Introduction

Nipple and areola reshaping is a specialized area of plastic surgery that can significantly enhance a person's appearance and confidence. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several hospitals renowned for their expertise in this field. This article will explore the top five public hospitals in New York City for nipple and areola reshaping, discussing their services, expertise, and the reasons why they stand out in this specialized area of healthcare.

Importance of Nipple and Areola Reshaping

The appearance of the nipples and areolas can have a profound impact on a person's self - image, especially after events like pregnancy, weight loss, or as a part of gender - affirming procedures. Reshaping these areas can correct asymmetry, reduce size, or restore a more natural appearance, leading to increased self - esteem and a better quality of life for patients.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan

Overview

NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan is a leading public hospital in New York City with a strong focus on gender - affirming care, which often includes nipple and areola reshaping as part of top - surgery procedures. In 2025, it reached a significant milestone by performing its 200th gender - affirming surgery. Eighty percent of these surgeries were masculinizing top surgeries, which can involve nipple and areola adjustments such as mastectomy with nipple graft and peri - areolar breast reduction.

Services Offered

• Gender - Affirming Top Surgeries: For transgender and gender - diverse patients, the hospital offers both feminizing and masculinizing top surgeries. In masculinizing top surgeries, the nipple and areola may be repositioned or resized to match the new chest contour. In feminizing top surgeries, which can involve breast implants or the use of a patient's own tissue, the nipple and areola are also carefully sculpted to create a natural look.
• Pride Health Center: The hospital's Pride Health Center has been providing care to LGBTQ+ patients for over ten years. It recently reopened as a comprehensive center, where patients can access individual, respectful, and culturally competent care. The center plays a crucial role in pre - operative consultations, post - operative care, and emotional support for patients undergoing nipple and areola reshaping as part of gender - affirming procedures.

Expertise

The surgical team at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, led by Dr. Aron Kressel, is highly experienced in performing gender - affirming surgeries. Since the hospital began offering these surgeries in 2017, it has increased surgical capacity and reduced the wait time from consultation to surgery from 8 months to 3 - 4 months, which is often less than other hospital systems offering similar services. This efficiency and expertise translate into high - quality nipple and areola reshaping for patients.

NYU Langone Hospitals

Overview

NYU Langone Hospitals is nationally ranked in multiple specialties and is a well - known institution for plastic surgery. It offers a comprehensive range of breast plastic surgery services, which includes nipple and areola reshaping as part of breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery.

Services Offered

• Breast Reconstruction: After breast cancer surgery, NYU Langone's plastic surgeons use advanced techniques to reconstruct the breast, which often involves reshaping the nipple and areola. The hospital offers the "Breast in a Day" innovative surgery, which combines a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day. This approach allows for immediate nipple and areola reconstruction, ensuring a more seamless and natural - looking result.
• Cosmetic Breast Surgery: For patients seeking cosmetic improvements, the hospital offers nipple reduction and areola reduction surgeries. These procedures can correct disproportionately large nipples or areolas, creating more symmetrical and aesthetically balanced breasts.

Expertise

The plastic surgeons at NYU Langone, such as Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and Dr. Nolan S. Karp, are experts in the latest breast plastic surgery techniques. They use three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care, ensuring the best possible outcome for nipple and areola reshaping procedures.

New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell

Overview

As one of the top hospitals in New York City, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell is affiliated with Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medicine. It has a highly respected plastic surgery department that offers nipple and areola reshaping as part of its comprehensive breast surgery services.

Services Offered

• Breast Reconstructive Care: The hospital's breast cancer reconstructive surgery program brings together cancer experts and reconstructive plastic surgeons to provide personalized post - lumpectomy or post - mastectomy reconstruction. Nipple and areola reconstruction is an important part of this process, with a focus on restoring a natural appearance and maintaining nipple sensation when possible.
• Cosmetic Breast Procedures: For cosmetic purposes, the hospital offers nipple and areola reduction surgeries. The plastic surgeons take into account the patient's individual anatomy and aesthetic goals to create the most appropriate surgical plan.

