are many doctors who treat capsular contracture of breast implant, such as Dr. Stephanie Bernik, MD, who has a 4.60 rating out of 5 stars, and Dr. Lauren Cassell, MD, who has a 4.90 rating out of 5 stars. Choosing a doctor with a good reputation can increase the likelihood of a successful treatment outcome.
Hospital Location
The location of the hospital can be a significant factor. A hospital that is easily accessible from the patient's home can make it more convenient for appointments, especially during the post - operative follow - up period. It can also reduce the stress and travel time associated with getting to and from the hospital.
Insurance Coverage
Patients should check with their insurance providers to see which hospitals and procedures are covered. Some insurance plans may have specific networks of hospitals and doctors, and using an in - network provider can result in lower out - of - pocket costs. It is important to understand the details of the insurance coverage before making a decision about a hospital.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to breast implant contracture in New York City, NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue, New York - Presbyterian / Lower Manhattan Hospital, and NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan are three public hospitals that offer high - quality services. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it is the accreditation and multidisciplinary approach at Bellevue, the advanced diagnostic and surgical services at New York - Presbyterian / Lower Manhattan Hospital, or the price transparency and patient - centered care at NYC Health + Hospitals - Metropolitan.
Before making a decision, patients should consider factors such as doctor reputation, hospital location, and insurance coverage. If you or someone you know is dealing with breast implant contracture, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals, learn more about their services, and consult with the medical staff to determine the best course of action for your individual needs. Take the first step towards resolving your breast implant contracture issue and regaining your confidence and well - being.
