Introduction
New York City is a hub of medical excellence, and when it comes to nipple reconstruction, there are numerous plastic surgery hospitals and doctors offering top - notch services. Nipple reconstruction is a crucial part of breast reconstruction for many patients, whether it's following a mastectomy or to correct congenital anomalies. This article will delve into the details of nipple reconstruction in New York City, present a ranking - based on various factors - of plastic surgery hospitals and doctors, and provide comprehensive information on the procedure itself.
Understanding Nipple Reconstruction
What is Nipple Reconstruction?
Nipple reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds or recreates a nipple on a reconstructed breast. It is often the final stage of breast reconstruction surgery. According to Rowe Plastic Surgery, after the breast mound is completed, a top cosmetic breast surgeon offers different procedures to create a new nipple, from forming the button of the nipple to tattooing to create a natural - looking color. Some patients even prefer just a tattoo. The creation of the nipple and areola makes the breast look complete and natural after breast reconstruction surgery (Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC).
Reasons for Nipple Reconstruction
- After Mastectomy: For many cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy, nipple reconstruction is an important part of the breast reconstruction process to regain a sense of normalcy and improve body image. As per Rowe Plastic Surgery, a new nipple creates a powerful new self - image that patients are not afraid to share with their partners.
- Congenital Anomalies: Some patients are born with nipple or areola abnormalities, such as inverted nipples, supernumerary nipples, or other congenital nipple/areola anomalies. Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery offers procedures to correct these issues.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Some individuals may opt for nipple reconstruction or correction to improve the overall appearance of their breasts, whether it's reducing or enlarging the nipples or areolas.
Types of Nipple Reconstruction Techniques
- Nipple Reconstruction with Surrounding Skin: The surgeon raises skin flaps around the location of the new nipple on the reconstructed breast. Incisions are made to form the tissue into a nipple shape, and then the skin flaps are folded and closed to create a bump that grows into a nipple (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
- Skin Grafting for Nipple Reconstruction: A small piece of skin (the graft) is harvested from another part of the body, such as the earlobe or labia, for areola and nipple creation. This technique is ideal when there is not enough tissue on the breasts to create a nipple mold (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
- Medical Tattooing: Three - dimensional nipple tattoos can reconstruct an areola. The tattoo artist uses needles to insert pigment into the breast skin to create a realistic image of a nipple and areola. It can be done after a nipple reconstruction or instead of the surgical procedure (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
- Nipple Sharing: If a patient has a mastectomy on a single breast, the surgeon can use part of the other nipple to create a new one on the reconstructed breast. Medical tattooing then aids with the areola reconstruction (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
- Mastopexy Revision: After a boob lift surgery, if the desired results are not achieved, a mastopexy revision can help correct any complications, including issues with the nipples (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Top Plastic Surgeons for Nipple Reconstruction in New York City
Based on Healthgrades, there are many well - rated doctors in New York City who perform nipple reconstruction. Here is a list of some of the top doctors along with their ratings and contact information:
| Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Philip Torina, MD | 5.00 | 5 E 98th St #2, New York, NY 10029 |
| Dr. David Otterburn, MD | 5.00 | 525 East 68th Street Starr 8, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Eloise Chapman - Davis, MD | 4.90 | 525 East 68th Street Suite J - 130, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD | 4.90 | 51 West 51st Street Suite 380, New York, NY 10019 |
| Dr. Evan Matros, MD | 4.80 | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Heather Yeo, MD | 4.60 | 1283 York Avenue 9th floor, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Rachel Blue Bond - Langner, MD | 4.40 | 222 E 41st St, New York, NY 10017 |
| Dr. Babak Mehrara, MD | 4.40 | 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. Jess Ting, MD | 4.30 | 10 Union Sq E #3 - g, New York, NY 10003 |
| Dr. Jonathan Keith, MD | 4.00 | 79 Hudson St Ste 203, Hoboken, NJ 07030 |
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals and Clinics in New York City for Nipple Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
The Manhattan - based board - certified plastic surgeons of the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC are top experts in the highly specialized field of breast reconstruction surgery, including nipple reconstruction. They offer free nipple (areola) reconstruction consultations. They work closely with patients and their insurance companies to ensure patients receive the full benefits to which they are entitled under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC).
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery offers nipple correction surgery in NYC to reconstruct or correct the look of the nipple or areola. Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani provides surgery tailored to each patient’s individual goals to deliver the most optimal results. They offer a variety of treatable conditions, including breast reconstruction after mastectomy, correction of inverted nipples, and nipple reduction. The procedure takes place in their state - of - the - art OR at their Park Avenue office, and they use 3D Vectra imaging for individualized consultation and treatment (Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery).
Rowe Plastic Surgery
With facilities in Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, and the Hamptons, Rowe Plastic Surgery has board - certified cosmetic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic breast procedures. They have performed many nipple reconstruction procedures for satisfied patients. They educate patients about the different techniques for nipple surgery, what to expect during and after the procedure, and help patients set realistic expectations (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
New York Plastic Surgical Group (NYPS Group)
The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at NYPS Group are experts at every aspect of breast reconstruction, having performed more than 10,000 procedures. They offer two main approaches to nipple reconstruction: graft nipple reconstruction and flap nipple reconstruction. They also provide nipple tattooing as the final step in the nipple reconstruction process. Their surgeons are specialty - trained and have been educated at some of the most respected medical institutions and cancer reconstruction centers in the world, including Memorial Sloan Kettering (New York Plastic Surgical Group).
