PROCEDURES / BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Areola Reconstruction
on Long Island

Areola reconstruction is commonly referred to as 3D tattooing, while surgical nipple reconstruction involves the creation of a raised nipple using skin grafting, followed by cosmetic tattooing. This crucial aspect of breast reconstruction surgery often goes unnoticed. For many women, the journey of breast reconstruction is lengthy and challenging. Areola reconstruction serves as the final step, allowing them to regain a natural look and bring closure to this chapter of their lives. At Harris Plastic Surgery, we place great emphasis on working closely with our patients to ensure the precision and personalized care of this last phase of breast reconstruction. Our aim is to assist our patients in restoring not only their physical appearance but also their self-confidence and emotional well-being.

Approaches to Areola Reconstruction 

When it comes to areola reconstruction, there are two broad approaches. There is a noninvasive medical tattooing option and a more realistic surgical nipple reconstruction, plus cosmetic tattooing 

Surgical Nipple Reconstruction

3-D Cosmetic Tattooing 

Surgical reconstruction through skin grafting entails the use of a piece of skin from the patient’s body to create a new nipple, while tattooing fills in the areola pigment.This can be done as a standalone procedure or as part of a more extensive breast reconstruction surgery.Medical tattooing is a non-surgical option. This technique uses specialized pigments to simulate the appearance of a natural areola. Artists use many different methods to duplicate the visual texture and natural color variations. 
ProsConsProsCons
  • Natural look and feel
  • Customization
  • Surgical complexity
  • Scarring
  • Risk of complications
  • Noninvasive procedure
  • Quick 
  • Less risk of surgical complications
  • Temporary results
  • Limited texture
  • Not suitable for all cases

Exceptional Care and Precision: Harris Plastic Surgery’s Total Patient Approach

When it comes to areola reconstruction, the devil is in the details. There’s limited space to work with, and even the slightest mistake can throw the whole aesthetic off balance. You need a plastic surgeon with an artist’s eye. Dr. Stephen Harris provides that through a collaborative, detailed approach to patient care. 

Initial Consultation

You will meet with Dr. Harris for your initial consultation, during which he will provide details about areola or breast reconstruction if you’re pursuing the entire surgery. Different techniques and options will be explained in detail, including medical tattooing and surgical nipple reconstruction. Patients are also introduced to various aspects such as color matching, size considerations, and the timeline for this essential step in breast reconstruction.  

Customized Assessment

The areola reconstruction process at Harris Plastic Surgery involves a personalized assessment for each patient. Dr. Harris will review your information, your measurements, and your individual preferences. This step-by-step approach ensures that the reconstructed areola aligns perfectly with each patient’s unique expectations. 

Surgery

Dr. Harris will follow a detailed surgical plan to recreate your areolas, adhering to stringent protocols to prevent potential bacterial contamination of the reconstructed area. This approach is designed to reduce the risk of complications like irregular scar tissue formation, ensuring a natural and long-lasting result.

Recovery

Areola reconstruction surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. To promote a faster postoperative recovery and reduce the need for strong pain medications, a long-acting local anesthetic is administered. 

If you’re considering areola reconstruction or total breast reconstruction surgery, Harris Plastic Surgery can help. Dr. Harris takes a detailed, thorough approach to ensure you achieve the natural results you desire. With his total approach to patient care, you can trust that you’re in capable hands throughout your journey.

Want to learn more about areola reconstruction? Reach out to Harris Plastic Surgery for a consultation.

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