Introduction
The appearance of the areola is an important aspect of breast aesthetics. For individuals with oversized areolas, correction procedures can enhance self - confidence and overall body image. In New York City, there are several institutions renowned for their expertise in areola correction. This article presents a ranking of four such institutions, along with detailed information about areola correction, and an in - depth look at each facility's features, doctors, and patient experiences.
Understanding Areola Correction
Reasons for Areola Correction
There are various reasons why people seek areola correction. Some individuals are born with naturally large areolas, while others may experience changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or hormonal fluctuations. Additionally, concerns about symmetry or dissatisfaction with the appearance in certain clothing can also drive the decision for correction. According to Healthgrades, many patients look for ways to enhance the balance and aesthetics of their breasts, and areola correction is often a viable solution.
Types of Areola Correction Procedures
- Areola Reduction: This procedure involves making an incision around the areola and removing excess skin to reduce its size. For example, at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani performs areola reduction surgeries to create a more proportionate look. The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia and can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Nipple and Areola Reconstruction: After mastectomy or in cases of nipple/areola damage, reconstruction can be done. As described in the information from the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, there are two main approaches: graft nipple reconstruction, where skin is taken from a donor site, and flap nipple reconstruction, which creates the nipple from a local skin flap. These procedures are often done several months after the initial breast reconstruction surgery.
Ranking of 4 Institutions for Areola Correction in New York City
1. Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery is a well - known name in New York City for nipple and areola reduction surgeries. Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani at this institution offers personalized consultations using 3D Vectra imaging to understand each patient's individual concerns and goals. The surgeries are performed in a state - of - the - art operating room at their Manhattan office.
Treatable Conditions
- Oversized nipples
- Large areolas
- Asymmetry
Procedure Process
- Consultation: Patients meet with Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani at the Park Avenue office. He listens to the patient's concerns and goals and creates an individualized treatment plan. For example, if a patient has specific ideas about the desired size of the areola, the doctor will take these into account.
- Procedure: The surgery is done under local anesthesia. Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani may reduce the projection and circumference of one or both nipples as per the treatment plan. The surgery generally lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Recovery: The recovery period lasts about 3 to 4 days. Patients cannot work out for 3 weeks after the operation. The doctor and the team provide thorough postoperative care guidance and set up follow - up appointments to check the healing progress.
Patient Experience
Patients at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery appreciate the personalized approach. The cost of nipple reduction surgery here ranges from $2,000 to $8,000. As for common questions, nipple reduction may or may not change sensitivity, and the pain is minimal, with the most soreness in the first couple of days after the surgery. The team prescribes pain medication and provides detailed post - surgery guidelines.
2. Preminger Plastic Surgery
Dr. B. Aviva Preminger at Preminger Plastic Surgery is a board - certified Manhattan plastic surgeon with years of experience in breast enhancement surgery, including areola reduction. She understands the discomfort patients may feel discussing this issue and provides a warm and supportive environment.
Quick Facts about the Procedure
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure length | 2 - 3 hours |
| Anesthesia | General or local with sedation |
| In/Out patient | Usually outpatient |
| Risks | Pain, infection, tissue death, permanent loss of feeling, scarring |
| Side effects | Temporary loss of sensitivity, numbness, redness |
| Recovery | Back at work the next day, resume light exercise at 1 - 2 days, resume strenuous activity at 3 weeks, 4 weeks for swelling to resolve |
| Duration of results | Years |
Procedure Process
- Preparation: It begins with a one - on - one consultation where Dr. Preminger discusses all aspects of the procedure, risks, and outcomes. Patients may be asked to stop using certain substances like aspirin, vitamin E, etc. before the surgery.
- Procedure: The surgery is tailored to each individual. Patients may receive general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Usually, a circular area in the outermost region of the areola is removed, and the skin is tightened with absorbable stitches, and a permanent stitch prevents the areola from widening later.
- Recovery & Results: After the surgery, patients may feel confused and disoriented. They need someone to assist them at home. The first post - operative appointment is scheduled 5 - 10 days after surgery. Results can be seen right away, and the scars may take up to a year to fade.
