Virtua Health is the first in the South Jersey region to offer two new advancements in breast cancer surgery designed to improve patients’ lives both physically and emotionally.
For many facing breast cancer, mastectomy—complete removal of the breast tissue—is the recommended treatment approach. Two new surgical techniques now aim to provide patients with significantly improved cosmetic outcomes, less painful recovery, and better quality of life after surgery.
The procedures are a new type of minimally invasive mastectomy and an innovative technique that has the potential to restore sensation. Virtua is the first to provide the new endoscopic mastectomy procedure in both the Philadelphia region and South Jersey. Additionally, Virtua isthe first in South Jersey to offer the sensation-restoring procedure.
Both procedures are now being performed by Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system, as part of the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program.
Minimally Invasive Mastectomy
A new, minimally invasive breast mastectomy called endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (E-NSM) is the first-ever laparoscopic technique for breast surgery and is at the forefront of adoption in the U.S. and brand new to the region.
Laparoscopic surgery enables smaller incisions, which can support faster recovery and less pain after surgery. E-NSM also preserves the nipple—with scars virtually hidden—in contrast with a traditional mastectomy. Moreover, the procedure may eliminate the need for a second reconstructive surgery. With E-NSM, tissue removal and breast reconstruction with implants are performed in a single operation.
Lori Timmerman, DO, breast surgical oncologist at Virtua Health, is the first in the Philadelphia and South Jersey region to perform this innovative surgical procedure.
“This is an enormous step forward for patients undergoing mastectomy,” said Dr. Timmerman. “Preserving their body image and reducing pain as much as possible are incredibly important.”
Dr. Timmerman recently completed specialized training in this advanced approach at Columbia University hosted by Applied Medical, the manufacturer of the device that enables the procedure, and has successfully performed several cases at Virtua.
She notes that the endoscopic approach supports women’s overall well-being by delivering effective cancer treatment with better cosmetic results and recovery. Incisions are just 2 to 3 cm, compared with 6 to 7 cm for a traditional nipple-sparing mastectomy.
For eligible patients, a nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) removes all breast tissue while preserving the nipple, areola, and skin. Until now, this procedure required an open approach that left larger and more visible scarring. Compared with the open approach, E-NSM has been shown to provide highly improved cosmetic outcomes, less postoperative pain, and higher patient satisfaction and well-being.[i]
“My surgeon said to me, ‘You have breast cancer, but you’re also going to have a life afterward. We need to think beyond your surgery,’” said Jacquelyn Ross, a 46-year-old nurse practitioner from Marlton and Dr. Timmerman’s first E-NSM patient in early 2026. “I was back to work and the gym after eight weeks and am feeling good, doing all the things I did before. I feel very blessed to have gone through this with my team at Virtua and the support of my family.”
The E-NSM technique uses a small, discreet incision along the side of the breast rather than a more prominent incision on the front of the breast. A surgical device known as the GelPOINT® Mini advanced access platform is placed through the incision, allowing a high-definition camera and specialized instruments to be used endoscopically. The endoscope provides surgeons with enhanced visualization of breast tissue, a key factor in improving patient outcomes.
Breast Neurotization: Restoring Sensation to the Breast
Further evolving the capabilities of traditional breast surgery, breast neurotization (known as the Resensation® technique) is an emerging surgical technique that can restore sensation in the breast after nipple-sparing mastectomy.
Breast reconstruction allows women to feel more comfortable and recognizable in their bodies post-mastectomy and plays a crucial role for many in psychological healing. Physical sensation is an important element of breast reconstruction that is now becoming possible, thanks to breast neurotization.
Nearly 80% of women report experiencing pain, numbness, or both after breast cancer surgery.[ii] This is an unfortunate but understood side effect of surgery: when breast tissue is removed during a mastectomy, nerves in the area are severed, which can leave the breasts with a near-total and permanent loss of sensation. For many women, losing sensation can hinder their physical, psychological, and emotional recovery.
Resensation® enables breast and reconstructive surgeons to work together intentionally to restore this important aspect of reconstruction. The procedure involves inserting a small length of donated nerve graft to bridge two nerve ends, one located in the nipple and the other behind the breast, which gives the nerve a chance to regrow.[iii] The procedure can be performed at the time of mastectomy and reconstruction or at a later date. Nerves can take some time to regrow, but many patients have reported meaningful restoration of sensation within 1-2 years.
Prakash Mathew, MD, microvascular plastic surgeon with Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Reconstructive Surgery, is among a limited number of surgeons nationwide and the first in South Jersey to offer the Resensation® technique.
“Donor nerve grafts have expanded what we can offer patients — we can now restore both form and function in the reconstructed breast,” said Dr. Mathew.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, affecting approximately one in eight women, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Our patients deserve the very best treatment options that are not only effective, but also have less of an unnecessary impact on their bodies,” Dr. Timmerman said. “I am excited about the opportunity to help many of my patients feel more like themselves, and get back to their lives and families, that much quicker.”
To learn more, visit Virtua.org/BreastCancer or call 856-247-7515.
About Lori D. Timmerman, DO
Lori Timmerman, DO, is a breast surgical oncologist at Virtua Health with more than 18 years of experience as a surgical attending. She is a compassionate physician who utilizes the latest treatment approaches to meet patient care needs. Dr. Timmerman earned her medical degree and completed her surgical internship and residency at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). During her time at PCOM, she served as chief surgical resident. Dr. Timmerman has been named a “top doc” numerous times by regional magazines. She is the lead physician for breast surgery within the Virtua General Surgery Residency Program and is a volunteer faculty member of the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Department of Surgery.
About Prakash J. Mathew, MD
Prakash J. Mathew, MD, MBA, FACS, FCPP, is a Penn Medicine plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a double board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist with expertise in microsurgical breast reconstruction, advanced oncologic reconstruction, and aesthetic/cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. He cares for patients through the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program and serves as a clinical assistant professor of plastic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine as well as a voluntary associate professor of surgery at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Mathew specializes in advanced breast reconstruction techniques, including DIEP flap and implant-based reconstruction. He is one of only a few surgeons nationwide offering the Resensation® technique, which enables nipple neurotization after nipple-sparing mastectomy. He specializes in nerve reconstruction and complex oncologic reconstruction. Dr. Mathew completed both his medical degree and MBA at the University of California, Irvine. He completed a general surgery residency at the University of Arizona, followed by plastic surgery training at the University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital and fellowship training in reconstructive microsurgery at the University of Pennsylvania.
About Virtua Health
Virtua Health is an academic health system committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 16,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including renowned cardiology and transplant programs, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, 44 ambulatory surgery centers, and more than 400 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through Hospital at Home, physical therapy and rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program.
Marlton, N.J.-based Virtua has 3,000 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is academically affiliated with Rowan University, leading research, innovation, and immersive education at the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University. Virtua is also affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics.
As a not-for-profit health system, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, most notably the “Eat Well” food access initiative, which includes the unparalleled Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store. To learn more, visit Virtua.org. To help Virtua make a difference, visit GiveToVirtua.org.
[i] Carroll A, Robles C, Lai HW, et al. “Oncological, surgical, and cosmetic outcomes of endoscopic versus conventional nipple-sparing mastectomy: meta-analysis.” BJS Open. 2025; doi:10.1093/bjsopen/zraf011.
[ii] Pain, numbness, or both? Distinguishing the longitudinal course and predictors of positive, painful neuropathic features vs numbness after breast cancer surgery – PubMed
[iii] Peled AW, Peled ZM. “Sensory reinnervation after mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction.” Annals of Breast Surgery. 2022; 6(27). doi:10.21037/abs-21-9