Introduction
New York City is a global hub for medical excellence, especially in the field of breast plastic and reconstructive surgery. When it comes to addressing concerns related to breast aesthetics or undergoing reconstruction after a mastectomy, choosing the right hospital is crucial. This article will take a detailed look at the top 3 breast plastic and reconstructive hospitals in New York City, providing comprehensive information on their services, expertise, and patient - centered care.
Criteria for Selection
Selecting the top hospitals involved a multi - faceted approach. Firstly, the experience and qualifications of the plastic surgeons were considered. Surgeons with extensive training, a long list of successful surgeries, and significant contributions to the field were given priority. Secondly, the hospital's track record in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgeries was evaluated. This included the variety of procedures offered, the success rates, and patient satisfaction levels. Additionally, the quality of research, educational programs, and the hospital's technological advancements in the area of breast surgery also played a vital role in the selection process.
Columbia University's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department
Overview
As one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center, Columbia University offers top - notch plastic and reconstructive surgery services. The department has a wealth of experience that few other programs can match. Its mission is to provide the highest quality care for patients in need of cosmetic or reconstructive procedures.
Services Offered
The department provides a wide range of services:
- Cosmetic Care: This includes ear and eyelid lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and various facial cosmetic procedures such as brow lifts, chin surgeries, and face lifts. They also offer non - surgical options like Botox injections and injectable fillers.
- Reconstructive Care: Specialties in this area cover breast reconstruction after breast cancer, skin lesion excision, and reconstructive surgery for the nose and ears. They are leaders in the field of breast cancer reconstructive surgery, bringing together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction.
- Cleft Palate/Cleft Lip Care: Through their craniofacial surgery program, they offer specialized care for children with cleft lip and cleft palate, which are common congenital conditions.
- Orthoplastic Surgery Care: This cutting - edge approach combines leading experts in orthopedic and reconstructive plastic surgery for personalized treatment options, resulting in lower wound complication rates and higher patient satisfaction during recovery.
Research and Innovation
The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is actively involved in numerous research studies. Some of the key areas of research include stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. A major focus is on the applications of gene therapy to wound healing. By introducing growth factor genes (such as PDGF and VEGF) to wounds using different techniques, they have shown improved healing in ischemic and diabetic wounds. The laboratory is also investigating the use of stem cells for tissue regeneration and various bone substitutes to expedite bone healing.
Expert Surgeons
The clinical staff consists of highly skilled plastic surgeons. For example, Dr. Christine Rohde is a chief of the division of plastic surgery. She is a trained clinician, researcher, and teacher, specializing in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, body contouring, and breast, trauma, and cancer reconstruction. Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman is an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has published over 75 scientific articles and chapters and has been recognized multiple times in prestigious lists of top doctors.
Contact Information
To get in touch with one of their plastic surgeons, patients can call (212) 305 - 3103 or request an appointment online. They have multiple office locations in New York City, including Washington Heights, Midtown, East Side, Westchester, and a New Jersey office.
Weill Cornell Medicine's Breast Reconstruction Program
Overview
Weill Cornell Medicine is committed to making patients who have undergone mastectomies feel whole and complete again. 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.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine
- Exemplary Surgeons: The surgeons are leaders in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Their care team is dedicated to promoting patient comfort throughout the entire process.
- Individualized Breast Reconstruction: They understand that each patient's body is unique. Their surgeons have the ability to reconstruct the breast according to each patient's wishes, offering a personalized approach to breast reconstruction.
- Multidisciplinary Care: Patients have access to a network of doctors and specialists. The plastic and reproductive surgeons are part of the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, which includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This collaborative approach helps patients achieve optimal health and well - being.
- Focus on Comfort: The team prioritizes patient comfort at every step. Before surgery, patients have the opportunity to ask questions and fully understand the procedure. During surgery, the latest anesthetics and medications are used, and after surgery, the care team manages pain and provides guidance on self - care.
Breast Reconstruction Options
Almost all breast reconstructions are performed on the same day as the mastectomy. They offer the following options:
- Autologous Reconstruction: This uses the patient's own tissue from different areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, to create the breast. Nerves can also be reconstructed to increase sensory recovery in the breasts.
