Introduction
New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its world - class medical facilities, offers a wide array of options for breast shape improvement. Whether it's breast augmentation, reduction, lift, or reconstruction, there are numerous hospitals and institutions that excel in these procedures. In this article, we will explore the top five hospitals for breast shape improvement in New York City, covering both public hospitals and chain institutions. These hospitals have established themselves through their expertise, advanced technology, and patient - centered care.
1. Columbia University's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division
Reputation and Overall Standing
Columbia University's plastic and reconstructive surgery division is one of New York's best - known medical programs and a global leader in the field. As a part of a major academic medical center and an Ivy League university, it has access to vast resources and cutting - edge research. The hospital has a long - standing reputation for providing high - quality care in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Expertise in Breast - Related Procedures
- Breast Augmentation: The hospital offers a comprehensive cosmetic care program that includes breast augmentation. Surgeons are proficient in choosing the right implant type (silicone or saline) based on the patient's body type and desired outcome. They can also perform the procedure through different incision techniques, such as under the arm, under the breast, or within the areola.
- Breast Reconstruction: After breast cancer surgery, the Columbia breast cancer reconstructive surgery program is dedicated to helping patients reclaim their physical and emotional well - being. It brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.
- Breast Reduction and Lift: Surgeons are well - versed in breast reduction (mammoplasty) and breast lift (mastopexy) procedures. These surgeries are often performed to address physical discomfort or aesthetic concerns related to large or sagging breasts.
Research and Innovation
The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is actively involved in multiple research studies. It focuses on stem cells, tissue engineering, and the use of gene therapy in wound healing. These research efforts not only contribute to the advancement of the field but also have the potential to improve patient outcomes in breast - related surgeries.
Surgeon Team
The division has a team of highly skilled board - certified surgeons. For example, Dr. Christine Rohde is a chief in the division, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and breast reconstruction. Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman has extensive experience and has been included in top doctor lists. Other surgeons like Dr. Jarrod T. Bogue, Dr. Thomas A. Imahiyerobo, Dr. Catherine L. Ly, Dr. Naik Hoba Munabi, and Dr. June K. Wu also bring their unique expertise to the team.
Contact Information
To get in touch with one of the plastic surgeons, patients can call (212) 305 - 3103 or request an appointment online. The hospital has multiple offices in different locations across New York City, including Washington Heights, Midtown, East Side, Westchester, and a New Jersey office.
2. Mount Sinai Hospital
National Ranking and Specialties
Mount Sinai Hospital is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties, including being ranked #11 in obstetrics & gynecology hospitals. This indicates its high - quality overall medical care and expertise in multiple fields, which also translates to its plastic surgery department for breast shape improvement.
Breast Augmentation Services
- Advanced Visualization Technology: Before breast augmentation surgery, Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons use the latest 3D imaging technology. This allows patients to visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies, helping them make more informed decisions about the size and shape of the implants.
- Implant Options: The hospital offers two main types of breast implants - silicone and saline. Silicone breast implants look and feel more natural in the breasts, while saline implants are firmer and rounder. In addition, they also offer a fat - transfer technique called NaturalFill®, where fat is removed from the patient's buttocks or abdomen and inserted into the breasts.
Other Breast Enhancement Procedures
- Breast Lift: A breast lift procedure at Mount Sinai can reverse the effects of time, childbirth, or weight loss on the breasts. Surgeons can provide firmer, more rounded, and shapelier breasts, restore lost fullness, balance breast height, and adjust the areola size.
- Breast Reduction: The hospital's plastic surgeons can perform breast reduction surgery to relieve physical discomfort and improve the aesthetic appearance of large breasts.
- Breast Implant Revision: For patients who have previously had breast implants and are not satisfied with the results or have encountered complications, Mount Sinai offers breast implant revision services.
Patient - Centered Approach
At Mount Sinai, plastic surgeons take the time to listen to patients' goals during the consultation. They then use technology to help patients visualize their desired results and develop a personalized breast enhancement plan.
Contact Information
Patients interested in breast enhancement procedures at Mount Sinai can call the appropriate departments or schedule consultations through the hospital's official channels.
3. Center for Breast Reconstruction (Dr. Joshua L. Levine)
World - Renowned Surgeon
Dr. Joshua L. Levine is a world - renowned surgeon who is highly specialized in advanced natural tissue breast reconstruction. His expertise attracts patients from across the U.S. and around the world.
Travel - Friendly Services
The center provides first - class concierge care for traveling patients. They assist patients in making travel arrangements, such as providing recommendations on where to stay and the best times to fly in for consultations or surgeries. Local patients will meet with Dr. Levine prior to scheduling surgery, while out - of - town patients will meet with him the day of or the day before their scheduled surgery.
