Top 5 Selected Hospitals for Autologous Breast Augmentation Repair in New York City

Introduction

Autologous breast augmentation repair is a significant option for many women in New York City, especially those who have undergone mastectomy or are not satisfied with previous breast augmentation results. It offers a natural - looking and long - lasting solution by using the patient's own tissue. In this article, we will explore the top 5 hospitals in New York City for this procedure, delving into their expertise, available techniques, and patient care.

What is Autologous Breast Augmentation Repair?

Autologous breast augmentation repair, also known as autologous breast reconstruction, involves using a patient's own tissue, such as skin and fat, to reconstruct or augment the breast. This approach takes a piece of skin and fat (a “flap”) from one site on the body, like the abdomen or thighs, and transfers it to the chest. Compared to implant reconstruction, it generally consists of a single procedure that lasts a lifetime as it uses the patient's natural tissue. There is also less chance of rejection or infection, and the result is more likely to look natural. Some patients may also regain sensation in the breast with autologous reconstruction.

Top 5 Hospitals for Autologous Breast Augmentation Repair in New York City

1. Mount Sinai - New York

Expertise

Mount Sinai offers expert breast reconstruction services. At Mount Sinai West, under the direction of Hani Sbitany, MD, they have special expertise in the most advanced, muscle - sparing, microsurgical technique called DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap breast reconstruction. The Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai also provides seamless and advanced breast reconstruction, with plastic surgeons working closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to focus on both medical and aesthetic outcomes.

Available Techniques

• DIEP Flap Microvascular Breast Reconstruction: This technique completely avoids any muscle transfer and only involves the use of skin and fat. A section of skin and fat is removed from the lower abdominal roll and transferred to the chest to rebuild the breast, while preserving all abdominal muscles. It also tightens the remaining abdominal skin, similar to a “tummy tuck.”
• Implant Reconstruction: It starts with placing a tissue expander in the breast at the time of mastectomy. The tissue expander is a temporary inflatable implant that is inflated in the plastic surgeon’s office soon after surgery. About three months later, a second ambulatory surgery is performed to remove the tissue expander and place a permanent implant, which can be filled with silicone or saline.
• Other Autologous Reconstruction: Besides DIEP, other types of autologous reconstruction using the patient's own body tissue are available, such as using skin and muscle from the back (latissimus dorsi flap).

Patient Care

Mount Sinai provides comprehensive care, with attention to both medical and aesthetic aspects. The doctors communicate with patients about which type of reconstruction is most appropriate for their body type. The initial surgery for autologous reconstruction is generally longer, but they accomplish more with the first procedure. Hospital stay for autologous reconstruction is typically five days, and patients may be able to return to work four to six weeks later. For implant reconstruction, patients usually stay in the hospital for a day or two and may return to work in two to three weeks.

2. Breast Reconstruction Center NYC

Expertise

The Breast Reconstruction Center NYC has best - in - class plastic surgeons with 30 + years of experience. Their board - certified surgeons have expertise in a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction following a full or partial mastectomy, including utilizing the patient's own (autologous) tissue for reconstructing either one or both breasts, as well as the use of breast implants.

Available Techniques

• Autologous Tissue Reconstruction: They are experienced in using autologous tissue for breast reconstruction. They can work with patients to determine the most suitable donor site based on the patient's body type and needs.
• Implant - Based Reconstruction: Offers implant - based breast reconstruction that provides an acceptable cosmetic outcome without using tissue from the body. They also perform all types of related procedures, such as areola reshaping, breast implant removal and replacement, nipple correction and reconstruction, partial breast reconstruction, revision breast reconstruction, and secondary breast reduction/lift.

Patient Care

The center is committed to helping patients achieve their breast surgery goals with beautiful and natural - looking results. All breast surgeries are individually tailored to suit the patient’s needs, including working with the patient's doctor or cancer specialists for breast cancer reconstruction surgery or post - mastectomy surgery. Insurance is accepted (when applicable) and billed. They offer in - person and virtual consultations, and the best - in - class, top - rated breast surgery plastic surgeons are proud to offer out - of - network benefits. Most insurance companies, when the patient has a policy that allows them to go out of their network, will reimburse patients for most of the costs.

