Introduction
When it comes to nipple protective resection and reconstruction, patients in New York City have a wide range of options. This procedure is often crucial for those who have undergone mastectomy, whether for breast cancer treatment or preventative reasons. It not only restores the physical appearance of the breast but also has a significant impact on the patient's emotional well - being. In this article, we will explore some of the best hospitals and doctors in New York City that specialize in nipple protective resection and reconstruction, and discuss the various aspects of the procedures they offer.
Importance of Nipple Protective Resection and Reconstruction
Breast cancer is a prevalent disease, and mastectomy is a common treatment option. However, the loss of the nipple and areola can have a profound psychological impact on patients. Nipple protective resection and reconstruction aim to restore the natural appearance of the breast, enhancing the patient's self - confidence and body image. By recreating the nipple and areola, patients can feel more like themselves and move forward with a more positive outlook on life after treatment.
Studies have shown that nipple reconstruction can improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. A natural - looking breast restoration can reduce feelings of self - consciousness and help patients integrate back into their daily lives more easily. It is an important part of the overall breast reconstruction process and can provide a sense of closure for many patients.
Top Doctors for Nipple Reconstruction in New York City
Healthgrades has identified several doctors in New York City who perform nipple reconstruction. Here are some of the top - rated ones:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address | 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 provided | 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 |
Leading Hospitals for Nipple Protective Resection and Reconstruction
Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine's breast center offers preventative breast surgery, including nipple - sparing mastectomy. If you have a high risk of breast cancer, such as a family history of breast cancer diagnosed before age 50 or a positive test for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, the center's team can help you make informed decisions about your care.
The prophylactic mastectomy procedures at Weill Cornell Medicine aim to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 90 - 95 percent. Surgical options include simple or total mastectomy, skin - sparing mastectomy, and nipple - sparing mastectomy. All patients receive breast reconstruction by experienced and highly skilled plastic surgeons to restore their natural shape.
One of the advantages of choosing Weill Cornell Medicine is the support and guidance provided to patients. The breast center team conducts careful evaluations and genetic risk assessments to determine the patient's risk for breast cancer. If a higher risk is identified, the caring doctors help patients understand their options and choose the right treatment for them. In addition, patients have access to a network of doctors and specialists, as well as complementary care services and an integrative health and well - being program for nutritional counseling, mindfulness training, and emotional support. Weill Cornell Medicine partners with New York - Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.
Contact Information:
- Lower Manhattan: 156 William Street, 12th floor, New York, NY 10038; Call (646) 962 - 4240
- Upper East Side: 425 East 61st street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10065; Call (646) 962 - 4240
- Upper East Side: 1283 York avenue, 4th floor, New York, NY 10065; Call (646) 962 - 4240
Lenox Hill Hospital
Dr. Oren Lerman, the director of breast reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital's Institute for Comprehensive Breast Care, offers nipple reconstruction services. He is also the director of the breast reconstruction fellowship and has extensive experience in restoring patients' appearance and well - being.
For nipple reconstruction, Dr. Lerman uses 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 this heals, 3D tattooing is done by specialized tattoo artists to create realistic nipple dimensions and areola definition. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Benefits of nipple reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital include producing natural aesthetics, benefiting emotional well - being, and enhancing the patient's quality of life. The coloring, size, and projection of the nipple are customized to suit the patient's body type and former appearance. Plastic surgery can have a profound impact on the emotional recovery of a patient after breast cancer treatment, helping them feel "normal" and "whole" again. Patients who feel confident in their own skin often see improvements in their personal and professional lives.
Contact Information: Call (212) 434 - 6980
Mount Sinai Health System
The Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai is part of one of the nation's top - ranked hospitals. It offers integrated and compassionate care for every phase of breast health, including nipple reconstruction.
At the Dubin Breast Center, breast reconstruction is often done in stages. It can be performed simultaneously with mastectomy or as a separate procedure. Reconstruction can be categorized into two types: implant reconstruction and autologous tissue (using your own tissue) reconstruction. Nipple reconstruction is usually done at a later date in both cases.
