Introduction
Nipple inversion is a common condition that can cause self - consciousness and functional problems, especially for breastfeeding. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer excellent nipple inversion correction services. This article will present a high - quality list of the top 5 hospitals in New York City for nipple inversion correction, based on factors such as surgeon expertise, patient reviews, and available facilities.
Understanding Nipple Inversion
What is Nipple Inversion?
Naturally, nipples project outward to crown the breasts. If a nipple points inward rather than outward, it is called an inverted or retracted nipple. An inverted nipple can occur on one breast or both, and it affects both men and women. According to some sources, around 10 - 20% of all women may have inverted nipples. While not always a medical concern, it can lead to self - esteem issues and problems with breastfeeding and intimacy.
Grades of Nipple Inversion
Doctors categorize inverted nipples into three levels to assist in diagnosis and treatment:
- Grade 1: Also known as “shy nipples,” the nipple can pop out after arousal, during cold weather, or with minimal manipulation.
- Grade 2: More force is required to get the nipple to protrude, and it immediately retracts after manipulation.
- Grade 3: Severe nipple inversion where the nipple cannot be manipulated to pop out, often requiring surgical correction to improve appearance and function.
Causes of Nipple Inversion
The most common causes of inverted nipples include:
- Congenital defect: Many people are born with inverted nipples due to the structure of their milk ducts.
- Age - related changes: Nipple inversion or retraction can occur as a person ages.
- Medical conditions: Paget’s disease of the breast, carcinoma, breast sagging (ptosis), breast cancer (including carcinoma and inflammatory breast cancer), and breast infections (such as mammary duct ectasia, breast abscess, and mastitis) can lead to inverted nipples.
- Surgical or traumatic injury: Scar tissue from surgery or injury to the breast can tether the nipple downward.
Top 5 Hospitals for Nipple Inversion Correction in New York City
1. Rowe Plastic Surgery
Rowe Plastic Surgery is well - known for its high - quality inverted nipple correction services. With a team of top - rated cosmetic surgeons, it offers not only nipple inversion correction but also other nipple and breast enhancement procedures such as nipple reconstruction, enlargement, reduction, and nipple - sparing mastectomy with implants.
Surgeon Expertise
The surgeons at Rowe Plastic Surgery are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). They have extensive experience in performing nipple inversion correction surgeries, taking into account the individual needs and anatomy of each patient. During the initial consultation, they listen to the patient's concerns, perform a thorough examination, and take the medical history before providing professional advice.
Patient Reviews
Patients have given Rowe Plastic Surgery excellent reviews. For example, one patient said, “Most comfortable experience ever. I was so nervous and unaware of what the experience of a breast reduction would be like. Thankfully, it was all worth it. And I also feel so much better about myself. Thank you Dr. Rowe, Simone, and the rest of the staff for making it such a great and safe environment for me.”
Treatment Process
The inverted nipple treatment at Rowe Plastic Surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure. Local anesthesia is used to prevent discomfort. Depending on the grade of nipple inversion, a small incision is made on the lower outer part of the nipple. The surgeon takes care not to interfere with the milk ducts to preserve the ability to breastfeed in the future. The inverted nipple is then retracted, raised to the best position, and held in place with dissolvable sutures. A dressing is used to protect the newly raised nipple. The surgery is an outpatient procedure, and patients can usually return to work within a couple of days.
Cost
The cost of a bilateral nipple surgery at Rowe Plastic Surgery can range from $1,000 up to $2,500, but it can go higher depending on factors such as the surgeon's experience, facility fees, medical tests, geographical location, and anesthesiologist fees. Most insurance companies do not cover nipple surgery as it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
2. William Lao, MD
Dr. William Lao is a top plastic surgeon specializing in inverted nipple correction in NYC. He has over a decade of experience and has been listed as a top doc in the aesthetic magazine, New Beauty.
Best Candidates
The best candidates for inverted nipple correction at Dr. Lao's practice are patients who are in good overall physical health, do not smoke cigarettes, and are self - conscious about their inverted nipples. He has had the benefit of seeing thousands of aesthetic patients, allowing him to understand the unique needs of each individual.
Benefits of Treatment
Getting inverted nipple correction with Dr. William Lao provides several advantages. Patients can gain self - confidence, and the surgery can improve the size and shape of the nipple. The first step is to book a consultation, where patients can explain their aesthetic goals, ask questions, and meet Dr. Lao and his team.
Procedure Details
On the day of the inverted nipple correction, there are multiple techniques, but the general principle involves making a small incision around the nipple and breaking through the scar tissue tethering the nipple. The surgery can be done under just local anesthesia in a short amount of time, usually between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Patients can ambulate the night of surgery, shower 2 days after, and may return to work after 2 days. They should avoid swimming for 2 weeks.
Patient Testimonials
Many patients have shared positive experiences with Dr. Lao. For instance, a 57 - year - old female said, “I am 100% satisfied with the results. People see me and they say I look 10 years younger. My confidence level is off the charts. I can’t say enough about Dr. William Lao. He was kind, considerate, compassionate and caring.”
3. Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker offers a unique approach to inverted nipple correction. His nyc inverted nipple surgery procedure is performed safely, comfortably, and conveniently in his office - based surgical unit, accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
Customized Treatment
After a careful history and examination, Dr. Kolker will carefully advise patients on the most suitable procedure for their nipple inversion. There are three main types of nipple inversion (grade I, II, and III), and the classification determines the appropriate treatment. Occasionally, mild forms of nipple inversion may respond to non - surgical measures like “niplette” external suction, but Dr. Kolker will recommend the best course of action for each patient.
