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Nipple reconstruction

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Comments

  • tenaj
    tenaj Member Posts: 365
    edited April 2013

    Have a safe trip suzyblue! Bonding is great, even under those circumstances.

  • Ossa
    Ossa Member Posts: 685
    edited April 2013

    Went to see my PS yesterday. He wants me to take a year to give my body a rest and if i m not happy to come back and he wi do a revision. He said my nipple tattoo was the nicest he had ever seen (don't get that compliment every day hehe) He said it would not have looked that good had I gone with the nurse. Glad I chose a tattoo artist..

  • mybee333
    mybee333 Member Posts: 672
    edited April 2013

    And Vinnie did your tattoo?

  • Ossa
    Ossa Member Posts: 685
    edited April 2013

    No a local tattoo artist ( I am in British Columbia Canada) did my tattoo.. Deborah at Unicus studio

  • Lynn27
    Lynn27 Member Posts: 50
    edited April 2013

    Question about nipple reconstruction by John Kim at Northwestern Memorial (Chicago):  would you please PM me with your results if Kim has done your reconstruction?  How much are the "headlights always on" for you?  I love not having to wear a bra any more and simply can't be showing nipples at work and so I'm not wild about having to wear a padded bra all the time.  Thanks!

  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 11
    edited April 2013

    Ossa, I love the tattoo on your shoulder. I never imagined I would get one and now I'll end up with 2 on my boobs. Life is funny.



    Lago, 34b to d...wow! I'm glad you're happy with everything and thanks for the info. I'm still deciding but will probably leave things alone and just get the nipples. DH and everyone at the ps office thinks they look great so I guess that works for me.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2013

    Actually I they are a bit bigger than I wanted but they really project like a 34C. They are just much wider and fuller. My DH likes them. Hey even my mom says the are perfect size for me. It's just strange going from flat to now having guys look at my boobie prizes if the shirt is cut too low. I never ever  had that problem before.

    I don't look like Dolly Parton but when you go from a little bigger than Twiggy. I guess I now have middle aged boobs.

  • calm
    calm Member Posts: 11
    edited April 2013

    Ossa, I was interested that you went to a tatoo artist instead of nurse. I am scheudled to have areola tattoo done at my PS office--he has a nurse who does it--but when I went in for my cancer check-up at the cancer centre, the nurse practitioner there strongly suggested I consider a tattoo artist--she had the name of one--who she said would do a far superior job--but she also said she would charge around $2,000--whereas the job in the PS office would be fully covered by health care. Your thoughts?

  • Golden01
    Golden01 Member Posts: 527
    edited April 2013

    My tattoo artist did the work in my PS's office and my insurance covered all except for the $30 co-pay. I did the pre- and post-consults in her office. Just the tattooing had to be done in the PS's office for reimbursement from insurance. She handled all the paperwork with his office staff. 

  • fitzdc
    fitzdc Member Posts: 755
    edited April 2013

    I had my tattoo done in the PS office and it looks great.  I know a lot of people choose not to go this route but I have zero regrets.

  • Ossa
    Ossa Member Posts: 685
    edited April 2013

    Calm  I have a friend who had her tattoo done with a nurse.. it was terrible, and it failed. The nurse told her she had to go deep in order for the ink to take????? My friend bled for ten days, when it finally healed and the scabs came of, so did the colour..Appearantly the nurse uses cosmetic ink, tattoo artist uses tattoo ink.. My friend then had hers done by the same tattoo artist as me,, they are great looking. Looking at my 3D you would swear it  is real, matches my "good" one perfectly.. Don't now why you are quoted $2000.00 I paid $180.00 and that included my shoulder tattoo.. She charges $120 an hour, she felt as rewared as I did as she said this was her most meaningfull tattoo she had ever done. Shop around and ask to see some of the artists work

    Another thing to concider... Does the nurse do 3D? The nurse here does not......

    Good luck

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2013

    calm that seems really high. Do you know anyone in the U.S. Maybe have a vacation and get tatts by someone here. I'm really happy with the job my PS did but I'm willing to bet that a tattoo artist does a better job because they are not just tattooing flat color.

