Mastectomy
A mastectomy can be used to treat cancer or as a preventative measure for those at high risk of developing breast cancer.
If you are undergoing a mastectomy in Manhattan, NY, Dr. Oren Lerman can coordinate your procedure to segue into natural-looking breast reconstruction.
Types of Mastectomy
Depending on the reason for your surgery, our patients in Manhattan, NY, and the greater New York region, have a number of options...
Simple Mastectomy
This surgery removes all of the breast tissue without affecting muscles or lymph nodes. It is typically recommended to women who are seeking preventive surgery for breast cancer or who have multiple large tumors in their breasts.
Partial Mastectomy
A partial mastectomy removes only the cancerous part of a breast and some of the surrounding unaffected tissue. This option is usually recommended if a patient has only a few small tumors.
Radical Mastectomy
The most extensive option, a radical mastectomy completely removes the entire breast, lymph nodes, and underlying muscle. Because it is so extensive, it is only recommended when breast cancer has spread to the muscles and surrounding tissue.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
This surgery is a less extensive version of the full radical procedure. While the breast tissue and lymph nodes are removed entirely, the muscle is left alone. It is usually recommended when it is not clear if cancer has metastasized. Because breast cancer typically spreads through the lymph nodes, removing them allows your surgeon to confirm whether it has done so: if cancer is found in the lymph nodes, then it has likely made its way elsewhere, as well.
We Select The Most Beneficial Option For Your Long-Term Health
Many of our procedures remove only the fat tissue, connective tissue, ducts, and milk glands (collectively called breast tissue) in order to minimize damage to surrounding tissue. We will only recommend procedures that more extensively target the entire breast, underlying muscles, and lymph nodes if it is necessary for your case.
Contact Dr. Lerman to Learn More About Your Options
Either immediately after mastectomy or at a later time, Dr. Lerman can perform breast reconstruction either by placing implants or through autologous reconstruction (using the patient's own tissue to rebuild the breast mound) for one or both breasts.
Dr. Lerman has extensive training and experience in breast reconstruction, including microvascular techniques that make transferring tissue to the breast mound less invasive, with a shorter recovery period than traditional methods. These techniques make it possible to connect the tissue to blood vessels at the surgical site, rather than having to keep the original blood vessels intact.
Dr. Oren Lerman works with oncologists and other healthcare providers to help his patients achieve the most satisfying mastectomy results possible. You can set up a consultation online or reach our Manhattan, NY, office at:
(212) 434-6980
"Very detailed oriented and strives for the very best…"
Ebony Devonish
New York, NY
2024
I have had the pleasure of having Dr.Lerman as my doctor. He has been professional, understanding , caring and great at what he does. His patients are his number one priority and giving them the best results to make them feel whole again. I can't thank you enough Dr.Lerman and couldn't see my self with another doctor during this journey we have been on together. And Jennifer is great as well.
View on GoogleLisa Yozzo
New York, NY
2024
The minute I met with Dr. Lerman I felt completely at ease .. He explained everything in detail in a way that was easy to understand.. He is very caring and absolutely the best surgeon .. Very detailed oriented and strives for the very best out come.. In my case he nailed it .. Would like to take a moment to say his Nurse Practitioner Raquel is an amazing person and highly skilled in her profession.. Her compassion and empathy make her extra special.. I consider them to be the dream team .. Thank you Dr. Lerman for making me so happy ..
View on Google"I feel so beautiful because of Dr. Lerman."
Marie, a breast cancer survivor, chose Dr. Lerman for reconstructive surgery because of his confidence that he could provide her with beautiful results. Dr. Lerman performed a double mastectomy and then placed breast implants to restore Marie's feminine figure. She says she appreciates the time Dr. Lerman took with her every step of the way, and that her outcome makes her feel beautiful.
Will Insurance Cover a Mastectomy?
This depends on the reason for your mastectomy and if it is deemed medically necessary. If you are undergoing a mastectomy as a breast cancer surgery, it is most likely covered. Thanks to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), your breast reconstruction is likely covered, too. Our Manhattan plastic surgeon accepts most insurance plans and providers. Following your initial consultation at one of our two New York offices, we will verify your benefits so you can accurately plan and budget for your surgical procedures.
Tissue-Sparing Techniques For Better Reconstruction Results
Tissue-sparing techniques focus on removing only internal tissue while leaving the skin and, if possible, the nipple intact. Using tissue-sparing techniques better preserves the skin of the breast mound and lays the foundation for more natural-looking results, while also potentially eliminating the need for procedures such as nipple reconstruction.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
During skin-sparing mastectomy, our Manhattan plastic surgeon removes only the breast tissue, the nipple, areola, and the original biopsy scar, sparing the pouch of skin covering the breast mound. This is an option for patients looking for the most aesthetically pleasing results from immediate breast reconstruction. In skin-sparing mastectomy, a temporary implant is typically placed under the pectoral muscles of the chest wall. If you require radiation therapy after your procedure, the doctor can insert tissue expanders in the chest wall to hold the skin in place for reconstruction at a later time.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
A nipple-sparing mastectomy keeps the nipple and areola intact along with the breast skin, removing the underlying breast tissue. This technique involves an incision under the fold of the breast or from the areola extending horizontally outward. This technique is also intended for patients receiving immediate reconstructive breast surgery. While a nipple-sparing mastectomy will not preserve the nerves and sensation of the nipple, the technique provides highly natural-looking reconstruction results.
