Which hospital is good for areola reconstruction surgery in New York City
Areola reconstruction surgery is a crucial procedure for many individuals, whether it's to restore the natural appearance of the breast after a mastectomy, correct congenital anomalies, or address aesthetic concerns. In New York City, a bustling hub of medical excellence, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality areola reconstruction services. This article will explore some of the top options available in the city, their services, the surgeons involved, and what makes them stand out.
Top Institutions for Areola Reconstruction in New York City
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery on Park Avenue is a well - known destination for nipple and areola reconstruction & correction. Dr. Brian Bassiri - Tehrani at this clinic provides surgery tailored to each patient’s individual goals.
- Treatable Conditions: They can handle a wide range of issues such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy, burns, or for congenital anomalies. Specific nipple and areola problems like inverted nipples, nipple asymmetry, nipple reduction, and areola reduction are also treatable here.
- Benefits: Patients can expect an individualized consultation and treatment, with the use of 3D Vectra imaging. The procedure takes place in their state - of - the - art operating room at their Park Avenue office.
- Surgery Process: The process begins with a confidential consultation where Dr. Bassiri - Tehrani listens to the patient's concerns and goals. Based on this, a unique treatment plan is created. Most procedures can be performed under local anesthesia and take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The recovery period is 1 to 3 days, and patients are advised to refrain from working out for 1 - 2 weeks after the procedure.
- Cost and Insurance: Nipple reconstruction and nipple correction surgery both cost between $2,000 to $12,000. Nipple reconstruction is covered by insurance only in the context of previous breast cancer.
Oren Z. Lerman, MD
Dr. Oren Lerman is the director of breast reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital's Institute for Comprehensive Breast Care in New York. He offers nipple reconstruction services that can have a profound impact on a patient's self - confidence and emotional well - being.
- Treatment Benefits: The procedure can produce natural aesthetics, with the coloring, size, and projection of the nipple customized to suit the patient's body type and former appearance. It also benefits the emotional well - being of patients after breast cancer treatment and enhances their quality of life by improving self - esteem and body image.
- Understanding the Procedure: Nipple reconstruction is a two - part process. First, a small procedure creates the elevated appearance of the nipple projection from a flap of the patient's own skin. After healing, 3D tattooing is done by specialized tattoo artists to define the areola. The procedure is typically an outpatient one, performed under local anesthesia in most cases.
- Patient Testimonials: Dr. Lerman has received 5 - star reviews, with patients praising his bedside manner, surgical skills, and the ability to really listen to their concerns.
New York Plastic Surgical Group (Long Island Plastic Surgical Group)
The breast reconstruction surgery center, a “center of excellence” within the New York Plastic Surgical Group, offers comprehensive nipple and areola reconstruction services.
- Reconstruction Approaches: They offer two main approaches for nipple reconstruction. Graft nipple reconstruction involves taking skin from a donor site (such as the nipple of the other breast, earlobe, or labia) and attaching it to the newly constructed breast. Flap nipple reconstruction creates the nipple from a skin flap taken from the area beside the new nipple location, which has the advantage of maintaining the original blood supply and reducing scarring.
- Nipple Tattooing: Nipple tattooing, the final step in the nipple reconstruction process, is offered on an outpatient basis. The team mixes pigments to match the color of the remaining nipple or the patient's preoperative photos.
- Expertise: The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at this group are experts in every aspect of breast reconstruction, having performed more than 10,000 procedures and being specialty - trained in a range of breast reconstruction treatments.
Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC
This center offers areola reshaping plastic surgery. Their board - certified plastic surgeons are experts in breast surgery and aim to create natural - looking results that meet each patient's desires.
- Areola Reshaping Options: Areola reshaping can be done in variations such as reduction or correction. Areola reduction involves creating a periareolar incision on the bottom half of the areolae, removing excess nipple tissue, and applying dissolving stitches. Areola repositioning moves and reshapes the areola to a different position, commonly for individuals with irregularly shaped nipples due to genetics.
- Customization: Each areola reshaping procedure is customized to the patient's post - procedural goals. The plastic surgeon explains the procedural options during the initial consultation and breaks down each step of the chosen procedure.
- Surgery and Recovery: The procedure takes place at the center's private surgical suite in Manhattan, using local anesthesia. Incisions are carefully placed along the edge of the areolae to minimize scarring.
NYU Langone Health
Plastic surgeons at NYU Langone offer a wide range of breast plastic surgery services, including those related to areola and nipple reconstruction.
- Advanced Techniques: They offer all the latest reconstruction techniques, such as breast reduction using the short scar method, breast lift surgery, and breast reconstruction using perforator flaps. The "Breast in a Day" innovative surgery, which combines a nipple - sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction using implants, is also available for eligible patients.
