Nipple Reconstruction New York City

What to expect on the day of surgery

Before your surgery will begin, Dr. Samson will draw markings on your breast to show where the incisions will be made, and if a skin graft is being performed, the other area of your body that is being removed. You’ll probably be standing up while this happens.

Next, you will be sedated so you have a more comfortable and painless experience. This procedure typically uses a local anesthetic, which means you will be awake. If the skin is being taken from another place on your body to reconstruct the nipple, that area will be numbed with a local anesthetic, too. However, if it is decided that your surgery should be done under general anesthesia, an intravenous infusion (IV) line will be inserted into your hand or arm and you’ll be given relaxing medication through the IV line.

Once you are under anesthesia, there are several types of techniques that Dr. Samson can use for Nipple Reconstruction, and will be discussed during your consultation. Some of these techniques are:

• Build a new nipple with the surrounding skin: The most common approach, this technique requires Dr. Samson to use skin from around your breast where the nipple should be. He makes a few small incisions and forms the tissue into a nipple shape, then secures it with stitches. An areola can be created later with tattooing.
• Create the new nipple with surrounding skin and an areola with a skin graft: Much like the aforementioned technique, Dr. Samson uses skin from the area on the breast where the new nipple will be located to form its shape. Then, to create the areola, skin from another part of your body is used, like the edge of a healed mastectomy or C-section scar or from some loose skin on the lower belly, and that is grafted into place. Only a small amount of skin is needed to recreate the nipple.
• Nipple sharing: If you have a mastectomy on only one breast and the nipple on the other breast is large enough, Dr. Samson can take a portion of the remaining nipple, using it to build a new nipple on the reconstructed breast. This approach makes it easier to match the new nipple with the natural nipple in size, color, and position. The areola may be created later by tattooing.

No matter which technique is used, Dr. Samson will usually try to create a reconstructed nipple that is larger than the final desired size which will compensate for the eventual flattening of the reconstructed over time.

Once he is finished, a protective covering that is shaped similarly to a tiny hat with a wide flat brim (a nipple shield) or other protective dressing is taped over the reconstructed nipple, with antibacterial ointment used to prevent infection.

What’s the First Step?

If you are in New York City and feel that Nipple Reconstruction can help you, your first step is to contact the office of William Samson, MD, and schedule your consultation. When you come in a meet with Dr. Samson, he will ask you about your medical and surgical history so he can get a better understanding of what you’ve been through and make appropriate decisions to avoid unnecessary risks. He will give you an examination and talk about your expectations for the procedure. Once he collects all the information he needs, he will make a surgical plan for you. If you agree with this plan, you will talk with our Patient Coordinator and schedule your procedure date. You will also be given a list of instructions to follow before coming in that will increase the chances of a successful surgery.

Nipple Reconstruction Recovery

You will typically be allowed to return home after Dr. Samson releases you, however, some people choose to stay overnight at the hospital if they are having additional surgery, but you can discuss your options with Dr. Samson during the consultation. Before you leave, you will be given specific instructions to follow during recovery, as well as how to care for the protective dressing and stitches. This protective dressing is encouraged to be left on for about 3 days to a week. Once it’s been removed, you will be able to shower again.

You probably won’t feel much pain or tenderness in the nipple area after surgery due to the lack of sensation in your breasts after a mastectomy. You will likely feel tender and mild pain for a week or two if the skin was grafted from another part of your body. Dr. Samson should prescribe you some temporary medications that will help ease any pain you may have.

Initially during recovery, your new nipple(s) may look larger and more pointed than you anticipated, and they will be red, and swollen, and there will be visible incisions. As your nipple(s) heal, they will start to shrink and look more like you expected.

If you are considering having tattoos applied around your new nipple, you will need to wait between 4 to 6 months after your surgery so they can properly heal. Many patients use tattooing to add color and make them appear more realistic.

How Much Does Nipple Reconstruction Cost in New York City?

The cost of Nipple Reconstruction in NYC is based on many different factors, including the technique that is used. When you come in for your appointment with Dr. Samson, he will have a better understanding of what he will need to do and our Patient Coordinator will be able to provide you with a breakdown of the total price for your procedure.

The good news is that because a majority of nipple reconstruction is necessary due to a mastectomy, it is covered by many insurance plans. It’s always a good idea to speak with your insurance provider before making your consultation so that you have a better understanding of what you will be responsible for.