Best Hospitals for Nipple Inversion Repair in New York City in 2025
Nipple inversion is a common condition that can affect both men and women. It can cause self - consciousness, problems with breastfeeding, and discomfort during intimacy. Fortunately, there are many excellent options in New York City for those seeking nipple inversion repair. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and surgeons, the causes and types of nipple inversion, the procedures involved, recovery processes, and factors to consider when choosing a place for your repair.
What is Nipple Inversion?
Normally, nipples project outward to crown the breasts. However, in cases of nipple inversion, the nipple points inward rather than outward. This condition can occur on one breast or both, and it can affect both genders. It's estimated that around 10 - 20% of the population has some degree of nipple inversion.
Causes of Nipple Inversion
- Congenital Defects: Many people are born with inverted nipples. This is usually due to shortened milk ducts or tethering of the nipple tissue during development in the womb.
- Aging: As a person ages, the breast tissue can change, leading to nipple inversion. Breast sagging or drooping (ptosis) can contribute to this as well.
- Medical Conditions: Paget’s disease of the breast, breast cancer (including breast carcinoma and inflammatory breast cancer), and breast infections such as mammary duct ectasia, breast abscess, and mastitis can cause nipple inversion.
- Trauma or Surgery: Scar tissue from previous breast surgery or trauma to the breast can tether the nipple downward, resulting in inversion.
Grades of Nipple Inversion
Doctors categorize inverted nipples into three grades to help with diagnosis and treatment:
| Grade | Description | Response to Manipulation | Breastfeeding Ability | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Also known as “shy nipples,” it is a mild inversion. | The nipples respond easily to gentle manipulation and can pop out after arousal, during cold weather, or with minimal manipulation. | Breastfeeding is typically possible, and there are minimal milk duct issues. | Can often be treated with less invasive techniques. |
| Grade 2 | Moderate inversion. | More force is required to get the nipple to protrude, and it immediately retracts after manipulation. | Milk duct detachment may be necessary, which can affect breastfeeding ability. | Requires more aggressive correction, usually with local anesthetic and tiny incisions to minimize scarring. |
| Grade 3 | Severe inversion. | The nipples cannot be manipulated to pop out. | May affect breast - feeding ability, and a complete evaluation of milk ducts is needed. | Complex cases requiring expert nipple correction and a comprehensive surgical approach. |
Top Surgeons and Their Practices for Nipple Inversion Repair in New York City
Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is a top plastic surgeon specializing in inverted nipple correction in NYC. He is board - certified and graduated from Johns Hopkins University. With over a decade of experience, he has been listed as a top doc in the aesthetic magazine, New Beauty.
Services Offered
- Inverted Nipple Correction: The procedure involves making a small incision around the nipple and breaking through the scar tissue tethering the nipple. It can usually be done under local anesthesia in 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Consultation: The first step is to book a consultation. During this appointment, patients can explain their aesthetic goals, ask questions, and get to know Dr. Lao and his team. If both parties agree that inverted nipple correction is the best solution, surgery will be booked in his Manhattan office.
Recovery Process
- Patients can ambulate the night of surgery.
- They can shower 2 days after surgery and may return to work after 2 days.
- Swimming is restricted for 2 weeks.
Patient Testimonials
Many patients have praised Dr. Lao for his kindness, compassion, and excellent surgical results. For example, a 57 - year - old female who had a facial procedure done with him said she was 100% satisfied with the results and that her confidence level was off the charts.
Dr. Norman Rowe at Rowe Plastic Surgery
Rowe Plastic Surgery, with locations in Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, and the Hamptons, offers inverted nipple correction. Their top - rated cosmetic surgery team also performs other nipple and breast enhancement procedures.
Services Offered
- Inverted Nipple Correction: The surgery is an outpatient procedure. Local anesthesia is used, and the surgeon makes an incision on the lower outer part of the nipple, retracts the inverted nipple, raises it into the best position, and holds it with dissolvable sutures.
- Other Procedures: Nipple reconstruction and correction, nipple enlargement, nipple reduction, and nipple - sparing mastectomy with implants.
Recovery Process
- Recovery takes up to six weeks, with the first two weeks being the most important. There may be some pain and soreness that resolve with time.
- By the six - week mark, the corrected nipple looks perfectly normal.
Patient Testimonials
Patients have described their experiences at Rowe Plastic Surgery as comfortable and safe. One patient said that the facilities were super clean, and they were very happy with the results of their breast reduction surgery.
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh at Cosmoplastic Surgery
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, a board - certified plastic surgeon at Cosmoplastic Surgery, offers inverted nipple repair for NYC patients. He has an outstanding academic background, having earned his MD from Cornell University, completed a general and plastic surgery residency at the University of Chicago, and undergone subspecialty training in microsurgery, cosmetic surgery, and breast reconstruction.
Services Offered
- Inverted Nipple Repair: He uses the latest surgical techniques that reposition breast and nipple tissue to face outward, leaving minimal scarring, preserving the milk ducts, and restoring the nipple to a natural - looking position.
- Combined Procedures: Depending on the patient's circumstances, he may recommend combining corrective breast surgery with other procedures such as naturabra™ breast lift (mastopexy) or natura glow™ fat transfer to achieve optimal outcomes.