Expertise

The plastic surgeons at New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell are highly skilled and experienced. They are at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery, which allows them to offer the latest techniques and technologies for nipple and areola reshaping. The hospital also benefits from the academic resources of Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medicine, ensuring a high level of expertise and innovation.

Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health

Overview

Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in multiple adult specialties. Its plastic surgery department offers a range of breast - related procedures, including nipple and areola reshaping.

Services Offered

• Breast Lift and Reconstruction: During breast lift (mastopexy) procedures, the nipple and areola are often repositioned to a higher, more youthful position. In breast reconstruction cases, the hospital's plastic surgeons use advanced techniques to create a natural - looking nipple and areola. They may use tissue from the patient's own body or other reconstructive methods to achieve the best results.
• Nipple and Areola Reduction: For patients with large or disproportionate nipples and areolas, the hospital offers reduction surgeries. These procedures can improve the overall appearance of the breasts and enhance the patient's self - confidence.

Expertise

The plastic surgeons at Lenox Hill Hospital have extensive experience in breast surgery. They are committed to providing high - quality care and using the latest surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcome for nipple and areola reshaping. The hospital also emphasizes patient education and support throughout the surgical process.

Mount Sinai Hospital

Overview

Mount Sinai Hospital is another leading public hospital in New York City, nationally ranked in multiple adult and pediatric specialties. Its plastic surgery department is well - equipped to handle nipple and areola reshaping procedures.

Services Offered

• Breast Cancer Reconstruction: After breast cancer treatment, Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons perform nipple and areola reconstruction as part of the overall breast reconstruction process. They use innovative techniques to create a realistic and natural - looking result, while also considering the patient's emotional well - being.
• Cosmetic Nipple and Areola Procedures: For cosmetic purposes, the hospital offers nipple and areola reduction, as well as correction of nipple asymmetry. The surgeons work closely with patients to understand their aesthetic goals and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Expertise

The plastic surgery team at Mount Sinai Hospital is composed of highly trained and experienced surgeons. They are involved in ongoing research and education, which allows them to stay updated on the latest advancements in nipple and areola reshaping. The hospital also provides comprehensive pre - operative and post - operative care to ensure the best possible outcome for patients.

Comparison of the Top Five Hospitals

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital

Expertise of the Surgeons

It is crucial to choose a hospital with plastic surgeons who have extensive experience in nipple and areola reshaping. Surgeons who are board - certified and have a high volume of cases in this area are more likely to achieve the best results. You can ask about the surgeon's training, years of experience, and success rates.

Services Offered

Consider the range of services offered by the hospital. Some patients may need gender - affirming procedures, while others may require breast reconstruction after cancer surgery or cosmetic improvements. A hospital that offers a comprehensive range of services can better meet your specific needs.

Patient Support

Good patient support is essential throughout the surgical process. Look for a hospital that provides pre - operative consultations, post - operative care, and emotional support. For example, hospitals with specialized centers like the Pride Health Center at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan can offer tailored support for LGBTQ+ patients.

Cost and Insurance

Understand the cost of the procedure and whether your insurance will cover it. Some procedures, especially those related to breast reconstruction after cancer, may be covered by insurance, while cosmetic procedures may not. It is important to have a clear understanding of the financial aspects before making a decision.

Conclusion

In 2025, the top five public hospitals in New York City for nipple and areola reshaping - NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, NYU Langone Hospitals, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health, and Mount Sinai Hospital - each offer unique services and expertise. These hospitals are at the forefront of nipple and areola reshaping, whether it is for gender - affirming purposes, breast reconstruction after cancer, or cosmetic improvements. They provide high - quality care, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive support to help patients achieve their desired results.

If you are considering nipple and areola reshaping, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with the hospitals' plastic surgeons, and discuss your specific needs and goals. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the hospital that is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about nipple and areola reshaping in New York City.