Introduction
Breast reconstruction surgery is a vital procedure for many women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. It helps them regain their confidence and a sense of wholeness after breast cancer treatment. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals offering this life - changing surgery. In this article, we will explore the top 5 hospitals for breast reconstruction surgery in New York City, along with a list of doctors and price details.
Understanding Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a reconstructive procedure to reform or reshape the breast(s) after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the entire breast, usually including the nipple and areola, in order to treat or prevent breast cancer, while a lumpectomy is the removal of a piece of the breast where there is a smaller tumor. This reconstruction process can help a woman find her self - confidence again and feel better during her cancer recovery.
There are two main types of breast reconstruction: flap reconstruction (autologous/skin flap surgery) and tissue expander (implants/prosthetics). Many factors determine what kind of breast reconstruction surgery would best suit an individual, such as body type, the type of mastectomy, and the cancer treatments received.
Flap Reconstruction
In flap reconstruction, a tissue flap is taken from a donor site of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or back. The flap is grafted at the place of the breasts. Its blood supply can be taken from the donor site, or it can be cut off from there, and a new supply is established. Stitches are applied, drainage tubes are inserted to drain excess fluid or blood from the site, and bandages are applied over it.
Tissue Expander (Breast Implant)
This is the most common technique used worldwide. A synthetic implant is inserted under the pectoralis major muscle. Silicone implants are most commonly used. Animal dermal grafts are used to cover the site to give it a more aesthetic appearance. Within a few months, saline solution is injected to expand the tissue until it reaches the appropriate size.
Top 5 Hospitals for Breast Reconstruction Surgery in New York City
1. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is the oldest and largest hospital in the world specializing in oncology treatment. It is among the top 2 facilities in the USA for pediatric cancer treatment. The oncologists at Sloan Kettering hospitals develop innovative cancer research programs and provide training programs for the new generation of specialists. Over 15,600 medical specialists carry out the treatment of 200 cancer types, and many experts are among national academies of science and medicine members.
Doctors: While a comprehensive list of all breast reconstruction doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering is extensive, many of their surgeons are well - known in the field. Some doctors may be affiliated with the plastic and reconstructive surgery department, which would handle breast reconstruction cases.
Price: The price of breast reconstruction at Memorial Sloan Kettering can vary widely depending on the type of procedure, patient - specific factors, and the length of hospital stay. As breast cancer surgery is often covered by insurance, the out - of - pocket cost for patients may be minimal or based on their insurance plan's requirements. The average price of breast cancer surgery in New York is $10,973, but this can differ at Memorial Sloan Kettering based on the complexity of the case.
2. Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine offers the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques and has been a leader in the evolution of breast reconstruction. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons perform nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction and have 20 years of experience in this technique. The multidisciplinary team includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care, ensuring comprehensive patient support.
Doctors: The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine are exemplary. Unfortunately, without more in - depth research on their current staff lists, specific names of the breast reconstruction doctors cannot be comprehensively listed here. However, they are part of a team dedicated to personalized breast reconstruction for each patient.
Price: Pricing details can be obtained through a consultation with the hospital. Insurance coverage may also play a significant role in the final cost. The type of reconstruction, such as autologous reconstruction or implant - based reconstruction, will impact the overall price.
3. Mount Sinai - New York (Dubin Breast Center)
At the Dubin Breast Center of Mount Sinai - New York, plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to offer seamless and advanced breast reconstruction. They pay close attention to both medical and aesthetic outcomes. Breast reconstruction is often done in stages, and it can be performed simultaneously with mastectomy or as a separate procedure.
Doctors: Although a detailed doctor list is not provided here, their plastic surgeons are trained to handle different types of breast reconstruction, whether it's implant - based or autologous tissue reconstruction.
Price: Similar to other hospitals, the cost depends on multiple factors. For implant reconstruction, there are costs associated with the tissue expander, the permanent implant, and the two - stage surgeries. Autologous reconstruction may have different costs based on the type of flap used, such as DIEP flap or latissimus dorsi flap. Insurance coverage should be checked with the patient's provider.
4. New York City Practice associated with Dr. Ross Ratner
Dr. Ross Ratner is a double - board certified plastic surgeon and a leading expert in breast reconstruction surgery in New York City. His practice is known for offering advanced breast reconstruction techniques, achieving natural, symmetrical breast results, and having consistent 5 - star patient reviews. The team is committed to personalized care, using minimally invasive methods to reduce recovery time and minimize scarring.
Doctor: Dr. Ross Ratner himself is the key figure in this practice. With over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures, he is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Price: Most insurance plans are accepted at this practice. For patients with out - of - pocket expenses, flexible financing options are available through partners like CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry. The specific price of the surgery will depend on the chosen reconstruction technique and the patient's individual case.
5. Hospitals affiliated with the high - rated doctors on Healthgrades
Healthgrades lists several doctors in New York who perform breast reconstruction with high ratings. For example, Dr. Alexander Swistel with a 4.90 rating (225 ratings), Dr. Philip Torina with a 5.00 rating (19 ratings), and Dr. Kimberly Van Zee with a 4.80 rating (32 ratings). These doctors are likely affiliated with well - known hospitals in New York City.
Doctors: As mentioned, doctors like Dr. Alexander Swistel, Dr. Philip Torina, Dr. Kimberly Van Zee, and others listed on Healthgrades are involved in breast reconstruction. The exact hospitals they are affiliated with would require further investigation, but they are usually part of reputable medical institutions in the city.
