Introduction
Nipple and areola reconstruction is a crucial aspect of breast reconstruction for many patients who have undergone mastectomies or experienced breast trauma. In New York City, there are several well - known hospitals that offer top - notch services in this area. This article will explore five of these renowned hospitals, discussing their facilities, expertise, and the services they provide for nipple and areola reconstruction.
Weill Cornell Medicine
Location and Contact
Weill Cornell Medicine has two locations on the Upper East Side. One is at 525 East 68th Street, Starr 8, New York, NY 10065, and the other is at 4210 East 61st Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10065. The contact number for both locations is (646) 962 - 4210.
Expertise and Services
The hospital has a long - standing reputation in breast reconstruction. Their plastic and reconstructive surgeons are leaders in the field, offering the most advanced breast reconstruction surgery options and techniques. They have been performing nipple - sparing mastectomies with concurrent reconstruction for the past 20 years, making them pioneers in this technique.
When it comes to nipple and areola reconstruction, the multidisciplinary team at Weill Cornell Medicine provides comprehensive care. The team includes oncologists, geneticists, and nurses who specialize in breast cancer care. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive optimal health and well - being.
The hospital offers various breast reconstruction options. For nipple and areola reconstruction, it can be combined with different types of breast reconstruction procedures. Autologous reconstruction, which uses the patient's own tissue from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, is one option. During autologous reconstruction, a novel reinnervation procedure can be performed to improve sensation in the reconstructed breast. The nerves in the abdominal flap can be reconnected to the nerves in the chest, which is associated with improved patient quality of life.
In implant - based reconstruction, Weill Cornell's surgeons have developed a new technique for breast reinnervation. During the mastectomy, the nerves that supply the skin and nipple are preserved and reconnected to the breast skin and nipple, enhancing sensation and the overall patient experience.
Patient Comfort and Care
Weill Cornell Medicine prioritizes patient comfort. Before surgery, patients have the opportunity to ask questions and fully understand the procedure. In state - of - the - art surgical suites, the latest anesthetics and medications are used to help patients recover more quickly and heal faster. After surgery, the care team manages pain with medication and teaches patients how to care for themselves during the healing and recovery process.
New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital
Location and Contact
The hospital is located at 170 William Street, New York, NY 10038, and the contact number is (212) 312 - 5000. It is an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College and offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services, including community outreach and education.
Expertise in Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
Many well - rated doctors are on staff at this hospital for nipple reconstruction. Doctors such as Dr. Eloise Chapman - Davis, Dr. Heather Yeo, and Dr. Evelyn Cantillo have high patient ratings and offer their expertise in nipple and areola reconstruction here. The hospital provides a supportive environment for patients undergoing breast reconstruction procedures, including nipple and areola reconstruction. The team at the hospital works closely with patients to understand their specific needs and goals, and then develops individualized treatment plans.
They are also involved in research and continuous improvement of breast reconstruction techniques. This commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements ensures that patients receive the best possible care for nipple and areola reconstruction.
Services and Facilities
The hospital offers a range of services related to nipple and areola reconstruction. It can support both autologous and implant - based breast reconstruction procedures that precede nipple and areola reconstruction. The surgical facilities are equipped with advanced technology, and the medical staff is trained to handle the complexities of these procedures. Additionally, the hospital provides comprehensive after - care services, including follow - up appointments, pain management, and wound care.
Mount Sinai - New York (Dubin Breast Center)
Location and General Information
The Dubin Breast Center at Mount Sinai - New York offers expert breast reconstruction services. While specific location details may need to be further specified, the hospital is well - known for its collaboration between plastic surgeons, breast surgeons, and oncologists.
Nipple and Areola Reconstruction Services
Breast reconstruction at this center is often done in stages. Nipple reconstruction is typically performed at a later date after the initial breast reconstruction, which can be either implant - based or autologous. In implant reconstruction, a tissue expander is first placed at the time of mastectomy. After a few months, the tissue expander is removed, and a permanent implant (either silicone or saline) is placed.
For autologous reconstruction, the center offers different options such as DIEP flap (using skin and fat from the lower abdomen) and latissimus dorsi flap (using skin and muscle from the back). Once the breast reconstruction is complete, the surgeons focus on nipple and areola reconstruction. They use techniques to create a natural - looking appearance, taking into account the patient's individual anatomy and preferences.
Patient - Centered Approach
The Mount Sinai team pays close attention to both medical and aesthetic outcomes. They understand the emotional impact of breast reconstruction on patients and work closely with them throughout the process. From pre - operative consultations to post - operative follow - up, the patient's well - being is a top priority. The hospital also provides education and support to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Location and Reputation
Located at 310 East 14th Street, New York, NY 10003, with a contact number of (212) 979 - 4000, the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (NY EEI) is the nation's first specialty hospital. It has a rich heritage and is continuously mentioned in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Hospitals." In 2013, it became part of the Mount Sinai Health System.