- Breast Innervation: They have developed techniques for breast reinnervation during both autologous and implant - based reconstruction. This helps improve sensation in the reconstructed breast and the patient's quality of life.
- DIEP Flap Reconstruction: An innovative technique that uses a flap of complete tissue from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast, resulting in a slimmer abdomen and natural - looking breasts.
- Implant - Based Reconstruction: They perform breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and implants based on the patient's unique needs. They utilize both saline and silicone breast implants and have pioneered techniques such as direct - to - implant reconstruction and tissue expander reconstruction without the use of drains.
Contact Information
Patients can call (646) 962 - 4210 to schedule an appointment. They have multiple upper - east - side locations in New York City.
New York Center for Breast Reconstruction
Overview
The New York Center for Breast Reconstruction, led by Dr. Joshua L. Levine, is a well - known facility for patients seeking advanced natural tissue breast reconstruction. Many patients, both local and international, travel to New York to seek Dr. Levine's expertise.
Services for Traveling Patients
They provide first - class concierge care for traveling patients. Local patients to the tri - state area will meet with Dr. Levine prior to scheduling surgery, while out - of - town patients (over 3 hours driving distance) will meet with him the day of or the day before their scheduled surgery. Although they do not schedule flights or reserve hotel rooms, they can offer recommendations on where to stay and the best times to fly in for a consultation or surgery.
Hospital Affiliations
Dr. Levine has developed dedicated natural tissue breast reconstruction centers throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The main hospital affiliations include:
- New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai: Ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006 and has achieved Magnet® status for excellence in nursing services.
- Hackensack University Medical Center: Earned the distinction of being New Jersey’s #1 hospital and is among the top 30 hospitals in the nation with 11 national specialty rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 - 15 best hospitals rankings.
Common Questions Answered
- Length of Stay: Flap procedures may require a stay of 5 to 6 days. After returning home, patients can expect some swelling, soreness, and bruising for 2 to 3 weeks. They may also need to apply medications to the suture area or change bandages at home.
- Transportation: The center provides travel and accommodation choices and has dedicated staff to help patients with the arrangements.
- Why Travel for Surgery: Patients come from across the U.S. and around the world for their highly sophisticated, advanced microsurgical procedures and unique patient - centered care.
Comparison of the Top 3 Hospitals
| Hospital | Strengths | Unique Services | Research Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | Experienced surgeons, wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive services, affiliated with an Ivy League university | Cleft palate/cleft lip care, orthoplastic surgery care | Stem cells, tissue engineering, gene therapy for wound healing |
| Weill Cornell Medicine | Individualized breast reconstruction, multidisciplinary care, focus on patient comfort | Advanced breast innervation techniques during reconstruction | Notably focused on improving breast reconstruction techniques and patient outcomes |
| New York Center for Breast Reconstruction | Specialized in advanced natural tissue breast reconstruction, concierge care for traveling patients | Extensive support for out - of - town patients | Primarily focused on improving microsurgical techniques for breast reconstruction |
Patient Testimonials
At Columbia University, patients have shared stories of remarkable care. For example, a patient who had a complex breast reconstruction after cancer was extremely satisfied with the team's expertise and compassion. They appreciated the personalized approach and the long - term follow - up. At Weill Cornell Medicine, a patient commented on how the surgeons' attention to detail and the multidisciplinary team's support made the entire breast reconstruction process less stressful. They were able to achieve a natural - looking result and felt better about their body. At the New York Center for Breast Reconstruction, traveling patients have praised the concierge services and Dr. Levine's surgical skills. One patient from overseas said that the convenience of the arrangements and the excellent surgical outcome were worth the long - distance travel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Columbia University's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Weill Cornell Medicine's Breast Reconstruction Program, and the New York Center for Breast Reconstruction are among the top 3 breast plastic and reconstructive hospitals in New York City. Each hospital has its own strengths, whether it's a wide range of services, innovative research, or specialized care for traveling patients. These institutions offer patients the opportunity to receive high - quality breast surgery in a patient - centered environment.
If you or someone you know is considering breast plastic or reconstructive surgery in New York City, we encourage you to further explore these hospitals. Contact them for consultations, read more patient testimonials, and learn about the latest advancements in the field. By making an informed decision, you can take an important step towards achieving your aesthetic and reconstructive goals.