Surgical Technique
In the majority of cases, a minimally invasive technique is used. A tiny incision is placed at the base of the nipple, and through this incision, a microsurgical or very fine instrument is used to release the tethering fibers and foreshortened duct that hold the nipple in its inverted position. A suture is placed beneath the nipple to maintain its position. The duration of the surgery is approximately one hour.
Recovery
Recovery after inverted nipple correction with Dr. Kolker is rapid. Patients may return to work the following day, and light cardio exercise may be resumed three days after the procedure. The main restriction is to avoid compression for ten days to two weeks after the procedure, during which time patients should not wear a bra and opt for non - compressive garments.
Patient Success Stories
Patients have praised Dr. Kolker for his skills. One patient said, “Dr. Kolker had done something all other surgeons had told me was not possible. He made the impossible, possible I could not believe it took a possibility and turned it into my reality! I will forever be thankful to him for correcting my asymmetrical breasts and making me so happy.”
4. Dr. Mark H. Schwartz
Dr. Mark H. Schwartz is a New York City board - certified plastic surgeon who offers inverted nipple correction in Manhattan. Nipple correction is a quick procedure that can successfully restore a normal appearance to the nipples and improve self - confidence.
Candidate Evaluation
Dr. Schwartz consults with each patient on a personal basis to determine if surgery is an appropriate solution. He examines the candidate's nipples to determine the degree of inversion, inquires about the medical history and general health, and explains the possible treatment options. Potential candidates should be in good physical and psychological health, not smoke, and understand the possible risks of surgery.
Surgical Goals and Procedure
The goals of the surgery are to reshape the nipple so it projects out from the breast and to preserve nipple sensitivity. Whenever possible, Dr. Schwartz attempts to leave some of the milk ducts intact to preserve the ability to breastfeed. He makes a small incision near the base of the nipple on the areola, lifts the nipple and areolar tissue, and stitches it into its new protruding position. If needed, he can combine inverted nipple correction with another breast procedure, such as breast lift or breast augmentation.
Recovery Process
After surgery, the nipples may be temporarily swollen and/or bruised, and there may be a slight change in sensation or a feeling of numbness. These side effects resolve over a few days, and the nipples will look and feel normal. Dr. Schwartz provides comprehensive instructions for recovery and checks the nipples' healing progress at post - operative visits.
5. Dr. B. Aviva Preminger
Dr. B. Aviva Preminger performs inverted nipple repair – both surgical and non - surgical – in her Park Avenue, Manhattan suite. She offers state - of - the - art surgical facilities for her patients.
Comprehensive Assessment
Before recommending a treatment plan, Dr. Preminger will examine the patient's breasts to assess the degree of severity. There are three levels of nipple inversion (level 1, 2, and 3), and the appropriate treatment option is determined based on this assessment. Level 1 nipples may be fixed with a manual release and stretch, level 2 may respond to non - surgical manipulation or surgery, and level 3 requires inverted nipple surgery.
Surgical Procedure
During the inverted nipple correction surgery, which usually lasts 30 minutes, a tiny incision is placed near the areola, and the connective bands are carefully released. Fine, dissolvable sutures are used to close the incision, leaving very inconspicuous scars. The results are usually permanent.
Recovery and Considerations
Patients can expect a short recovery with little downtime and can be back at work within two days. They must wear a protective bandage for 4 - 6 weeks and avoid rigorous exercise for 5 days. Women who are planning on having children and breastfeeding are encouraged to wait until after they are finished before having inverted nipple repair as there may be some trauma to the milk ducts during surgery.
How to Choose the Right Hospital for Nipple Inversion Correction
Surgeon Qualifications
Look for a surgeon who is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). Board certification ensures that the surgeon has met the highest standards of education, training, and ethical conduct in the field of plastic surgery. Ask about the surgeon's professional expertise, especially in nipple inversion correction procedures. Surgeons with more experience are likely to have better outcomes.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Read online reviews and testimonials from previous patients. Positive reviews can give you an idea of the surgeon's skills, the quality of patient care, and the overall experience at the hospital. You can also seek referrals and recommendations from other patients who have had nipple inversion correction surgery.
Facility Accreditation
Choose a hospital or clinic with accredited facilities. Accreditation by organizations such as the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) ensures that the facility meets strict safety and quality standards.
Cost and Insurance
Understand the cost of the nipple inversion correction procedure, including any additional fees such as facility fees, medical tests, and anesthesiologist fees. Most insurance companies do not cover nipple surgery as it is considered a cosmetic procedure, but it's still important to check with your insurance provider. Some hospitals may offer financing options to help you manage the cost.
Conclusion
Nipple inversion correction can significantly improve a person's self - confidence and quality of life. In New York City, the top 5 hospitals mentioned in this article – Rowe Plastic Surgery, William Lao, MD, Dr. Adam Kolker, Dr. Mark H. Schwartz, and Dr. B. Aviva Preminger – offer high - quality services with experienced surgeons, advanced techniques, and excellent patient care. If you are considering nipple inversion correction, take the time to research these hospitals, meet with the surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences.
Are you tired of living with the discomfort and self - consciousness caused by inverted nipples? Contact one of these top hospitals in New York City today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a more confident you! Share this article with others who may be interested in nipple inversion correction to help them make the right choice.