  • calm
    calm Member Posts: 11
    edited April 2013

    lago I haven't actually talked to the tattoo artist yet to confirm pricing, that was simply what the NP mentioned--so I will make an appointment to see her and see her work--I guess what I am hearing from people here, is that I shouldbe able to get a good job done for way less. I will also ask the PS to see the work that his nurse has done. Thanks for the advice everyone.

  • Stix
    Stix Member Posts: 610
    edited April 2013

    I would go to Vinnie in Maryland or at NOLA he also works. I had great reconstruction-but, the nurse did the tattoo and it was AWFUL. I had vinnie correct it- the color is still off some; however, it looks 100% better and it now looks like a nipple-areolar complex.I am very pleased with his work.

  • Cristinabelle
    Cristinabelle Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2013

    Hello, I've been on the reconstruction site for some time now and noticed there is a site just for nipple tatoos. Yeay!  So I am scheduled for the TE Exchange tomorrow (gulp). Because I've had radiation on my left side, my ps thinks reconstructing a nipple might not be an option for me... sniffle. I am devistated by that. Although the 3D tatoo is a wonderful option, I really was looking forward to having nipples back that I can see and feel.

      My question is: how many of you have had radiation and a nipple reconstruction? What were the outcomes, complications or regrets? My ps said my skin on the rad side is so thin but I thought he would be adding skin (grafting) from another area and creating the nipple from that, then 'sewing' it in place?? I know that we need to discuss it more but I just wonder your thoughts so I can be more informed when I speak to him again.

    thank you all and thanks for sharing so much with each other.

  • Ossa
    Ossa Member Posts: 685
    edited April 2013

    Cristinabelle.. i had nipple recon, It has pretty much gone flat now, but still glad I had it done.. Mind you if I had to do it gain I woud not do the recon, but go straight to 3D..

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2013

    Cristinabelle I did not have radiation but I would talk to your PS and see if using donor skin will work. It is possible he may not do that procedure. It is also very possible that even if you use donor skin it may not work because of the radiated skin. I don't know much about complications with radiated skin. My suggestion is to get 1 or 2 opinions from PSs that do this procedure AND have worked with radiated skin. As always ask to see pictures < note plural, of his/her work.

  • SuzyBlue
    SuzyBlue Member Posts: 84
    edited April 2013

    Well I'm back from having my nipple/areola areas tattooed by my daughter. I can't believe what a difference it makes to have colour back! Being a perfectionist she tells me she might want to touch up here and there once they heal and settle down. My scars have not healed flat but she has managed to incorporate or exclude them very well.



    It would seem, in my humble opinion, that a really good tattoo artist would have a better understanding of colour mixing and shading than a nurse, albeit a plastic surgery nurse.

  • Cristinabelle
    Cristinabelle Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2013

    thank you for your respoonses on nipple recon after radiation. I will wait until I get all the information then decide. So far, I am leaning toward 3D tatoos.

    Also, my TE replacement surgery was scheduled for today but my surgeon is currently at Mass General working on the victims of the bombing so my surgery is postponed. I was having my surgery in Boston; my husband wanted to surprise me with an overnight stay on the Charles in Boston the night before my surgery so we were right there when the bombs went off. We didn't actually see anything except police and people running everywhere but we didn't know what it was about - we were driving by on the way to the hotel. We didn't know what we saw until the hotel lobby had CNN on TV showing the tragedy. Absolutely heartbreaking to witness...

  • Downey30
    Downey30 Member Posts: 199
    edited April 2013

    Well, wouldn't you just know it.  At first I was just sure I wanted only 3D nipples.  Now that I'm nearing the time I put a lot of thought in to it and decided for certainty that I wanted nipple construction.  Went in for a 2C surgery and my PS decided since I've tended to have a flat area on the left breast since GAP & Diep (this is due to the way my mastectomy was done.  My scars are vertical as opposed to horizontal that you usually see).  She worked very hard on this area for symmetry and projection.  Her advice is to do 3D only. She said with the addition of a nipple and healing that this may cause flatness in breast.  As the little scars heal I guess they pull in on the tissue around them.  So, after much decision making......I didn't make it at all.  I'm sure the 3Ds will be great.  I am going to try and see Vinnie.