Specialty in Breast Reconstruction
The New York Center for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction within NY EEI is a unique center of excellence. It offers women every available option for breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction. The hospital is known for its innovative reconstructive breast surgery using the patient's own tissue, which results in natural outcomes. It performs about 100 cases a year of breast reconstruction using the patient's own tissue without muscle sacrifice, and also performs nipple - sparing mastectomies.
Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
When it comes to nipple and areola reconstruction, the hospital's surgeons use their expertise in breast reconstruction to create realistic and natural - looking results. They take into account the overall aesthetic of the breast and the patient's body. The team is skilled in graft nipple reconstruction, where skin from a donor site (such as the other nipple, earlobe, or labia) is used for the nipple, and skin from areas like the scar of a flap reconstruction procedure, buttock crease, or inner thigh can be used for the areola. They also perform flap nipple reconstruction, which involves creating the nipple from a skin flap taken from the area beside the new nipple site, offering advantages such as better blood supply and less scarring.
NYU Langone Health
Location and Plastic Surgery Services
NYU Langone Health's plastic surgeons are involved in breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery and also offer cosmetic plastic surgery for the breast. The breast plastic surgery services are part of the internationally renowned Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery. There are multiple locations, and patients can schedule appointments at NYU Langone Plastic Surgery Associates—41st Street (call 212 - 263 - 3030) or NYU Langone Plastic Surgery Associates—47th Street (call 212 - 355 - 5779).
Advanced Reconstruction Techniques
The hospital offers all of the latest reconstruction techniques, which are relevant to nipple and areola reconstruction. For example, they perform breast reconstruction using perforator flaps, such as the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and superior gluteal artery perforator (S - GAP). These techniques involve using tissue from the stomach or buttocks to create a new breast.
NYU Langone also offers the "Breast in a Day" innovative surgery. This procedure involves performing a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants in one day for women at high risk for breast cancer or those with breast cancer that does not involve the nipple areola. After the initial breast reconstruction, the surgeons at NYU Langone are well - equipped to perform nipple and areola reconstruction to achieve a natural - looking and balanced breast appearance.
Multidisciplinary Care
The hospital's breast surgical oncologists at the Perlmutter Cancer Center and plastic surgeons work together throughout the planning process. They create a customized surgical plan for each patient using three - dimensional imaging to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive and personalized care for nipple and areola reconstruction.
Comparison of the Five Hospitals
| Hospital Name | Expertise in Reconstruction | Location | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weill Cornell Medicine | Long - standing experience in nipple - sparing mastectomies and various breast reconstruction techniques, including reinnervation procedures. | Upper East Side (525 East 68th Street and 425 East 61st Street) | Multidisciplinary team including oncologists, geneticists, and nurses; strong focus on patient comfort. |
| New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital | Home to well - rated doctors for nipple reconstruction; comprehensive breast reconstruction support. | 170 William Street | Affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College; provides inpatient and outpatient services. |
| Mount Sinai - New York (Dubin Breast Center) | Offers staged breast reconstruction and a variety of implant and autologous reconstruction options. | [Specific location details may need to be further specified] | Collaboration between plastic surgeons, breast surgeons, and oncologists; attention to medical and aesthetic outcomes. |
| New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai | Specialty in innovative breast reconstruction using the patient's own tissue without muscle sacrifice; skilled in nipple and areola reconstruction techniques. | 310 East 14th Street | Nation's first specialty hospital; part of Mount Sinai Health System; high - volume of certain types of breast reconstruction cases. |
| NYU Langone Health | Offers latest reconstruction techniques like perforator flaps and the "Breast in a Day" procedure. | Multiple locations including NYU Langone Plastic Surgery Associates—41st Street and 47th Street | Internationally renowned plastic surgery department; use of three - dimensional imaging for planning and evaluation; multidisciplinary approach. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, these five well - known hospitals in New York City - Weill Cornell Medicine, New York - Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, Mount Sinai - New York (Dubin Breast Center), New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, and NYU Langone Health - offer exceptional services for nipple and areola reconstruction. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it's the long - standing experience, the presence of well - rated doctors, the innovative techniques, or the multidisciplinary approach.
If you or someone you know is considering nipple and areola reconstruction, it is highly recommended to explore these hospitals further. You can research more about their services, schedule consultations with the relevant surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards achieving the best possible outcome for your breast reconstruction journey.
