Finding the Best Breast Reconstruction Surgeons in NYC

The best breast reconstruction surgeons in NYC will offer a strong patient experience, meaning they take the time to get to know you, your medical history, and your goals to ensure you’re getting the most out of your surgery. 

There are different ways to do breast reconstruction, so it’s important to find an experienced and skilled surgeon who not only knows what they’re doing but also cares about your overall well-being. That way, you’ll have the best chance of getting the results you want.

How to Find the Best Breast Reconstruction Surgeons in NYC 

What makes someone the best breast reconstruction surgeon in NYC? There are many board-certified professionals available, and most, if not all, of them will say that they offer breast reconstructive surgeries. However, they may not be specialized in this area.

Breast reconstructive surgery is different because it requires knowledge of a wide range of procedures and approaches. It’s also one of the rare plastic surgeries your insurance may cover. Finally, it’s a surgery that may require revision at a later point.

Here are some things to look for to find the best option for your care. 

Years Practicing

Breast reconstructive surgery is a more complex plastic surgery procedure that can take years to learn and hundreds of procedures to master. Ideally, your doctor’s experience numbers in the decades. The longer they’ve been practicing, the more well-versed they are in these procedures.

Tissue-Based and Implant-Based Procedures

Doctors will use two types of breast reconstruction procedures to recreate your breasts. 

Tissue-based procedures make use of the tissue and fat you already have to reshape a breast mound. Some patients prefer this approach, believing that it looks more natural. It also eliminates the risk of complications from implants, which is why some doctors opt to specialize in tissue-based reconstruction only. 

However, implant-based reconstruction is often necessary when the patient doesn’t have the tissue needed to recreate the breast mound. Choosing a doctor who performs both tissue-based and implant-based reconstructions will give you more options.

Revision Reconstructive Surgery

It’s very common for complications such as breast deformities, implant ruptures, and nipple displacement to develop years after a breast reconstruction surgery. Unfortunately, not all doctor’s offices are prepared to deal with revision reconstructive surgery. Some plastic surgeons offer breast augmentation revision, but that’s different. That’s a revision of a cosmetic procedure; you’re not dealing with the complications resulting from a mastectomy or cancer treatment. That’s why you should specifically look for a doctor who offers revision reconstructive surgery related to mastectomies.

Insurance Liaison Services 

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 mandates insurance coverage for breast reconstructive surgery. However, that mandate just means that the insurance company is required to offer coverage—it doesn’t mean that your doctor’s office will offer comprehensive assistance. While most reconstructive surgeons are happy to provide the basic paperwork and pre-certifications needed, they won’t be deeply involved in the process, and they won’t offer an experienced insurance liaison to help you navigate the complexities of your policy. When you’re dealing with something as serious as breast reconstruction surgery, you likely don’t want the added hassle of lists, forms, and phone calls with insurance examiners. Choosing a plastic surgeon who offers insurance liaison services will make life much easier for you.

Conducting Your Online Due Diligence 

If you’ve reached this page, you’ve already started using the internet to explore your options and find the best breast reconstruction surgeons in NYC. Here are some tips for other places you can look to gauge the quality of the doctor you’re considering: 

• Explore websites: The doctor’s website should be your first review. Take a look at the resources, before and after pictures, and patient testimonials to get a sense of their skills and patient satisfaction.
• Check professional associations: Doctors may be part of professional associations and organizations. For example, Dr. Harris of Harris Plastic Surgery is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. You can verify this information with the doctor search tool on their website. Another good place to check is through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. While certification is voluntary, the top breast reconstruction surgeons in NYC will participate, as they have a higher standard of care. 
• Read online reviews and ratings: Read online reviews on reputable platforms such as Google Reviews, Healthgrades, or RealSelf. While individual reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, patterns and trends can provide valuable insights into a surgeon’s reputation and patient experiences.
• Follow their social media: Many surgeons are on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Follow their accounts to see their work, patient stories, and any educational content they may share. This can help you get a better sense of their expertise and general personality. 

Remember, conducting online due diligence is just the initial step for finding the best breast reconstruction surgeons in NYC. It’s crucial to meet the surgeon in person, discuss your specific case, and have a thorough consultation before making a final decision. Your comfort, trust, and confidence in your surgeon are paramount to achieving the best possible outcome for your breast reconstruction.