Introduction
Nipple reconstruction is a crucial step for many women who have undergone mastectomy or experienced breast trauma. It not only restores the physical appearance of the breast but also plays a significant role in boosting the patient's self - confidence and emotional well - being. In New York City, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality nipple reconstruction services. This article will explore the top options, including the doctors, procedures, and the benefits they provide.
Importance of Nipple Reconstruction
The results of breast reconstruction surgery can have an artificial appearance without nipple reconstruction. It is the last "piece of the puzzle" in breast restoration. By elevating the profile of a nipple and defining the areola, patients can return their breasts to a more natural - looking state. It helps in enhancing the emotional recovery of patients after breast cancer treatment, making them feel "normal" and "whole" again. A well - reconstructed nipple can also significantly improve the patient's self - esteem and body image, which are important elements of mental health and overall quality of life.
Top Doctors for Nipple Reconstruction in New York City
According to Healthgrades, there are 104 doctors who perform nipple reconstruction in New York. Here are some of the highly - rated ones:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Location | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jess Ting, MD | 4.30 | 10 Union Sq E #3 - G, New York, NY 10003 | Not provided |
| Dr. Rachel Blue Bond - Langner, MD | 4.40 | 222 E 41st St, New York, NY 10017 | Not provided |
| Dr. Evan Matros, MD | 4.80 | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 | Not provided |
| Dr. Eloise Chapman - Davis, MD | 4.90 | 525 East 68th Street Suite J - 130, New York, NY 10065 | (212) 582 - 3422; Call: (212) 922 - 1515 |
| Dr. Heather Yeo, MD | 4.60 | 1283 York Avenue 9th floor, New York, NY 10065 | (212) 582 - 3422; Call: (212) 922 - 1515 |
| Dr. Evelyn Cantillo, MD | Not rated | 186 Joralemon Street 2nd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | (212) 582 - 3422; Call: (212) 922 - 1515 |
| Dr. Philip Torina, MD | 5.00 | 5 E 98th St #2, New York, NY 10029 | Not provided |
| Dr. Jonathan Keith, MD | 4.00 | 79 Hudson St Ste 203, Hoboken, NJ 07030 | Not provided |
| Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD | 4.90 | 51 West 51st street suite 380, New York, NY 10019 | Not provided |
| Dr. Babak Mehrara, MD | 4.40 | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 | Not provided |
| Dr. David Otterburn, MD | 5.00 | 525 East 68th street starr 8, New York, NY 10065 | Not provided |
| Dr. Alice Yao, MD | 2.30 | 5 E 98th St #2, New York, NY 10029 | Not provided |
| Dr. Jordan Jacobs, MD | 4.20 | 77 Worth st fl 1, New York, NY 10013 | Not provided |
Key Hospitals and Clinics for Nipple Reconstruction
New York - Presbyterian Hospital
New York - Presbyterian plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field of breast reconstruction. They have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years. The hospital offers a range of breast reconstruction options, including autologous reconstruction using tissue from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, and implant - based reconstruction using saline and silicone breast implants.
Several doctors on the Healthgrades list, such as Dr. Eloise Chapman - Davis, Dr. Heather Yeo, and Dr. Evelyn Cantillo, are on staff at New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. This indicates the hospital's strength in nipple reconstruction, with a team of experienced surgeons.
For patients seeking nipple reconstruction, the hospital provides comprehensive support from the preparation to the healing process. They also have advanced techniques for breast innervation during both autologous and implant reconstruction, which can enhance the overall results of the surgery.
Lenox Hill Hospital (Dr. Oren Lerman)
Dr. Oren Lerman is the director of breast reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital's Institute for Comprehensive Breast Care in New York and the director of the breast reconstruction fellowship. He offers nipple reconstruction as the last step in breast restoration for patients who have undergone mastectomy or breast cancer treatment.
The nipple reconstruction process at his practice is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia. It typically involves creating the nipple from a flap of the patient's own skin and then 3D tattooing to define the areola. The procedure helps produce natural aesthetics, benefits the patient's emotional well - being, and enhances the quality of life.
Patients can expect a personalized consultation where Dr. Lerman discusses their options and goals. After waiting three to four months after the initial breast reconstruction (either flap reconstruction or breast implants), the nipple reconstruction procedure can be scheduled.
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Located on Park Avenue in New York City, Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery offers reconstructive and corrective procedures for nipple and areola issues. Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani provides surgery tailored to each patient's individual goals.
The clinic treats a variety of conditions, including breast reconstruction after mastectomy or burns, congenital anomalies, inverted nipples, nipple asymmetry, nipple reduction, and areola reduction. The procedure takes place in their state - of - the - art operating room.
During the consultation, the doctor listens to the patient's concerns and goals, creates a unique treatment plan, and answers all the patient's questions. Most procedures can be performed under local anesthesia and take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The recovery period is 1 to 3 days, and patients are advised to refrain from working out for 1 - 2 weeks.
