NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia Brings Transformative New Approach to Breast Surgery to New York City Area

Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy offers faster healing, a more natural appearance, and improved sensation.

Breast surgeons at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center have begun offering endoscopic and robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy as an option for selected high risk and breast cancer patients. The procedure can improve on the aesthetic results of a traditional mastectomy while potentially reducing the risk of complications like reduced sensation or nipple loss from restricted blood flow.

“When medically safe and anatomically appropriate, leaving the entire skin envelope including the nipple after a mastectomy can really help with the emotional and psychological impact of breast cancer treatment and surgery for risk reduction,” says breast surgeon Dr. Lisa Wiechmann. “Using a minimally invasive approach in well selected patients can provide an improved experience: lower risks, faster healing, and better aesthetic outcomes.”

The Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy procedure uses precision instrumentation and hi-res camera guidance to remove breast tissue while preserving the nipple-areolar complex and healthy breast skin. This approach provides improved aesthetic results by reducing the pressure on the skin and nipple during the surgery and optimizing incision location and size.

Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy gained FDA clearance in late 2025 and is currently only available at a select group of surgical centers in the US. As with other robotic surgical procedures, all steps of the procedure are controlled by an experienced surgeon at all times. The “robot” simply refers to the machine used by the surgeon to make highly exact moves.

“Our breast surgery program has always been at the forefront of innovation for breast cancer treatment,“ says Dr. Roshni Rao, chief of breast surgery. “We’re excited to offer this advanced surgical approach to our patients.”