- Team Expertise: Their team of plastic surgeons, including Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and Dr. Nolan S. Karp, specializes in the latest techniques for breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery. The surgeons work closely with breast surgical oncologists at the Perlmutter Cancer Center to create a customized surgical plan for each patient.
- Technology - Assisted Care: Three - dimensional imaging is used to assist in preoperative planning, long - term evaluation, and follow - up care after breast reduction, reconstruction, or augmentation.
Rowe Plastic Surgery
Rowe Plastic Surgery offers nipple reconstruction and correction services in multiple locations, including Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, and the Hamptons.
- Who Needs the Surgery: Both women and men may opt for nipple reconstruction or correction for various reasons, such as inverted nipples, after breast reconstruction surgery, after gynecomastia surgery, areola reduction, extra nipple removal, nipple enlargement, and enhancing self - image.
- Techniques: Common nipple surgery techniques include nipple reconstruction with surrounding skin, skin grafting for nipple reconstruction, medical tattooing, nipple sharing, and mastopexy revision. The surgeon develops a custom treatment plan based on the patient's needs and budget.
- Procedure and Recovery: Nipple surgery is usually an outpatient surgery. The recovery period involves some pain, numbness, and soreness around the incisions for a week or two. Patients are given specific care instructions, such as keeping the dressing clean and avoiding tight bras and heavy lifting.
- Cost and Insurance: The cost of nipple reconstruction varies depending on factors like the type of surgery technique, combining multiple breast procedures, the expertise of the surgeon, and the surgeon's location. Insurance may cover the procedure according to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA).
William Samson, MD
Dr. William Samson offers nipple reconstruction services in New York City, aiming to provide some of the best results while setting realistic expectations for patients.
- Benefits of Reconstruction: The benefits of getting nipple reconstruction with Dr. Samson include enhancing the results of breast reconstruction, creating natural - looking nipples, helping women feel happier with their breast reconstruction outcome, offering more “realistic - looking” results, and putting the finishing touch on other breast surgeries.
- Surgery Day Process: Before surgery, markings are drawn on the breast. The patient is then sedated, usually with a local anesthetic. Dr. Samson can use different techniques for nipple reconstruction, such as building a new nipple with the surrounding skin, creating the new nipple with surrounding skin and an areola with a skin graft, or nipple sharing.
- Recovery: Patients are typically allowed to return home after the surgery. The protective dressing should be left on for about 3 days to a week. If tattoos are desired, they should be done 4 to 6 months after the surgery.
- Cost and Insurance: The cost of nipple reconstruction depends on the technique used. Many insurance plans cover the procedure due to its necessity after a mastectomy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital or Clinic
Surgeon Expertise
The expertise of the surgeon is of utmost importance. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in areola reconstruction surgery. Surgeons with specialization in breast reconstruction, like those at NYU Langone and Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, are more likely to have in - depth knowledge and skills related to this complex procedure.
Patient Reviews
Reading patient reviews can give you an insight into the quality of care provided by a hospital or clinic. Positive reviews regarding the surgeon's bedside manner, surgical skills, and post - operative care are good indicators. For example, Dr. Oren Lerman has received numerous 5 - star reviews from satisfied patients.
Available Techniques
Different hospitals may offer different techniques for areola reconstruction. Some, like the New York Plastic Surgical Group, offer both graft and flap nipple reconstruction techniques. Choose a facility that offers the technique that best suits your needs and preferences.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Cost is an important factor. Make sure to understand the total cost of the procedure, including any additional fees. Also, check with your insurance provider to see if the areola reconstruction surgery is covered. In many cases, insurance may cover the procedure if it is related to breast cancer treatment.
Location and Facility
Consider the location of the hospital or clinic, as you will need to visit for consultations, the surgery, and follow - up appointments. A convenient location can make the process less stressful. Additionally, look for a facility that is well - equipped and has a good reputation for patient safety.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several excellent options for areola reconstruction surgery. Each hospital and clinic, such as Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, Oren Z. Lerman, MD, New York Plastic Surgical Group, Breast Reconstruction Center of NYC, NYU Langone Health, Rowe Plastic Surgery, and William Samson, MD, has its own unique strengths, whether it's the surgeon's expertise, the available techniques, or the patient - centric approach. By carefully considering the factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision about which hospital or clinic is the best fit for your areola reconstruction needs.
If you are considering areola reconstruction surgery, we encourage you to schedule consultations with multiple providers to learn more about their services, ask questions, and get a feel for the overall environment. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable with your choice. Share this article with others who may be interested in areola reconstruction in New York City and explore related topics to further educate yourself about this important procedure.
