Babak J. Mehrara, MD

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

4.8 | 268 reviews

Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

Breast cancers and conditions
Lymphedema
Head and neck cancers

My Specialties

Breast reconstruction
Facial reconstruction
Lymphedema surgery

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Get to Know Me

I am a plastic surgeon dedicated to providing reconstructive surgery to patients with cancer.

I have special training in microsurgery, a type of procedure that transplants tissues from one part of the body to another by reconnecting small blood vessels using a microscope. I also have extensive experience in reconstruction performed with perforator flaps. This includes deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap and gluteal artery perforator (GAP) flap surgery for breast reconstruction. DIEP flap surgery is the most common type of autologous breast reconstruction (reconstruction using your own tissue) and uses tissue from the abdomen to sculpt a new breast.

I have lectured nationally and internationally on breast reconstruction and have published extensively on the topic.

Perforator flaps are the latest and most advanced microsurgical techniques available for reconstruction. They improve on traditional microsurgery methods because with perforator flaps, there is much less trauma to the area from which the transplanted tissues are collected. For example, with the DIEP flap, we can preserve the rectus muscle (commonly known as the “six-pack” of the abdomen). In traditional microsurgery procedures, this muscle is cut, resulting in more pain, longer recovery, and a higher chance of hernias after surgery. In addition to microsurgery and reconstruction with perforator flaps, I have significant experience and interest in hernia repair and work closely with our colleagues in general surgery.

I also have expertise in using surgical and non-surgical options to care for people with cancer-related lymphedema. Lymphedema is a buildup of lymph fluid or fatty tissues under the skin that can cause swelling, pain, or discomfort. It develops in some people with cancer who have lymph nodes removed as part of their treatment.

Lymphedema is my primary research interest, and I have developed several models to study lymphedema in the laboratory, with the goal of understanding how it develops. My research group’s long-term goal is to design novel methods, including surgery and medical treatments, to better prevent and treat lymphedema. Depending on their circumstances and stage of lymphedema, I offer my patients liposuction, lymph node transplant, or lymphatic by-pass procedures. Our National Institutes of Health-funded laboratory at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center collaborates with researchers at across the United States to advance oncology’s understanding and management of lymphedema.

What I Do at MSK

A plastic and reconstructive surgeon is a doctor with special training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. These procedures restore function and appearance.

Chief, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Service
Peter G. Cordeiro Endowed Chair in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Conditions I Treat

Breast cancers and conditions
Lymphedema
Head and neck cancers

My Specialties

Breast reconstruction
Facial reconstruction
Lymphedema surgery
Abdominal wall reconstruction
Microsurgery

Education

MD, Columbia University

Residencies

General Surgery - New York University Medical Center
Plastic Surgery - New York University Medical Center

Fellowships

Microsurgery - University of California Los Angeles Medical Center

Board Certifications

Plastic Surgery

Awards and Honors

Castle Connolly: America’s Top Doctor (2025)
Castle Connolly: America’s Top Doctor (2024)
Top Doctors New York Metro Area, Castle Connolly (2023)
Castle Connolly: America's Top Doctors (2023)
Castle Connolly: New York Magazine Top Doctors (2010, 2013, 2016-2020)

Insurance Information

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New Patients

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Current Patients

Request an appointment by logging in to MSK MyChart or calling your Care Team. If you are not enrolled in MSK MyChart, ask your Care Team to send you an invitation. You can also go to MSK MyChart and select “Sign up now.”

Contact and Location

Dr. Mehrara sees patients at two locations.

Office Phone

646-608-8639

Location

New York, NY

West Harrison, NY

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Colleagues

Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.

See all Lymphedema doctors

See all Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Service doctors

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Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials Co-Investigated by Dr. Mehrara
A Study of a Comprehensive Prevention Program to Reduce Lymphedema After Underarm Lymph Node Removal in People With Breast Cancer

Find a Clinical Trial for You

Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.

You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.

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Research and Publications

View Dr. Mehrara's Lab

Pusic, AL, Cemal Y, Albornoz YC, Klassen A, CanoS, Sulimanoff I, Hernandez M, Massey M, Cordeiro P, Morrow M and Mehrara B. “Quality of life among breast cancer patients with lymphedema: a systematic review of patient-reported outcome instruments and outcomes.” J Cancer Surviv 2013, 7(1): 83-92.

Avraham T, Zampell JC, Yan A, Elhadad S, Weitman ES, Rockson SG, Bromberg J and Mehrara BJ. “Th2 differentiation is necessary for soft tissue fibrosis and lymphatic dysfunction resulting from lymphedema.” FASEB J 2013; 27(3): 1114-1126.

Ho, A., P. Cordeiro, J. Disa, B. Mehrara, J. Wright, K. J. Van Zee, C. Hudis, A. McLane, J. Chou, Z. Zhang, S. Powell and B. McCormick (2012). “Long-term outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing immediate 2-stage expander/implant reconstruction and postmastectomy radiation.” Cancer 2011, 118(9): 2552-2559.

Crisera, C. A., E. I. Chang, A. L. Da Lio, J. H. Festekjian and B. J. Mehrara (2011). “Immediate free flap reconstruction for advanced-stage breast cancer: is it safe?” Plast Reconstr Surg 2011: 128(1): 32-41.

Yan, A., T. Avraham, J. C. Zampell, S. Z. Aschen and B. J. Mehrara (2011). “Mechanisms of lymphatic regeneration after tissue transfer.” PLoS One 2011, 6(2): e17201.

