Introduction
In New York City, the field of areola and nipple reconstruction has witnessed remarkable growth and high - level competition. Both public and private hospitals have emerged as significant players, achieving equal popularity in the top ten rankings for this specialized area of reconstructive surgery. This article will explore the various aspects related to areola and nipple reconstruction in New York City, including the best doctors, top - ranked hospitals, the procedure details, and the current state of breast reconstruction in general.
Best Doctors for Areola and Nipple Reconstruction in New York
When it comes to areola and nipple reconstruction, the expertise of the doctor is of utmost importance. According to Healthgrades, there are numerous highly - rated doctors in New York City performing nipple reconstruction:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jess Ting, MD | 4.30 | 10 Union Sq E # 3 - G, New York, NY 10003 |
| Dr. Rachel Blue Bond - Langner, MD | 4.40 | 222 E 41st St, New York, NY 10017 |
| Dr. Evan Matros, MD | 4.80 | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Eloise Chapman - Davis, MD | 4.90 | 525 East 68th Street Suite J - 130, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Heather Yeo, MD | 4.60 | 1283 York Avenue 9th floor, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Evelyn Cantillo, MD | N/A | 186 Joralemon Street 2nd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201 |
| Dr. Philip Torina, MD | 5.00 | 5 E 98th st # 2, New York, NY 10029 |
| Dr. Jonathan Keith, MD | 4.00 | 79 Hudson st Ste 203, Hoboken, NJ 07030 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD | 4.90 | 51 West 51st street suite 380, New York, NY 10019 |
| Dr. Babak Mehrara, MD | 4.40 | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. David Otterburn, MD | 5.00 | 525 East 68th street starr 8, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Alice Yao, MD | 2.30 | 5 E 98th st # 2, New York, NY 10029 |
| Dr. Jordan Jacobs, MD | 4.20 | 77 Worth st fl 1, New York, NY 10013 |
These doctors bring a wealth of experience and skill to the table, making them trusted choices for patients seeking areola and nipple reconstruction.
Top - Ranked Hospitals for Obstetrics & Gynecology and General Excellence in New York
Obstetrics & Gynecology Rankings
U.S. News provides rankings for hospitals in New York for obstetrics & gynecology. Although this is not solely focused on areola and nipple reconstruction, hospitals with high - quality obstetrics and gynecology services often have well - rounded surgical departments that can offer related reconstructive procedures:
| Hospital Name | Rank | Score (out of 100) | Specialties Ranked Nationally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai Hospital | #11 | 73.3 | 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties |
| Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health | #11 | 73.3 | 9 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties |
| New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell | #13 | 73.0 | 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties |
| Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health | #16 | 71.4 | 10 adult specialties |
| NYU Langone Hospitals | #25 | 66.2 | 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties |
| Morristown Medical Center | #36 | 63.1 | 6 adult specialties |
| Good Samaritan University Hospital | #47 | 59.6 | 1 adult specialty |
| North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health | Score - based ranking | 58.6 | 9 adult specialties |
| Montefiore Medical Center | Score - based ranking | 57.5 | 4 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties |
| Northern Westchester Hospital at Northwell Health | Score - based ranking | 57.0 | Check for overall care performance |
General Hospital Excellence
New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is another top - tier hospital in New York. It was ranked No. 4 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in 2025. It ranks nationally in 15 adult specialties and 8 pediatric specialties. The surgical excellence at this hospital includes various adult and children's surgical specialties, and it also has high - performing surgical and medical interventions for many conditions. This hospital's comprehensive capabilities may also extend to areola and nipple reconstruction, providing patients with advanced medical resources and high - quality care.
Moreover, NYC Health + Hospitals' public hospitals have also been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals 2024 - 2025” list. These hospitals are commended for treating conditions such as heart failure, heart attack, hip fracture, kidney failure, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The fact that public hospitals are on this list indicates their commitment to high - quality care, and some of these facilities may also offer areola and nipple reconstruction services to meet the diverse needs of New Yorkers.
Areola and Nipple Reconstruction Procedures
Common Cosmetic Procedures for Nipples
There are several common cosmetic procedures for nipples that fall under the category of areola and nipple reconstruction:
- Inverted Nipple Correction: Inverted nipples can be classified as mild or severe. Mild cases involve minimal inversion with the ability to become erect in response to stimulation, while severe cases have nipples that remain retracted. The correction procedure involves creating a small incision across the base of the nipple, releasing the duct contraction, and suturing the nipples in a normal, everted, or erect position. If part of other breast surgery, it usually does not add significant downtime, and when performed alone, it can be done under local anesthesia or minimal intravenous sedation.
