After 11 1/2 months from the start of my reconstruction, I will be getting my tattoo tomorrow. Kinda nervous about it hurting some, even though I am mostly numb. Any tips from those that have "been there, done that" ?? What about after care ?
Cheryl
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lookingforw… Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 75 |
Dec 4, 2008 03:07 pm
lookingforward4more wrote:
Good luck tomorrow! I am getting my nipples done in February so am anxious to hear how it goes for you! stage 2b, ER/PR+, HER-2 -,3.5 cm, 2/24 nodes,
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lvtwoqlt Joined: May 2007 Posts: 4140 |
Dec 4, 2008 03:10 pm
lvtwoqlt wrote:
Cheryl, I have had tattoos done by the PS office and a cosmetic tattoo artist to correct what I didn't like from the ps office. If they offer a topical numbing creme/spray let them use it. I also am pretty numb but the numbing spray the tattoo artist uses worked great. The information on breastreconstruction.org is good on taking care of the tattoo. I followed the after care directions given by the ps (changing the bandages once a day and keeping them covered) and the results were not that great. I used the instructions given my the tattoo artist and they turned out much better. Here is the link to the breastrecon tattoo care page http://www.breastreconstruction.org/PreAndPostOpCare/Tattoo.html That is pretty much what the tattoo artist had me do. One little tip, cover the bandage with a piece of plastic wrap to keep the ointment from staining your clothes and wear old bras to hold the bandages in place when you have to get dressed. Sheila We are like tea bags, we don't know how strong we are until we were thrown into hot water. Eleanore Roosevelt
Dx 4/27/2007, DCIS, Stage 0, Grade 1, 0/7 nodes |
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Makeupchick… Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 144 |
Dec 4, 2008 05:21 pm
MakeupchickNC wrote:
Sheila, you're so good, I wish everyone followed the rules like you!! Aquaphor is my aftercare cream of choice. No need for antibiotic cream unless you think it is getting infected. Main rules Keep it clean, gently wash, no rubbing. Keep it moist, thast's what the aqauaphor is for. Covered for the first 36 hours, then covered during the day for a week and it can get some air at night!!! As long as it has scabs or crust, keep it covered with cream so your clothes don't rub it raw. Sheila has great tips about the clothes and bras, you don't want to mess up your good stuff. There shouldn't be too much discharge from the tattoo after 24 hours. Cheryl, check out my website for more information on the procedure. www.ashevillepmc.com as well as the other link. That should give you plenty of information!! Good luck, it's really not a big procedure considering all you have been through, but it will make a huge difference in how you feel. I hope all goes well for you. Earleen Bennett, Asheville Permanent Makeup Clinic
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cheryl66 Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 232 |
Dec 4, 2008 05:25 pm
cheryl66 wrote:
Thanks Sheila and Earlene, My mom just had her eyebrows & eye liner tattooed 3 weeks ago and she kept the brows smeared with something oily. I'll have to ask her what is was. |
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rubytuesday… Joined: May 2006 Posts: 2646 |
Dec 4, 2008 05:40 pm
rubytuesday wrote:
I used Bacitracin for the first couple of days and then switched to Aquaphor. A nursing pad worked great in my bra to keep the goo in place. If your PS offers a lidocaine shot and you have any feeling, take the shot. I had the cream and have virtually total feeling and the cream wasn't enough. You will love having an areola again. Best wishes! |
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determinedm… Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 267 |
Dec 4, 2008 06:04 pm
determinedmom wrote:
Cheryl - I had mine done earlier this ear, even had flowers tattooed instead. I had no problem what so ever. There was only one small spot where I felt a slight 'stick' from the needle. I too used Aquaphor after. Best wishes, Jeanne Dx 5/26/2007, DCIS, , Stage 0, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR- |
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hopefor30 Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1113 |
Dec 4, 2008 09:59 pm
hopefor30 wrote:
I am getting my tattoo next week and I am a little nervous as well -- I had a lot of complications during stage I DIEP, so I get nervous everytime I go back for more. Glad to hear all the advice -- how long does it actually take to heal? I am not looking forward to a dressing, but I'll deal with it. Let me know how you make out -- M. |
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Makeupchick… Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 144 |
Dec 4, 2008 11:31 pm
MakeupchickNC wrote:
M It usually takes about 4-7 days for the main healing, you will have some residual dryness for up to 2-3 weeks as the outermost layers of your skin flake a little during the healing process. The bandages are light, just a nonstick 3x4 pad and some aquaphor. paper tape works the best to not irritate the skin, but I have known women to heal in as little as 3-4 days. I just had a client email me some photos of 3 days out, so when I get her healed photos I will post a page on my website that shows the whole process, maybe that will help! Good luck. Earleen Bennett, Asheville Permanent Makeup Clinic
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suemed8749 Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 706 |
Dec 4, 2008 11:42 pm
suemed8749 wrote:
Hi Cheryl and M: I had mine the day before Thanksgiving. I also had mine done in the PS's office by the skin aesthetician. She used some numbing cream and that was fine - no pain. As the others have said, I kept it covered for about 5 days. She gave me Retain, an ointment just for tattoos. It's peeling a little right now, but she did a good job matching the color. Good luck! Sue Dx 1/15/2008, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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cheryl66 Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 232 |
Dec 7, 2008 12:39 am
cheryl66 wrote:
The tattoo only hurt in a couple of areas (no numbing medication used). I have some weird yellow adhesive covering the aerola/nipple. Cannot get it wet for 3 days and let the yellow adhesive fall off on its own. Then if there is dry scabbing, apply neosporin. Still just a slight amount of bleeding. It looks amazing !! |
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Makeupchick… Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 144 |
Dec 7, 2008 11:13 am
MakeupchickNC wrote:
Good for you! Let us know how you look when it's all healed up. It sounds like a bandage with the antibiotic ointment in the bandage itself. Good luck and I'm glad it was not a hard experience for you! Earleen Bennett, Asheville Permanent Makeup Clinic
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cheryl66 Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 232 |
Dec 7, 2008 11:41 am
cheryl66 wrote:
That could be Earlene, because it does have a medicinal odor to it. I am so glad to be done. Thanks for all your great advice. |
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