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Nipple reconstruction

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Comments

  • foreverchanged
    foreverchanged Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2013

    Very glad to have had this board through all my surgeries, it is amazing the differences between PS's treatments.  I couldn't shower until I had drains out for both BMX and exchange surgery and now had nipple and areola reconstruction surgery on 8/2 along with some extra skin removed to hopefully make the shape better.  Once again I can't shower for 5 days woke up with dressings covering entire chest and sides as well as surgical bra and was told need to leave everything as is until follow up appt on wednesday.  Having a very hard time as don't feel comfortable just sponge bathing and overly curious to see what it looks like under the bandages.

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 596
    edited August 2013

    Just saw a reference on Vinnie's site to nipple tattoo providers in US and overseas. In US I was led to the PinkInkProject and there is a list of providers in various states. Violet-1 there are several in CA including SF.



    Thanks Dulcigirl!

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335
    edited August 2013

    Thanks, FarmerLucy! I'll check it out...will try to find link to his site...;)

  • THERESA33
    THERESA33 Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2013

    I am debating between nipple recon and 3d tatoos. I am wondering if anyone has any issues with the reconstructed nipple being "on" all the time.  I dont want to have to wear a bra all the time.     A friend suggested a tatoo such as a daisy.  Im pondering that also.

    I would love to hear some of your thoughts about the choices you have made. Does anyone regret going with one rather than another?

    Best wishes

  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 700
    edited August 2013

    I'm really too soon after my nipple reconstruction to completely know how I feel or how it has turned out.  How "on" it will be.  My PS was trying to match my good nipple.  Frankly, that's a daunting thing to do when you've got one chance only.  My nipple will be on all the time.  Really not a big deal because so is the other.  Lot's of nursing in my past.  When I wear a bra, I wear a padded one because of it.  I am so happy for the symmetry, which includes two "on" nipples.  I now match when braless, even if it's only a home.

    If I had had both nipples reconstructed, I would have gone with 3D tattoos.  Really like the idea of wearing no bra.  Used to go braless all the time when I was younger, was AAA-A until menopause.

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

    THERESA33 My nipples look more like button candy. If I went bra-less and wore a tee shirt you would notice but in a bra with some very little thickness they can't be notices. I never worry about headlights. I didn't have headlights with the originals either. I remember reading about "headlights" but seems many of us don't have that issue.

  • mybee333
    mybee333 Member Posts: 672
    edited August 2013

    Hi- I am a uni. Lately I have been wearing just a bit of stretchy support as I had shoulder surgery in July. When I leave the house I do have to slip in a bit of padding for my reconstructed breast as I had the nipple done. But I am okay with my other bras. I just had it done though in April. My PS says they just flatten over time from the pressure. I would like it to flatten just a smidge maybe but usually I am okay. I am super glad I did it. It has made a world of difference for me in feeling I am moving on and in how I feel when I get out of the shower. I used to think of my BC every morning before I had the nipple done; that is no longer the case. Maybe a 3-D tattoo would do the same thing, idk.

  • mrenee68
    mrenee68 Member Posts: 48
    edited August 2013

    I am a uni also and I am trying to figure out if I should have a nipple made or just have the 3D tattoo. I'm torn as to which way I should go. Also I have a ridge of scar tissue that formed at the bottom of my foob and my PS said he wanted to watch and wait before we do anything.

    Another problem is my calendar year for insurance is up at the end of Oct. and that means anything I have done after that falls under a new out of pocket deductible. I don't know how much more i can afford.

  • mybee333
    mybee333 Member Posts: 672
    edited August 2013

    Can I ask-what is the watching & waiting for? Can't he go in & fix it now? Say-Remove the scar tissue & also do the nipple recon. if that is what you decide? I believe you have to pay for the tattoo unless done with the PS.

