I am a New York Licensed and an Israeli Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I serve as the Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Mount Sinai Elmhurst Hospital after completing two specialty fellowship programs: a reconstructive microsurgery fellowship specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, and a Lymphedema surgery fellowship program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Dr. Wiser is the best surgeon ever very professional. My experience with Dr. Wiser from start to finish was great. Not to mention his entire team. I remember my very first conversation with Helen his Practice Manager she was so responsive. After my initial conversation with Helen and my consultation with Dr. Wiser, I knew he was the best option for me. I did a breast reduction and lift. I was very please with the service from the day of surgery to after. I really appreciated the follow-up calls and check up after surgery. I recently had my two-weeks post opt appointment and Im happy to say that I am 100% satisfied with my results. I am getting so many compliments and I feel way much better overall. I couldn't be any more happier with the outcome. From the bottom of my heart thank you so Dr. Wiser, Helen and the entire team. Choosing Dr. Wiser as my surgeon was the best decision ever. I highly recommend him. Не simply the BEST!!!!!!
Dr. Wiser is amazing! I had been thinking about a breast reduction for years and finally decided to do it. I researched a bunch of doctors and was 100% I would only be comfortable with a female doctor but from the first visit knew I would be continuing with Dr. Wiser. His office made everything extremely easy and the process could not have been any smoother. Не was experienced, professional and just a great guy who made me feel comfortable during all the steps of the surgery! Best decision I've made, 100% recommend Dr. Wiser.
Breast reduction surgery is performed to decrease the size of the breast. Excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed through incisions that are made in specific locations of the breast so as to minimize the potential for scarring and achieve the desired results.
Dr. Wiser employs the latest technologies and modern surgical techniques to ensure that your breast volume is decreased with the utmost precision. The breasts will have a symmetrical appearance with a shape that reflects your natural contours for completely satisfying results.
The breast reduction consultation will allow Dr. Wiser to discuss your reasons for seeking out surgery and determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. These are some of the factors that will contribute towards building a plan for helping achieve your goals and select the best breast reduction technique for the procedure.
Prior to surgery, Dr. Wiser will discuss your goals for having breast reduction surgery procedure performed. You may be unsatisfied with the appearance of the breasts or they may be too large and cause neck and back pain which could interfere with normal daily activities. Whether your reasons are cosmetic or medical, Dr. Wiser will review your options and even provide a 3D pre-surgical visualization of how your breasts would look after the procedure is complete. This can help to better inform your decision in achieving the results you have in mind so you are fully confident in your appearance after the surgery.
The consultation begins with a discussion of your goals, your symptoms, and the results you would like to see when you look in the mirror. Dr. Wiser will review your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for this type of surgery. You will need to discuss any medications you are currently taking and previous surgeries that have been performed. These are important factors in the determination of candidacy for a breast reduction
Dr. Wiser will conduct a physical examination to decide on the best type of surgery to decrease the size and volume of the breast. Measurements will be taken of the breasts and a mammogram may also be performed. Photographs will be taken for your medical records and Dr. Wiser will review all of the benefits and potential risks that come with the surgical option that he recommends for addressing your particular concerns. Once you are fully apprised of all the necessary data and Dr. Wiser's suggestions for achieving your desired results, you can begin the next steps to prepare for surgery.
The preparations for surgery are extremely important to ensure the procedure is fully successful. First and foremost, any patient who is planning to have breast reduction surgery performed should refrain from smoking or using any other nicotine products for six weeks prior to the date of surgery.
One week prior to your surgery date, you will begin drinking two surgical shakes per day. One in the morning and one in the evening. These shakes are pre-mixed drinks rich in amino acids and fatty acids and they help to promote healing and successful post-operative recovery. These shakes can be purchased online or from the WiserMD clinic. Be sure to stick to the recommended guidelines for consuming surgical shakes to ensure the best possible results.
Hibiclens showers are also important for the week leading up to your surgical procedure date. Hibiclens is an antiseptic cleanser that you will need to use daily when showering. The active ingredient in this brand of cleaner is chlorhexidine, which is extremely useful in reducing the levels of bacteria on the skin. Using Hibiclens on your entire body is a necessary precaution to prevent infections during and after surgery. Scrub with the cleanser and allow it to remain on the skin for two minutes before you rinse off.
You will need to schedule your first post-op lymphatic massage prior to your surgery. The massages are performed at the WiserMD clinic. You can also perform similar massages yourself with a skin roller.
But it is highly recommended you have at least ten sessions after the procedure is complete. Having these appointments on the books prior to surgery will give you the best possible opportunity for ensuring your procedure is successful and you see the results you expect.