- Nipple Reduction: Nipples may become enlarged, appearing droopy, floppy, or hanging. The surgery to correct this involves measuring the desired new height of the nipple, making a small incision at the appropriate level to remove the redundant tissue, and using sutures to recreate a normal nipple contour. Recovery is short, and it can be done under local anesthesia or minimal sedation, either alone or in combination with other breast procedures.
- Accessory Nipple Removal: Some people have extra nipples and areolas, known as accessory nipples. These may be found on the breasts, torso, or underarm area. The removal procedure involves a skin incision around the pigmented nipple and areola, including any underlying breast tissue. It is usually performed under local anesthesia, results in permanent removal of the excess tissues, and has a rapid recovery with minimal discomfort.
Plastic Surgery of the Areola
In some women, the areolae may be enlarged or misshapen. Areola reduction can be performed during concurrent breast enhancement procedures like breast lift, breast augmentation, and breast reduction surgery using the incisions required for those procedures. It can also be done as a separate procedure, usually with a periareolar or circumareolar incision. When done alone, it only requires local anesthesia (though sedation may be given for comfort), and the results are immediate with minimal downtime.
Ideal Candidates
The best candidates for areola and nipple surgery are patients with concerns such as enlarged areolas, sagging or droopy nipples, nipples that are too large, prominent, or wide, inverted nipples that can become erect when stimulated, irregularly shaped or asymmetric nipples and areolas, and extra nipples with or without underlying breast tissue.
Pre - surgery Preparation
Before the procedure, doctors like Dr. Hutchinson will recommend necessary breast imaging such as a mammogram, sonogram, and/or MRI. They will also provide instructions regarding medical clearance, blood work, and lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, and discontinuing medications that increase the risk of complications.
Consultation Process
During the consultation, the doctor will take the patient's medical history, listen to their concerns and goals, perform a detailed physical examination, and take medical photographs. The doctor will then discuss the surgical options based on the patient's unique nipple and areola anatomy, factors that may affect the results, and determine the ideal surgical plan. Patients are encouraged to ask questions during this meeting.
The Current State of Breast Reconstruction in the United States
Breast Reconstruction Rates
The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) in 1999 mandated health care payer coverage for post - mastectomy breast reconstruction. However, breast reconstruction rates in the United States remain low. According to the surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) database, the overall rates for immediate and early delayed reconstruction (performed within 4 months of mastectomy) were 15.4% in 1998 and 18.0% in 2000. These rates vary significantly by region, patient age, race, and income.
From 1988 to 1995, overall rates for mastectomy patients receiving reconstruction rose from 4.3% to 10.8%. In 1998, within the immediate to early delayed period, the overall reconstruction rate for women with mastectomy was 15.4%. Sociodemographic variables such as age, ethnicity, and income have significant effects on the rate of reconstruction. For example, women aged 35 - 44 are more likely to receive reconstruction compared to older age groups, and African - American, Hispanic, and Asian - American women are less likely to receive breast reconstruction compared to Caucasian women.
Reasons for Low Reconstruction Rates
- Financial Barriers: Although the WHCRA mandates coverage, it has loopholes. There are no provisions for payer compliance and enforceable penalties. Physician reimbursement rates are not specified, which leads many plastic surgeons to decline managed care and third - party plans for reconstruction due to inadequate reimbursement. Additionally, the 44 million uninsured Americans cannot afford the procedure without insurance coverage.
- Race - based Inequalities in Care: Racial and ethnic minorities, such as African - Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, are less likely to receive breast reconstruction compared to Caucasians. This may be due to financial factors, as well as cultural differences in the value placed on breasts and varying levels of trust in the health care system.
- Inadequate Knowledge about Breast Reconstruction: Patients may not be aware that breast reconstruction is a safe option, is covered by insurance, or has benefits beyond aesthetics. Referring physicians may also be biased against post - mastectomy reconstruction, leading to different referral patterns.
- Geographic Variations in Access to Reconstruction: There are significant regional variations in breast reconstruction rates. Areas with higher rates may have more knowledgeable physicians who actively promote the operation, while in other areas, the limited availability of plastic surgeons offering breast reconstruction may be a limiting factor.
Conclusion
In New York City, both public and private hospitals have earned equal popularity in the top ten ranking for areola and nipple reconstruction. The city is home to highly - skilled doctors and world - class hospitals that offer a wide range of surgical procedures related to areola and nipple reconstruction. However, the broader context of breast reconstruction in the United States shows that there are still many challenges, such as low utilization rates due to financial, racial, knowledge, and geographic barriers.
If you are considering areola and nipple reconstruction or are interested in learning more about breast reconstruction in general, we encourage you to consult with a qualified medical professional. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic, and continue to explore the latest advancements in the field of reconstructive surgery.
