Introduction

Nipple plastic surgery has become an increasingly sought - after procedure in New York City. Whether it's for aesthetic enhancement or reconstructive purposes, finding the right hospital and surgeon is crucial. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons for nipple plastic surgery in New York City, providing detailed information to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Nipple Plastic Surgery

Nipple plastic surgery encompasses a variety of procedures. It can be performed as part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy or other breast - related surgeries, or for purely cosmetic reasons such as changing the size, shape, or position of the nipples. The creation of the nipple and areola is the final component in breast reconstruction surgery, and it can greatly enhance the natural look of the breast. Some of the common procedures include nipple reduction, nipple reconstruction, and correction of inverted nipples.

Benefits of Nipple Plastic Surgery

• Aesthetic Enhancement: It can improve the overall appearance of the breasts, creating a more balanced and attractive look. For example, reducing overly large nipples can make the breasts more proportionate.
• Restoring Confidence: After a mastectomy or other breast - related issues, nipple reconstruction can help patients regain their sense of femininity and boost self - confidence.
• Functional Improvement: Correcting inverted nipples can resolve issues such as difficulty breastfeeding or reduced erogenous sensation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Nipple Plastic Surgery

1. Surgeon's Expertise: Look for surgeons who are board - certified in plastic surgery and have extensive experience in nipple plastic surgery. Check their patient reviews and success rates.
2. Hospital Reputation: A hospital with a good reputation for plastic surgery is more likely to have high - quality facilities and a well - trained staff. Consider factors such as patient satisfaction, safety records, and national or regional rankings.
3. Range of Services: Some hospitals may offer a comprehensive range of nipple plastic surgery procedures, along with other related breast surgeries such as breast augmentation or reduction. This can be beneficial if you may need additional procedures in the future.
4. Technology and Facilities: Advanced technology can lead to better surgical outcomes and a more comfortable patient experience. Look for hospitals that are equipped with the latest surgical tools and imaging technology.
5. Cost and Insurance: Understand the cost of the procedure and whether your insurance will cover it. Some insurance companies are required by law to cover nipple reconstruction as part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy, but policies can vary.

Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Nipple Plastic Surgery in New York City

Columbia University - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Columbia University is one of New York’s best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Their plastic surgery division has highly experienced surgeons who are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, including nipple plastic surgery.

• Surgeons:
  • Jeffrey A. Ascherman, MD: He is an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 75 scientific publications. He has been included in Castle Connolly’s list of America’s top doctors and New York magazine’s annual list of best doctors. He has also participated in humanitarian surgical missions.
  • Christine Rohde, MD: A highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher, she is trained in the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, specializing in microsurgery and breast reconstruction.
• Services Offered: They offer both cosmetic and reconstructive nipple plastic surgery, as well as a wide range of other breast and body - contouring surgeries. Their team is also involved in extensive research in the field of plastic surgery.
• Contact Information: Call (212) 305 - 3103 or request an appointment online. They have multiple offices in New York City, including locations in Washington Heights, Midtown, and the East Side.

Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health

Lenox Hill Hospital is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties and rated high - performing in 1 adult specialty and 16 procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital.

• Surgeons:
  • David L. Abramson, MD: He specializes in aesthetic/cosmetic plastic surgery, breast reconstruction, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
  • Nadia S. Afridi, MD: A plastic surgeon with expertise in general plastic surgery, who may perform nipple plastic surgery procedures.
• Patient Experience: The hospital has facilities such as medical - surgical ICU, cardiac ICU, bariatric/weight - control services, and an onsite emergency department. Patient experience scores are based on surveys taken from inpatients after discharge, and they cover aspects such as satisfaction with doctors' and nurses' communications, room cleanliness, and willingness to recommend the hospital.
• Contact Information: Located at 100 East 77th Street, New York, NY 10075 - 1850. Phone number: (212) 434 - 2000.

Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC

This center is dedicated to breast reconstruction surgery, including nipple reconstruction. Their board - certified plastic surgeons are top experts in the highly specialized field of breast reconstruction.

• Surgeons: The center's surgeons perform nipple reduction surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure. They typically work with patients who have undergone rapid weight loss or pregnancy, or those with issues such as inverted nipples or irregularly shaped nipples.
• Services Offered: Nipple reduction surgery can be performed alone or in conjunction with other breast surgeries such as breast reduction, breast lift, or breast augmentation. They also offer free consultations.
• Contact Information: Located at 461 Park Ave S, #7K, New York, NY 10016. Phone number: (212) 481 - 0110.

740 Park Plastic Surgery

Under the leadership of Dr. Stafford Broumand, 740 Park Plastic Surgery offers specialized cosmetic nipple surgery. They understand the psychological and physical concerns that lead patients to seek these procedures and take a holistic approach to patient care.

