You Can Choose between Powerful Public and Well - Reputed Private Hospitals for Breast Reconstruction Surgery in New York City!

Breast reconstruction surgery is a significant option for many women who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer or other health concerns. In New York City, patients are fortunate to have access to both powerful public and well - reputed private hospitals that offer high - quality breast reconstruction services. This article will explore the various aspects of breast reconstruction surgery in these New York City hospitals, including the procedures, the candidates, the benefits, and the associated factors.

Understanding Breast Reconstruction

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a frightening and challenging situation. Modern medicine has made great strides in treating breast cancer, often requiring the removal of cancerous cells through a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to restore one or both breasts to a more normal appearance after a mastectomy. The extent of the procedure varies greatly, based on factors such as the amount of tissue removed, if it is an immediate or delayed reconstruction, and if it is a flap or implant - based reconstruction. It can also be used to correct congenital abnormalities.

Candidates for Breast Reconstruction

Most mastectomy patients are medically appropriate for reconstruction. The ideal candidates are women whose cancer has been completely removed and who do not require further treatment. They are also those who wish to restore their breast and body image to align more closely with that prior to their cancer treatments and understand that a reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation and feel as a natural breast. Breast reconstruction surgery can occur immediately following the mastectomy or can be delayed, depending on a variety of factors such as the woman’s readiness to make the decision, the complexity of the reconstruction procedure, and certain health conditions. In delayed reconstructions, a tissue expander may be used for four to six weeks to stretch the skin and prepare the area for reconstruction.

Powerful Public Hospitals in New York City for Breast Reconstruction

NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals is a well - known public healthcare system in New York City. Their breast surgery department manages and treats patients diagnosed with breast cancer, those at increased risk for developing breast cancer based on family history or having a known genetic mutation, and patients who need surgery for benign and high - risk lesions. They work in a multi - disciplinary manner with a team of doctors to ensure that every patient gets the latest treatment approaches to breast cancer care.

Procedures offered at NYC Health + Hospitals for breast surgery and reconstruction include excisional biopsies for benign tumors, mastectomies, nipple - sparing mastectomies, lumpectomies, lumpectomies with savi scout localization (wireless removal of tumors) or with needle localization, sentinel node biopsies, axillary node dissections, terminal duct excisions (for nipple discharge). For breast reconstruction, they offer diep flap reconstruction and implant - based reconstruction. The hospital also provides access to clinical trials, patient navigation, social work, genetic testing, tomosynthesis, MRI/MRI - guided biopsy, psychological support, lymphedema treatment/physical therapy, nutrition, and radiation oncology services.

The medical team at NYC Health + Hospitals consists of highly qualified professionals. For example, Kathie - Ann Joseph, MD, is the chief of the breast surgery service at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and an associate professor at the Department of Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Erica Friedman, MD, is a breast surgery attending at the same hospital and an assistant professor at the same medical school. Contacting the hospital’s breast PA office at (212) 562 - 2911 allows patients to get in touch with the team for further information.

Well - Reputed Private Hospitals in New York City for Breast Reconstruction

Antell MD

Dr. Darrick Antell is a top New York plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction. He is board - certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has focused his professional career on aesthetic procedures. Trained at Stanford and Cornell, he has extraordinary skill and talent. Dr. Antell has been honored for his groundbreaking research study on identical twins and the aging process, with his work displayed in the Smithsonian museum. He has also been listed in Harper Bazaar as being among the best breast plastic surgeons in the country.

During the consultation, Dr. Antell works together with the patient’s breast surgeon to develop a strategy that will put the patient in the best position for reconstruction. He provides a thorough explanation of the reconstruction options based on the patient’s age, health, anatomy, and goals. The consultation varies depending on if the reconstruction will take place in conjunction with the mastectomy or if it is a delayed reconstruction.

There are two main types of breast reconstruction surgeries Dr. Antell performs: flap and implant - based. Flap reconstruction uses tissue (skin, fat, and muscle) from other areas of the body to reconstruct the breast, resulting in a more natural - feeling breast. Examples of flap reconstruction techniques include tram flap reconstruction, free tram flap, diep flap, tug and dug flaps, and gluteus flap. Implant - based reconstruction uses a silicone or saline implant to rebuild the breast. Usually, a tissue expander is first placed under the pectoral (chest) muscle, and a saline solution is gradually added to expand the skin. After six to eight weeks, the expander is removed, and the true implant is placed. If enough skin remains, the true implant can be placed directly.

