Introduction
Breast - reducing surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, has become an increasingly popular option for many individuals in New York City. Having overly large breasts can bring about various physical and emotional burdens, such as back and neck pain, skin irritation, and low self - confidence. In this article, we will explore some of the top - tier plastic surgery hospitals in New York City that are renowned for their expertise in breast - reducing surgery.
Reasons for Breast - Reducing Surgery
There are multiple reasons why someone might consider breast - reducing surgery. Physically, large breasts can cause a significant amount of pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. The weight of heavy breasts can lead to poor posture, as well as skin chafing and irritation under the breasts. Emotionally, large breasts may cause self - consciousness and embarrassment, which can limit a person's participation in activities and affect their overall quality of life.
According to the information from Mount Sinai, women of all ages choose breast reduction to gain freedom from the physical and emotional burden of large breasts. Many people report experiencing less pain and improved self - confidence after the surgery.
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City for Breast - Reducing Surgery
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai's team of highly trained and qualified plastic surgeons is expert at enhancing women’s breasts. They take a warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care, providing an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing very private and sensitive concerns about their body.
Before recommending breast - reducing surgery, the surgeon will help patients determine whether it is the right choice for them. To be eligible for the surgery, patients should maintain a healthy, stable weight, not plan on future pregnancies which will affect their breasts, and be physically mature with fully - developed breasts and emotionally mature about their choice.
Benefits of breast - reducing surgery at Mount Sinai include less neck, back, and shoulder pain, improved self - confidence about breast size, decreased breast size to be in proportion with the body frame, nipples pointing in a more upward position, relief from chafing and skin irritation, and balanced size of breasts. Patients may also choose to combine breast reduction with breast lift or as part of a mommy makeover for a more complete enhancement.
Breast Reduction Center of NYC
Located on the upper east side in Manhattan, NY, the Breast Reduction Center of NYC is the premier destination for breast reduction plastic surgery. Their breast reduction specialist surgeons are top - rated board - certified/board - eligible plastic surgeons, offering top - quality surgical care in a state - of - the - art facility.
One of the unique features of this center is their approach to pain management. They use a special technique called a nerve block during surgery, which eliminates the need for prescription pain medicine. Only over - the - counter Tylenol and ibuprofen are necessary for recovery. Even patients with very large breast reduction volumes, some over 7 pounds, can be treated using this special technique.
The center performs hundreds of breast reduction surgeries each year. They do not use drains in their breast reductions, and all the stitches dissolve on their own, making post - op care much less complicated. They offer virtual consultations from anywhere in the world and are in - network with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oxford (but do not accept United Healthcare community plan and Oxford metro plans). They may accept the Empire plan (NYSHIP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna plans only if patients have out - of - network benefits.
To be a candidate for breast reduction surgery at this center, patients may meet criteria such as experiencing medical problems like shoulder, back, or neck pain due to their breasts, having bra straps causing significant grooving in the shoulders, bad posture characterized by hunched shoulders and a curved back, limitations on physical activity, headaches or nerve compression syndromes due to breast weight, and rashes and/or infections on the trapped skin under the breasts.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
With a team of highly - trained and qualified plastic surgeons, the New York Group for Plastic Surgery has been enhancing women’s lives for over 27 years. Their warm, caring, and supportive approach to patient care provides an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing private and sensitive concerns about their body.
Improvements from breast reduction at this group include reducing neck, back, and shoulder pain, improving self - confidence about breast size, decreasing breast size to be in proportion with the body frame, redirecting nipples that hang down, relieving chafing and skin irritation, and balancing the size of asymmetrical breasts. Many women combine breast reduction with a breast lift or as a part of a mommy makeover for a more complete enhancement.
Before the surgery, surgeons will help patients determine if it's the right decision. Ideal candidates should maintain a healthy and stable weight, not have any plans for future pregnancies, and be physically - mature with fully - developed breasts. If a patient intends to become pregnant or lose weight, the surgeon might encourage them to postpone the breast reduction surgery.
Some cases of breast reduction surgery at this group may be covered by medical insurance. Their office staff will help patients determine their insurance coverage options in advance.
Dr. John E. Sherman
John E. Sherman, MD, FACS is a board - certified plastic surgeon who understands the physical and emotional implications of breast hypertrophy. He works with his patients to create a personalized surgical plan that meets their needs and goals.
Non - surgical treatment options for large, pendulous breasts include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise, physical therapy, and supportive garments. However, for patients who experience severe symptoms or desire a more dramatic change, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Breast reduction surgery involves removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a smaller, more proportionate breast size. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 3 - 4 hours to complete, depending on the patient’s individualized treatment plan. Liposuction can also be used to reduce the size of breasts by removing excess fat in a minimally invasive way, which typically takes around 1 - 2 hours to complete.
Benefits of breast reduction surgery with Dr. Sherman include physical relief from chronic neck and back pain and improved posture, a boost in body confidence, and reduced irritation from bras and clothing. Suitable candidates for the surgery are non - smokers, in good overall health, within an acceptable weight range, and have no serious heart conditions or undiagnosed breast lumps.
Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Zuckerman is an expert in aesthetic breast surgery and helps his patients achieve a marked increase in confidence and quality of life. For women, breast reduction surgery can eliminate back and shoulder pain virtually overnight.
To determine if a patient is a candidate for breast reduction, Dr. Zuckerman considers factors such as disproportionate breast ptosis (sag) or droop, back and/or shoulder pain, anxiety, discomfort, self - consciousness, and breast weight leading to bra - strap indentations or rubbing. He customizes the procedure to the patient's preoperative anatomy and surgical goals.
