Introduction

Areola reconstruction surgery is a significant procedure for many individuals, especially those who have undergone mastectomy, breast trauma, or have congenital nipple/areola anomalies. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer excellent areola reconstruction services. This article will explore these options, the procedures involved, the benefits, and what to expect during and after the surgery.

Why Areola Reconstruction?

Areola reconstruction plays a crucial role in the overall appearance of the breast. After a mastectomy or other breast - related surgeries, reconstructing the areola can provide a more natural - looking result, enhancing the patient's self - confidence and emotional well - being. It can also address various conditions such as inverted nipples, enlarged areolas, and nipple asymmetry.

Top Facilities for Areola Reconstruction in New York City

Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery

Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, located at 110 E 60th St #908, New York, NY 10022, offers high - quality nipple and areola reconstruction & correction services. Their experienced surgeon, Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani, provides personalized procedures tailored to each patient's individual goals.

Treatable Conditions

• Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
• Breast reconstruction after burns
• Breast reconstruction for congenital anomalies
• Inverted nipples/nipple retraction
• Nipple asymmetry
• Nipple reduction
• Areola reduction

Benefits of Treatment at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery

• Individualized consultation and treatment with 3D Vectra imaging
• Procedure takes place in their state - of - the - art operating room on Park Avenue

Surgery Process

1. Consultation: Patients visit the New York City office for a confidential consultation with Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani. He listens to concerns and goals, and based on the examination, creates a unique treatment plan.
2. Procedure: Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia and take between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Recovery: The recovery period is 1 to 3 days, and patients are recommended to refrain from working out for 1 - 2 weeks. Follow - up appointments are scheduled to assess recovery and results.

Cost and Insurance

Nipple reconstruction and correction surgery at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery cost between $2,000 to $12,000. Nipple reconstruction is covered by insurance only in the context of previous breast cancer.

Oren Z. Lerman, MD

Dr. Oren Lerman is the director of breast reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital's Institute for Comprehensive Breast Care in New York. He offers nipple reconstruction, which is the last step in breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.

Treatment Benefits

• Produce natural aesthetics: The procedure can make a surgically reconstructed breast look very natural, with customized coloring, size, and projection of the nipple.
• Benefit emotional well - being: Restoring the breast tissue and nipples can help patients feel "normal" and "whole" again after breast cancer treatment.
• Enhance quality of life: Improved self - esteem and body image can lead to improvements in personal and professional lives.

Understanding the Procedure

Nipple reconstruction is a two - part process. First, a small procedure creates the elevated appearance of the nipple projection from a flap of the patient's own skin. After healing, 3D tattooing is done by specialized tattoo artists to define the areola.

The Process of Nipple Reconstruction

1. Consultation: Patients meet with Dr. Lerman to discuss options and goals. The procedure is scheduled 3 to 4 months after the initial breast reconstruction.
2. Anesthesia: The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, but in some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
3. Creating the nipple: The most common technique uses small flaps of skin from the breast itself to form a nipple projection.
4. Healing period: The procedure usually takes an hour or less, and it takes about three months for the body to heal.
5. Tattooing: After the skin has recovered, cosmetic tattooing is done to distinguish the areola from the breast.

You can contact the practice at (212) 434 - 6980.

New York Plastic Surgical Group

The breast reconstruction surgery center, a “center of excellence” within the New York Plastic Surgical Group, offers nipple and areola reconstruction. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons have performed over 10,000 breast reconstruction procedures, including all major techniques.

Reconstruction Techniques

• Graft nipple reconstruction: Skin from a donor site is attached to the newly constructed breast. For the nipple, the donor site can be the other breast's nipple (in single - breast mastectomy), earlobe, or labia (in double mastectomy). For the areola, donor sites can include the scar from a flap reconstruction, buttock crease, or inner thigh.
• Flap nipple reconstruction: A skin flap from the area beside the new nipple location is used to create the nipple. This technique has the advantage of maintaining the original blood supply and typically results in less scarring.

Nipple Tattooing

Nipple tattooing is offered on an outpatient basis. The team mixes pigments to match the color of the remaining nipple or preoperative photos. However, patients should note that tattooing alone may not create the same natural - looking appearance as complete nipple reconstruction and may require multiple sessions.

Breast Reconstruction Center NYC

Located at 590 5th Ave, Ste 1124, New York, NY 10036, the Breast Reconstruction Center NYC has best - in - class plastic surgeons with 30 + years of experience. They perform a full spectrum of breast surgeries, including areola reconstruction.