Multiple Reconstruction Centers
In addition to its flagship office in New York City, the center has developed 12 other dedicated natural tissue breast reconstruction centers in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area. This wide network of centers makes it more accessible for patients.
Hospital Affiliations
- New York Center for Breast Reconstruction: Associated with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai, which has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006 and has achieved Magnet® status for excellence in nursing services.
- New Jersey Center for Breast Reconstruction: Linked with Hackensack University Medical Center, which is New Jersey’s #1 hospital and among the top 30 hospitals in the nation with 11 national specialty rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 - 15 best hospitals rankings.
Common Questions and Patient Support
The center answers common questions related to breast reconstruction, such as the length of stay (flap procedures may require a 5 - 6 day stay) and post - surgery care. They also provide support to patients throughout the entire process, including arranging transportation and accommodation.
4. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Expertise in Breast Augmentation
Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board - certified plastic surgeon, is a world - recognized expert in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures at his New York plastic surgery facility.
Patient - Centered Candidate Assessment
The hospital assesses candidates for breast augmentation based on various factors. Women who want to enhance their body contour, correct breast volume loss due to pregnancy or aging, balance breast size, correct congenital deformities, or undergo reconstruction after breast surgery can be good candidates. However, patients need to be overall healthy and have realistic expectations.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
- Scarless Breast Augmentation: Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform scarless breast augmentation through an underarm incision. This technique allows for precise muscle division, control of bleeding, and accurate implant positioning, minimizing the risk of implant malposition.
- Implant Placement: He generally places breast implants under the pectoral muscle for the most natural - looking results. The incision can also be placed under the breast or within the areola depending on the patient's needs and the type of implant.
Implant Options
Patients have the choice between saline and silicone implants. Saline implants can be filled after placement, which is suitable for the scarless breast augmentation technique. Silicone implants typically have a more natural look and feel. Dr. Rapaport will discuss these options with patients to help them make the best decision.
Recovery and Results
Full recovery from breast augmentation takes about two to three weeks, but patients with non - strenuous jobs can return to work in a few days. Patients often experience a significant confidence boost after the surgery, and the results typically last a lifetime. Dr. Rapaport takes precautions to minimize the risk of capsular contracture, a rare problem among his patients.
Contact Information
To learn more about breast augmentation and schedule an appointment, patients can fill out a form on the hospital's website or call (212) 249 - 9955.
Comparing the Top Five Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialty in Breast Procedures | Research and Innovation | Surgeon Expertise | Patient - Centered Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | Comprehensive in augmentation, reconstruction, reduction, and lift | Active research in stem cells, gene therapy, and tissue engineering | Highly skilled board - certified surgeons with diverse specialties | Multiple office locations and detailed patient education materials |
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Advanced visualization for augmentation, multiple enhancement procedures | Use of latest 3D imaging technology for patient planning | Surgeons with experience in multiple adult and pediatric specialties | Personalized consultation and plan development |
| Center for Breast Reconstruction | Advanced natural tissue breast reconstruction | Specialized in state - of - the - art reconstruction techniques | World - renowned surgeon Dr. Joshua L. Levine | Concierge care for traveling patients |
| Rapaport Plastic Surgery | Expert in breast augmentation and implant revision | Use of endoscope for scarless breast augmentation | Board - certified world - recognized expert Dr. David P. Rapaport | Detailed candidate assessment and focus on patient confidence |
Choosing the Right Hospital for You
Consider Your Specific Needs
Think about the specific breast - shape improvement procedure you need. If you are looking for a comprehensive program that offers a wide range of breast surgeries, including reconstruction after cancer, Columbia University may be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are mainly interested in breast augmentation with advanced visualization, Mount Sinai could be more suitable.
Research Surgeon Expertise
Look into the surgeons' qualifications, experience, and areas of specialization. A surgeon with a lot of experience in your desired procedure is more likely to achieve the best results. For example, if you need natural tissue breast reconstruction, Dr. Joshua L. Levine at the Center for Breast Reconstruction is a world - renowned expert.
Consider Patient - Centered Services
Some hospitals offer more comprehensive patient - centered services, such as travel assistance for out - of - town patients (Center for Breast Reconstruction) or detailed pre - and post - operative education (Columbia University). Consider these factors based on your personal situation.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals for breast shape improvement. Columbia University, Mount Sinai Hospital, the Center for Breast Reconstruction, and Rapaport Plastic Surgery each have their unique strengths, whether it's in research, surgeon expertise, or patient - centered services. When considering a breast - shape improvement procedure, it's crucial to do thorough research, consult with multiple surgeons, and choose the hospital that best meets your needs and expectations.
If you are interested in learning more about breast - shape improvement procedures or scheduling a consultation, we encourage you to reach out to the hospitals mentioned in this article. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic and explore related resources on breast health and plastic surgery to make the most informed decision for your body.