The Nipple Reconstruction Process
Consultation
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will conduct a breast examination, review the patient's medical history, and request any necessary diagnostic tests. They will listen to the patient's goals and concerns and discuss the different options for nipple reconstruction or correction. At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, patients visit their New York City office for a confidential consultation with Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani, who creates a unique treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs. Rowe Plastic Surgery also emphasizes the importance of this initial consultation to ensure patients have realistic expectations (Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Pre - operative Preparation
Patients will be instructed by their doctor to stop taking certain medications before the surgery. They may also be told not to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure. On the day of the surgery, patients should not use deodorant, lotions, or scented products and should wear loose - fitting clothes. This preparation is crucial for a successful surgery and to minimize potential risks (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Anesthesia
An anesthesiologist working with the cosmetic surgeon will administer either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Depending on the type of surgery, local anesthesia may be sufficient, but patients can request general anesthesia if they prefer to be asleep during the procedure (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
The Surgery
The surgeon will use the chosen technique to reconstruct the nipple and areola. This may involve using skin grafting, creating nipple molds from existing breast skin, or other methods. The length of the surgery depends on the complexity of the reconstruction, with each nipple taking as little as 15 minutes or as long as over an hour (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Post - operative Monitoring
After the surgery, the doctor will check the patient's condition. If general anesthesia was used, the patient will rest for about an hour before being released into someone else's care. With local anesthesia, the patient will be released sooner after the doctor checks their vital signs. Specific care instructions will be given before the patient leaves (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Recovery
Patients can expect some pain, numbness, and soreness around the incisions on their breasts for a week or two. The doctor may provide pain medication or anti - inflammatory drugs. The reconstructed area takes about 10 days to heal fully. Patients should avoid tight bras and clothing, heavy lifting, and strenuous tasks for several weeks. Depending on the nature of their occupation, they may be able to return to work the next day, but should avoid strenuous activities. Rowe Plastic Surgery's surgeons are available for virtual calls during the recovery period to minimize side effects and post - care complications (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Cost of Nipple Reconstruction
The cost of nipple reconstruction varies depending on several factors. According to Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, nipple reconstruction costs between $2,000 to $12,000. Some factors that can affect the cost include:
- Combining Multiple Procedures: If the nipple reconstruction is combined with other breast procedures such as breast lift, enlargement, or reduction, the cost will be higher (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
- Expertise of the Surgeon: Highly experienced and well - known surgeons may charge more for their services.
- Location of the Surgeon: Surgeons in more expensive areas may have higher fees.
- Surgery Technique Required: Different techniques have different costs associated with them.
Under 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 should work with their doctor and insurance provider to confirm coverage (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
FAQs about Nipple Reconstruction
What are the different types of nipples?
Women have different types of nipples, such as bumpy, flat, inverted, supernumerary (an extra nipple), hairy, protruding, or puffy nipples. If a patient is not comfortable with their nipples, they may be a good candidate for nipple correction (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
What are inverted nipples?
Inverted nipples are a common problem. They occur when the breast ligaments and ducts are shorter, causing the nipples to look inverted or flat. Nipple reconstruction surgery can help make the nipples protrude, making it easier to breastfeed and improving confidence during intimacy (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Who's a good candidate for nipple surgery?
Good candidates for nipple surgery include those with completely inverted nipples that cause breastfeeding or intimacy problems, women who have had a mastectomy, those who want to increase or reduce their nipples or areolas, and those who desire an overall improvement in the appearance of their breasts (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Is nipple reconstruction permanent?
Nipple reconstruction is generally permanent as it takes tissue from another part of the body to make new nipples. However, if there are drastic changes in weight, there may be corresponding changes in the nipples (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Is nipple reconstruction available for men?
Yes, men can also benefit from nipple reconstruction or correction surgery. Men who have had a mastectomy, gynecomastia surgery, or suffer from inverted nipples can opt for these procedures (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Can I breastfeed after nipple reconstruction?
After nipple correction surgery, patients can usually breastfeed as breast surgeons take care not to affect the glands responsible for milk production or the milk ducts. However, a nipple reconstruction on a reconstructed breast after mastectomy creates a nipple in appearance only, and breastfeeding is not possible with this type of nipple (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Can I combine inverted nipple surgery with other procedures?
Inverted nipple correction surgery can provide better results when combined with other breast procedures such as a breast lift, augmentation, or reduction. The surgeon can advise on whether other breast procedures are suitable (Rowe Plastic Surgery).
Conclusion
In conclusion, nipple reconstruction is an important surgical procedure that can significantly improve the lives of patients, whether they are recovering from a mastectomy or dealing with congenital nipple anomalies. New York City offers a wide range of top - notch plastic surgery hospitals and doctors who are experts in this field. From the initial consultation to the recovery process, patients can expect high - quality care and support. The ranking of plastic surgery hospitals and doctors presented in this article can serve as a guide for those seeking nipple reconstruction in New York City. By choosing a qualified surgeon and understanding the procedure, patients can achieve the best possible results.
If you or someone you know is considering nipple reconstruction in New York City, we encourage you to explore the hospitals and doctors mentioned in this article. Reach out for a consultation to learn more about the options available and take the first step towards achieving your desired results. Share this article with others who may find it helpful, and stay informed about the latest advancements in nipple reconstruction and breast surgery.
