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Pictured: Colleen McCarthy

Colleen M. McCarthy, MD, FRCS(C)

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

4.7 | 272 reviews

Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

  • Breast cancers and conditions
  • Head and neck cancers
  • Pediatric cancers

My Specialties

  • Breast reconstruction
  • Head and neck reconstruction
  • Extremity reconstruction
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Dr. McCarthy's Office Information
Languages: English
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Get to Know Me

I am a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with expertise in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery, microsurgery (used to repair intricate structures such as blood vessels and nerves), and oncologic reconstruction (reconstruction after surgery for cancer).

As a reconstructive surgeon, I first take the time to understand my patients’ goals and expectations. My aim is to achieve the best possible surgical outcome that not only meets each patient’s individual needs, but also aligns with their unique preferences. It is my goal that patients feel confident that they will receive excellent care and know that I am here to help every step of the way. 

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My passion for patient advocation extends beyond my clinical work at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I am co-chair of the National Breast Implant Registry, which collects information designed to ensure breast implant safety. I also serve as the principal investigator of the PROFILE Registry, a collaborative effort between the FDA and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons that aims to evaluate all cases of a new, rare disease called breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in the United States. Additionally, I am a lead member of the international Global Network for BIA-ALCL, a group of experts on this topic representing 32 total countries. I recently served on an FDA panel determining the safety and efficacy of a tissue substitute in the setting of postmastectomy implant reconstruction. Finally, I currently represent the American Society of Plastic Surgeons on the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.   

My research interests include the evaluation of patient-reported outcomes (the study of surgical outcomes from a patient’s perspective). This information is vital for finding ways to improve outcomes for all patients who undergo reconstruction, as well as the overall surgical experience. I have authored more than 100 scientific papers and book chapters and have been invited to lecture both nationally and internationally.

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.

  • Attending Surgeon
Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

  • Breast cancers and conditions
  • Head and neck cancers
  • Pediatric cancers
  • Vaginal cancers and conditions

My Specialties

  • Breast reconstruction
  • Head and neck reconstruction
  • Extremity reconstruction
  • Vaginal reconstruction
  • Pelvic reconstruction
Education & Honors

Education

  • MD, McMaster University

Residencies

  • Plastic Surgery - University of British Columbia

Fellowships

  • Reconstructive Surgery - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Board Certifications

  • Plastic Surgery

Insurance Information

Understanding your insurance options is an important part of managing your cancer care. We have relationships with many common healthcare providers and plans.

Aetna

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS, Transplant

Aetna Medicare Advantage (MTA and NYC retirees only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Anthem BCBS and other BCBS licensee plans

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

See updates

Anthem BCBS Health Plus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

See updates

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

See updates

Blue Cross Blue Shield states outside of NY/NJ

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS

See updates

Carrum Health

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

Cigna

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Connecticare

In Network Coverage Type
POS, EPO, HMO

First Health

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Straight NJ Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Straight NY Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Emblem

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.

Emblem Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Emblem Medicare Advantage (Medicare Choice PPO Network and VIP Prime Network Only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Empire Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Empire Plan / NYSHIP (Blue Cross/UnitedHealthcare split plan)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

See updates

Fidelis

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.

Fidelis Managed Medicaid & HARP

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Fidelis Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Healthfirst

In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.

Healthfirst Managed Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Healthsmart

In Network Coverage Type
PPO EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (HMO)

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (PPO)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier I (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier II (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

See updates

Horizon Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Husky CT Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Magnacare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO

Medicare Part A&B (traditional Medicare)

In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government

Metroplus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

City Employee Health Plans (Gold and Gold Care)

Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

MVP

In Network Coverage Type
PPO/OAP

Non-Participating Plans with Out of Network Benefits

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

NYC Medicare Advantage Plus for City Employees

In Network Coverage Type
TBD

Oscar

In Network Coverage Type
HMO/EPO

Oxford

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, EPO

World Trade Center Health Program (WTC)

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Qualcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Tricare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

UMR

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS

United Healthcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Don't see your carrier or plan? We can help you understand your coverage.

If you don't have health insurance or are worried that your care may not be fully covered, our financial assistance programs may be able to help.

If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.

Make an Appointment

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New Patients
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Current Patients
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Contact and Location

Dr. McCarthy sees patients at two locations.

Office Phone
Location
New York, NY
West Harrison, NY
David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
530 East 74th Street New York NY 10021
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester
500 Westchester Avenue West Harrison NY 10604
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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 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Service doctors

Clinical Trials

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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.

Search clinical trials

Research and Publications

Selected Book Chapters
“Principles of breast reconstruction.” McCarthy CM, Disa JJ. In: Cancer Rehabilitation: Principles and Practices. Stubblefield MD, O’Dell MW, eds. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing; 2009.

“Breast reconstruction: a comparison of autogenous and prosthetic techniques.” Disa JJ, McCarthy CMIn: Advances in Surgery. Cameron JL, ed. Oxford, UK: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2005: 97-119.

“Breast cancer in previously augmented breasts.” McCarthy CM, Pusic A, Cody H III, Mehrara B. In: The American Cancer Society Atlas of Clinical Oncology. 2nd ed. Norton, L, Hudis CA, Winchester DP, eds. Hamilton, Ontario: BC Decker; 2004.

“Clinical research in breast surgery: reduction and post-mastectomy reconstruction.” Pusic AL, McCarthy C, Cano SJ, Klassen AF, Kerrigan CL. In: Clinics in Plastic Surgery. Paul MD, ed. Oxford, UK: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2008.

Publications on PubMed

Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. McCarthy’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.

See all on PubMed

Patient Reviews

Your trust is our main concern

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

4.7 272 reviews

  • 4.7 Provider's Explanations Easy to Understand
  • 4.7 Trusts Provider with Care
  • 4.7 Provider Listened Carefully
  • 4.7 Likelihood of Recommending Provider
Mar 13, 2025

Hi, this is [patient name removed] on Tuesday, March 18. I had a March 13th appointment with Dr. Colleen McCarthy and her staff and I thought the meeting with Dr. McCarthy went wonderfully. She answered all my questions, made me feel comfortable and I have utmost confidence that she can help me after my surgery is completed on the 18th of April and we have a plan going forward that she laid out and that I agree with and I appreciate Dr. McCarthy's attention and professionalism. I'm looking forward to her working on me and with me in the near future. Thanks again for

Mar 6, 2025

Hello, it was my first time meeting her. I definitely would like to meet up with her again. The first meeting was a little overwhelming because there's a lot of things that I still need to understand as far as possibly going ahead with another surgery. And being that there's going to be a different type of implants, I still need a little more education on that. But on the other hand, had I asked her questions at the time that I was there with her, she did answer. I just need to know a little bit more about what's going to happen, have a better understanding. But that's for me to do research as well before I proceed with, you know, possibly with the surgery. She was gracious and accommodating and very professional and kind on the other hand. Thank you and have a good day.

Mar 6, 2025

I was the first (or second appt) at 10:15, was brought into the room about 15 min later and Dr. did not come in till 11:20, really not acceptable. If I am there for my 10:15 appt, so should the Dr.

Mar 4, 2025

Dr McCarthy is a very caring and capable Dr, and I can't say that about all the Drs I've had at MSK

Feb 27, 2025

I like the way Dr. McCarthy and her staff, they took their time to show me some things that they was going to do and then how the breast will look. So I really appreciate that. And they was a great team. Thank you.

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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.

Colleen M. McCarthy discloses the following relationships and financial interests:

No disclosures meeting criteria for time period


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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