  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 152
    edited April 2013

    Christinabelle glad you are safe.

    Downey, that is what I am afraid of also. My gap breast is a little flat already. I have a football shaped skin paddle, so I wonder if that will help or hinder? More questions now for my doc, surgery scheduled may 3 for uni nipple recon. The 3D tats do look amazing.

  • sarasowise
    sarasowise Member Posts: 32
    edited April 2013

    christinabelle, just chiming in.  I had nipple recon on April 5.  I had both sides done without any donor skin.  Left side radiated skin and seems to be healing same as non radiated side.  Hopefully they stay somewhat symmetrical in size.  Time will tell.  They are still large but my PS thinks 6 weeks till swelling gone.  I have an appointment September 16 in New Orleans to see Vinnie.  PS office does it but just one color.  I am sure there are a couple tattoo people here in phoenix. So, as of now planning a little trip.  Also according to NOLA $600 for both without insurance.   My insurance will only save me $200 if I use it there.

  • mybee333
    mybee333 Member Posts: 672
    edited April 2013

    Christinabelle - I am praying for your doctor.  May God guide his gifts, his hands, to do the best that can possibly be done for the victims of this awful tragedy!

  • sciencegal
    sciencegal Member Posts: 546
    edited April 2013

    Hi Cristinabelle-I have seen your posts on the reconstruction side, we are both in the same boat with the radiation and reconstruction worries.

    I am going to see my PS today and will ask him more about the nipple reconstruction on the radiated side. He has never told me it is not an option, but IS worried enough about the radiated skin to want to do my exchange prior to radiation (which my rad onc agreed to yesterday- yay).



    So I will press him more about this and write back tomorrow AM before work. Stay tuned and again, I am so glad you are safe. Best wishes for your PS taking care of those poor bombing victims.

  • sciencegal
    sciencegal Member Posts: 546
    edited April 2013

    Cristinabelle my PS says yes of course we can have nipple reconstruction after radiation- many women do. It is more of a challenge than working with non-irradiated skin though and we will likely need to wait longer since our skin needs months to get into better shape after radiation. (shoot)



    I hear patience is a virtue!

  • sciencegal
    sciencegal Member Posts: 546
    edited April 2013

    Cristinabelle my PS says yes of course we can have nipple reconstruction after radiation- many women do. It is more of a challenge than working with non-irradiated skin though and we will likely need to wait longer since our skin needs months to get into better shape after radiation. (shoot)



    I hear patience is a virtue!

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335
    edited April 2013

    Hi all...Nipple recon. is down the road a bit for me BUT, I was wondering if there are other really GREAT tat. artists who have experience w/ recon. patients other than Vinnie? I live in N. Calif. There have GOT to be others, right? My PS does it also...just not sure if I'd get better results w/ a real tattoo artist...

    AND, I'm going to order those temporary 3D temp. tatoos that were mentioned...look pretty cool...;)

    THANKS!!!!!

    violet_1

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2013

    violet_1 Whippetmom might know. She lives in CA and seems to be up on all things reconstruction. You might also contact Vinnie. I'm sure he knows of many others in the country. I do believe he has trained people.

  • Downey30
    Downey30 Member Posts: 199
    edited April 2013

    Hoping someone can help me with info about the 3 D tattoos.  I just contacted Nola and was told that the least I would have to pay is $400.00.  Even if my insurance said they would cover it is still a flat $400.00 to them plus whatever my insurance may deny.  At this point it seems flying to Baltimore would be easier and the money end would end up about even.  Any help?  Thanks

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335
    edited April 2013

    Thanks, lago!

    -Have any/many of you been happy w/ your own PS doing your tattoos? I'm assuming they don't do 3-D though...?

    violet

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