Recovery from breast reconstruction at Antell MD varies depending on the procedure. Implant - based reconstruction typically has a shorter recovery time than flap reconstruction. Dr. Antell will discuss a timeline based on the specific case at the consultation and answer any questions about the recovery process. Although he works to minimize scarring, some scarring is inevitable, and the visibility of the scars will fade with time.

Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine aims to make patients who have had mastectomies feel whole and complete again through their breast reconstruction services. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques and have been leaders in the evolution of breast reconstruction. They have performed nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years, positioning them as leaders in this technique.

There are several reasons to choose Weill Cornell Medicine for breast surgery and reconstruction. Their surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and the care team is equipped to promote the patient’s comfort throughout the process. They offer individualized breast reconstruction for each patient’s unique body, and their multidisciplinary team helps patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and gender identities feel confident in their appearance. The hospital partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S. Also, they focus on the patient’s comfort at every step, using the latest anesthetics and medications to help with faster recovery and managing pain after the surgery.

Weill Cornell Medicine offers different breast reconstruction options. Most breast reconstructions are performed on the same day as the mastectomy. Autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue from different areas of the body to make the breast, and nerves can be reconstructed to increase sensory recovery. Diep flap reconstruction is an innovative technique that uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, creating a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts. Implant - based reconstruction is also available, using tissue expanders and implants based on the patient’s unique needs.

Mount Sinai

The breast reconstruction program at Mount Sinai West, led by Hani Sbitany, MD, an internationally renowned leader in breast reconstruction, offers the full complement of breast reconstruction options and specialized expertise in advanced muscle - sparing and microsurgical techniques. These options are not available at many other medical centers.

There are two main categories of breast reconstruction approaches at Mount Sinai: those involving breast implants and those using the body’s own tissue (autologous). Both types of procedures can usually be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date. The hospital works closely with breast oncology surgeons to provide comprehensive breast care. The team at Mount Sinai includes Hani Sbitany, MD (plastic and reconstructive surgery), Stephanie Bernik, MD (breast surgery), and Jennifer Casher Lehman, MD (breast surgery).

Patients who are considering breast reconstruction at Mount Sinai may face decisions such as whether to have reconstruction, when to have it, and what type to have. The expert surgeons at Mount Sinai carefully guide patients through this decision - making process. Some patients may choose reconstruction to look balanced in clothing, feel comfortable with their body shape, or avoid wearing a prosthesis. Immediate reconstruction can mean fewer surgical procedures, less scarring, and an easier process due to the remaining breast skin retaining its original size and shape. However, some patients may prefer to wait and give their body time to heal from the mastectomy first.

NewYork - Presbyterian Westchester

NewYork - Presbyterian Westchester has highly skilled breast reconstruction surgeons who work closely with each patient to discuss options and preferences and help make an informed decision about the most appropriate surgery. The hospital has made advancements in breast reconstruction techniques.

One such advancement is direct - to - implant surgery. Some women can have an implant inserted during mastectomy surgery, eliminating the need for a second surgery. Another option is the patient - controlled breast expander. Instead of the traditional method of periodic saline injections at the clinic, patients can inject air into the expander on their own via a remote control, making the expansion process more comfortable, convenient, and faster. Fat grafting is also offered, where fat from the patient’s belly, hips, or thighs is injected into areas around the reconstructed breast to achieve a smoother and more natural look.

When it comes to rebuilding breast tissue using the patient’s own tissue, procedures are performed at NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork - Presbyterian Westchester. The most common technique is using skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen (diep or tram), which can reconstruct the breast to appear and feel natural and can be done at the time of the mastectomy. Surgeons are also experienced in performing other types of flaps, such as the latissimus flap from the back and the sgap from the buttocks.

NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health’s breast cancer center is a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. As part of the Perlmutter Cancer Center, their experts are leaders in research and collaborate with scientists around the world to develop innovative treatment options. They offer many clinical trials, including those for less - responsive types of breast cancer, and are accredited by the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

If a patient opts for breast reconstruction after breast - conserving or breast removal surgery, their experienced plastic surgeons offer the latest reconstructive techniques. The doctors also work closely with reproductive medicine specialists at NYU Langone’s fertility center and NYU Langone Reproductive Specialists of New York to offer options such as freezing unfertilized eggs or fertilized embryos before treatment begins. The center provides an integrated approach to breast cancer care, including high - risk screening, novel MRI techniques for diagnosis, and using advanced devices like MarginProbe® during breast - conserving surgery to avoid additional surgeries.

