Choosing the right breast reconstruction surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your journey. After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, you deserve a skilled, experienced surgeon who can help restore not just your physical appearance, but your confidence and quality of life.
If you’re looking for the top breast reconstruction surgeons in NYC or on Long Island, understanding what sets exceptional surgeons apart can make all the difference in your results and overall experience. Below, we explain what to look for in a surgeon and list some top choices in the area.
What Makes a Top Breast Reconstruction Surgeon?
While many plastic surgeons may perform breast reconstruction surgery, true specialization in this complex field separates the best from the rest. Here’s what you should look for when choosing a surgeon:
- Board Certification: Top surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons
- Specialized Experience: Look for surgeons who focus specifically on breast reconstruction, not just general cosmetic procedures
- Years of Practice: Research shows surgeon experience directly impacts patient outcomes
- Comprehensive Expertise: The best surgeons offer both implant-based and tissue-based reconstruction options
- Proven Track Record: High success rates and extensive before-and-after galleries that demonstrate consistent results
Why Years of Experience Really Matter
You might wonder: does a surgeon’s experience level actually affect outcomes? The answer is a resounding yes. Recent studies provide compelling evidence that surgeon experience significantly impacts patient results.
A comprehensive 2023 study published in Annals of Surgery analyzed over 1.3 million operations performed by 14,399 surgeons and found striking differences between newly graduated surgeons and those with 15+ years of experience. The research revealed:
- Surgeons in their first year of practice had a 17% higher relative risk of mortality compared to surgeons in their 15th year
- Severe complication rates were 8% higher among first-year surgeons compared to those with 15 years of experience
Breast reconstruction is a safe, well-established procedure that helps thousands of women restore their confidence and quality of life each year. However, like any surgery, outcomes improve with surgeon experience. While complications are relatively rare overall, choosing a surgeon with 15-20+ years of experience can further reduce your risk and improve your results.
The Top Breast Reconstruction Surgeons in NYC and Long Island
Now that you know what characteristics to look for in the top breast reconstruction surgeons, let’s look at some of your options.
| Practice | Location | Lead Surgeon(s) | Years of Experience | Support Services |
| Harris Plastic Surgery | Long Island, NY | Dr. Stephen U. Harris | 30 years performing breast-specific procedures | Patient Care Coordinator, Insurance Liaison |
| Henderson Breast Reconstruction | Manhattan, NY | Dr. Peter Henderson | 15 years | Not specified |
| NYBRA Plastic Surgery | Great Neck, NY | 5 Surgeons | Varies by surgeon | Patient Empowerment Program |
| Center for Breast Reconstruction | Manhattan, NY | Dr. Joshua L. Levine | 17 years | Insurance Liaison |
Harris Plastic Surgery
Dr. Stephen U. Harris, MD, FACS serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, NY, and is a staff surgeon and former Chief of Plastic Surgery at North Shore LIJ-Southside Hospital in Bay Shore.
With thousands of breast reconstruction surgeries performed throughout his career, Dr. Harris offers comprehensive expertise in both implant-based and tissue-based reconstruction techniques, including DIEP flap, TRAM, and all major reconstruction approaches.
Henderson Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Peter Henderson, MD, MBA, FACS is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Director of Research in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Henderson performs both tissue-based breast reconstruction as well as implant-based and hybrid reconstruction options.
NYBRA Plastic Surgery
NYBRA Plastic Surgery comprises a team of 5 experienced surgeons with combined decades of expertise in breast reconstruction. The practice emphasizes patient empowerment and offers comprehensive reconstruction services including stacked flap procedures, aesthetic flat closure, and specialized nipple and areola reconstruction.
Center for Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Joshua L. Levine brings 17 years of specialized experience exclusively focused on tissue-based breast reconstruction techniques. Having performed thousands of surgeries, Dr. Levine specializes in advanced autologous reconstruction procedures including DIEP, SIEA, SHaEP, PAP, GAP, LAP, TDAP flaps, and complex stacked flap procedures for patients requiring bilateral reconstruction or additional volume.
The Consultation: What to Expect and What to Ask
When you meet with a potential breast reconstruction surgeon in New York, the consultation should be thorough and informative. Top surgeons will take the time to understand your unique situation, medical history, and goals.
Essential Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
According to leading breast reconstruction experts , here are the critical questions you should ask:
About the Surgeon’s Qualifications:
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How many years have you been performing breast reconstruction?
- How many breast reconstruction procedures do you perform each year?
- Which reconstruction techniques are you most experienced in?
About Your Specific Procedure:
- What type of reconstruction do you recommend for me, and why?
- What are the risks specific to this approach?
- Can you show me before-and-after photos of similar cases?
- What results are realistic for my body type and situation?
About Recovery and Outcomes:
- How long is the recovery time?
- What kind of follow-up care will I need?
- How will the reconstructed breast age over time?
- What’s your complication rate for this procedure?
What Your Surgeon Should Assess
A top breast reconstruction surgeon will evaluate several factors during your consultation :
- Your overall health and any medical conditions
- Previous cancer treatments, especially radiation therapy
- Your body type and available donor tissue
- Your aesthetic goals and expectations
- Timing considerations related to your cancer treatment
Why the Surgical Team and Support Matter
When searching for the top breast reconstruction surgeons, remember that the doctor is just one part of the equation. The best practices provide comprehensive patient support:
Insurance Navigation
Breast reconstruction is typically covered under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. However, navigating insurance can be complex. Top practices often employ dedicated insurance liaisons who:
- Obtain pre-authorization for your procedures
- Work directly with your insurance company
- Help minimize your out-of-pocket expenses
- Coordinate coverage for revision surgeries
Patient Care Coordination
Exceptional practices provide:
- Nurse navigators who guide you through each step
- Clear pre-operative and post-operative instructions
- 24/7 access for urgent questions or concerns
- Coordination with your oncology team
The Harris Plastic Surgery Difference
Harris Plastic Surgery has established itself as one of the top breast reconstruction practices through a combination of surgical expertise and patient-centered care. Dr. Stephen Harris brings decades of specialized experience to each procedure, and dedicated patient care coordinators help patients navigate insurance and provide support every step of the way.
Remember, this is your body and your journey. You deserve a surgeon who not only has the technical skills but also takes the time to understand your goals, addresses your concerns, and makes you feel confident in your decision. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to our office to schedule your consultation. You can also contact us by phone/text.
Stephen U. Harris, MD FACS
Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified plastic surgeon and recognized expert in breast reduction and reconstruction surgeries, having performed thousands in his career. When it comes to patient care, his philosophy is that every surgery should improve his patient’s overall quality of life, not just their appearance. Dr. Harris stays up-to-date on all the latest advancements in breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction and is a recognized innovator in the field. In fact, he was the first surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital to offer primary prepectoral implant breast reconstruction, as well as secondary prepectoral revision surgery.
Dr. Harris also serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York, and is an active staff surgeon (and former Chief of Plastic Surgery) at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.