Nipple Reconstruction
The Final Stretch
Following a mastectomy and breast reconstruction with implants or your own tissue, the majority of reconstruction patients also undergo a cosmetic surgery called nipple reconstruction. The procedure rebuilds the darker-colored areola and nipple. If you recently underwent a mastectomy, Dr. Tandon can perform the reconstructive surgery for patients at his office in Metairie, serving New Orleans, LA.
While this final step is entirely optional for reconstruction patients, it can help to complete your transformation and breast reconstruction. Following the surgery, patients can enjoy the emotional and cosmetic benefits of a restored nipple.
What Are the Benefits of Nipple Reconstruction?
Renewed self-esteem
Imagine feeling totally confident and comfortable in your own skin. Nipple reconstruction allows women to reclaim their identity and feel feminine inside and out.Realistic effects
By using advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Tandon can achieve incredibly natural-looking results that match the shape, size, and color of a real nipple.Sense of closure
Nipple reconstruction is often the last step of your breast reconstruction journey. Patients can enjoy a sense of finality and say goodbye to this stage of their life.You’re in Good Hands at Tandon Plastic Surgery
Dr. Tandon is a passionate plastic surgeon who cares about women’s rights and their access to care. He was personally involved in the passing of a state law requiring breast cancer patients to be fully informed of their reconstruction options. Along with his extensive training and background in breast reconstruction surgery, Dr. Tandon truly cares about his patients. Request a consultation or call our Metairie office, serving New Orleans, at:
(504) 455-1000
"I Would Recommend Him to Everyone" 5-Star Reviews
Kate Leggio
2020
I met with Dr. Tandon 4 days post a chemo treatment to discuss breast reconstruction options. I was not looking my best (bald, glass, bags under my eyes, and sweatpants) so I walked in feeling self conscious. Dr. Tandon was amazing. He took his time explaining everything and what he thought was best options for me. He made me feel confident and beautiful on a day I felt the worst. I cannot wait to see my results in a few months!
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Adrienne Thomas
2019
Dr. Tandon's skill rebuilt my body after my cancer surgery, but his caring and compassionate (and humorous) attitude kept my outlook on life on track. I have never been a negative person, but cancer can make you question so much. Dr. Tandon never let me doubt that i could make it through. I would recommend him to everyone who is facing my situation, or who wants a physician who really cares about the total you. Thank you, Dr. Tandon, for everything!
View On GoogleDo I Qualify for Nipple Reconstruction?
Unless you have undergone a nipple-sparing mastectomy that deliberately leaves the breast skin and nipple intact, your reconstructed breast will be missing the nipple. The nipple can either be reconstructed from the surrounding skin or tattooed onto the breast tissue. Our team at Tandon Plastic Surgery can review your options and recommend the best one for your needs. General candidacy requirements include:
Fully healed
Whether you’ve had breast reconstruction with implants, a DIEP flap, or a Stacked DIEP flap℠, you must be fully healed. This period typically takes three to four months.
Good overall health
Similar to breast reconstruction surgery, candidates should be in good overall health and free of any medications or conditions that could complicate surgery and recovery.
Realistic expectations
A reconstructed nipple will not look or feel exactly like a real one. Here at Tandon Plastic surgery, we offer various techniques to ensure your cosmetic needs are fulfilled.
Let's Take a Closer Look...
Reconstructive Techniques Weighing Your Options
You can choose to have your nipple reconstructed or tattooed after you’ve fully healed from implant or natural breast reconstruction. There are several reconstruction techniques available to Dr. Tandon at his New Orleans-area office. Depending on your individual case, he may perform or recommend:
Skin flap
This surgery uses small flaps of skin from your reconstructed breast to rebuild your nipple. Your plastic surgeon will fold and sew the flaps together to create a nipple mound. There are different flap types available, and Dr. Tandon will work closely with you to make the best recommendation. Nipples created by the flap method can flatten over time, but patients can choose to have a second procedure if desired. Transplanted fat and synthetic filler may be used to make the nipple appear more erect.
Skin graft
When there isn’t sufficient tissue to form a nipple, a skin graft may be needed. Donor skin may come from the thigh, abdomen, buttocks, or groin area. Incisions used for your breast cancer surgery may also be used. The skin graft is transported to the nipple site and carefully crafted to create an aesthetic result. Similar to the flap method, this technique can also cause gradual flattening over time.
Autologous graft/nipple sharing
Some patients have enough tissue on their unaffected breast to graft onto the affected breast. Your plastic surgeon will remove tissue from the unaffected breast and transport it to the reconstructed breast, creating a new nipple that matches the natural one.
Medical tattooing and 3-D areola tattoos
Recent advancements in tattooing techniques have made areola tattoos a popular option for many patients following breast reconstruction. This option is ideal for those who would like to avoid additional surgery and more extensive healing.
The procedure can also be performed in conjunction with surgical techniques. It is important to understand that tattooing can deliver great cosmetic results, but the treatment does not elevate the skin's surface.
Dr. Tandon works closely with an artist who specializes in medical tattoos. They can create depth and color variation that mimics the appearance of the nipple. This procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to one hour to complete.
What to Expect During Your Recovery
It is normal for your reconstructed nipple to appear larger than your natural one in the days following surgery. Once the stitches are removed, typically after two weeks, the nipple will begin to flatten.
The reconstructed nipple may be tender for a week or so. Dr. Tandon will recommend any medications that can address any discomfort you experience.
Is Nipple Reconstruction Paid for Out-of-Pocket?
By law, mastectomy and breast reconstructive surgery is required to be covered by your health insurance. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights of 1998 (WHRCA) ensures breast cancer patients have protection and access to breast reconstructive procedures. We’re happy and available to assist you throughout the filing process if you have any questions.
"Dr. Tandon and His Staff Really Care About You"
Judith Corcoran
2020
Great doctor! Dr. Tandon and his staff really care about you and give you all the facts for you to make the best decision for you!
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Theresa Nava
2019
I had a double mastectomy in January 2018, because of breast cancer. I was Sent to Doctor Tandon by Doctor Alfered Colfry my breast oncologist sugeron. Doctor Tandon listened carefully to my concerns reassuring me all the way through this difficult time, he is very knowledgeable, skillful plastic sugeron. Doctor Tandon an his staff are kind an caring for there patients. i am very happy with my results I highly recommend him as a sugeron.
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