McCarthy, C. M., A. F. Klassen, S. J. Cano, A. Scott, N. Vanlaeken, P. A. Lennox, A. K. Alderman, B. J. Mehrara, J. J. Disa, P. G. Cordeiro and A. L. Pusic (2010). “Patient satisfaction with postmastectomy breast reconstruction: a comparison of saline and silicone implants.” Cancer 2010, 116(24): 5584-5591.

Avraham, T., S. V. Daluvoy, E. R. Riedel, P. G. Cordeiro, K. J. Van Zee and B. J. Mehrara (2010). “Tissue expander breast reconstruction is not associated with an increased risk of lymphedema.” Ann Surg Oncol 2010, 17(11): 2926-2932.

Morrow, M. and B. Mehrara (2009). “Prophylactic mastectomy and the timing of breast reconstruction.” Br J Surg 2010, 96(1): 1-2.

Mehrara, B. J., J. C. Zampell, H. Suami and D. W. Chang (2011). “Surgical management of lymphedema: past, present, and future.” Lymphat Res Biol 2010, 9(3): 159-167.

Disa, J. J., C. M. McCarthy, B. J. Mehrara, A. L. Pusic, Q. Y. Hu and P. G. Cordeiro (2009). “Postmastectomy reconstruction: an approach to patient selection.” Plast Reconstr Surg 2009, 124(1): 43-52.

Avraham, T., N. Clavin and B. J. Mehrara (2008). “Microsurgical breast reconstruction.” Cancer J 2008, 14(4): 241-247.

Chen, C. M., E. G. Halvorson, J. J. Disa, C. McCarthy, Q. Y. Hu, A. L. Pusic, P. G. Cordeiro and B. J. Mehrara (2007). “Immediate postoperative complications in DIEP versus free/muscle-sparing TRAM flaps.” Plast Reconstr Surg 2007, 120(6): 1477-1482.

Mehrara, B. J., T. D. Santoro, E. Arcilla, J. P. Watson, W. W. Shaw and A. L. Da Lio (2006). “Complications after microvascular breast reconstruction: experience with 1195 flaps.” Plast Reconstr Surg 2006, 118(5): 1100-1109; discussion 1110-1101.

Selected Book Chapters
“Distraction osteogenis.” Mehrara BJ, Longaker MT, Mc Carthy JG, Hedrick MH, and Kawamoto H. In: The First International Baylor Orthodontic Symposium (Dallas, Texas). Sachdeva R, ed. Glendora, CA: Ormco; 1997.

Publications on PubMed

Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Mehrara’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

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Patient Reviews

Your trust is our main concern

We strive to keep reviews trustworthy, honest and fair. Learn more about our patient experience reviews.

4.8 268 reviews

4.8 Provider's Explanations Easy to Understand
4.8 Trusts Provider with Care
4.7 Provider Listened Carefully
4.8 Likelihood of Recommending Provider

Mar 19, 2025

Even under the circumstances, visiting MSK is always a positive experience. Everyone, from the parking valets to the doctors, is professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and kind.

Mar 12, 2025

I had two appointments, but somehow my care team didn't know that I was going to see also Dr. Merara. And so I had to go out again to the main reception of the hospital and clarify. And then they confirmed that, yes, indeed, I had two appointments and I was going to see Dr. Merara. So then I went back in the waiting room. But the wait wasn't long and Dr. Merara saw me fairly promptly. So it turns out all fine. Okay. Thank you.

Mar 10, 2025

Good afternoon, my name is [patient name removed], and I truly feel very happy and very grateful to Dr. Mehrara's team. He is an excellent professional, as he has shown. I am now awaiting another surgery with him, and I hope the results will be excellent as well. He is an excellent professional, and he has the best doctors. I am very grateful. Blessings.

Feb 26, 2025

MSK has been a godsend to me. After finding out I had the BRCA 1 mutation, they helped navigate me through my options and ultimately leading me to have risk reducing surgery. I am so thankful.

Feb 26, 2025

Love Dr Mehrara, in a professional way. Intelligent, honest and caring.

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Disclosures

Doctors and faculty members often work with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology, and life sciences companies, and other organizations outside of MSK, to find safe and effective cancer treatments, to improve patient care, and to educate the health care community.

MSK requires doctors and faculty members to report (“disclose”) the relationships and financial interests they have with external entities. As a commitment to transparency with our community, we make that information available to the public.

Babak J. Mehrara discloses the following relationships and financial interests:

Elsevier
Professional Services and Activities
Mediflix, Inc.
Professional Services and Activities
Pfizer, Inc.
Professional Services and Activities (Uncompensated)

Puretech Health
Intellectual Property Rights
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Professional Services and Activities (Uncompensated)

If you’re a patient at MSK and would like more information about your doctor’s external relationships, please talk with your doctor.

The information published here is a complement to other publicly reported data and is for a specific annual disclosure period. There may be differences between information on this and other public sites as a result of different reporting periods and/or the various ways relationships and financial interests are categorized by organizations that publish such data.

This page and data include information for a specific MSK annual disclosure period (January 1, 2023 through disclosure submission in spring 2024). This data reflects interests that may or may not still exist. This data is updated annually.

Learn more about MSK’s COI policies here. For questions regarding MSK’s COI-related policies and procedures, email MSK’s Compliance Office at ecoi@mskcc.org.

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