Top ten authoritative list of plastic surgery hospitals for mild - moderate pectus excavatum surgery in New York City is released!

Introduction

Pectus excavatum, a condition where the breastbone and ribs sink inward, can cause both physical and psychological distress to those affected. In New York City, where medical innovation thrives, there are numerous plastic surgery hospitals that specialize in mild - moderate pectus excavatum surgery. This article aims to present a comprehensive list of the top ten authoritative hospitals for such surgeries in the city, along with insights into the procedures, the expertise of the medical teams, and other relevant factors.

Understanding Pectus Excavatum

Definition and Prevalence

Pectus excavatum, also known as funnel chest or sunken chest, is a congenital deformity of the front of the chest wall. It is more common than many realize, affecting about 1 in 300 people. While it may be visible at birth, the condition often becomes more noticeable during puberty. In some cases, it may worsen over time, especially during the teen years.

Symptoms and Impact

The most obvious symptom of pectus excavatum is the sunken appearance of the chest. In mild to moderate cases, the physical impact may be mainly cosmetic, leading to self - consciousness and low self - esteem in affected individuals. However, in more severe cases, the rib cage may press against the heart and lungs, causing chest pain, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance.

Diagnosis

Doctors commonly use chest x - rays (both front and side views) or a chest CT scan to evaluate pectus excavatum. To reduce radiation exposure, the severity of the deformity can often be assessed with just x - rays, using measurements like the pectus severity index or Haller index. Additional tests may include pulmonary function tests to check how well the lungs are working and an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart to assess its function and structure.

Surgical Procedures for Pectus Excavatum

Ravitch Procedure

The Ravitch procedure is a well - established surgical method for correcting chest wall deformities. Developed by Dr. Morris J. Ravitch in the 1940s, it has since been refined.

1. Procedure Details: An incision is made across the chest, just below the nipples. The deformed cartilage is removed, and the sternum is gently adjusted and repositioned. A supportive bar is placed to help hold everything in the correct position as it heals.
2. Recovery: The recovery period includes a hospital stay of 3 to 5 days. The stabilizing bar is usually removed after about 6 months, by which time new cartilage will have formed to help support the sternum and ribs.

Nuss Procedure

The Nuss procedure is a newer, minimally invasive method for correcting pectus excavatum. It was developed by Dr. Donald Nuss and introduced in 1998.

1. Procedure Details: Two small cuts, each about 1 inch long, are made on either side of the rib cage. A curved, titanium bar is carefully placed through these cuts and positioned under the sternum (breastbone). A small camera is used to allow the surgeons to see and protect the organs inside the chest. Cryoablation of the nerves is performed to relax the chest so it remodels and heals with minimal pain. The bar is rotated to press against the chest wall, pushing the ribs and sternum outward, similar to how braces help realign teeth. Cartilage or bone is usually not removed during this procedure. The bar is secured with stitches and stays in place for 2 to 3 years to help reshape the chest.
2. Recovery: The chest deformity is corrected right away. The Nuss procedure is usually quicker than the Ravitch procedure, leads to less blood loss, smaller incisions, and minimal scarring. Recovery time is faster than traditional methods, with a usual hospital stay of 1 to 2 days. The bar is removed in a brief outpatient procedure once the chest has fully healed.

Top Ten Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Mild - Moderate Pectus Excavatum Surgery in New York City

1. Columbia Surgery

Columbia Surgery is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center. The plastic surgery division at Columbia has the experience that few other programs can match.

1. Expertise: The plastic surgeons on the clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including complex reconstructive operations. They have extensive knowledge and experience in performing both the Ravitch and Nuss procedures for pectus excavatum surgery.
2. Research: The division is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery. Their research on applications of gene therapy to wound healing and the use of stem cells for tissue regeneration may have potential implications for improving the outcomes of pectus excavatum surgeries.
3. Contact: To get in touch with one of their plastic surgeons, call (212) 305 - 3103 or request an appointment online. Their Washington Heights office is located at Herbert Irving Pavilion, 5th floor, rm 511, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032.