3. Long Island Plastic Surgical Group - Breast Reconstruction Surgery Center
This center is a "center of excellence" within the New York Plastic Surgical Group. It is well - known for nipple and areola reconstruction, especially after breast reconstruction surgeries like mastectomy.
Reconstruction Approaches
- Graft Nipple Reconstruction: The plastic surgeon takes skin from a donor site, such as the nipple of the other breast (in single - breast mastectomy) or the earlobe or labia (in double mastectomy), and attaches it to the newly constructed breast. The donor site for the areola can come from various areas like the scar from a flap reconstruction procedure, the crease of the buttock, or the inner thigh.
- Flap Nipple Reconstruction: This involves creating the nipple from a skin flap taken from the area beside the new nipple region. It has the advantage of maintaining the original blood supply and usually results in less scarring around the reconstructed nipple and areola.
Other Services
The center also offers nipple tattooing as the final step in the nipple reconstruction process. Nipple tattooing is done on an outpatient basis to create a natural - looking nipple that matches the skin color and tone. The surgeons at this center are experts in breast reconstruction, having performed more than 10,000 procedures and are trained at some of the most respected medical institutions and cancer reconstruction centers in the world, including Memorial Sloan Kettering.
4. Dr. Joshua Greenwald's Practice
Dr. Joshua Greenwald, a leading plastic surgeon in New York and Connecticut, treats patients with concerns about their nipples and areolas. He can perform nipple and areola correction surgery in conjunction with other breast surgical procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction.
Procedure Details
The procedure details vary based on the patient's aesthetic issues. In general, the surgery is performed under either local or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. To correct overly large or protruding nipples, Dr. Greenwald removes the tips of the nipples and closes the area with stitches. For nipples that are too wide, he removes a pie - shaped wedge of tissue. To address large or puffy areolas, he creates an incision around the perimeter of the areola or at the base of the nipple and removes a portion of the pigmented skin.
Candidate Assessment
Appropriate candidates for the surgery include women who have a good self - image overall but are unhappy with the look of their nipples and/or areolas, have nipples that fall below the breast fold when the breasts are unsupported, have downward - pointing nipples, have enlarged areolas, are in good general mental and physical health, have reasonable expectations for the surgery, and understand the surgical risks but believe the advantages outweigh the risks.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Institution
Doctor's Expertise
It is crucial to choose a doctor who is board - certified and has extensive experience in areola correction procedures. For example, Dr. Philip Torina has a 5.0 rating out of 5 stars according to Healthgrades, indicating high patient satisfaction. You can check the doctor's credentials, years of experience, and the number of procedures they have performed. Doctors who are trained at top - tier medical institutions are often more likely to be up - to - date with the latest techniques and best practices.
Reputation and Patient Reviews
Look for institutions with a good reputation. Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including the quality of care, the friendliness of the staff, and the results of the procedures. Many websites like Healthgrades compile patient reviews and ratings for doctors and institutions. For instance, at Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, patients have praised the personalized approach and the attention to detail during the surgeries.
Facility Quality
The quality of the surgical facility is important for a safe and successful procedure. Choose an institution with a state - of - the - art operating room, proper equipment, and a team of trained professionals. For example, Preminger Plastic Surgery operates in an accredited surgical facility, ensuring high - quality medical care.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of areola correction procedures can vary widely. At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, nipple reduction surgery costs between $2,000 to $8,000. It's important to get a clear cost estimate from the institution and understand what is included in the price. Also, check if your insurance covers any part of the procedure. In most cases, areola correction for aesthetic reasons is not covered by insurance, but if it is related to a medical condition, there may be coverage options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, areola correction can have a significant impact on an individual's self - confidence and body image. In New York City, institutions like Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, Preminger Plastic Surgery, Long Island Plastic Surgical Group - Breast Reconstruction Surgery Center, and Dr. Joshua Greenwald's Practice offer high - quality areola correction services. When choosing an institution, consider factors such as doctor's expertise, reputation, facility quality, and cost. Each of these institutions has its own strengths, whether it's personalized consultations, advanced surgical techniques, or extensive experience in reconstruction procedures.
If you are considering areola correction, we encourage you to reach out to these institutions for a consultation. Learn more about the procedures, ask questions, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences. Take the first step towards achieving the breast aesthetics you desire and enhance your overall quality of life.