3. Oren Z. Lerman, MD

Expertise

Dr. Oren Lerman is a board - certified authority on breast reconstruction who uses microvascular surgery and other advanced techniques. He is an attending physician in the department of plastic surgery and the director of breast reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. He mentors colleagues and trains medical students in advanced breast reconstruction techniques.

Available Techniques

• Microvascular (Natural Tissue) Breast Reconstruction:
  • DIEP & PAP Perforator Flap Natural Tissue Breast Reconstruction: The DIEP flap is considered the most advanced type of free flap breast reconstruction as it preserves the muscle from the abdominal wall, resulting in a natural - appearing, natural - feeling, and long - lasting reconstructed breast. For patients who do not have adequate excess abdominal tissue, the PAP flap (harvesting tissue from the posterior thigh) can be an option.
  • Restoring Sensation after Mastectomy with Nerve Grafting: Dr. Lerman can use the advanced microsurgical technique Resensation® to potentially restore feeling in the reconstructed breast by connecting the nerves in the chest with the nerves in the reconstructed breast tissue.
• Breast Implant Reconstruction:
  • Pre - pectoral (in front of the muscle) Implant Breast Reconstruction: This technique places the implant in front of the muscle.
  • Corrective/Revision of Previous Breast Reconstruction: He can correct and revise previous breast reconstruction results that patients are not satisfied with.
  • Single - stage Direct - to - Implant Reconstruction: Allows the patient to avoid a second surgery by placing the permanent silicone or saline implant immediately at the time of mastectomy and reinforcing the reconstruction with Alloderm® tissue matrix.
  • Form Stable (Gummy Bear) Implant Reconstruction: Uses form - stable implants for a more natural look and feel.

Patient Care

Dr. Lerman accepts referrals from oncologists and works with the patient's care provider to ensure the safest reconstruction plan. He explains each option in great detail so patients can make an educated decision. He coordinates care with the oncologist and other healthcare providers to customize each procedure to give patients the most aesthetic benefits and ensure safety. His office has received many positive patient reviews, highlighting his skill, compassion, and commitment to patient well - being.

4. New York Group for Plastic Surgery

Expertise

Dr. C. Andrew Salzberg is the pioneer of the direct to implant, or “one step,” breast reconstruction procedure. Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs specializes in DIEP flap reconstruction and other reconstructive procedures that use microsurgical techniques to create new breasts using a woman’s own tissue. They work seamlessly together to reconstruct a breast that is as perfect as possible and maintains the patient's sensibility and femininity.

Available Techniques

• Direct to Implant Breast Reconstruction: Completed at the same time as mastectomy in one surgical procedure. The permanent implant and a special support material called acellular dermal matrix (ADM) are inserted into the breast immediately following breast tissue removal, eliminating the need to use a tissue expander.
• Autologous Tissue Flap Breast Reconstruction:
  • Pedicled Tram (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous) Flap: Uses muscle, fat, and skin from the lower abdomen to reconstruct a breast. The flap remains attached to the rectus abdominis muscle, which is the source of its blood supply, and is tunneled directly into the breast pocket through the abdomen to create the breast mound.
  • Free Tram Flap: Based on the blood vessels of the rectus abdominis muscle, but only a very small piece of muscle is removed and transplanted to the chest.
  • DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) Flap: Transfers tissue from the abdomen without using muscle. Only blood vessels and fat are transferred, and microsurgery is used to reconnect the donor vessels at the breast site.
  • TAP Flap (Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator): Utilizes skin and fat from the side of the upper back without taking any of the latissimus muscle. It is often used in combination with another technique to correct small defects and enhance the shape and size of the breast.

Patient Care

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery takes the time to answer patients' questions and discuss all options during the consultation. They understand the difficult decisions patients face after a mastectomy and help them make choices that suit their body and life. They provide experienced, precision reconstructive plastic surgery with a caring approach to patient care. Many patients in New York City and across the country have entrusted their care to this group.

5. Doctors Plastic Surgery (NYC)

Expertise

Dr. Ross Ratner, a double board - certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures, is a recognized leader in breast reconstruction surgery. The practice specializes in advanced breast reconstruction techniques that restore the natural shape and symmetry after a mastectomy.