Implant reconstruction involves placing a tissue expander in the breast at the time of mastectomy. The tissue expander is a temporary inflatable implant that is inflated in the plastic surgeon's office soon after surgery. The patient may stay in the hospital for a day or two and can return to work in two to three weeks. About three months after the initial surgery, the tissue expander is removed, and a permanent implant (filled with silicone or saline) is placed in the breast.
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient's own body tissue. For example, the DIEP flap uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen, similar to a “tummy - tuck,” and the latissimus dorsi flap uses skin and muscle from the back. The initial surgery for autologous reconstruction is generally longer, and the hospital stay is typically five days. The patient may be able to return to work four to six weeks after the surgery.
Contact Information:
- Dubin Breast Center: 1176 5th avenue first floor, New York, NY 10029
- Mount Sinai West Breast Reconstruction Program: 425 West 59th street 7th floor, New York, NY 10019; Phone: 212 - 523 - 8700
Procedures and Techniques
Nipple - Sparing Mastectomy
Nipple - sparing mastectomy is a surgical option where all of the breast tissue is removed, but the nipple is not. This approach can be beneficial for patients who want to preserve the appearance of their breast to a greater extent. It provides a good starting point for subsequent nipple reconstruction if needed. However, it is important to note that not all patients are suitable candidates for nipple - sparing mastectomy. Factors such as the location and size of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall breast health, need to be considered.
Nipple Reconstruction Techniques
There are several techniques for nipple reconstruction, including:
- Using skin from the breast: The most common approach is to use small flaps of skin from the breast itself. After determining the ideal location for the nipple, the surgeon creates the flaps of skin on the breast and lifts them to form a small projection that resembles a nipple. An areola can be created later with tattooing.
- Combining skin and skin graft: In this technique, the surgeon uses skin from the area on the breast where the new nipple will be located to form its shape. Then, to create the areola, skin from another part of the body (such as the edge of a healed mastectomy or c - section scar or some loose skin on the lower belly) is used and grafted into place.
- Nipple sharing: If a mastectomy is performed on only one breast and the nipple on the other breast is large enough, the surgeon can take a portion of the remaining nipple to build a new nipple on the reconstructed breast. This approach makes it easier to match the new nipple with the natural nipple in size, color, and position. The areola may be created later by tattooing.
Patient Considerations
Candidates for Nipple Reconstruction
The best candidates for nipple reconstruction surgery in New York City are those who:
- Can cope well with their diagnosis and treatment
- Do not have any medical conditions that could impair or impede healing
- Do not smoke
- Have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring their breast and body image
- Have undergone mastectomy
Recovery and Aftercare
After nipple reconstruction surgery, patients may be asked to wear a nipple shield or a surgical bra to protect the area. The patient should expect some soreness and swelling after the surgery, and specific instructions on medication to take will be provided to mitigate the side effects. In the initial recovery period, the new nipple may look larger and more pointed than expected, and it will be red and swollen with visible incisions. As the nipple heals, it will start to shrink and look more natural. If the patient plans to have tattoos applied around the new nipple, they will need to wait between 4 to 6 months after the surgery for proper healing.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of nipple reconstruction in New York City is based on many different factors, including the technique used. A majority of nipple reconstruction is necessary due to a mastectomy, and it is covered by many insurance plans. However, it is always a good idea to speak with your insurance provider before making a consultation to understand what you will be responsible for.
Conclusion
New York City offers a variety of excellent hospitals and experienced doctors for nipple protective resection and reconstruction. Weill Cornell Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital, and the Mount Sinai Health System are among the leading institutions in this field, providing high - quality care, advanced surgical techniques, and comprehensive support to patients. Whether you are considering a prophylactic mastectomy or need nipple reconstruction after a mastectomy, it is important to choose a provider that can meet your specific needs and help you achieve the best possible results.
If you or someone you know is in need of nipple protective resection and reconstruction, we encourage you to explore the options available in New York City. Contact the hospitals and doctors mentioned in this article to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards restoring your physical appearance and emotional well - being.
