Introduction to the top 3 hospitals for areola reconstruction surgery in New York City!
Areola reconstruction surgery is a significant procedure for many individuals, whether it's for aesthetic reasons or as part of the breast reconstruction process after a mastectomy. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and medical centers that excel in this area. This article will introduce you to the top 3 hospitals for areola reconstruction surgery in the city.
1. Breast Reconstruction Center NYC
Location and Contact Information
The Breast Reconstruction Center NYC is located at 590 5th ave, ste 1124, New York, NY 10036. You can reach them for consultations at (646) 350 - 1675.
Surgeon Qualifications and Experience
They have top - rated, best - in - class plastic surgeons. The surgeons are board - certified, with the diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery. They have over 30 years of experience and are members of numerous professional societies such as The Aesthetic Society, American College of Surgeons - fellow, American Society of Plastic Surgeons – active, and many others.
Dr. Lotempio, one of the surgeons at the center, has received rave reviews. Patients appreciate her ability to make them feel comfortable and confident. She gives honest opinions, explains the procedure realistically, and prioritizes the patient's health and safety. For example, a patient who was only about 10 days post - op felt fantastic and had better - than - expected results, and they were eager to recommend her not only for her surgical skill but also for her long - term follow - up and support.
Services Offered
The center offers a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction and areola - related procedures.
- Areola Reshaping: This procedure can correct inverted nipples or enlarged nipples, whether they are due to genetics or other factors like pregnancy. It involves creating a periareolar incision around each areola and removing the excess skin. The incisions are closed with dissolving stitches, and scarring is minimized due to optimal incision placement.
- Nipple (Areola) Reconstruction: It allows the plastic surgeon to put on the finishing touch for the best possible aesthetic outcome on breast reconstruction surgery. The center uses different techniques based on the patient's situation.
- Breast Reconstruction Procedures: This includes immediate breast reconstruction (working with the breast cancer surgeon at the time of cancer removal), delayed breast reconstruction (after breast cancer surgery), and revisions of breast reconstructions.
Insurance and Consultation
Insurance is accepted (when applicable) and billed. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires insurance companies covering a mastectomy to also cover all stages of breast reconstruction, including areola reconstruction. The center will work closely with patients and their insurance companies to ensure they receive the full benefits. A doctor’s referral is not necessary to see their breast plastic surgery specialists for a consultation, 2nd opinion, or for treatment, including surgery. They offer both in - person and virtual consultations.
2. Rowe Plastic Surgery
Location and Practice Areas
Rowe Plastic Surgery has facilities in Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, and the Hamptons. You can visit their centers to talk to board - certified cosmetic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic breast procedures.
Surgeon Expertise
The surgeons at Rowe Plastic Surgery are well - versed in nipple and areola reconstruction techniques. They have performed many nipple reconstruction procedures for satisfied patients. They understand the importance of both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the nipples and areolas and are dedicated to achieving the best possible results for their patients.
Services and Techniques
- Areola - related Procedures: They can perform areola reduction surgery to address self - consciousness about enlarged areolas and make the breasts more aesthetically appealing. They also offer nipple reconstruction, which can be an important part of the breast reconstruction process after a mastectomy.
- Nipple Surgery Techniques:
- Nipple Reconstruction with Surrounding Skin: The surgeon raises skin flaps around the location of the new nipple on the reconstructed breast, makes incisions to form the tissue into a nipple shape, and then folds and closes the skin flaps to create a nipple.
- Skin Grafting for Nipple Reconstruction: A small piece of skin (graft) is harvested from another part of the body to create the areola and nipple. This is useful when there isn't enough tissue on the breasts for nipple creation.
- Medical Tattooing: Three - dimensional nipple tattoos can be used to reconstruct an areola. The tattoo artist inserts pigment into the breast skin to create a realistic image of a nipple and areola, either after a nipple reconstruction or instead of a surgical procedure.
- Nipple Sharing: If it's a single - breast mastectomy, part of the healthy nipple from the other breast can be used to create a new one on the reconstructed breast. Medical tattooing then aids with the areola reconstruction.