Mount Sinai - New York
At the Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai, plastic surgeons work closely with breast surgeons and oncologists to offer seamless and advanced breast reconstruction. They generally perform breast reconstruction in stages, and nipple reconstruction is done at a later date.
Reconstruction can be categorized into implant reconstruction and autologous tissue reconstruction. In implant reconstruction, a tissue expander is placed at the time of mastectomy and later replaced with a permanent implant. In autologous reconstruction, different flaps such as DIEP flap (using skin and fat from the lower abdomen) or latissimus dorsi flap (using skin and muscle from the back) can be used.
Mount Sinai West also offers a wide range of breast care services, including consultation, screenings, genetic testing, and various surgical procedures. Their breast team works in conjunction with on - site radiology services for state - of - the - art diagnostic breast imaging and biopsy services.
Office of William Samson, MD
Dr. William Samson offers nipple reconstruction in the NYC area. He is a plastic surgeon who specializes in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery. He has received the NYC topdoc award from Castle Connolly.
The nipple reconstruction procedures offered by Dr. Samson include building a new nipple with the surrounding skin, creating a new nipple with surrounding skin and an areola with a skin graft, and nipple sharing (if applicable). He typically tries to create a reconstructed nipple that is larger than the final desired size to compensate for eventual flattening.
Before the surgery, patients have a consultation where Dr. Samson discusses their medical history, examines them, and makes a surgical plan. After the surgery, patients are given instructions for recovery, including how to care for the protective dressing and stitches. Most of the nipple reconstruction procedures are covered by many insurance plans due to the connection with mastectomy.
The Nipple Reconstruction Procedure
General Steps
Nipple reconstruction is usually the final step in breast reconstruction. First, many patients will have already undergone autologous breast reconstruction (using their own tissue) or breast implant placement to restore the breast mound. The nipple reconstruction itself is a two - part process.
- Creating the Nipple Projection: This is typically a small surgical procedure. Surgeons use small flaps of the patient's own skin from the breast area to create the elevated appearance of the nipple. The ideal location for the nipple is determined, and then the flaps are lifted and secured to form a small projection that resembles a nipple. The procedure is generally done in an hour or less and small sutures are placed to hold the skin in place.
- Tattooing: After the body has healed from the initial surgery (usually about three months), cosmetic tattooing is performed. A numbing cream is applied to the area to make the process virtually painless. Specialized tattoo artists use pigments that match the natural nipple and complement the patient's complexion to create a realistic areola and enhance the overall appearance of the reconstructed nipple.
Techniques
- Flap Technique: This is the most common approach. Surgeons take a small piece of skin from the breast tissue around where the nipple should be and shape it into a nipple - like structure. This technique allows for a more natural - looking nipple as it uses the patient's own skin.
- Composite Graft: In some cases, a composite graft from the labia, ear, or other areas can be used. However, this is less common due to potential donor - site issues and concerns about matching the color and texture of the breast skin.
- Nipple Sharing: When a mastectomy has been performed on only one breast and the nipple on the other breast is large enough, a portion of the remaining nipple can be taken to build a new nipple on the reconstructed breast. This helps in matching the size, color, and position of the new nipple with the natural one.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - Surgery
After nipple reconstruction surgery, patients may be asked to wear a nipple shield or a surgical bra to protect the area. They should follow the instructions carefully to prevent injury to the chest. Some soreness and swelling are expected, and doctors will provide specific instructions on medication to take to mitigate these side effects.
Healing Process
The body usually takes about three months to heal from the surgery to create the nipple projection. During this time, the nipple may look larger and more pointed than expected, and it will be red and swollen with visible incisions. As it heals, it will start to shrink and look more natural. If skin has been grafted from another part of the body, patients may feel tender and mild pain for a week or two.
Tattooing Aftermath
If patients choose to have tattooing done, they need to wait between 4 to 6 months after the surgery to ensure proper healing. After the tattooing, they should follow the artist's instructions for aftercare, such as keeping the area clean and avoiding direct sunlight for a certain period.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Cost Factors
The cost of nipple reconstruction can vary widely depending on several factors. The technique used, the complexity of the case, the surgeon's experience and reputation, and the geographical location of the clinic all play a role. At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, nipple reconstruction and nipple correction surgery cost between $2,000 to $12,000.
Insurance Coverage
In many cases, nipple reconstruction is covered by insurance when it is related to a previous breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy. However, it is always advisable for patients to check with their insurance providers before the consultation to understand what they will be responsible for.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wide range of options for nipple reconstruction. From highly - rated doctors to world - class hospitals and specialized clinics, patients have access to the latest techniques and experienced professionals. Nipple reconstruction is not only about physical restoration but also about emotional well - being and improving the quality of life for women who have undergone breast surgeries. Whether it's at New York - Presbyterian, Lenox Hill Hospital, Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, Mount Sinai, or the office of William Samson, MD, patients can find the right place to get the care they need.
If you are considering nipple reconstruction in New York City, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with multiple providers, and ask all the necessary questions. This will help you make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information and explore more about breast reconstruction and related topics to be well - informed about your options.