Price: Price details can vary widely. Similar to other facilities, it depends on the patient's insurance coverage, the type of procedure, and the complexity of the case. Patients are advised to consult with these doctors to get an accurate price estimate.
Doctor List
Here is a more detailed list of some of the top - rated doctors for breast reconstruction in New York City based on various sources:
- Dr. Alexander Swistel, MD: Rated 4.90 out of 5 stars with 225 ratings. Located at 425 E. 61st st. 8 - 11th floor, New York, NY 10065.
- Dr. Philip Torina, MD: Rated 5.00 out of 5 stars with 19 ratings. Located at 5 E 98th st #2, New York, NY 10029.
- Dr. Kimberly Van Zee, MD: Rated 4.80 out of 5 stars with 32 ratings. Located at 300 E 66th st, New York, NY 10065.
- Dr. Ross Ratner: A double - board certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures. He has a practice that specializes in breast reconstruction using advanced techniques.
- Dr. Sophie Bartsich, MD FACS: A top - notch cosmetic surgeon in Manhattan. According to reviews, she has excellent surgical skills and great bedside manners.
Price Details
The price of breast reconstruction surgery in New York City can be influenced by many factors:
- Type of Procedure: Flap reconstruction is generally more complex and may be more expensive than tissue expander (implant) reconstruction. For example, DIEP flap reconstruction, which uses tissue from the abdomen, requires more surgical expertise and time, potentially increasing the cost.
- Hospital or Clinic: Different hospitals and clinics have different pricing structures. High - end facilities with state - of - the - art equipment and highly specialized surgeons may charge more.
- Surgeon's Experience: Surgeons with more experience and a proven track record of successful breast reconstruction surgeries may charge a higher fee.
- Length of Hospital Stay: Longer hospital stays for procedures like flap reconstruction, which may require a 2 - 3 - day stay, can add to the overall cost compared to tissue expander surgeries that may only require a 1 - 2 - day stay.
- Additional Procedures: If nipple reconstruction or other secondary procedures are needed, this will increase the total cost.
On average, the cost of breast reconstruction in the United States is $4,056, but this can vary significantly in New York City. Some patients may find that their insurance covers a large portion of the cost, especially when the surgery is part of the breast cancer treatment plan. However, it's important to check with the insurance provider to understand the specific coverage details.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hospital and Doctor
For Hospitals
- Reputation: Look for hospitals with a good reputation in breast reconstruction and cancer treatment. Hospitals like Memorial Sloan Kettering are well - known for their oncology expertise, which is crucial for a comprehensive breast reconstruction experience.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: A hospital that offers a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, plastic surgeons, geneticists, and nurses can provide better - coordinated care throughout the breast reconstruction process.
- Technology and Facilities: State - of - the - art surgical suites, advanced anesthetics, and modern monitoring equipment can contribute to a safer and more successful surgery.
For Doctors
- Experience: Choose a doctor with extensive experience in breast reconstruction surgeries. Doctors like Dr. Ross Ratner, who have performed thousands of procedures, are more likely to handle complex cases with expertise.
- Patient Reviews: Read patient reviews to get an idea of the doctor's bedside manner, communication skills, and the quality of the results they achieve. High - rated doctors on platforms like Healthgrades are a good starting point.
- Certifications: Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in plastic surgery. Double - board certification can be an added advantage, indicating a higher level of training and expertise.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery time for breast reconstruction procedures in New York City depends on the type of reconstructive surgery. Most women need a couple of weeks to recover, with swelling and soreness around the site in the first week. This gradually reduces, and after 8 weeks, signs of full recovery should start to appear.
On average, 3 - 4 weeks are needed to recover from tissue expander surgery and 4 - 6 weeks for flap reconstructive surgery. Patients will need to take 2 - 3 weeks off work. Regular activities can be restarted after 2 months, and it may take almost 1 - 2 years for the reconstructed breasts to get the proper shape and for the scars to fade away.
Aftercare is also crucial for a successful recovery:
- Follow the doctor's instructions and take prescribed medicines on time.
- Consult a nutritionist for a healthy diet plan to aid in recovery.
- Do not wear a padded or underwire bra until allowed by the doctor; use surgical bras in the early days after surgery.
- Avoid excessive movement of the breasts and lifting heavy objects or children.
- Change the bandage when it gets dirty to prevent infection, and avoid bathing with intact bandages.
- Abstain from sexual activity for at least 6 weeks.
- Get plenty of rest to allow the body to heal.
Success Rate and Risks
Breast reconstruction surgery has a high success rate. According to a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the success rate is found to be 98% in the case of flap reconstruction surgery, while tissue expander surgery has a success rate within the region of 94 - 96%.
However, like any surgical procedure, there are risks and side effects. These may include infection at the surgery site, itching, pain and discomfort, tingling, numbness, or fluid collection under the wound. If patients see any fluid leaking from incision sites, experience increased pain or swelling, notice a change in color in the scar area or the breast, or have a fever above 100°Fahrenheit/37.7°Celsius, they should contact their doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Breast reconstruction surgery is a significant step for women who have undergone breast cancer treatment. In New York City, there are several top - tier hospitals and highly skilled doctors available to provide this important service. When considering breast reconstruction, patients should carefully evaluate the hospitals, doctors, and pricing options. It's also essential to understand the recovery process, aftercare requirements, success rates, and potential risks associated with the surgery.
If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction surgery in New York City, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with multiple doctors, and discuss your options thoroughly. Share this article with others who may find it helpful, and feel free to explore more resources on breast reconstruction to make an informed decision.