Patient Experience and Recovery
During the initial consultation, the surgeons at Rowe Plastic Surgery listen to the patient's hopes and dreams and discuss what the reconstruction can and can't do. Patients can expect some numbness, mild pain, and soreness after the surgery, which is normal and temporary. They need to follow the post - surgery care instructions, such as wearing a nipple shield or protective dressing, and avoiding tight bras and heavy lifting for a certain period. The surgeons are available for virtual calls during the recovery period to minimize side effects and post - care complications.
3. William Samson, MD
Surgeon Profile
Dr. William Samson is a plastic surgeon who specializes in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery. He has over a decade of board - certified experience and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS). Castle Connolly has given him an NYC topdoc award due to his skill and dedication to his patients.
Areola Reconstruction Approach
- Techniques:
- Build a new nipple with the surrounding skin: This is the most common approach. Dr. Samson makes a few small incisions in the skin around the breast where the nipple should be and forms the tissue into a nipple shape, then secures it with stitches. An areola can be created later with tattooing.
- Create the new nipple with surrounding skin and an areola with a skin graft: He 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 (like the edge of a healed mastectomy or c - section scar or from some loose skin on the lower belly) is grafted into place.
- Nipple sharing: If a patient has a mastectomy on only one breast and the nipple on the other breast is large enough, Dr. Samson can take a portion of the remaining nipple to build a new nipple on the reconstructed breast. The areola may be created later by tattooing.
- Patient Consultation and Planning: When a patient comes for a consultation, Dr. Samson asks about their medical and surgical history, gives an examination, and talks about their expectations. He then creates a surgical plan. If the patient agrees, they can schedule the procedure and will be given a list of pre - surgery instructions.
Recovery and Cost
Patients are usually allowed to return home after the surgery, but they can choose to stay overnight at the hospital if they are having additional surgery. They will be given specific instructions for recovery, such as leaving the protective dressing on for about 3 days to a week. The cost of nipple reconstruction in NYC is based on many factors, including the technique used. A majority of nipple reconstruction due to mastectomy is covered by many insurance plans, but it's advisable to check with the insurance provider beforehand.
Comparison of the Top 3 Hospitals
| Hospital | Location | Surgeon Expertise | Services Offered | Insurance Coverage | Consultation Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Reconstruction Center NYC | 590 5th ave, ste 1124, New York, NY 10036 | Board - certified with multiple specialties and memberships in professional societies. Dr. Lotempio has great patient reviews. | Full spectrum of breast reconstruction and areola - related procedures including reshaping, reconstruction, and revisions. | Accepts insurance when applicable. Follows the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. | In - person and virtual consultations. No doctor’s referral needed. |
| Rowe Plastic Surgery | Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, and the Hamptons | Board - certified cosmetic surgeons experienced in nipple and areola reconstruction techniques. | Areola reduction, various nipple reconstruction techniques (skin flap, grafting, tattooing, nipple sharing). | Doctor works with insurance provider to confirm coverage. Likely covered under WHCRA. | Consultation focuses on patient expectations and qualification. |
| William Samson, MD | New York City | Board - certified for over a decade. Awarded NYC topdoc by Castle Connolly. Specializes in breast - related surgeries. | Multiple nipple and areola reconstruction techniques (using surrounding skin, skin graft, nipple sharing). | Majority covered by insurance due to mastectomy. Check with provider. | Patient - centered consultation for surgical plan creation. |
Conclusion
In New York City, the Breast Reconstruction Center NYC, Rowe Plastic Surgery, and the practice of Dr. William Samson stand out as top choices for areola reconstruction surgery. Each hospital has highly qualified surgeons, a range of services, and options for insurance coverage. Whether you are looking for a comprehensive breast reconstruction center with long - standing experience, a practice with diverse nipple and areola reconstruction techniques, or a specialized surgeon with top - notch credentials, these hospitals can meet your needs.
If you are considering areola reconstruction surgery, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for a consultation. Discuss your goals, concerns, and medical history with the surgeons, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in areola reconstruction surgery to help them make the best choice for their journey towards restoration and self - confidence.
