Introduction

New York City is a hub of medical excellence, offering a wide range of specialized treatments for various cosmetic and reconstructive procedures related to the breasts, including areola skin grinding. In this article, we will review different hospitals and clinics in the city, along with the doctors who perform procedures that may be related to areola treatment, such as nipple reconstruction, breast lift, and more. Understanding these options can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and achieve the best possible results.

Nipple Reconstruction - Options in New York City

Nipple reconstruction is often an important part of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Several doctors in New York City are known for their expertise in this area.

Dr. Oren Z. Lerman

Dr. Lerman is the director of breast reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital's Institute for Comprehensive Breast Care in New York and the director of the breast reconstruction fellowship. He offers nipple reconstruction, which is the last step in restoring the natural appearance of the breasts after breast cancer treatment.

Procedure Details:

• Consultation: Patients meet with Dr. Lerman to discuss their options and goals for the procedure. After waiting three to four months after the initial breast reconstruction (either flap reconstruction or breast implants), the procedure can be scheduled.
• Anesthesia: The plastic surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, although in some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
• Creating the Nipple: The most common technique uses small flaps of skin from the breast itself. Dr. Lerman creates the flaps of skin on the breast and lifts them to form a small projection that resembles a nipple.
• Healing Period: The procedure usually takes about an hour or less. Small sutures are placed to secure the skin, and it takes about three months for the body to heal from surgery.
• Tattooing: After the skin has recovered, patients can undergo cosmetic tattooing. A numbing cream is applied to ensure a virtually painless experience, and pigments are used to match the natural nipple and compliment the complexion.

Benefits:

• Produces natural aesthetics by customizing the coloring, size, and projection of the nipple to suit the patient's body type and former appearance.
• Benefits emotional well - being by helping patients feel "normal" and "whole" again after breast cancer treatment.
• Enhances the quality of life as patients gain confidence in their appearance, which can improve their personal and professional lives.

Dr. William Samson

Dr. Samson offers nipple reconstruction in the NYC area. He strives to provide some of the best results while setting realistic expectations for his patients.

Procedure Details:

• Before Surgery: Dr. Samson will draw markings on the breast to show where the incisions will be made. If a skin graft is being performed, the area from which the skin will be removed is also marked. The patient is then sedated, usually with a local anesthetic, although general anesthesia may be used in some cases.
• Techniques:
  • Build a new nipple with the surrounding skin: This is the most common approach. Dr. Samson uses skin from around the breast where the nipple should be, makes a few small incisions, and forms the tissue into a nipple shape, then secures it with stitches. The areola can be created later with tattooing.
  • Create the new nipple with surrounding skin and an areola with a skin graft: Similar to the above technique, but the areola is created using skin from another part of the body, such as the edge of a healed mastectomy or c - section scar or loose skin on the lower belly.
  • Nipple sharing: If the 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.
• After Surgery: A protective covering, such as a nipple shield, is taped over the reconstructed nipple, and antibacterial ointment is used to prevent infection.

Benefits:

• Enhances the results of breast reconstruction by creating nipples with natural dimensions and a realistic appearance.
• Helps women feel happier with their breast reconstruction outcome and provides a more "realistic - looking" finish to other breast surgeries.

Breast Lift Procedures in New York City

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting breast ptosis, which is the sagging of the breasts. Several doctors in New York City are well - known for performing successful breast lift surgeries.

Dr. John E. Sherman

Dr. Sherman is a skilled and board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has helped numerous women achieve stunning results through breast lift procedures.

Why Breasts Sag:

• Aging: As women age, there is a natural reduction in collagen and elastin production, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity in the breast skin tissues, resulting in drooping breasts.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, the breasts become heavier and fuller, stretching the skin. After breastfeeding, the breasts may lose volume, but the skin remains stretched, causing sagging and excess skin.
• Weight Changes: Significant weight gain can stretch the skin, and after weight loss, the skin may not shrink back, leading to sagging.
• Gravity: Over time, the downward pull of gravity contributes to the sagging of breast tissues.

Procedure Details:

• Consultation: During the initial appointment, Dr. Sherman thoroughly discusses all aspects of the procedure, reviews the patient's medical history, and provides information about what to expect.
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered for the mastopexy procedure due to its duration and invasive nature.
• Techniques:
  • Full Mastopexy: An incision is made around the areola, extending vertically downward from the areola to the breast crease, and sometimes horizontally along the breast crease. This "anchor - shaped" incision allows for significant lifting and reshaping of the breasts. Excess skin is removed, and the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful position.
  • Periareolar Mastopexy: Also known as a "donut" or "circumareolar" mastopexy, it is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate breast sagging. An incision is made around the areola, and excess tissue and skin are removed. The areola can be reshaped and made smaller, and the remaining breast tissue is tightened and sutured around the areola.
• Recovery: Patients are usually allowed to return home after being monitored. They are advised to wear a surgical bra or compression garment. Pain is generally mild and can be managed with prescribed medication. Swelling and bruising are common, and sutures are typically removed within seven days. It takes about a week or two to resume most normal activities, and more strenuous physical activities should be avoided for a few additional weeks.

Benefits:

• Lifts and reshapes the breasts, providing a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
• Repositions the nipple and areola, improving the overall aesthetics of the breasts.
• Boosts the patient's confidence, which can positively affect all aspects of their life.

Dr. David Cangello

Dr. Cangello is a top board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He understands the emotional impact of breast sagging and offers breast lift surgery to restore a more lifted and youthful appearance to the breasts.