• Surgeons:
  • Dr. Stafford Broumand: He offers expertise in inverted nipple surgery and nipple reduction. His approach focuses on preserving milk ducts and nerve connections to ensure functionality and sensation.
• Services Offered:
  • Inverted Nipple Surgery: The procedure involves dividing the tight bands that cause nipple inversion through a discreet incision at the nipple - areola junction. It is typically performed under local anesthesia in the office, with a short recovery time.
  • Nipple Reduction: A minor incision at the base of the nipple is used to adjust the size or length of the nipple, with dissolving sutures to minimize scarring. Most patients can maintain sensation and the ability to breastfeed after the procedure.
• Contact Information: To schedule a consultation, you can reach out to their team for more information on the procedures and to discuss your specific needs.

Top Nipple Plastic Surgery Doctors in New York

The Procedure of Nipple Plastic Surgery

Nipple Reduction

Nipple reduction is a procedure aimed at reducing the size or length of the nipples. It is often performed on women with overly large or elongated nipples, but can also be done on men.

1. Consultation: The patient meets with the surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations. The surgeon will examine the nipples, assess the patient's overall health, and explain the procedure, including potential risks and benefits.
2. Anesthesia: The procedure can usually be performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the nipples. In some cases, the patient may choose to have sedation for a more comfortable experience.
3. Surgery: A small incision is made at the base of the nipple. Excess tissue is removed, and the nipple is reshaped to the desired size and shape. Dissolving sutures are used to close the incision.
4. Recovery: Patients may experience some swelling and tenderness in the days following the surgery. They are usually advised to wear a soft foam “donut” over the nipples for protection during the healing phase. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, but should avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks.

Nipple Reconstruction

Nipple reconstruction is typically done as part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

1. Timing: It can be performed at the same time as breast reconstruction or as a separate procedure at a later stage.
2. Techniques: There are several techniques available, including using the patient's own tissue from other parts of the body, or creating a nipple - shaped mound using skin grafts. The areola can also be re - created using tattooing.
3. Anesthesia: The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation.
4. Recovery: The recovery period can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. Patients may need to take a few days off work and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. They will also need to follow the surgeon's instructions for wound care.

Inverted Nipple Correction

This procedure is used to correct nipples that are turned inward instead of projecting outward.

1. Consultation: The surgeon will evaluate the degree of nipple inversion and discuss the appropriate treatment options with the patient.
2. Procedure: The naturally occurring tight bands that cause nipple inversion are divided through a small incision at the junction of the nipple and the areola. The goal is to preserve the milk ducts and nerve connections as much as possible.
3. Anesthesia: It can be performed under local anesthesia, and the procedure usually takes between 20 minutes to an hour.
4. Recovery: Patients may need to wear a nipple shield for several weeks after the surgery. Most can resume normal activities within a few days, but should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a short period.

Risks and Complications of Nipple Plastic Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, nipple plastic surgery carries some risks and potential complications.

• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Patients are usually prescribed antibiotics to reduce this risk.
• Scarring: While surgeons take steps to minimize scarring, there may be some visible scarring after the surgery. The appearance of the scars can depend on factors such as the patient's skin type and the surgical technique used.
• Loss of Sensation: There is a possibility of temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the nipples. However, experienced surgeons try to preserve nerve connections to minimize this risk.
• Asymmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry between the two nipples can be challenging. There may be some minor differences in size, shape, or position after the surgery.
• Healing Problems: In some cases, the wounds may not heal properly, leading to delayed healing or poor cosmetic results. This can be due to factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, or underlying health conditions.

Cost of Nipple Plastic Surgery in New York City

The cost of nipple plastic surgery can vary widely depending on several factors.

• Type of Procedure: Nipple reduction, nipple reconstruction, and inverted nipple correction have different levels of complexity, which can affect the cost. For example, nipple reconstruction as part of breast reconstruction may be more expensive due to the additional steps involved.
• Surgeon's Fees: Surgeons with more experience and a higher reputation may charge more for their services. The surgeon's fees typically include the cost of the surgery, pre - operative consultations, and post - operative care.
• Hospital or Surgical Facility Costs: The cost of using a hospital operating room or a private surgical facility can vary. Factors such as the location, the facilities available, and the level of care provided can all impact the cost.
• Anesthesia Fees: The type of anesthesia used (local, general, or a combination) and the duration of the procedure can affect the anesthesia fees.
• Medications and Post - operative Care: Patients may need to purchase medications for pain management and wound care after the surgery. There may also be costs associated with follow - up appointments and any necessary tests or imaging studies.

It's important to note that some insurance companies may cover nipple reconstruction if it is part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy, as required by the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. However, insurance coverage for cosmetic nipple surgery is less common.

Conclusion

Nipple plastic surgery can have a significant impact on a patient's appearance, confidence, and quality of life. Whether it's for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes, choosing the right hospital and surgeon in New York City is essential. We have explored some of the top hospitals and surgeons, including Columbia University, Lenox Hill Hospital, the Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, and 740 Park Plastic Surgery. Each of these institutions offers specialized services and experienced surgeons. We have also discussed the different types of nipple plastic surgery procedures, their benefits, risks, and costs.

If you are considering nipple plastic surgery, we encourage you to schedule consultations with multiple surgeons to discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the procedure. Remember to choose a surgeon who is board - certified, experienced, and understands your specific needs. By making an informed decision, you can achieve the best possible results from your nipple plastic surgery.