Recovery Process
While specific details are not fully provided, the overall approach is designed to ensure a successful recovery with focus on the patient's overall well - being.
Why Choose Cosmoplastic Surgery
The practice is committed to core values such as being open and inclusive, innovation, and speaking from the head and the heart. Dr. Alizadeh has many notable accomplishments, including training over 100 plastic surgeons and being an oral examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. M. Zakir Sabry at Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center
Dr. M. Zakir Sabry at Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center specializes in inverted nipple correction. He uses state - of - the - art techniques and provides personalized care, helping countless patients regain their confidence.
Services Offered
- Inverted Nipple Correction: The procedure involves a pre - operative phase where the doctor reviews the patient's medical history, a surgical technique with local anesthesia and micro - incisions to release restricted breast tissue while preserving milk ducts when possible, and post - operative care with dissolvable sutures and a compression dressing.
Recovery Process
- Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days. In the first 24 - 48 hours, there is minimal discomfort managed with over - the - counter pain medication, and they should wear a surgical dressing and protective shield.
- 2 - 4 weeks later, they can resume normal exercise, and the final results begin to become apparent.
- In the long - term, results are typically permanent, and patients can enjoy improved confidence and appearance.
Cost
The cost of inverted nipple surgery in the New York City area typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on factors such as the complexity of the repair, the type of local anesthesia, and whether additional cosmetic procedures are combined.
Dr. Nicholas Vendemia at Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. Nicholas Vendemia performs inverted nipple repair. It is a relatively painless in - office procedure that can be done under local anesthesia.
Services Offered
- Inverted Nipple Repair: The procedure involves stretching the short milk ducts or, in severe cases, cutting a few of them to allow the nipple to evert. It takes about 45 minutes for one side or about 90 minutes for both sides.
Recovery Process
- Patients can go back to work the next day, and the recovery is fairly pain - free.
- There is a very small scar hidden within the pigmented areola and the border of the nipple, which usually heals well and becomes nearly invisible within a few months.
Breastfeeding After Surgery
If the doctor is able to un - invert the nipple by stretching the milk ducts, the chance of breastfeeding will be unaffected. However, if some or all of the milk ducts have to be cut, breastfeeding may not be possible after surgery.
Dr. Darrick E. Antell
Dr. Darrick E. Antell is one of the world’s most reputable plastic surgeons, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgeries. He has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by many media outlets.
Services Offered
- Inverted Nipple Repair: It is a simple in - office surgery performed under local anesthesia, concluding within 30 minutes with little to no downtime. There are two techniques: with milk duct detachment (usually for non - breastfeeding patients) and without milk duct detachment (for patients who want to retain breastfeeding capability).
- Complementary Procedures: Areola reduction, breast augmentation, and breast reduction can be combined with nipple repair.
Recovery Process
- Patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days. Most feel comfortable returning to work and normal activities within a day but should avoid vigorous workouts for 1 to 2 weeks.
- The overall healing and recovery take approximately 4 weeks.
Dr. Joshua B. Hyman
Dr. Joshua B. Hyman, a board - certified plastic surgeon, offers inverted nipple correction at his NYC practice. His state - of - the - art facility is accredited, and he is known for his expertise in achieving natural - looking results.
Services Offered
- Inverted Nipple Correction: The procedure involves releasing the constricted tissue causing the inversion, reshaping the nipple, and securing it in a more natural position. It can be done using local anesthesia with or without sedation.
Recovery Process
- Recovery takes about 1 - 2 weeks. Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising may occur initially but subside within a few days.
- Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days and see the final results as the healing process progresses.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Surgeon and Facility for Nipple Inversion Repair
Board Certification
It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). Board certification ensures that the surgeon has met high - quality standards in education, training, and ethical practice.
Experience
Look for a surgeon with significant experience in performing nipple inversion repair. Surgeons with more experience are likely to have encountered a wider range of cases and can handle potential complications more effectively.
Reputation
- Patient Testimonials: Read patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of other patients' experiences with the surgeon and the facility.
- Media Recognition: Surgeons who are recognized by well - known media outlets, such as magazines, often have a good reputation for their work.
Techniques and Technology
Choose a surgeon who uses the latest surgical techniques and technology. This can lead to better results, less scarring, and a faster recovery time.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the procedure, including any additional fees such as anesthesia and facility fees. Since nipple inversion repair is often considered a cosmetic procedure, most insurance plans do not cover it. However, some surgeons may offer financing options.
Personalized Care
A good surgeon will take the time to understand your concerns, goals, and medical history. They should provide personalized treatment plans based on your unique needs.
Conclusion
Nipple inversion can have a significant impact on a person's self - confidence and quality of life. In New York City, there are many highly qualified surgeons and well - equipped facilities available for nipple inversion repair. Surgeons like Dr. William Lao, Dr. Norman Rowe, Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, Dr. M. Zakir Sabry, Dr. Nicholas Vendemia, Dr. Darrick E. Antell, and Dr. Joshua B. Hyman offer a range of services and expertise to address this condition. When choosing a surgeon and facility, it is important to consider factors such as board certification, experience, reputation, techniques, cost, and personalized care.
If you are considering nipple inversion repair, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top surgeons. Take the time to research and ask questions to ensure that you make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results for your health and well - being.
