Nipple Reconstruction Southlake
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Dallas, North Dallas, Southlake and the mid-cities.After mastectomy or injury, rebuilding the nipple and areola can help restore both symmetry and a sense of wholeness. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ameen Habash offers advanced nipple reconstruction techniques with care that prioritizes comfort and compassion. He welcomes patients from throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
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What Is Nipple Reconstruction?
Nipple reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the nipple and areola on the reconstructed breast. It’s often performed after initial breast reconstruction has healed. For many patients, it brings both aesthetic completion and emotional closure.
This procedure may use your own tissue, donor grafts, or dermal fillers to form the nipple. Medical tattooing can be added a few months later to recreate realistic areola color and texture. The result is improved balance and a more natural breast appearance.
Types of Nipple Reconstruction Procedures
Dr. Habash offers several options to create a natural-looking nipple and areola. Each method is chosen based on your anatomy, surgical history, and desired results.
Skin Graft Nipple Reconstruction
This method utilizes tissue from another area of the body, often the lower abdomen or inner thigh, to construct a new nipple. It’s helpful for patients with limited local tissue.
Nipple Splitting Reconstruction
If one natural nipple remains, part of that tissue can be transferred to the reconstructed breast. This helps create a close match in size, color, and projection.
Dermal Filler-Assisted Reconstruction
In cases where projection is lacking, dermal fillers or biologic material can be used to add volume. This technique offers long-lasting results with minimal scarring.
Areola Tattooing
Often performed several months later, this involves medical-grade tattooing to recreate the shape and color of the areola. It’s a precise and artistic step that completes the overall look.
These methods are often combined and can be refined based on healing, scar tissue, and patient preferences.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Dr. Habash evaluates each patient individually to determine timing and technique. In general, ideal candidates:
- Have completed breast reconstruction and healed well
- Are in good physical health and maintain a stable weight
- Don’t smoke or are committed to stopping before surgery
- Are cleared by their oncology or surgical care team (if applicable)
- Have realistic expectations and goals for appearance
If you live in North Dallas or the Mid-Cities and are wondering if now is the right time, Dr. Habash can guide you during a personal consultation.
Preparing for Nipple Reconstruction Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, proper preparation plays a crucial role in your recovery and the outcome of your results. During your consultation, Dr. Habash will create a personalized plan for you. Most patients are advised to:
- Avoid blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and supplements like fish oil or vitamin E
- Stop smoking several weeks before surgery to support healing
- Eat nourishing meals in the weeks leading up to your procedure
- Arrange for a family member or friend to help on the day of surgery
- Shower with antibacterial soap the morning of the procedure and skip lotions, perfumes, or powders afterward
What to Expect During the Procedure
Nipple reconstruction is typically an outpatient surgery performed in-office or at an accredited surgical center. You’ll go home the same day. Depending on your needs, the procedure may involve:
- Local anesthesia to numb the breast area
- IV sedation for relaxation
- General anesthesia if additional tissue reshaping is needed
Once anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Habash creates or transfers tissue to form a raised nipple shape. If a graft is needed, it may come from the abdomen, groin, or inner thigh. If using existing nipple tissue, a small section is carefully moved to the reconstructed breast.
Recovery After Nipple Reconstruction
Healing is often straightforward. You may experience mild swelling or soreness in the first week. Dr. Habash will place a protective dressing over the new nipple to help it maintain shape and prevent irritation.
Here’s what recovery typically looks like:
- Stitches are removed after about 7-10 days
- You can resume light daily activities in one week
- Showering is allowed once the dressing comes off
- Avoid tight bras or friction until fully healed
- Full recovery is expected in four to six weeks
Patients are also provided with scar management tips and instructions on how to keep the area clean. If you’re visiting from Grapevine or nearby areas, follow-up care is made easy with flexible appointment options.
Your Results
Once healed, your results should look natural and balanced. Dr. Habash typically constructs the nipple slightly larger than the goal size, since mild flattening is expected over time.
Once healed, areola tattooing provides the finishing touch, bringing color, shading, and dimension that closely mimics natural anatomy. Results vary slightly depending on skin type, surgical technique, and overall healing, but most patients see lasting improvement in both appearance and confidence.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
Nipple reconstruction after mastectomy is often covered by insurance, thanks to protections under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). This law requires coverage of breast reconstruction, including the nipple and areola, following cancer-related surgery.
Your total cost will depend on:
- Technique used (graft, filler, tattooing, etc.)
- Anesthesia and facility fees
- Need for additional revision or symmetry procedures
Many patients use CareCredit to help cover deductibles or cosmetic additions not included in their insurance plan. Explore our financing options to learn more.
Why Choose Dr. Ameen Habash?
Dr. Ameen Habash is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a strong background in reconstructive breast surgery. He trained in a nationally accredited plastic surgery program at the University of Kentucky and previously practiced in Southern California before establishing his practice in Southlake. He is affiliated with Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine and works closely with oncology teams to support patients through every stage of breast restoration.
Known for his warm and collaborative approach, Dr. Habash has earned the trust of breast cancer survivors and referring physicians across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Patients appreciate his clear communication, surgical precision, and the natural-looking results he consistently delivers. Whether you are completing your breast reconstruction or considering a revision, Dr. Habash will guide you with thoughtful care and experience you can trust.
Nipple Reconstruction FAQs
Begin Your Breast Restoration in Southlake
If you’re ready to complete your journey with nipple reconstruction, Dr. Ameen Habash is here to help. He welcomes patients from Southlake, Dallas, North Dallas, and the surrounding Mid-Cities communities.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward feeling whole again.