Dr. Zuckerman uses two different techniques to perform breast reductions depending on the reduction desired: the circumvertical (or vertical/“lollipop”) and the anchor/wise pattern. He most commonly uses the circumvertical incision pattern to minimize scarring. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately two to four hours.
After surgery, patients will wear a specialty surgical bra, and Dr. Zuckerman applies a long - acting local anesthetic called Exparel® to minimize postoperative pain and discomfort. Patients can expect some bruising and swelling but can resume normal activities after two weeks, while avoiding strenuous tasks or heavy lifting for up to four weeks.
Weill Cornell Medicine
At Weill Cornell Medicine, plastic and reconstructive surgeons work with patients starting from the initial consultation to understand their goals and discuss the best options. They are passionate about helping patients feel their best.
The reasons to choose Weill Cornell Medicine for breast - reducing surgery include having exemplary surgeons who are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, partnering with New York - Presbyterian (one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.), providing individualized breast surgery for unique bodies, and focusing on patient comfort at every step of the process.
They use the latest anesthetics and medications to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After the surgery, the care team will manage pain with medication and teach patients how to care for themselves during the healing and recovery process.
Doctors Plastic Surgery
Doctors Plastic Surgery offers top - quality breast - reducing surgery at affordable prices. Their highly skilled surgeons ensure that patients achieve a balanced and proportionate look without compromising on excellence.
The benefits of breast - reducing surgery at this practice include relieving back & neck pain, improving posture, enhancing physical activity, boosting self - esteem & confidence, achieving better body proportions, and reducing skin irritation. Ideal candidates are those who experience physical discomfort due to overly large breasts and are in good health with realistic expectations.
Insurance coverage for breast - reducing surgery often depends on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary. This practice accepts many insurances and will work with patients to try to get coverage for their procedure. They also offer flexible financing plans for patients without insurance coverage.
Preparing for Breast - Reducing Surgery
Regardless of which hospital a patient chooses, there are general steps to prepare for breast - reducing surgery. First, patients should have a detailed consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, patients should openly discuss their goals, medical history, and any concerns they may have. The surgeon will evaluate the patient's physical condition, breast size and shape, and determine the most suitable surgical approach.
Patients are usually required to maintain a stable weight before the surgery, as significant weight changes can affect the results of the surgery. They may also need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners and some supplements, which could interfere with the surgery or affect recovery. Additionally, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and take time off from work and social commitments to ensure adequate time to rest and recover.
The Surgical Procedure
The general steps of breast - reducing surgery typically involve the following:
- Anesthesia: The patient will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure a pain - free and comfortable surgical experience.
- Incisions: The surgeon will make incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. The specific incision pattern may vary depending on the patient's breast size, shape, and the surgical technique used.
- Tissue Removal: Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin will be removed to achieve the desired breast size and shape. In some cases, liposuction may also be used to remove additional fat.
- Nipple and Areola Repositioning: The nipple and areola may be repositioned to a higher, more youthful position on the breast.
- Closure: The incisions will be closed with sutures, and the breasts will be wrapped with dressings and a supportive surgical bra.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast - reducing surgery varies from person to person. In the first few days after surgery, patients can expect pain, bruising, and swelling. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort. Patients will need to wear a supportive surgical bra for several weeks to keep swelling in check and support the new breast shape.
Most patients can resume light activities and work after about 2 weeks, but vigorous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4 - 6 weeks. It may take several months for the swelling to completely subside and for the final results of the surgery to become apparent.
It's important for patients to follow the surgeon's postoperative instructions carefully, which may include wound care, restrictions on physical activity, and follow - up appointments. By doing so, patients can ensure a smooth recovery and achieve the best possible results.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of breast - reducing surgery in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's expertise, the location of the hospital, and the anesthesia fees. Patients should get a detailed cost breakdown during their consultation with the surgeon.
Insurance coverage for breast - reducing surgery often depends on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary. If a patient can demonstrate that their large breasts are causing significant physical problems, such as chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or other health issues, some insurance providers may cover part or all of the cost of the surgery. However, if the reasons for the surgery are purely cosmetic, insurance will usually not cover it.
Some hospitals, such as the Breast Reduction Center of NYC and Doctors Plastic Surgery, will work with patients to verify insurance coverage and help them through the process. Additionally, some hospitals offer flexible financing options to make the surgery more affordable for patients.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, breast - reducing surgery carries some risks and potential complications. These may include:
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision sites, which can usually be treated with antibiotics.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. In rare cases, a hematoma (a collection of blood) may form, which may require additional treatment.
- Scarring: Scarring is inevitable after breast - reducing surgery, but surgeons take care to place incisions in discreet locations to minimize their visibility. Over time, most scars will fade.
- Altered Nipple or Breast Sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation.
- Breast Asymmetry: There may be a slight difference in the size or shape of the breasts after surgery.
- Fat Necrosis: In some cases, the fat in the breast tissue may die, which can cause lumps or changes in breast appearance.
Surgeons will discuss these risks with patients before the surgery and take steps to minimize them. It's important for patients to have realistic expectations and to understand that the outcome of the surgery may not be perfect.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several top - tier plastic surgery hospitals that offer excellent breast - reducing surgery services. Each hospital has its own unique features, such as experienced surgeons, advanced techniques, and patient - centered care. When considering breast - reducing surgery, patients should carefully research and compare these hospitals, consult with the surgeons, and understand the surgical process, recovery period, cost, and potential risks.
If you are struggling with the physical and emotional burden of overly large breasts, we encourage you to take the first step and schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon in one of these hospitals. You can read patient testimonials, view before - and - after photos, and ask questions to make an informed decision. Don't let large breasts limit your quality of life. Take control and start your journey towards a more comfortable and confident you today!