2. Mount Sinai - New York

Mount Sinai - New York provides comprehensive care for pectus excavatum repair.

1. Procedures Offered: They offer both open surgery (similar to the Ravitch procedure) and closed (minimally invasive) surgery (similar to the Nuss procedure) for pectus excavatum. The details of these procedures are explained thoroughly to patients and their families, including the risks and benefits.
2. Patient Care: The hospital emphasizes patient education before the procedure. They require a complete medical exam and medical tests, including an electrocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, and a CT scan or MRI of the chest. They also provide detailed instructions on pre - and post - operative care to ensure a smooth recovery process.
3. Contact: Patients can visit their official website for more information on pectus excavatum repair and to schedule an appointment.

3. NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for patients with pectus excavatum.

1. Multidisciplinary Approach: The hospital brings together a team of specialists, including thoracic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and pediatricians, to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the patient's health and well - being are considered during the treatment process.
2. Research and Innovation: NYU Langone is actively involved in research related to chest wall deformities. Their research efforts aim to improve the surgical techniques and outcomes for pectus excavatum surgery, as well as to better understand the underlying causes of the condition.
3. Contact: Patients can browse the list of providers who treat pectus excavatum on their website and schedule an appointment online.

4. New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center

This medical center is affiliated with Columbia University and is known for its high - quality medical care.

1. Expert Surgeons: The medical center has a team of experienced surgeons who are skilled in performing pectus excavatum surgeries. For example, Dr. Lyall Gorenstein, a thoracic surgeon affiliated with this center, specializes in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including pectus excavatum repair.
2. Patient - Centered Care: They focus on providing patient - centered care, ensuring that patients and their families are involved in the decision - making process. The medical staff takes the time to explain the surgical procedures, answer questions, and address concerns.
3. Contact: Patients can call (866) 721 - 8718 to inquire about pectus excavatum treatment and schedule an appointment.

5. Lenox Hill Hospital

Lenox Hill Hospital has a reputation for excellence in healthcare.

1. Comprehensive Services: They offer a wide range of services related to pectus excavatum, from diagnosis to surgical treatment and post - operative rehabilitation. The hospital has state - of - the - art facilities and equipment to support these services.
2. Patient Support: Lenox Hill Hospital provides extensive patient support services, including psychological counseling for patients who may be dealing with the emotional impact of pectus excavatum. They also offer educational resources to help patients and their families understand the condition and the treatment options.
3. Contact: Patients can visit their website or call their main information line to learn more about pectus excavatum surgery and schedule an appointment.

6. Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York

While known for cosmetic and laser surgery, they also have expertise in reconstructive procedures related to pectus excavatum.

1. Advanced Techniques: They utilize advanced surgical and non - surgical techniques to improve the appearance and function of the chest. Their surgeons are trained in the latest methods for pectus excavatum correction, ensuring natural - looking outcomes.
2. Patient Satisfaction: With a high number of positive patient reviews, the center is committed to patient satisfaction. They focus on creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients, and their staff provides personalized care throughout the treatment process.
3. Contact: The center is co - led by Dr. Lloyd Hoffman and Dr. Stelios Wilson. Patients can call for an appointment or visit their website for more information.

7. Lexington Plastic Surgeons

Lexington Plastic Surgeons has an elite team of board - certified surgeons.

1. Customized Treatment: They offer cutting - edge surgical and non - invasive treatments for pectus excavatum. The surgeons take the time to understand each patient's unique goals and develop customized treatment plans accordingly.
2. Team Approach: The team of surgeons at Lexington Plastic Surgeons combines their areas of expertise to provide complete care for patients with pectus excavatum. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment outcomes.
3. Contact: The center has doctors such as Dr. Michael Jones, Dr. Karan Mehta, Dr. Angel Farinas, and Dr. Kayvan Ross tin. Patients can call to schedule an appointment and discuss their pectus excavatum treatment options.