Available Procedures

• Reconstructive breast surgery (immediate, delayed, and revisions)
• Areola reshaping
• Breast implant removal and replacement
• Implant - based breast reconstruction
• Nipple (areola) correction and reconstruction
• Partial breast reconstruction
• Revision breast reconstruction
• Secondary breast reduction/lift
• Cosmetic breast surgery (augmentation, lift, reduction, etc.)

Insurance Coverage

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires insurance companies covering a mastectomy to also cover all stages of breast reconstruction. The center will work with patients and their insurance companies to ensure they receive full benefits.

Rowe Plastic Surgery

Rowe Plastic Surgery, with locations in Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, and the Hamptons, offers nipple reconstruction and correction services. Their board - certified cosmetic surgeons specialize in cosmetic breast procedures.

Who Needs Nipple Surgery?

• Those with inverted nipples
• Patients after breast reconstruction surgery
• Men after gynecomastia surgery
• People seeking areola reduction
• Individuals with extra nipples to be removed
• Those wanting nipple enlargement
• People aiming for an enhanced self - image

Surgery Techniques

• Nipple reconstruction with surrounding skin
• Skin grafting for nipple reconstruction
• Medical tattooing
• Nipple sharing
• Mastopexy revision

What to Expect

• Initial consultation with a breast examination and review of medical history
• Improved nipple appearance
• Immediate results with some numbness, pain, and soreness
• Final results after full healing
• Improved self - esteem and quality of life

NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone's plastic surgeons offer a range of breast plastic surgery services, including areola reconstruction. They use the latest reconstruction techniques and have experts in treating various breast conditions.

Reconstruction Techniques

• Breast reduction using the short - scar method
• Breast lift surgery (mastopexy)
• Secondary breast reconstruction and augmentation surgery
• Breast reconstruction using perforator flaps (such as DIEP and S - GAP)

Breast in a Day

This innovative surgery involves performing a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day. It is suitable for women at high risk for breast cancer or those with breast cancer not involving the nipple areola.

Shafer Plastic Surgery

Under the expert care of Dr. David Shafer, a double - board - certified plastic surgeon, Shafer Plastic Surgery offers personalized breast reconstruction procedures in NYC, including areola reconstruction.

Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

• Restores breast shape and symmetry
• Enhances self - confidence
• Eliminates the need for external prosthetics
• Provides clothing flexibility
• Offers customizable options
• Can be performed simultaneously with mastectomy
• Restores nipple and areola appearance
• Improves quality of life
• Supports emotional healing

Reconstruction Methods

• Breast reconstruction with implants
• Breast reconstruction with the patient's tissue
• Nipple and areola reconstruction

Comparing the Facilities

What to Consider When Choosing a Hospital

Surgeon Experience

The experience of the surgeon is crucial. Look for surgeons who have performed a significant number of areola reconstruction surgeries and have a good track record of success. Check their credentials, board certifications, and patient reviews.

Techniques Offered

Different hospitals may offer different techniques for areola reconstruction. Research the techniques and choose a hospital that offers the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Cost and Insurance

Understand the cost of the surgery and whether your insurance will cover it. Some hospitals may work with your insurance provider to ensure you receive the maximum benefits.

Facility Quality

The quality of the hospital facility, including the operating rooms and post - operative care areas, can impact your experience and the outcome of the surgery. Choose a hospital with state - of - the - art facilities.

Patient Support

Good patient support is essential. Look for hospitals that provide comprehensive pre - and post - operative care, including counseling, education, and follow - up appointments.

Pre - operative and Post - operative Care

Pre - operative Care

• Consultation: During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your condition, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan.
• Medical Tests: You may need to undergo various medical tests to ensure you are in good health for the surgery.
• Medication and Lifestyle Changes: The surgeon may ask you to stop taking certain medications and make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking before the surgery.

Post - operative Care

• Recovery at Home: Follow the surgeon's instructions regarding rest, diet, and wound care. You may need to wear a special garment to support the reconstructed area.
• Pain Management: Take the prescribed pain medications as directed to manage any discomfort.
• Follow - up Appointments: Attend all follow - up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

In New York City, there are several excellent options for areola reconstruction surgery. Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, Oren Z. Lerman, MD, New York Plastic Surgical Group, Breast Reconstruction Center NYC, Rowe Plastic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, and Shafer Plastic Surgery all offer high - quality services