Nipple reconstruction
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I had my nipple recon on 10/5, and got a glimpse today before getting them bandaged up again. It's amazing how there are so many different methods. I mentioned earlier that part of my non bc areola was used to make the new one, so both of my nipples have been affected. My real nipple is in shock, like a turtle in its shell! It's flat, and even the brief exposure to the air didn't stimulate it to pop out. My reconstructed side is very scary, lots of black stitches. I honestly couldn't see the new nipple through all the stitches. I go back in a couple of days for stitch removal. However, before bandaging me back up, my PS had me stand in front of a mirror, and seeing two breasts looking the same was very satisfying. So glad I chose the nipple recon. It truly does make a difference whether recon, 3d tattoo or stick-on, to see something there.
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Thanks everyone for describing your nipple reconstructions. I am summoning up my nerve to go see my PS. Reading these boards helps before going to the factual websites to read about the types of options.
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I saw my PS yesterday and scheduled my nipple surgery for the 30th of Nov!!!! He's going to do a nipple implant instead of just tying some skin together or doing fat grafting. He said that it won't flatten then. Apparently I have some research to do but trust him completely! Has anyone else had the nipple implant?
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Txmomof2, not sure what you mean by nipple implant. My PS put what she called a plug under her constructed, from lumpectomy scar tissue, nipple. She said that would keep it from going flat. It's been over 2 months, and so far so good.
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txmom...I would LOVE that without the twisting and tucking! keep us posted. My PS said he could potentially come in after my tattoos and give them a bit of dimension.
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Here's a question for all of you. I had my nipple done in August. It was done using the skin, I guess where it's cut and reshaped. It had good projection in the beginning but has since flattened out a lot. I just emailed my PS asking if this was normal and if he should take a look before my final nipple tattoo is done at end of November. He answered back stating that it was normal and if it bugged me to make an appt with his office for a procedure called a Xenograft plug.
Anyone heard of that or had it done?
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No idea...
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Jwilco, you can google xenograft and get some definitions of that, but it's hard to know which sites are accurate. I would ask your doctor to explain it to you.
Best wishes!0 -
Hi all,
I am having exchange surgery the first week of November and I have for now declined nipple reconstruction. I am planning on 3D tattoos with Vinnie. Does anyone have any experience with tattoos. My PS is not happy about it.
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I had nipple reconstruction in May (one is great, the other went flat). My PS has the 3-D Tatttoo artist come to his office (she has her own location as well but insurance pays more often if she comes to the surgeon's office). When I brought up perhaps doing a "re-try" on my flat nipple, it was the PS that recommended I wait until after the tattoos to consider that step. He thinks I'll be happy and so far he's been right.
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Nipple reconstruction done and first round of tattoos. My nipples did flatten a lot but they do show through if I wear a thin shirt with no bra. A bra usually covers up the bump. They look real and I am amazed. I'm kind of proud too. If they show and someone notices Im ready for show and tell, haha. After all we have been through this is like our trophies! The tattoo was not bad. I also got a 3D tattoo so it will look even more real. I did this part earlier this week. I have to do it again in about 2 months. They say color will fade atleast 50% so it is a 2 step process. No pain. I'm glad I did it. If you want big nipples it can be done. PS asked me what size I wanted.
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Here's a link to Scottsdale Living Magazine and an article about the work Rachell Hall does:
http://scottsdalelivingmagazine.com/beauty/rejuvenate/permanent-makeup-gives-hope
My PS refers all patients that plan to do tattoos to her.
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Froggy: I had Vinnie create my 3D nipples almost a month ago and could not be more thrilled! They look even better in person than the pictures on his website! They truly look like there is a nice round nipple projecting out from a normal areola.
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Mspradley...did you to tattoo only? I'm going in less than one month! Can't wait!
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Yes, I did tattoo only. When I had my bilateral DIEP reconstruction, I opted to not have any nipple or areola created. So, Vinnie had a blank canvas.
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That's encouraging!
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Mspradley,
That is so encouraging!!!! I have exchanged some email with Vinnie and looked at his work and thought it was remarkable! I made an appt for Feb, thinking that would give me enough time after my exchange.
Cmartin, Good Luck! You will have to let me know how it goes. ARe you going to NOLA?
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You can google Cook Nipple Reconstruction Cylinder (http://www.surgicalproductsmag.com/scripts/ShowPR~PUBCODE~0S0~ACCT~0006615~ISSUE~1010~RELTYPE~WCH~PRODCODE~2847~PRODLETT~A.asp) and that explains the nipple implant that I'm getting.
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That looks so neat. Txmomof2- where are you having it done?
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froggy, yes, NOLA it is! Nov 15. I have posted on the picture formum and will be adding those after my procdure.
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Just letting you know I'm eagerly reading about your experiences. My PS won't do any follow-up surgery until 6 months after reconstruction. I already have an appt scheduled with him in March next year to set-up the nipple recon!
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Cindy- I thought you were doing NOLA in January? I will be there the 14th! So excited.
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cmartin, I can't wait to hear about your experience! I decided I didn't want to go through another surgery to have nipple reconstruction and my Husband found out about Vinnie!
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Grt42bt.....I remember you're the day before me! Counting the weeks!
Froggy...we'll keep you posted. Details to come!0 -
ok counting down 7 more days until my nipple surgery. Getting butterflies . . .
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Carrol you'll be thrilled!
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4 days until my nipple surgery woohoo can't wait
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txmomof2... THAT is amazing!!! never heard of it. look forwrd to following your progress!
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grt42btexan - I'm having it done in Southlake. My dr is Dr. Heistein. He's wonderful!! (And a perfectionist which is great)!
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I had no idea this was being offered so close to me. I am in Dallas and I have never heard of the nipple replacement. So very cool. Cannot wait to hear how it turns out.
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