Lymphatic massages are essential for draining the lymphatic system during the post-operative recovery process. These massages are also vital for maintaining the shape and smoothness of your skin. Be sure you have at least one or more lymphatic massages scheduled before your surgery date. You can schedule the first massage as soon as the day after you have the surgical procedure performed.
During your consultation with Dr. Wiser, you will review the medications you are currently taking, if any, and discuss any drug allergies you may have. These are important items to discuss as they will affect which medications you can be prescribed for post-operative recovery. For most patients, Dr. Wiser will prescribe pain medication and anti-nausea relief. Pain medication may include Tylenol, Advil, or Hydrocodone for patients who need something stronger to relieve discomfort. Anti-nausea medications should be used for up to two days after the surgery.
These are necessary to assist in healing by reducing the amount of fluid that builds up beneath the skin. Your first compression garment should be fitted prior to your surgery date as you will need to start wearing one after the procedure is performed. Expect to wear compression garments for up to six weeks during recovery. They may be removed to take showers but should be put back on after.
Dr. Wiser will review what you need to do in the 24 hours leading up to your surgery date.
All patients will need to refrain from eating or drinking up to eight hours prior to surgery. This includes water, except for patients who need to take necessary medications. Patients who have requested local instead of general anesthesia will not be required to stop eating or drinking ahead of the surgical procedure.
You will need a friend or loved one to drive you to and from surgery on the day of the procedure. Be sure you have someone ready to help.
You will also need to wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day you are scheduled for surgery. Tight fitting clothing is not recommended.
Like any other type of surgery, a breast reduction procedure presents the potential for some risks that may occur in breast reduction patients, including infection, excessive bleeding, and allergic reaction to anesthesia. Although these risks are low, they should be considered when making any decision to have invasive surgery.
There are certain side effects that you may experience that are inherent to the breast reduction process These must also be considered before undergoing this type of procedure. They include the following:
Dr. Wiser can explain these risks and other potential side effects in more detail during your consultation.
In a breast lift or reduction procedure, scars are usually placed in one of two configurations: a short scar, also known as a lollipop scar, or an inverted T scar, known as an anchor scar.
The anchor scar provides better shaping of the breast, but it does have a longer scar length compared to the lollipop scar.
Following a breast reduction or lift procedure, patients may experience a few common, usually mild, complications.
These can consist of an infection in the local area, disruption of the wound requiring local treatment, and possibly a higher likelihood of hypertrophic (thick and/or darkened) scars if there's a genetic tendency.
Stitch removal is not necessary post breast augmentation surgery since all sutures are internal and dissolvable.
Your return to normal activities post surgery can be fairly swift! A sports bra must be worn continuously for the first 4 weeks (excluding when showering).
Strenuous activities, sexual intercourse and sleeping on your stomach should be avoided for the initial 2 weeks. After this period, you won't have any specific limitations.
Your pain can be managed effectively through a customized pain management program, potentially comprising various medicines that work together.
Dr. Wiser employs a regional nerve block, numbing the surgical site using a long-lasting anesthetic, Exparel®, that works for up to 72 hours.
This approach ensures most patients experience minimal pain during the critical initial three days post-surgery.
A breast reduction procedure is designed to lessen the breast volume and elevate the nipple-areolarr complex, while a breast lift mainly focuses on the elevation.
If you suffer from breast heaviness, skin irritation in the breast folds, and pain in the shoulder, back, or neck, or if you believe your breast volume is excessive within your bra, a breast reduction could be ideal for you.
However, if your breasts are droopy but you are happy with their volume while wearing a bra, you may be a candidate for a breast lift.
Recovery time can vary for individuals following a breast reduction or lift surgery.
Typically, you can expect to resume work and light activities after 1-2 weeks.
But keep in mind, total recovery and settling of the breasts into their final shape might take 6 weeks or more.
The best age for a breast reduction or lift is less about a specific number and more about personal conditions and circumstances.
While it's generally recommended to wait until breast development is complete, if discomfort or self-consciousness is severe, the surgery can be done earlier.
Breastfeeding post breast reduction or lift is typically possible, but the surgery could potentially impact it.
Certain surgical approaches can interfere with milk ducts, thus impacting milk supply.
It's crucial to have a discussion with Dr. Wiser about future breastfeeding plans before the surgery.
Whether or not insurance covers your breast reduction or lift surgery depends largely on your insurance company and your individual policy.
Some insurers may cover breast reduction if it's medically necessary, due to symptoms like chronic pain in the back, neck, or shoulders.
For accurate information, it's best to check with both your insurance company and our office.
Successful breast reduction surgery will be noticeable almost immediately. There may be some swelling around the surgery site, but this will subside over the course of a month or two depending on the individual. Scarring will also fade and, in most cases, should not be apparent once the patient has fully healed.