A New Nipple-Sparing Procedure Is Transforming Mastectomies. Meet the Surgeon Bringing It to the Jersey Shore

A new robotic procedure is transforming mastectomies with its nipple-sparing technology. We spoke with Kay Yoon-Flannery, DO, MPH, FACS, Chief of Women’s Oncology at AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute, about this groundbreaking surgery.

You are the first healthcare system in the tri-state region to offer a robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy. How does this differ from a traditional mastectomy?
Historically, many women undergoing a mastectomy expected to lose the entire breast, including the nipple. For appropriately selected patients, robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy changes that. Using the da Vinci Single Port robotic system, I can remove the breast tissue through a single, smaller incision on the side of the breast while preserving the nipple and surrounding skin. The robotic platform gives me exceptional visualization and precision during surgery, allowing me to offer women an advanced option that not only treats their cancer, but helps preserve their natural appearance and, in many cases, sensation.

What are the benefits of this surgery? How does it reduce the risk of complications?
The benefits go well beyond the operating room. Because the procedure is performed through a single, smaller incision, many women experience less visible scarring while preserving the nipple and, in many cases, sensation. It may also reduce the risk of certain complications affecting the skin or nipple blood flow and can support a more natural appearance following reconstruction. For my patients, that means they can look in the mirror after surgery and still recognize themselves. While my priority is always treating the cancer safely and effectively, it’s incredibly meaningful to be able to do that while also helping women preserve their confidence, their sense of self and their quality of life.

You have spoken about helping women maintain their sense of self and quality of life. Why is that such an important part of cancer care?
A breast cancer diagnosis affects so much more than a person’s physical health. It can impact how a woman sees herself, her confidence and her overall quality of life. As a breast surgeon, my first responsibility is always to treat the cancer safely and effectively, but I also have the privilege of helping women preserve their sense of self whenever possible. Advances like robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy allow me to think beyond the cancer itself and care for the whole person. I want every woman to know that it’s possible to receive outstanding cancer care while also protecting the things that matter most to her.

AtlantiCare is the first healthcare system in the tri-state region to offer this procedure. What did it take to bring this technology here?
This was truly a team effort and speaks to AtlantiCare’s commitment to bringing innovative cancer care to women in our community. When I learned about robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy and the potential benefits it could offer patients, I knew I wanted to bring it to the women of South Jersey. AtlantiCare’s leadership embraced that vision, investing in the technology, training and multidisciplinary collaboration needed to make it a reality. I’m proud to be the only breast surgeon in the region performing this procedure. More importantly, women now have another advanced option for breast cancer surgery, giving them access to leading-edge care closer to where they live.

Who is the ideal candidate for robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, and who may not be a candidate?
Every patient is different, which is why the first step is a comprehensive evaluation with a breast surgeon. In general, women who are candidates for a nipple-sparing mastectomy may also be candidates for a robotic approach. Factors such as the location of the cancer, breast anatomy and a patient’s overall treatment plan all play a role in determining whether this is the right option. My goal is to help every patient understand all of their surgical options and recommend the approach that will provide the safest treatment and the best possible outcome for them.

Do you expect robotic approaches to become more common across breast cancer treatment?
Absolutely. I believe robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy represents an exciting step forward in breast surgery. Like any advancement in medicine, it’s about expanding the ways I’m able to personalize care for my patients. Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy won’t be the right choice for every woman, but for appropriately selected patients, it offers another way to achieve excellent cancer outcomes while also preserving quality of life. That’s the kind of progress every woman facing breast cancer deserves.

What message would you like to share with women who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and may be feeling overwhelmed?
First, take a deep breath. Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal, but you don’t have to face this alone. I tell every patient that we’re partners in this journey. We’ll make decisions together, one step at a time, and I’ll be with you every step of the way. Breast cancer treatment has advanced tremendously, and today we have more options than ever before to provide outstanding cancer care while preserving quality of life. I’m here not only to treat your cancer, but to help you move forward with confidence, hope and the knowledge that you have an entire team beside you.

For more information on this groundbreaking procedure, visit AtlantiCare.

This is a paid partnership between AtlantiCare and Philadelphia Magazine