  • mrenee68
    mrenee68 Member Posts: 48
    edited August 2013

    Mybee I'm not sure what we are waiting and watching. I guess he is hoping that the scar tissue will take care of itself. I really don't want another surgery. He didn't mention that surgery would be needed to remove the scar tissue, but that is what I'm afraid will need to be done. I guess I should have asked more questions.

    Right I do have to pay for the tattoo because he doesn't do those. I just don't want to have to pay to have the nipple constructed, I'm still trying to pay for all of the other procedures and the PT.

  • lala1
    lala1 Member Posts: 974
    edited August 2013

    mrenee68---I also have some scar tissue after my UMX. Mine is on the side of my ribcage right at the edge of the implant. If I really thought about it, it's right where my drains were which is normal to get scar tissue there. My problem with it is that it's also right where an underwire would lay and it's actually sore if you mash on it (like an underwire would!). My dermatologist saw it the other day at my annual exam and suggested I ask my PS or BS about injecting a steroid into it which would cause it to break up. I'd never heard of that and I intend to ask at my next appt in Sept. My dad happens to be a MD as well and I did ask him. He said it's pretty common and pretty easy to do. Maybe you should ask your PS about it. I don't know if the scar tissue is at a place that myofascial release therapy could help, but if it is, you should try that first. I've had a couple of sessions working on my scar tissue and I would say it's down about 50%. I'm going to have 3 or 4 more sessions before seeing my PS, so I'm hoping that will work and I won't need the steroid. Hope one of these helps!

  • dipad
    dipad Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2013

    I had my exchange surgery last July. Its time to figure out what to do about the nipples. I was thinking about Vinnies which I've heard so much about on this site. Does he tatoo the nipple and areola? I heard he does 3D tatooing. Also has anyone had the nipple reconstruction and then the tatoo? I'm so confused on what is the right route on this. I live in NY but dont mind traveling to get this done. Any suggestions? I've heard its better to go to Vinnies since the PS doesnt have as many tatoo shades.

  • di2012
    di2012 Member Posts: 871
    edited August 2013

    Go to his website....http://vinniemyers.com/section/105672_Nipple_Areola_Tattooing.html

    I am considering him too and I am not close at all

  • mrenee68
    mrenee68 Member Posts: 48
    edited August 2013

    lala - I didn't know about the steroid injections, that's something for me to check into. My supposed scar tissue is at the bottom of my reconstructed breast, right above my fold. At first I thought it was the edge of my implant, but my PS was able to squish things around and he could feel the edge so he said it wasn't that. I just wish I could catch a break and have just one thing go right. Thanks for the info.

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 596
    edited August 2013

    I'm heading out to see Vinnie in Baltimore on Oct 23. I debated doing anything but ultimately decided it was something that would make me feel good. I'm hesitant to have anyone locally do it since it is so permanent. I've heard so many good things about his work.

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335
    edited August 2013

    I'm considering 3 D tats

    also...:)

    I emailed Vinnie for a referral in CA...I couldn't FIND referrals on his website...???

    Maybe I should just call.

    Does insurance usually PAY for it AFTER we pay it upfront? Anyone?

    Thanks!

  • di2012
    di2012 Member Posts: 871
    edited August 2013

    Violet,

    on his web site:

    VINNIE MYERS



    New Orleans Update

    As of May 2012 I will be accepting clients that need tattooing at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans. Any client needing this service is welcome to call The Center for information on appointments. You need not be a current patient of The Center to get an appointment and insurance is accepted. Please call Cynthia at the Center, 504-899-2800, for information on tattooing in NOLA.

     

    I would guess, if you went to New Orleans that the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery would take care of of billing insurance.....I would just be unsure if out of state billing would apply...other than Medicare, and I would certainly find out before making a trip to New Orleans.

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335
    edited August 2013

    Di:

    I'm in California I was hoping for a referral to someone in my state that he could recommend.

