Brand - new information on popular institutions for areola and nipple reconstruction in New York City!
For many women who have undergone mastectomy due to breast cancer or other reasons, areola and nipple reconstruction is an important step in restoring their physical appearance and self - confidence. In New York City, there are several popular institutions offering these procedures. Let's take a detailed look at them.
1. New York Plastic Surgical Group (NYPS Group)
1.1 Overview
The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at NYPS Group are highly experienced, having performed over 10,000 breast reconstruction procedures, including all major techniques. Many doctors here are educated at respected medical institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering. They are experts in every aspect of breast reconstruction, with nipple and areola reconstruction being one of their specialties.
1.2 Nipple Reconstruction Approaches
There are two main approaches to nipple reconstruction offered at NYPS Group:
- Graft Nipple Reconstruction: In this procedure, the plastic surgeon takes skin from a donor site and attaches it to the newly constructed breast. For a single - breast mastectomy, the donor site for the nipple can be the nipple of the other breast. In the case of a double mastectomy, the donor site can be the earlobe or labia. The donor site for the areola can come from areas such as the scar from a flap reconstruction procedure, the crease of the buttock, or the inner thigh.
- Flap Nipple Reconstruction: This involves creating the nipple from a skin flap taken from the area directly beside the region where the new nipple will be placed. It has the advantage of keeping the original blood supply flowing into the new nipple, providing a greater chance for successful acceptance of the graft. Also, it typically results in less scarring around the reconstructed area.
1.3 Nipple Tattooing
NYPS Group offers nipple tattooing on an outpatient basis as the final step in the nipple reconstruction process. The team mixes a variety of pigments to match the color of the remaining nipple or the patient's preoperative photos. However, patients should understand that tattooing alone may not create the same natural - looking appearance as a complete nipple reconstruction and may require multiple treatment sessions.
2. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
2.1 Expertise
Dr. Salzberg and Dr. Jacobs at this group are well - known for their skills in breast reconstruction. Dr. Salzberg is the pioneer of the direct - to - implant breast reconstruction procedure, and Dr. Jacobs specializes in DIEP flap reconstruction and other microsurgical techniques for breast reconstruction using a woman's own tissue.
2.2 Nipple Reconstruction Process
Some women may be able to have a nipple - sparing mastectomy that preserves the nipple - areola complex. If this is not an option, nipple reconstruction can be performed during a revision procedure after the reconstructed breast has healed and softened, usually several months after surgery. The process involves creating a flap of tissue on the breast mound to form the appearance of a nipple, and tattooing is available to recreate the areola around it. Non - surgical options such as tattooing to recreate the look of both the nipple and the areola are also available.
3. Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
3.1 Services Offered
The center offers a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction following a full or partial mastectomy. Their board - certified plastic surgeons have experience with using autologous tissue and breast implants for reconstruction. For areola and nipple reconstruction, they consider it the finishing touch for the best possible aesthetic outcome of breast reconstruction surgery.
3.2 Special Procedures
In addition to standard nipple reconstruction, they also offer areola reshaping procedures to correct inverted nipples or enlarged nipples acquired through genetics. The procedure consists of creating a periareolar incision around each areola and then removing the excess skin.
4. Oren Z. Lerman, MD
4.1 Significance of Nipple Reconstruction
Dr. Oren Lerman emphasizes that nipple reconstruction is the last "piece of the puzzle" in breast reconstruction. It can significantly change a patient's visual and emotional response to their breast restoration, making the surgically reconstructed breast look more natural and enhancing the patient's self - confidence and emotional well - being.
4.2 Procedure Details
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 it heals, 3D tattooing is performed by specialized tattoo artists to create realistic nipple dimensions and areola definition. The procedure is typically an outpatient one, performed under local anesthesia.
