Introduction
Accessory breast tissue can be a source of discomfort and self - consciousness for many individuals. In New York City, several hospitals offer high - quality surgical solutions for accessory breast removal. This article will explore the top 10 hospitals in the city known for breast - related surgeries, with a special focus on the top 3 for accessory breast removal. We'll discuss the procedures, expertise, and unique features of each institution to help you make an informed decision about your healthcare.
What is Accessory Breast Tissue?
Accessory breast tissue, also known as axillary breast tissue or underarm fat, is often genetic. Many people, both men and women, may have abnormal clumps of breast tissue in areas like the armpits. Usually, these displaced mounds of tissue are benign and non - cancerous. However, they can cause discomfort and embarrassment, leading individuals to seek surgical removal.
Dr. Preminger, a Manhattan plastic surgeon, explains that accessory breast tissue can run in families, with mothers and daughters often sharing the same issue. Fortunately, modern surgical techniques can effectively address this problem, providing lasting results and improving the patient's quality of life and confidence.
Top 10 Hospitals for Breast - Related Surgeries in New York City
1. UES (Preminger MD)
Dr. Preminger at Preminger MD is a well - known expert in accessory breast tissue surgery. She offers a variety of treatment options, including coolsculpting, liposuction, or breast tissue removal surgery.
Procedure Details
- Length: The surgery typically takes 1 - 3 hours.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used, making it an outpatient procedure.
- Technique: In the past, open surgery with long scars was used. Now, a minimally invasive method with tumescent liposuction is employed. If nipples or areolas are present, they are excised after liposuction, and extra skin is removed using a small fusiform incision.
Risks and Side Effects
- Risks: Scarring, infection, and persistent arm tightness are possible risks.
- Side Effects: Patients may experience bruising, inflammation, lymphedema, and numbness. Tiredness, tingling down the arm, mild swelling, and constipation are also common side effects.
Recovery
- Patients can return to work in as little as 1 week, though 3 weeks is ideal.
- Light exercise can be resumed at 1 week, and strenuous activity at 4 - 6 weeks as directed.
- Swelling resolves in about 2 weeks, and full improvement is visible at six months.
Overall, patients report high satisfaction rates, with a 2009 study of 51 patients published in the Journal of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery showing that all but two patients were satisfied with their appearance after the initial surgery.
2. Columbia University - Columbia Surgery
The surgical breast care program at Columbia University provides comprehensive treatment for all forms of breast disease, including support for accessory breast removal cases. They use state - of - the - art equipment and personalized management from leading clinical experts.
Benefits of Choosing Columbia
- Better Results: Their breast cancer program offers significantly better results than others, with higher survival rates, lower complication rates, and better reconstructive results than the national averages.
- Full Resources: As a major academic facility, they can offer a wide range of programs and services and collaborate closely with specialists from various fields.
- Personalized Treatment: After diagnosing the specific breast condition, the team develops a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Locations
- Midtown: Columbiadoctors Midtown, 51 W. 51st street (between fifth and sixth avenues), New York, NY 10019
- Washington Heights: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 10th floor, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032
- Westchester: New York - Presbyterian Westchester, 55 Palmer Avenue, Bronxville, NY 10708 and New York - Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, 1978 Crompond Rd, Suite 103, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
3. Mount Sinai - New York
At Mount Sinai West, a team of experts, including breast surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, nurse practitioners, medical and radiation oncologists, and genetic counselors, handle breast disease cases. They offer a wide range of breast care services.
Services Offered
- Diagnostic: Consultation, annual screenings, genetic testing, and high - risk breast surveillance program for women with an elevated risk of breast cancer.
- Treatment: Medical oncology and radiation oncology, as well as various surgical procedures such as minimally invasive breast surgery techniques, sentinel node biopsy, axillary node dissections, breast conservation surgery (lumpectomy), excisional biopsy, mastectomy (including nipple - sparing and skin - sparing techniques), oncoplastic reconstruction, and reconstruction surgery (including microvascular reconstruction and implant reconstruction).
- Imaging: They have an on - site radiology service providing state - of - the - art diagnostic breast imaging and biopsy services, such as 3D mammograms, breast ultrasound with cyst aspiration, breast MRI, stereotactic mammography biopsy, ultrasound - guided core biopsy, MRI - guided core biopsy, and seed/reflector and wire - directed/wireless localization procedures.
Their comprehensive approach and vast experience make them a top choice for patients seeking breast - related surgeries, including accessory breast removal.
4. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
MSK is renowned for its expertise in breast cancer treatment, and this extends to related surgical procedures. Their breast surgeons offer consultations in multiple locations, including Manhattan, New Jersey, Westchester County, and Long Island.
Lumpectomy Services
- Definition: Lumpectomy is a surgery to remove cancerous breast tissue along with a rim of normal tissue. It preserves the rest of the breast and sensation. MSK has been a leader in developing national guidelines for its use.
- Candidates: It is typically recommended for women with newly diagnosed, early - stage breast cancers like stage I, stage II, and DCIS. Other factors such as tumor size relative to breast size, tumor location, and the ability to receive radiation treatments also determine candidacy.
- Recovery: Recovery time varies. After a lumpectomy without a lymph node biopsy, patients can return to work in 2 - 3 days and resume normal physical activities after 1 week. With a lymph node biopsy, up to a week off work may be needed. Sensations like tenderness, numbness, and twinges are common and usually lessen over time.
5. Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center
The Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center provides comprehensive care for breast surgery patients. They focus on prevention, treatment, and breast reconstruction to preserve tissue and restore the natural contour of the breasts.
