Which is the Best Breast - Lifting Hospital for Sagging Breasts in New York City - 2025 Ranking Evaluation!

For many women in New York City, sagging breasts can be a source of self - consciousness. Factors such as pregnancy, aging, weight fluctuations, and genetics can contribute to breast sagging. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical solution that can help reshape and elevate sagging breasts, providing a more youthful and attractive appearance. In this article, we will explore some of the best breast - lifting hospitals and surgeons in New York City in 2025, based on patient reviews, expertise, and overall quality of care.

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. It involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to support and contour a new, rejuvenated breast profile. During the procedure, a plastic surgeon may also reposition the nipple and areola to a higher, more natural position on the breast. This can improve the overall shape, symmetry, and firmness of the breasts.

The severity of breast sagging is often judged by the relative position of the nipple to the inferior breast fold (inframammary fold). Different degrees of sagging may require different techniques and incisions for the breast lift procedure.

Reasons for Breast Sagging

• Aging: As women age, the skin loses its elasticity due to a decrease in collagen and elastin production. This natural aging process can lead to sagging breasts.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, the breasts increase in size and weight as the milk glands develop. After breastfeeding, the breasts may lose volume, but the skin may not contract fully, resulting in sagging.
• Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight gain and subsequent weight loss can cause the skin to stretch and lose its ability to snap back, leading to sagging breasts.
• Gravity: Over time, the constant pull of gravity on the breasts can cause them to sag.

Top Breast - Lifting Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City

1. Dr. William Lao, MD

Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in both the USA and Taiwan. He has performed over 500 successful breast plastic surgeries over the last 10 years. He is a founding member of the Asian Society for Breast Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a double major, followed by a doctorate in medicine. He is also a member of several prominent plastic surgery organizations.

Procedure Details:

• Surgery Time: 2 - 3 hours
• Price: ~$10,000 - $20,000 (an accurate cost can be obtained during consultation)
• Recovery: Patients can return home on the day of surgery and return to routine within 1 - 2 weeks. They can return to work within 3 - 7 days.
• Results: Immediately visible change, but initial swelling will subside within a few weeks. Most patients will see their final results in about 6 - 12 weeks as their breasts settle into place.

Techniques Offered:

• Augmentation Mastopexy: Combining breast lift with breast augmentation using implants to increase the size, shape, and position of the breasts.
• Circumareolar Mastopexy: An incision is made around the areola only, suitable for mild sagging and can reduce the size of the areola.
• Circumvertical Mastopexy: An incision around the areola with a vertical line heading downwards, allows for more skin and tissue removal than circumareolar mastopexy but has less scarring than a full breast lift.
• Wise - pattern Mastopexy: Also known as the “inverted - t” lift, with an incision around the areola, a vertical line down the bottom of the breast, and a horizontal line. It allows for additional skin removal and tightening of the deeper layer of breast tissue.

2. Dr. Philipp Franck, M.D.

Dr. Philipp Franck is a board - certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who completed his training at two prestigious Ivy League university hospitals. He has extensive experience in breast surgery and is highly skilled in aesthetic breast surgery, including advanced mastopexy techniques. He has been named one of New York’s rising star surgeons by the New York Times Magazine since 2023 and serves as a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University Hospital in New York.

Procedure Details:

• Anesthesia: Typically performed under general anesthesia, although different sedation options may be considered based on individual preference and medical needs.
• Incisions:
  • Periareolar (Donut Lift): Incision around the areola, suitable for mild sagging and can reduce areola size.
  • Vertical (Lollipop Lift): Incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, addresses moderate sagging and offers significant reshaping while limiting scarring.
  • Anchor (Inverted - t Lift): Incision around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast fold, recommended for more extensive lifting needs and provides comprehensive reshaping for significant sagging.
• Recovery: Most patients go home the same day. Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal in the first week. Suture removal may not be required as most sutures dissolve on their own. Many people resume light activities within a week or two, but strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4 - 6 weeks.

3. Dr. Adam Kolker

Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon. He is an active member of multiple plastic surgery organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Every breast lift procedure with Dr. Kolker is uniquely personalized and tailored specifically to both the patient's anatomy and desire.

Procedure Details:

• Location: Performed in his fully accredited surgical facility on Park Avenue in Manhattan. The office - based surgery unit is accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities.
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia, administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist.
• Procedure Duration: Approximately three hours.
• Recovery: Patients are cared for by a licensed registered nurse in the recovery room and are discharged home with a friend or relative when fully awake and comfortable, usually one to two hours after the completion of surgery. Dr. Kolker recommends taking one week off from work or strenuous activity. Closed suction drainage tubes are most often used and are removed between three and five days after the procedure. A special bra provided by the office is worn for approximately one week, after which a sports bra is worn. Regular bras and bathing suit tops can be worn after three to four weeks. Settling of the breasts to their final shape is at approximately 12 weeks following the breast lift.

Types of Breast Lifts Offered:

• Circumareolar Mastopexy: “Doughnut” breast lift with an incision around areola only.
• Circumvertical Mastopexy: “Lollipop” breast lift, or short scar breast lift, with an incision around areola and a vertical line.
• Wise - pattern Mastopexy: “Inverted - t” breast lift, with an incision around the areola, a vertical line to the inframammary crease, and a horizontal line.
• Augmentation Mastopexy: Any breast lift performed in conjunction with breast augmentation with breast implants.

4. Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald, MD, FACS

Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald is a premier board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. 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 has thousands of before and after photos for review. He is frequently sought after as an expert for revision breast surgery and has been named a top doctor in New York every year since 2012.

Procedure Details:

• Anesthesia: Performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
• Incisions: Dr. Greenwald uses one or more of the following incision techniques: periareolar, vertical incision, and inframammary. He evaluates the patient’s unique body type and aesthetic goals for surgery before recommending a surgical technique and corresponding incision approach.
• Recovery: Most women can return to their usual activities within days of the surgery. Many need a minimal amount of pain medication or none at all. Most patients experience little or no bruising. Certain patients may experience temporary or lasting changes in breast sensation, but nipple sensation is not usually permanently affected. Patients are allowed to resume exercising three weeks after surgery and are encouraged to sleep in a sports bra for three months.

5. Dr. Darrick Antell

Dr. Darrick Antell is among the most respected breast surgeons practicing 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 is recognized by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country. He is also the only plastic surgeon who has his work displayed in the Smithsonian Museum.

Procedure Details:

• Anesthesia: Typically performed with “twilight” sedation, with a board - certified anesthesiologist monitoring the patient throughout the procedure.
• Incisions: There are typically three incisions: around the areola, down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. The incisions are strategically placed based on the individual's anatomy to be as inconspicuous as possible.
• Recovery: Patients can return home within a few hours of the procedure. They need to rest frequently for the first few days, and it will likely be one to two weeks before they can return to their normal routine. There will be some swelling and bruising, which should mostly subside in about three to six weeks, but it could be as long as one year before they are 100% healed and can see the full results of the procedure.

Cost of Breast Lift in New York City

The cost of a breast lift in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience and reputation, the location of the hospital or surgical facility, anesthesia costs, and any additional services or procedures included. On average, the cost of breast lift surgery in New York City typically starts at $8,000 and can range up to $20,000 or more.

It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost for an individual patient will be determined based on a personalized consultation with the surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's specific needs and goals and provide a more accurate cost estimate.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery Time

The recovery time for a breast lift can vary from patient to patient, but generally, patients can expect to take 2 - 3 weeks off work. In the early days after surgery, there will be pain and swelling in the operated area, and the breasts will appear swollen for almost 2 weeks. There may also be redness and pain around the incisions, and the areola and nipple may be numb for a few days. Painkillers are often prescribed to help manage the pain.

Aftercare Instructions

• Follow - up Visits: Regularly visit the doctor for follow - up appointments to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns.
• Medication: Take all prescribed medications as directed by the doctor.
• Diet: Follow a healthy diet to support the healing process.
• Rest: Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities for the recommended period.
• Bra Wear: Wear a surgical bra for 2 - 3 weeks, followed by a sports bra. Avoid underwire bras for at least 6 weeks.
• Avoidance: Avoid excessive movement of the breasts, bending, lifting heavy objects, and sexual activity for the recommended time. Also, do not take a bath as long as the bandages are there to prevent infection.

Success Rate and Risks

Success Rate

According to a survey, approximately 80% of women are satisfied with breast lift surgery. Most people experience long - lasting results, with their bust restored and sagginess disappearing. However, some patients may need minor revisions after a few years.

Risks and Complications

• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site, which can be managed with antibiotics.
• Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery, and in rare cases, it may require additional treatment.
• Scarring: Breast lift surgery will leave some scarring, although the surgeon will try to minimize its appearance. The scars will fade over time.
• Changes in Nipple Sensation: There may be temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation.
• Asymmetry: There is a small risk of asymmetry in breast shape or position, which may require revisional surgery.
• Fat Necrosis: Fatty tissue deep in the skin may die, which can sometimes require further treatment.
• Fluid Accumulation: Fluid may accumulate in the breast area, which may need to be drained.
• Negative Reactions to Anesthesia: Some patients may have negative reactions to the anesthesia used during the surgery.

Non - Surgical Alternatives to Breast Lift

While breast lift surgery is an effective option for sagging breasts, some patients may prefer non - surgical alternatives. These alternatives can provide temporary or less dramatic results but may be suitable for those who are not ready for surgery or have mild breast sagging.

• Padded Bras: Padded bras or push - up bras can give a rounded contour to the breasts without incisions, but the effect is only temporary.
• Vampire Breast Lift: Involves platelet - rich plasma (PRP) injections along with hyaluronic acid. It is a 20 - minute procedure that can tighten and lift the breasts.
• Laser Treatment: High - power laser is used to stimulate the growth of collagen in the outer layers of the skin, rejuvenating the skin.
• CACI Bust Treatment: A device releasing electrical impulses is moved over the breasts, hydrating the skin and strengthening the tissue to improve the breast contour.
• Botox: Injections are given into the chest muscles, causing them to relax. The back muscles then contract, lifting the breasts. The effect can last for 3 - 4 months.
• Thermage: Radio waves are used to tighten the skin of the bust by stimulating collagen production.
• Chest Exercises: Strengthening the chest muscles through exercises can help tighten the skin and raise the breasts, especially when performed under the supervision of an instructor.

Conclusion

Choosing the best breast - lifting hospital or surgeon in New York City is a crucial decision that requires careful research and consideration. Each of the surgeons mentioned above has a high level of expertise, positive