  • THERESA33
    THERESA33 Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2013

    violet- check out pinkinkproject.com, they have referrals all over the country

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335
    edited August 2013

    Ok...thanks! My memory is horrible I think somebody told me that can't remember if I looked at that site yet or not.

  • Obxflygirl1
    Obxflygirl1 Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2013

    Vinny Trip.... I have an appointment September 18th with Vinny in Baltimore and I'm getting so excited. I have reconstructed nips and hopefully will be able to answer any questions about the process after my appointment ......

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335
    edited August 2013

    Great! Obx...:)

    How EXCITING for you!!!!

  • jakig
    jakig Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2013

     I'm a uni. Will have left nipple reconstructed post-DIEP on Sept. 13th. There will be revisions of the natural breast as well to create symmetery. I've been told no drains, outpatient and home by evening that day.  My current issue at 9 weeks post-op DIEP is overdoing it - doing too much physical movements...then crashing and burning...searching for balance

  • mybee333
    mybee333 Member Posts: 672
    edited August 2013

    Surgery is exhausting.

  • runnermom1956
    runnermom1956 Member Posts: 30
    edited August 2013

    Hi Ladies!

    I just had my exchange yesterday, so am now out of expanders and in with gel implants. Still have drains and am wrapped like a mummy so I have not seen my foobs yet. My question is: Is there anyone out there who decided not to have nipples? I am 57 and have breast fed 23 years ago..don't plan on going topless anytime soon..and am not sure I want nips..can anyone share their thoughts on that with me?

    thanks runnermom56

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 1,068
    edited August 2013

    Hi Runnermom....I'm 63, and am 4 months out of free flap recon. I am going for nipple recon, but not sure when. I am a uni, which is one reason why I want recon, to have some semblance of a matching set of boobs, but also, was an implant recon for 20 years, without nipple recon. The implant breast never, ever seemed anything but alien, to me, and I believe it was partly due to the no nipple look. So those are my reasons. We are all different, and no choice is wrong or right, it just should be "your"choice, and no one else's opinion...imho. Best wishes.

  • sweetandspecial
    sweetandspecial Member Posts: 1,669
    edited August 2013

    runnermom: Glad to hear you're doing well!  I'm 52 and exchanged to implants last week (actually received the implants ON my birthday).  I'm still leaning toward 3D tats rather than creating nips.  I don't think I want another surgery to create bumps that won't have any feeling in them.  As time passes I may feel differently but for now it's no nips for me. Hubby still finds me extremely attractive (Wink) even without the nips, so that's not a problem.  It's possible I would feel differently if I'd had a unilateral mastectomy and still had a native breast/nipple.

    Take it easy and let the healing take place.  I didn't have any pain after my exchange and still feel great so except for the steri-strips on my boobs it's heard to remember I'm under orders not to drive (which I do, a little) or work out or vacuum, etc.

  • cat24
    cat24 Member Posts: 47
    edited August 2013

    Runnermom, hope you are resting well today. I had nipple reconstruction surgery July  2nd and now that they are pretty much healed, I absolutely love them.  I feel so much more "normal" now. I feel like they are helping me move on from my mastectomies and reconstructive surgeries. For me it has made a world of difference. My PS did a fantastic job and I am so happy.

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335
    edited August 2013

    I'm curious about the waiting period after exchange to get nipples done.

    My PS requires 3 months... But I'm wondering if it might be prudent to wait longer just in case the foobs dropped or moved or something and then they could do that surgery and the nips surgery at the same

    time.

    Can you share how long u waited and WHY?



    THANKS!

    Violet



  • cat24
    cat24 Member Posts: 47
    edited August 2013

    My PS said three months also and I actually had surgery at three and a half months. I had a tram flap and a lat flap with a small implant which did settle a little during that three month period, but did not need any breast revisions. I am in a Facebook group of ladies who had mastectomies last fall. Many had exchange in February, but are not getting their nips until fall. I know some of them are having revisions at the same time

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