For ongoing support during breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, NYU Langone Health provides individual counseling and support groups. To help patients recover from surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatments, they offer integrative health services, including massage therapy and acupuncture.

Friedman Center

The Friedman Center is the premier practice for breast reconstruction surgery in New York. Their world - class physicians are pioneers in microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and lymphatic surgery. What makes the center unique is its integrated approach to compassionate care, offering a full support system to address the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well - being.

Patients at the Friedman Center can expect assistance in coordinating insurance coverage, finding additional resources and services as needed, and connecting with a community of women on a similar journey for support. The center offers a range of breast reconstruction procedures, including flap reconstruction, implant - based reconstruction (with options of saline or silicone implants, smooth or textured), and hybrid reconstruction that uses a combination of both tissue and implant approaches. The center is also proud to announce that it is now performing robotic - assisted breast reconstruction surgery, which is providing patients with better outcomes.

Benefits of Choosing Public or Private Hospitals for Breast Reconstruction in New York City

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Breast Reconstruction

• Surgeon Experience: Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have a significant amount of experience in breast reconstruction surgery. Check their track record, patient testimonials, and any research or awards they may have received.
• Range of Services: Consider the hospital’s ability to offer a comprehensive range of services, including different types of reconstruction techniques, support services during and after surgery, and access to other medical specialties if needed.
• Technology and Facilities: Hospitals with state - of - the - art technology and well - equipped facilities are more likely to provide better surgical outcomes and a more comfortable patient experience. This includes advanced imaging, surgical equipment, and recovery facilities.
• Cost and Insurance: Determine the cost of the surgery and how it will be covered by your insurance. Public hospitals may be more cost - effective for some patients, while private hospitals may offer more flexibility in payment options but could be more expensive.
• Location and Accessibility: Choose a hospital that is conveniently located for you, especially considering the need for multiple pre - and post - operative appointments. Ease of access to transportation and parking can also be important factors.
• Patient Support: Look for hospitals that offer emotional support, counseling, and patient education throughout the breast reconstruction process. This can have a significant impact on your overall experience and recovery.

Preparing for Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Before breast reconstruction surgery, patients will be provided with instructions to thoroughly prepare for the procedure. This includes guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. Some patients may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to the day of surgery. Depending on the medical history, patients may be asked to provide pre - operative clearance from another doctor. As the procedure is performed under sedation, it is important to arrange for someone to escort the patient home after the surgery and ensure assistance for the first few days, as the early stages of healing can be challenging.

Risks Associated with Breast Reconstruction Surgery

As with all surgeries, there are specific risks associated with breast reconstruction surgery. However, by choosing an experienced, board - certified surgeon, patients can help limit the chance of various complications. The most common risks are bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. In flap reconstructions, there is a risk of partial or complete loss of the flap, as well as numbness at the donor and reconstruction sites. Specific complications of implant - based reconstruction include capsular contracture and implant rupture. It is important to note that reconstruction has no known effect on the recurrence of breast cancer, nor does it generally interfere with chemotherapy or radiation treatment should the cancer return.

Recovery After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Recovery from breast reconstruction surgery varies greatly depending on the intricacies of the individual procedure. Recovery from implant - based reconstruction is typically shorter than from flap reconstruction. While patients may return to normal, daily activities within weeks, it takes months to completely heal. Surgeons will discuss a timeline based on the specific case at the consultation and answer any questions about the recovery process. Some scarring is inevitable, but experienced surgeons work to minimize it, and the visibility of the scars will fade with time.

Conclusion

In New York City, patients have the excellent opportunity to choose between powerful public and well - reputed private hospitals for breast reconstruction surgery. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it’s the comprehensive support services offered by public hospitals or the advanced surgical techniques and personalized care provided by private hospitals. By carefully considering factors such as surgeon experience, range of services, cost, and patient support, patients can make an informed decision about the best hospital for their breast reconstruction needs. Breast reconstruction surgery can significantly improve a patient’s appearance and self - confidence, and with the right hospital and medical team, the journey towards recovery can be a more positive and successful one.

If you or someone you know is considering breast reconstruction surgery in New York City, take the time to research and consult with different hospitals and surgeons. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and gather all the information you need to make the best decision for your health and well - being. Share this article with others who may find it helpful, and explore related topics on breast health and cancer treatment to stay informed.