Ideal Candidates:

• Women with excessively sagging breasts, nipples that point downward or fall below the breast crease, or breasts that appear "deflated" and elongated.
• Those who are bothered by breast sagging and want to achieve a balanced appearance.
• Healthy women with realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.

Procedure Details:

• Consultation: Dr. Cangello answers questions in detail, provides a physical examination, and creates a custom treatment plan based on the patient's anatomy and cosmetic goals. He also helps patients explore additional surgical options that may complement the results of the breast lift.
• Techniques:
  • Crescent Mastopexy: The least invasive technique, suitable for patients who need only a small amount of lifting or repositioning of the nipple - areolar complex. A small crescent shape of breast skin and tissue is removed from the top of the areola to provide lift. It results in the least amount of scarring, with the scar going around half of the circumference of the areola.
  • Benelli Mastopexy: Also known as a "donut lift" or "circumareolar lift," it is best for women who need a small degree of lift for the nipple - areolar complex. A donut - shaped incision is made around the areola, excess tissue and skin are removed, and the areola is reshaped and made smaller if necessary. The remaining breast tissue is tightened and sutured around the areola, and the scar is easily concealed.
  • Vertical Mastopexy: Sometimes called the "lollipop lift," recommended for women with a moderate level of breast sagging. The lollipop - shaped incision encircles the areola and runs vertically down the breast into the breast crease. Skin and tissue are removed from the lower part of the breast and around the areola, and the remaining breast tissue is repositioned higher on the chest wall and reshaped.
  • Anchor Mastopexy: Recommended for women with significant breast sagging. The incision is similar to the vertical mastopexy but has an additional incision along the breast crease, forming an anchor shape. Excess skin and tissues are removed, and sutures are used to close the incisions and hold the newly shaped breast tissue together.
• Recovery: The surgery is performed at Dr. Cangello's on - site operating room or at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. After treatment, patients wake up with a surgical dressing and a post - surgical bra. The breasts may feel achy, swollen, or bruised, but pain medication is prescribed. Most patients can return to work after about a week, and exercise should be avoided for four - to - six weeks. A surgical support bra must be worn for six weeks after surgery.

Dr. Joshua A. Greenwald

Dr. Greenwald is a premier board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City, highly sought after for his expertise in mastopexy.

Procedure Details:

• Consultation: Dr. Greenwald evaluates the patient's unique body type and aesthetic goals for surgery before recommending an incision technique.
• Anesthesia: The breast lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
• Techniques:
  • Traditional Breast Lift: Creates a periareolar incision around the circumference of the areola, a vertical incision that extends from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and an inframammary incision that runs horizontally under the natural breast fold.
  • Short Scar Breast Lift: Uses a periareolar incision and a vertical incision running from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease.
  • Periareolar Breast Lift: Makes an incision around the border of the areola.
• Recovery: Most women can return to their usual activities within days of the surgery. Many need minimal or no pain medication, and most experience little or no bruising. Some patients may experience temporary or lasting changes in breast sensation, but nipple sensation is not usually permanently affected. Patients can resume exercising three weeks after surgery and are encouraged to sleep in a sports bra for three months.

Benefits:

• Lifts sagging breasts to a higher position on the chest, creating a more youthful look.
• Reduces the size of the areolas and corrects the look of downward - pointing nipples.
• Removes excess skin caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging.

Dr. Adam Kolker

Dr. Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He offers personalized breast lift procedures based on the patient's anatomy and goals.

Procedure Details:

• Consultation: A comprehensive preoperative visit is held approximately two weeks before the surgery. A complete list of what to do and what to avoid is reviewed, prescriptions for post - op medications are given, and any questions are answered. Routine laboratory studies and appropriate breast imaging studies are ordered.
• Anesthesia: The breast lift surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia administered by a board - certified anesthesiologist in his fully accredited surgical facility on Park Avenue in Manhattan.
• Techniques:
  • Circumareolar Mastopexy: A "doughnut" breast lift with an incision around the areola only, suitable for mild breast droop.
  • Circumvertical Mastopexy: A "lollipop" breast lift or short scar breast lift, with an incision around the areola and a vertical line, appropriate for moderate breast droop.
  • Wise - Pattern Mastopexy: An "inverted - t" breast lift, with an incision around the areola, a vertical line to the inframammary crease, and a horizontal line, used for severe breast droop.
  • Augmentation Mastopexy: Any breast lift performed in conjunction with breast augmentation with breast implants to add volume.
• Recovery: Patients are cared for in the recovery room and discharged home with a friend or relative when fully awake and comfortable. Dr. Kolker recommends taking one week off from work or strenuous activity. No suture removal is required as the sutures are dissolvable. Closed suction drainage tubes are usually removed between three and five days after the procedure. A special bra is worn for approximately one week, followed by a sports bra. Regular bras and bathing suit tops can be worn after three to four weeks, and the breasts settle to their final shape at approximately 12 weeks after the breast lift.

Benefits:

• Restores a more youthful, perky, and attractive shape, proportion, and balance to the breasts.
• Elevates the low - lying nipple - areolar position and reduces the size of larger areolas.
• Can be combined with breast augmentation to add volume and further enhance the breast shape.

Other Related Procedures and Facilities

Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC

The Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC has some of the best in - class plastic surgeons. They offer a full spectrum of surgical options for breast reconstruction following a full or partial mastectomy.

Procedures Offered:

• Reconstructive Breast Surgery: Includes immediate breast reconstruction during cancer removal surgery, delayed breast reconstruction after cancer surgery, and revisions of breast reconstructions.