Available Techniques

• Flap Procedures: Offer advanced flap procedures such as the DIEP flap and tram flap to reconstruct the breasts using the patient's own natural tissue. The DIEP flap spares abdominal muscles for faster recovery, and these techniques provide a natural feel and long - lasting results without the need for implants.
• Breast Reconstruction with Implants: Provide comprehensive implant - based breast reconstruction using silicone or saline implants to restore breast shape and volume after mastectomy. The surgeons work with patients to choose the right size and type of implant to ensure symmetrical and natural - looking results.

Patient Care

The practice offers personalized care, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. They have a state - of - the - art surgical center equipped with cutting - edge technology to enhance patient comfort and ensure the highest level of care. Most insurance plans are accepted, and they also provide flexible financing options through partners like CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry. They have partnerships with leading hospitals and surgical centers in Manhattan, Long Island, and New Jersey, offering convenient and comprehensive care.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Autologous Breast Augmentation Repair

Surgeon Expertise

Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in autologous breast augmentation repair. Surgeons with specialized training in microsurgery, such as those skilled in DIEP flap reconstruction, can offer more advanced and effective procedures. Check their track record, patient reviews, and the number of successful procedures they have performed.

Available Techniques

Different hospitals may offer a variety of autologous breast reconstruction techniques. Consider which technique is most suitable for your body type, goals, and health condition. For example, if you have sufficient abdominal fat, DIEP flap reconstruction may be a good option as it spares abdominal muscles. If you prefer a less invasive option with a shorter recovery time, implant - based reconstruction might be more appropriate.

Patient Care

Comprehensive patient care is crucial. This includes pre - operative consultations where the surgeon explains all the options, risks, and expected outcomes in detail. Post - operative care, such as follow - up appointments, pain management, and support during the recovery period, is also important. A hospital that offers personalized care and addresses your concerns throughout the process is more likely to provide a positive experience.

Insurance Coverage

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998 requires most insurance plans that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction surgery. However, it's important to check with your insurance company to confirm coverage and pre - authorization. Some hospitals may have experience working with insurance companies and can assist you in navigating the process.

Location and Convenience

Consider the location of the hospital and whether it is convenient for you to travel to for consultations, surgery, and follow - up appointments. If you need to stay in the hospital after surgery, also consider the availability of nearby accommodation for your family or caregivers.

Common Concerns and Frequently Asked Questions

Will insurance cover my autologous breast augmentation repair?

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998 is a federal law in the United States that requires plans that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction surgery. However, not all types of breast reconstruction surgery may be covered. WHCRA does not apply to Medicare or Medicaid, and some government plans and religious organizations may be exempt. It's important to communicate with your insurance company to confirm coverage and obtain pre - authorization.

How long does the recovery take?

The recovery time depends on the individual and the type of technique performed. On average, full recovery takes about six to eight weeks for most breast reconstruction patients. For example, autologous tissue reconstruction surgeries, such as DIEP flap, may require a longer initial recovery period due to the complexity of the procedure and the harvesting of tissue from another part of the body. Implant - based reconstruction may have a shorter recovery time, but patients may still need to take some time off work and avoid strenuous activities during the healing process.

Will I have scars?

You will have visible scarring after breast reconstruction, but the location of the scars depends on the type of procedure you choose. Autologous tissue reconstruction involves different scarring than implant reconstruction because the surgery requires incisions in two areas of the body (the donor site and the breast). Surgeons will place the incisions so they are as inconspicuous as possible, and the scars will fade over time, but they will never go away entirely.

Will I regain sensation in my breast?

While it's possible to regain some sensation in the reconstructed breast, it is not guaranteed. Some patients may experience little to no sensation, especially if the nerves were damaged during the mastectomy. However, advanced techniques such as nerve grafting, like the Resensation® technique used by Dr. Oren Lerman, may increase the chances of restoring some feeling.

Conclusion

Autologous breast augmentation repair is a life - changing option for many women in New York City. The top 5 hospitals mentioned above - Mount Sinai - New York, Breast Reconstruction Center NYC, Oren Z. Lerman, MD, New York Group for Plastic Surgery, and Doctors Plastic Surgery (NYC) - offer a range of advanced techniques, expert surgeons, and comprehensive patient care. When choosing a hospital, it's important to consider factors such as surgeon expertise, available techniques, patient care, insurance coverage, and location. By making an informed decision, patients can achieve the best possible results and regain their confidence and sense of self.

If you or someone you know is considering autologous breast augmentation repair, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top - rated hospitals. Take the first step towards a more confident you and explore the possibilities of breast reconstruction today.