Introduction

Breast sagging and relaxation can be a concern for many women, and breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a popular solution to address this issue. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals and surgeons offering breast lift procedures. In this article, we will explore the top 5 selected hospitals for breast sagging and relaxation surgery in the Big Apple, considering factors such as the expertise of the surgeons, patient reviews, available facilities, and the range of services provided.

Understanding Breast Sagging and Breast Lift Surgery

Reasons for Breast Sagging

Breast sagging can occur due to various factors:

• Aging: As women age, the production of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity in the breast tissues. This natural process can cause the breasts to droop over time.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: During pregnancy, the breasts expand as they prepare for breastfeeding. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts may lose volume, but the skin remains stretched, resulting in sagging and excess skin.
• Weight changes: Significant weight gain can stretch the skin, and when a person loses a large amount of weight, the skin may not be able to shrink back fully, leading to sagging breasts.
• Gravity: The constant downward pull of gravity over the years can contribute to the sagging of breast tissues.

What is Breast Lift Surgery?

Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to correct breast ptosis (sagging). It involves lifting and reshaping the breasts, repositioning the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position, and removing excess skin and tissue. The surgery can provide a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance to the breasts. It does not typically increase breast size, but the breasts may appear larger due to their higher and firmer position. In some cases, breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation to achieve both lifted and increased breast size.

Top 5 Selected Hospitals for Breast Sagging and Relaxation Surgery in New York City

1. Greenwald Plastic Surgery

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald, MD, FACS, is a premier board - certified plastic surgeon. He has performed thousands of breast surgeries and is known for achieving natural results. He served as a clinical investigator for cohesive silicone gel implants and is a frequently sought - after expert for revision breast surgery. He has been named a top doctor in New York every year since 2012.

Services Offered

• He performs breast lift surgery using advanced techniques, aiming to lift sagging breasts, reduce the size of the areolas, correct downward - pointing nipples, and remove excess skin.
• Dr. Greenwald offers different incision techniques, including periareolar, vertical incision, and inframammary incisions. He tailors the technique to the patient's unique body type and aesthetic goals.
• He also provides the option of combining breast lift with augmentation for patients who desire fuller, perkier breasts.

Patient Reviews

Patient reviews often highlight Dr. Greenwald's expertise, the natural - looking results of the surgeries, and the high - level of patient safety in his state - of - the - art surgical center. Many patients appreciate his detailed pre - and post - operative care instructions, which contribute to a smooth recovery process.

2. Dr. John E. Sherman's Practice

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. John E. Sherman is a skilled and board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive expertise and specialization in breast lift procedures and has helped numerous women achieve stunning results through his breast lift surgeries.

Services Offered

• Dr. Sherman performs full mastopexy, which allows for significant lifting and reshaping of the breasts using an anchor - shaped incision pattern. He also offers periareolar mastopexy, suitable for individuals with mild to moderate breast sagging.
• During the consultation, he thoroughly discusses all aspects of the procedure, reviews the patient's medical history, and determines the best approach based on the patient's needs and expectations.
• He also provides guidance on preparation before surgery, including which medications to start or stop, home preparation, and the time needed for recovery.

Patient Reviews

Patients praise Dr. Sherman for his professionalism, attention to detail, and the excellent results of their breast lift surgeries. They also appreciate the support of his dedicated staff, who provide a first - class experience from start to finish.

3. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Darrick Antell is among the most respected breast surgeons in New York. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence in aesthetic surgery. He has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine, and recognized by Harper Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.

Services Offered

• Dr. Antell performs customized breast lift surgeries, considering factors such as the patient's age, breast size, shape, skin condition, and nipple and areola position. He uses techniques to make the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.
• He offers a detailed consultation where he evaluates the patient's general health and medical history, examines and measures the breasts, and discusses the patient's desired results. He may recommend combining breast lift with other procedures like breast augmentation or reduction based on the patient's goals.
• He provides comprehensive pre - operative instructions, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking medications, and arranges for additional imaging if needed.

Patient Reviews

Patients have positive things to say about Dr. Antell's bedside manner, surgical skills, and the long - lasting results of their breast lift surgeries. Many are also satisfied with the private and discreet consultation process and the state - of - the - art facilities.

4. Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon. He is an active member of multiple professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He tailors each breast lift procedure specifically to the patient's anatomy and desires.

Services Offered

• Dr. Kolker offers different types of breast lift procedures, such as circumareolar mastopexy, circumvertical mastopexy, wise - pattern mastopexy, and augmentation mastopexy. He determines the best approach based on factors like the degree of breast deflation, nipple position, skin elasticity, and the need for volume restoration.
• He provides in - depth pre - operative consultations, where he discusses the patient's goals and performs a careful examination. He also gives detailed pre - and post - operative instructions and closely monitors the patient's recovery.
• Dr. Kolker offers the option of using breast implants in combination with breast lift to restore volume, especially in cases where there has been significant volume loss after pregnancy or weight loss.

Patient Reviews

Patient testimonials often mention Dr. Kolker's artistic vision, technical finesse, and the high level of personalized care. Many patients express satisfaction with the natural - looking results and the improvement in their self - confidence after the surgery.

5. Mount Sinai Hospital

Surgeon Expertise

Mount Sinai has a team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons. These surgeons are experts at enhancing women's breasts and have extensive experience in performing breast lift surgeries.