8. Neinstein Plastic Surgery

Neinstein Plastic Surgery is led by experienced surgeons who are renowned for their natural - looking outcomes.

1. Patient - First Approach: They prioritize the needs and concerns of their patients. The surgeons at Neinstein Plastic Surgery balance patients' unique facial and body features and proportions, which is also important in pectus excavatum surgery to ensure a harmonious appearance.
2. Innovation: The center keeps up with the latest advancements in plastic surgery techniques for pectus excavatum. They may incorporate new technologies and methods to improve the safety and effectiveness of the surgeries.
3. Contact: Led by Dr. Ryan Neinstein, Dr. Chris Funderburk, and Dr. Anna Steve, patients can call or visit their website to learn more about pectus excavatum treatment and schedule a consultation.

9. Kassir Plastic Surgery

Kassir Plastic Surgery offers elite - level surgical care.

1. Personalized Plans: Co - led by Dr. Ramtin Kassir and Dr. Philipp Franck, they take the time to understand patient anatomy and goals. Based on this understanding, they develop truly customized plans for pectus excavatum surgery, aiming to reveal the patient's inner beauty and confidence.
2. Warm Patient Care: The medical staff at Kassir Plastic Surgery provides genuine warmth and support to patients. They are committed to making the patient's surgical experience as comfortable and stress - free as possible.
3. Contact: Patients can call or visit their website to inquire about pectus excavatum surgery and set up an appointment.

10. Anna Avaliani MD Cosmetic & Laser Surgery

Under the leadership of Dr. Anna Avaliani, this center offers advanced techniques for pectus excavatum surgery.

1. Continuing Education: Dr. Avaliani is dedicated to continuing education, ensuring that patients have access to the most advanced techniques available for pectus excavatum correction. This commitment to staying updated with the latest research and methods helps to achieve better treatment outcomes.
2. Visionary Approach: Her visionary approach helps patients reveal their natural grace and beauty through pectus excavatum surgery. She focuses on not only correcting the physical deformity but also enhancing the patient's overall well - being.
3. Contact: Patients can call or visit the center's website to learn more about pectus excavatum treatment and schedule a consultation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital for Pectus Excavatum Surgery

Surgeon Experience

The experience of the surgeon is crucial. Look for surgeons who have performed a significant number of pectus excavatum surgeries and have a good track record of successful outcomes. Surgeons with more experience are likely to be more familiar with the intricacies of the procedures and better able to handle any complications that may arise.

Hospital Reputation

Research the reputation of the hospital. Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the quality of care provided. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to have a team of skilled medical professionals, state - of - the - art facilities, and a commitment to patient safety and satisfaction.

Treatment Options

Ensure that the hospital offers a range of treatment options for pectus excavatum, including both the Ravitch and Nuss procedures. Different patients may have different needs, and having a variety of treatment options allows for a more personalized approach to care.

Patient Support Services

Consider the patient support services offered by the hospital. This may include pre - operative counseling, post - operative rehabilitation, and psychological support. These services can greatly enhance the patient's experience and recovery process.

Cost and Insurance

Understand the cost of the surgery and whether your insurance will cover it. Some hospitals may offer financial assistance programs or payment plans to help patients manage the cost of treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, New York City is home to some of the best plastic surgery hospitals for mild - moderate pectus excavatum surgery. The top ten hospitals mentioned in this article, including Columbia Surgery, Mount Sinai - New York, and NYU Langone Health, offer a combination of experienced surgeons, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive patient care. When choosing a hospital for pectus excavatum surgery, it is important to consider factors such as surgeon experience, hospital reputation, treatment options, patient support services, and cost. By making an informed decision, patients can increase their chances of a successful surgical outcome and a better quality of life.

If you or someone you know is considering pectus excavatum surgery in New York City, we encourage you to further research these hospitals, schedule consultations, and discuss your options with the medical teams. You can also share this article with others who may benefit from this information and explore related topics on pectus excavatum treatment and plastic surgery.