5. William Samson, MD
5.1 Nipple Reconstruction Techniques
Dr. William Samson offers several techniques for nipple reconstruction, including building a new nipple with the surrounding skin, creating the new nipple with surrounding skin and an areola with a skin graft, and nipple sharing. In nipple sharing, if a patient has a single - breast mastectomy and the nipple on the other breast is large enough, a portion of the remaining nipple can be used to build a new nipple on the reconstructed breast.
5.2 Patient Selection
The best candidates for nipple reconstruction at his practice are those who can cope well with their diagnosis and treatment, don't have medical conditions that could impair healing, don't smoke, have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring their breast and body image, and have undergone mastectomy.
6. Constance Chen, MD
6.1 Ideal Candidates
Dr. Constance Chen believes that the best candidates for nipple reconstruction are healthy non - smoking patients at their ideal body weight and without major medical comorbidities to minimize the risk of post - surgical complications.
6.2 Reconstruction Methods
Common ways to reconstruct the nipple at her practice include using a flap of skin from the surrounding breast skin, the nipple - sharing technique for unilateral breast reconstruction patients with a large native nipple on the other side, and an older technique of using a flap of skin from the groin. After nipple reconstruction, a plastic nipple “house” is placed over the reconstructed nipple for protection.
7. Rowe Plastic Surgery
7.1 Nipple Surgery Distinctions
At Rowe Plastic Surgery, they distinguish between nipple reconstruction and nipple correction. Nipple reconstruction is for rebuilding or recreating a nipple on a reconstructed breast, usually after a mastectomy. Nipple correction is for modifying nipple - related complications in both women and men, such as enlarged, asymmetrical, protruding, or inverted nipples.
7.2 Nipple Surgery Techniques
Common nipple surgery techniques here include nipple reconstruction with surrounding skin, skin grafting for nipple reconstruction, medical tattooing, nipple sharing, and mastopexy revision. The surgery plan is tailored to each patient's needs and budget.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Institution
3.1 Surgeon's Experience and Expertise
The experience and expertise of the surgeon are crucial. Surgeons with a long - standing track record in breast and nipple reconstruction are more likely to deliver satisfactory results. For example, NYPS Group's surgeons have performed over 10,000 breast reconstruction procedures, indicating their proficiency in the field.
3.2 Range of Services
An institution that offers a comprehensive range of services, such as different reconstruction techniques, nipple tattooing, and areola reshaping, gives patients more options. The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC provides a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction, including those related to areola and nipple.
3.3 Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Patient reviews and testimonials can offer insights into the quality of care and the results achieved. Positive reviews about surgeons like Dr. Oren Lerman, who is praised for his skill and patient - centric approach, can give potential patients more confidence.
3.4 Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of the procedure and insurance coverage are important factors. According to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, insurance plans must cover the cost of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy and other reconstructive procedures. However, patients still need to check with their insurance providers and the institutions about the details of coverage. Rowe Plastic Surgery's surgeons work with patients to confirm insurance coverage.
The Procedure and Recovery Process
4.1 Procedure
Most nipple reconstruction procedures are outpatient procedures, performed under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be used in some cases. The procedures involve creating a nipple projection using skin flaps or grafts and may be followed by tattooing to create a natural - looking areola.
4.2 Recovery
Recovery times can vary. Patients can expect some pain, numbness, and soreness around the incisions for a week or two. A protective dressing or nipple shield is usually used for a certain period to promote healing. They may need to avoid tight bras and heavy lifting for several weeks until fully healed. Rowe Plastic Surgery provides detailed post - operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several top - notch institutions for areola and nipple reconstruction. Each institution has its own strengths, whether it's the experience of the surgeons, the range of services offered, or the patient - centric approach. Patients considering these procedures should carefully research and consult with different institutions to find the one that best suits their needs and preferences. Remember, areola and nipple reconstruction is not just about physical appearance but also about restoring self - confidence and emotional well - being.
If you or someone you know is interested in areola and nipple reconstruction in New York City, take the first step by reaching out to one of these popular institutions for a consultation. It could be a life - changing decision.