Services Offered

• The hospital offers breast lift procedures to reverse the effects of time, childbirth, or weight loss, providing patients with firmer, more rounded, and shapelier breasts. They can also address issues such as restoring fullness, balancing breast height, and proportioning the areola size.
• Surgeons at Mount Sinai provide a confidential consultation where they give patients all the information needed to make an educated decision about the procedure. They also consider the patient's future pregnancy plans and may recommend delaying the surgery if necessary.
• Some patients may have the option to combine breast lift with other cosmetic surgery procedures for a mommy makeover, such as tummy tuck or liposuction.

Patient Reviews

Patients appreciate the warm, caring, and supportive approach of the medical staff at Mount Sinai. They also report positive experiences with the surgery and the overall improvement in their appearance and self - confidence.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Lift Surgery

Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications

It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified and has extensive experience in performing breast lift surgeries. Look for surgeons who have a good reputation, positive patient reviews, and are members of professional plastic surgery societies. A surgeon's expertise can greatly influence the outcome of the surgery and the patient's overall satisfaction.

Hospital Facilities and Safety Standards

The hospital should have state - of - the - art facilities and adhere to strict safety standards. Accredited surgical centers are a good indication of a hospital's commitment to patient safety. Additionally, the availability of emergency care and experienced medical staff during the surgery and recovery period is essential.

Range of Services

Consider a hospital that offers a comprehensive range of services related to breast lift surgery. This may include different types of breast lift techniques, the option to combine breast lift with other procedures, and detailed pre - and post - operative care. A hospital that can address all aspects of the patient's needs is more likely to provide a satisfactory experience.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of the hospital's and surgeon's performance. Look for feedback on the surgical results, patient care, communication, and the overall experience. Positive reviews from previous patients are a good sign of a reliable and trustworthy hospital and surgeon.

Cost and Financing Options

While cost should not be the only determining factor, it is an important consideration. The cost of breast lift surgery can vary depending on factors such as the surgeon's fee, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the hospital. Some hospitals offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the surgery.

Preparing for Breast Lift Surgery

Medical Consultation

Before the surgery, patients will have a medical consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will review the patient's medical history, including any current or past medical conditions and previous surgeries. They will also perform a physical examination of the breasts and discuss the patient's goals and expectations for the surgery. The surgeon will then recommend the most suitable breast lift technique and discuss any potential risks and complications.

Pre - operative Instructions

Patients will receive pre - operative instructions from the surgeon. These instructions may include:

• Medication management: Patients may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, aspirin, and some herbal supplements, to reduce the risk of bleeding during surgery.
• Smoking cessation: Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Patients who smoke are usually required to stop smoking for a certain period before and after the surgery.
• Diet and nutrition: Maintaining a healthy diet before surgery can help the body heal better. Patients may be advised to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein.
• Home preparation: Patients should prepare their home for their recovery. This may include arranging for someone to help them during the first few days after surgery, stocking up on necessary supplies, and creating a comfortable resting area.

The Breast Lift Surgery Procedure

Anesthesia

Most breast lift surgeries are performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort and safety during the procedure. A board - certified anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia and monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the surgery.

Incisions and Reshaping

The specific incision pattern used in breast lift surgery depends on the patient's breast condition and the surgeon's recommendation. Common incision patterns include:

• Periareolar incision: This incision is made around the areola and is often used for mild to moderate breast sagging. It results in minimal scarring.
• Vertical incision: In addition to the periareolar incision, a vertical incision is made from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease. This is suitable for more moderate breast sagging and is also known as the “lollipop” incision.
• Anchor - shaped incision: This incision includes a periareolar incision, a vertical incision, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease. It is used for severe breast sagging and allows for significant lifting and reshaping of the breasts.

After making the incisions, the surgeon will remove excess skin and tissue, reshape the breast tissue, and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position. The incisions are then closed with sutures.

Surgery Duration

The duration of breast lift surgery typically ranges from two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the individual patient's needs.

Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery

Immediate Post - operative Care

After the surgery, patients will be monitored in the recovery room until they are fully awake from the anesthesia. They will be given pain medication to manage any discomfort. Patients will usually be discharged home the same day or may need to stay overnight in the hospital depending on the surgeon's recommendation.

Recovery Timeline

• First few days: Patients should rest as much as possible during the first few days after surgery. They will need someone to help them with daily activities. Pain and swelling are common during this time, but they can be managed with medication and compression garments.
• One to two weeks: Most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks. However, strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided. Sutures are usually removed within one week, and patients may be instructed to wear a surgical bra for support.
• Weeks to months: Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over the next few weeks. The breasts will continue to settle into their new shape over several months. Patients should follow the surgeon's instructions regarding follow - up appointments and aftercare to ensure proper healing.

Possible Complications

While breast lift surgery is generally safe, there are some potential complications, including:

• Scarring: Scarring is inevitable after breast lift surgery, but the surgeon will try to minimize the visibility of the scars. The appearance of the scars will improve over time.
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the incision site. Patients should follow the surgeon's instructions on wound care to reduce this risk.
• Changes in nipple sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation. This is more common in cases where the nerves around the nipple are affected during the surgery.
• Asymmetry: In some cases, there may be a slight asymmetry in the appearance of the breasts after surgery. The surgeon will try to achieve the most symmetrical results possible, but some degree of asymmetry may still be present.

Conclusion

Breast lift surgery can be a life - changing procedure for women who are concerned about breast sagging and relaxation. In New York City, there are several excellent hospitals and surgeons offering high - quality breast lift services. By considering factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital facilities, patient reviews, and cost, patients can make an informed decision about which hospital and surgeon to choose for their breast lift surgery. It is important to have realistic expectations about the surgery and to follow the surgeon's pre - and post - operative instructions for a successful outcome.

If you are considering breast lift surgery, we encourage you to schedule a