Candidates for Tissue-Sparing Techniques
Not everyone is a good candidate for tissue-sparing mastectomy. We will perform a thorough examination at our White Plains or Manhattan plastic surgery office to determine the conditions and extent of your cancer to see if you qualify. The best candidates include patients who:
Plan on Reconstruction
Tissue-sparring is not intended for patients who are unsure about reconstructive breast surgery or intend to delay reconstruction for a significant amount of time.
Have Clear Margins
The surgeon must have margins of cancer around the skin in order to preserve the tissue of the skin and nipple.
Do Not Have Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Patients must be free of inflammatory breast cancer, and not have advanced cancer that involves the nipple or tissue under the areola.
Breast Removal for Gender-Affirming Care
While both mastectomy and chest masculinization surgery (also called top surgery) remove breast tissue, the latter often leaves some tissue and repositions the nipples for a more masculine appearance. Dr. Lerman can perform a variety of breast surgery options to help patients in Manhattan and surrounding areas achieve a figure that best matches their gender identity. Our plastic surgeon will work with you to help determine the right procedures to help you achieve your goals.
"I had the best experience with Dr Lermen always patient pleasant and professional. Dr. Lermen’s staff is also top notch. Dr Lermen knew I was nervous he bent down as I waited for anesthesia to begin. He told me not worry and I’ll be fine. 9 hours later and a whole lot of pain meds I was up and about. He had to tell me to take it easy Teishia Phillips-Unthank
Schedule a Consultation To Learn More About Treatment Options
We strive to help you return to a feeling of normalcy after your breast surgery with innovative, efficient techniques that yield the most aesthetically pleasing results. Contact our Manhattan office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lerman. In the meantime, you can explore some frequently asked questions about breast reconstruction to better understand the process and options available to you.
Recovering From Your Procedure
A mastectomy is an in-patient procedure with an average stay of three days at the hospital, or longer if you undergo immediate reconstruction. Here is what you can expect during your recovery after the procedure at our Manhattan, New York, facility.
Dr. Oren Lerman works with oncologists and other healthcare providers to help his patients achieve the most satisfying mastectomy results possible...
“A Master at His Craft” More Reviews From Manhattan Patients
Cosmina Anka L
New York, NY
2024
Amazing plastic surgeon, a master at his craft! I dont have enough words of gratitude and praise. Dr Lerman is not only extremely professional and skilled, he also shows great care to his patients. He made me look like new, after a debilitating disease. The eight hour surgery performed by him proved to be a great success, with beautiful results. Highly recommended!
View on GoogleConnie Selinsky Brockett
New York, NY
2023
Dr, Lerman is a highly skilled surgeon with an amazingly easygoing bedside manner, and I can agree with the other reviews 100% that he is not only extremely knowledgeable and particularly gifted in his trade, but also exceedingly compassionate and truly wants to make a positive impact in the lives of his patients. He has an outstanding level of professionalism and expertise as evidenced by his numerous and varied academic and professional accomplishments.
View on GoogleQuestions Frequently Asked By Our Manhattan Mastectomy Patients
Q. How much does a mastectomy hurt?
A. You will be placed under general anesthesia for the actual surgery, meaning you will sleep through the entire surgical procedure. Some discomfort is to be expected during the healing period, but it is usually easily managed. Our team will provide you with all the instructions you need to help make your recovery as easy as possible.
Q. How long does it take to heal from a mastectomy?
A. Healing times vary from patient to patient and depend on factors such as overall health and the type of mastectomy performed. Some patients may take a few months to fully heal. However, the average time is about six weeks. During your surgical consultation, your plastic surgeon can give you a better idea of what to expect during your healing period.
Q. Do I have to wear a special bra after my mastectomy?
A. Immediately after your surgery, your plastic surgeon may have a special bra for you to wear. This may depend on if you have reconstructive surgery immediately or if you are waiting. If your doctor does not provide a post surgical bra, we recommend a comfortable cotton bra that does not have an underwire. If you have bras in mind, please feel free to bring them to your consultation at our New York offices, and our team can help you determine if they are a good choice for your recovery period.
Q. How long before I can return to work? Do I have to wait the full six to eight weeks?
A. Because every surgery and recovery is different, you may be able to return to work sooner or later than others. When you can return to work depends on the type of surgery performed, the complexity of your surgery, and your line of work. Six weeks is recommended to ensure you properly rest and heal. Your plastic surgeon may also recommend light duty for a few additional weeks depending on the type of work you perform.
Q. Will a mastectomy prevent the need for other cancer treatments?
A. Some mastectomies and other breast cancer surgeries may prevent the need for further treatment. However, this is something that will need to be discussed in depth with your oncologist. In some cases, mastectomy and lumpectomy are simply one part of your breast cancer treatment. Each patient is different, and each case may require different treatments to ensure your breast cancer is properly treated.
Have more questions about mastectomies or breast reconstructions performed at our Manhattan facilities?
“I highly recommend Dr. Lerman!”
“Dr. Lerman is an incredible & talented surgeon. His expertise in reconstructing my body to look so natural after undergoing bilateral mastectomy w DIEP Flap has everyone amazed. He was honest, caring, smart, and top notch. I highly recommend Dr. Lerman!” Leigh-Ann Grasso