Reasons to Choose Weill Cornell
- Exemplary Surgeons: Their surgeons have extensive training and expertise in improving patients' health and lives through surgical treatment. The team has advanced many of the latest standards for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
- Precision Medicine: They offer individualized, multidisciplinary care for all stages and types of breast cancer, including care for patients with aggressive biology and advanced disease, as well as preventative surgical care for high - risk patients.
- Multidisciplinary Care: Patients have access to a network of doctors and specialists. The breast surgeon may consult with experts in radiation oncology, nutrition, and other medical professionals to achieve the best possible quality of life.
Surgical Options
- Lumpectomy
- Mastectomy
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Breast reconstruction
6. Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Although mainly known for breast reduction surgery, their expertise in breast - related procedures makes them a notable mention. Located on the upper east side in Manhattan, they offer top - quality surgical care in a private and relaxed environment.
Unique Features
- Pain Management: They use a special nerve block technique during surgery, eliminating the need for prescription pain medicine. Only over - the - counter tylenol and ibuprofen are necessary for recovery.
- Convenience: They perform hundreds of breast reduction surgeries each year without using drains, and all stitches dissolve on their own, simplifying post - op care. They also offer virtual consultations from anywhere in the world.
- Insurance Considerations: They are in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (with some exclusions). They may accept other plans with out - of - network benefits. Patients with non - accepted plans need to proceed as self - pay.
7. NYC Health + Hospitals
The breast surgery team at NYC Health + Hospitals manages and treats patients with breast cancer, those at increased risk, and patients with benign and high - risk lesions. They work in a multi - disciplinary manner to provide the latest treatment approaches.
Operations and Services
- Surgeries: Excisional biopsies for benign tumors, mastectomies, nipple - sparing mastectomies, lumpectomies, lumpectomies with savi scout localization or needle localization, sentinel node biopsies, axillary node dissections, and terminal duct excisions for nipple discharge.
- Additional Services: Access to clinical trials, patient navigation, social work, genetic testing, tomosynthesis, MRI/MRI - guided biopsy, diep flap reconstruction/implants, psychological support, lymphedema treatment/physical therapy, nutrition, and radiation oncology.
8. Breast Implant Removal Specialists
Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon known for breast implant removal. While not directly related to accessory breast removal, his expertise in breast - related surgeries is worth noting.
Services
- Implant Removal: He performs custom breast implant removal (explant) surgery, including en bloc capsulectomy when indicated. He also removes recalled allergan textured breast implants due to the risk of BIA - ALCL.
- Patient Evaluation: During the consultation, he thoroughly evaluates the patient's general health, medical history, and current breast condition. He discusses the procedure, risks, and recovery in detail to create a proper surgical plan.
- Recovery: The surgery is typically an outpatient procedure. Patients may feel tired or sore after surgery, but many can return to most daily activities within days. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for about two weeks, and the final results may take several months to be visible.
9. Other Notable Clinics
There are several other smaller clinics and private practices in New York City that also offer breast - related surgeries. These clinics often provide personalized care and may have unique treatment approaches. However, their scale and resources may be more limited compared to the larger institutions mentioned above.
10. Private Practice Surgeons
Some individual private practice surgeons in the city are well - respected for their breast surgery skills. They may offer specialized services and a more one - on - one patient experience. However, patients should carefully research their credentials and experience before choosing a private practice surgeon.
Top 3 Hospitals for Accessory Breast Removal
1. UES (Preminger MD)
Dr. Preminger's focus on accessory breast tissue surgery sets her practice apart. Her extensive experience in treating patients with this specific condition, along with the minimally invasive techniques she employs, results in high patient satisfaction. The relatively short recovery time and lasting results are also significant advantages for patients considering this surgery.
Her compassionate approach and the ability to address the concerns of patients, many of whom have lived with discomfort and embarrassment for years, make her practice a top choice for accessory breast removal in New York City.
2. Columbia University - Columbia Surgery
Columbia University's surgical breast care program offers a comprehensive approach to breast disease treatment. Their access to state - of - the - art technology and a team of leading clinical experts ensure that patients receive the best possible care. The personalized treatment plans, combined with the better - than - average results in breast - related surgeries, make them a strong contender for accessory breast removal.
Additionally, their multiple locations across the city provide convenience for patients from different areas of New York.
3. Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's multidisciplinary team of experts is well - equipped to handle all aspects of breast care, including accessory breast removal. Their wide range of services, from diagnostic tests to surgical procedures and post - operative care, provides a one - stop solution for patients. The advanced imaging techniques they offer also help in accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.
Their patient - friendly environment and commitment to providing compassionate care add to their appeal as a top hospital for this type of surgery.
Choosing the Right Hospital for You
When choosing a hospital for accessory breast removal, several factors should be considered:
- Expertise: Look for hospitals with surgeons who have extensive experience in accessory breast removal. Check their success rates and patient testimonials.
- Technology: State - of - the - art technology can lead to more precise surgeries and better outcomes. Consider hospitals that invest in the latest equipment.
- Multidisciplinary Care: A team approach involving different specialists can ensure comprehensive care throughout the treatment process.
- Location: Choose a hospital that is convenient for you to travel to, especially considering follow - up appointments.
- Cost and Insurance: Understand the cost of the surgery and check if your insurance is accepted. Some hospitals may also offer financing options.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several excellent hospitals and clinics offering accessory breast removal surgery. The top 3 hospitals - UES (Preminger MD), Columbia University - Columbia Surgery, and Mount Sinai - New York - stand out for their expertise, technology, and patient - centered care. However, the other hospitals in the top 10 also have their unique strengths and may be a better fit for some patients depending on their specific needs.
If you are considering accessory breast removal, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with different hospitals, and make an informed decision based on your personal circumstances. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about accessory breast removal in New York City, and explore our other related content for more in - depth information on breast - related surgeries.
