What is Areola Simulation?

13/03/06

Q. I’ve recently undergone reconstructive breast surgery and my doctor suggested

Areola Simulation. What exactly is that? Will my insurance pay for it?

A. Areola simulation is the process of “simulating” or creating an areola/nipple through repigmentation. This may be necessary following breast surgery such as; lumpectomy, unilateral or bilateral mastectomy, breast augmentation or areola

enlargement. Areola color can now be restored. Sometimes following a mastectomy, a woman and her physician may opt not to graft a nipple. Unfortunately this often results in a less than satisfactory appearance for many women. However, a truly artistic and skilled technician can create the appearance of a 3-dimensional nipple, even where none exists. The difference can be a dramatic and reaffirming boost for a woman’s self esteem.
Then again, clients may also come to us for purely cosmetic reasons not related to post surgical; to add color, width and definition for example. Here too the resulting personal fulfillment can be extraordinary.

Many insurance providers will cover the expense of repigmentation as part of your post surgical reconstruction process. The Woman’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) SIGNED INTO LAW ON October 21st, 1998 mandates insurance coverage for surgery and reconstruction following a mastectomy. Contact your insurance provider for more information.