Nipple reconstruction
Comments
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Di,
I'm so sorry your mom said that. I don't think anyone can appreciate the fact WE are the only people that matter in this reconstruction journey. I didn't care if my husband wanted me to have nipples or not. I wanted them for me. I didn't even ask!!!!
I too have feeling in and around my nipples. When my PS did the surgery he said, you shouldn't need anything at all for pain, well those buggers have ached and I have zingers in them! It's kind of refreshing in a weird way!
I have to wear foam donuts for 8 weeks! I think it may be because my skin was so thin and he had to make the nips on the small side (I still think they are large, but he says they are not as large as he normally makes them.) I'm glad I had this done in the winter so I can disguise the awkwardness.
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Di...boy can I identify with you. When I told my Mother in law that I had to have a revision because I was not happy with my implant she threw the "why bother, who is going to see it anyways" in my face! I didn't even know how to respond. I told her that first of all my PS was not happy and wants a nice breast to put a nipple on. She thinks that's stupid to do also. My husband is leaving all this up to me. I'm tired of taking my shower with just a nightlight on because I don't want to see my reflection in the mirror. If I sound overly vain, sorry, but I don't like the dents in my breast! I've been through a lot and I will follow this thing through to the end. Luckily my PS is a perfectionist and wants to match my natural breast as best he can. Everyone else who knows what I am doing support me, but my mother-in-law is just too out-spoken for her own good.
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Mgster (and Di),
Wow....that is so insensitive!! I think you nailed it "she's too outspoken for her own good". It is difficult to see things you think aren't right in your grown children or their spouses....but this only helps me see all the more how important it is to be understanding and supportive (and keep your mouth shut with negatives!!).
Your feelings about self image after breast cancer surgery are SO normal. For months, I slept with my bra and prosthesis on out of embarrassment. My DH was very sweet and understanding, but I knew it was hard on him too. Hope you can let it roll off your back and keep moving forward with your perfectionist PS until you get results that make you smile in the mirror....it's so sweet to feel restored!!
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mormor1...thank you so much for your kind words!
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Mgster,
Do this for yourself!! I tell you I'm feeling sooo much better after my surgery. I had indentations and no nipples. Taking showers were so depressing. Lol. Seeing myself with no shirt on used to kill me. I had lipo & fat transfer to fill in those divots & the Nipples!!!!!!!! Omg I feel human. I was actually posing in front of my mirror yesterday & I'm so glad I did it. No more Barbie chest. I have actual nipples. I had areola graphing & will have that area tattooed in by spring. But no rush it looks ok. I look human. Just saying it makes me emotional and happy!!! To hell with ur mil. Make urself happy.
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Di2012,
I'm angry for you about your mother's response. no wonder you felt hurt! No One, No one! Has a right to even hint that our decisions re treatment and reconstruction are "wrong".
I am 62 and doing the whole recon bit including tattoos etc. for my body image and to please myself and my husband. I think I'd do the same thing if I were 80! But I truly respect women who make different decisions!
Hugs,
Peggy
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softness1...thanks! How painful was the lipo and fat-grafing? I don't know anyone personally who has had this done. You can tell me the truth...I can take it! Not that I am a whimp or anything, but I like to be prepared.
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Mgster and Di - absolutely no one has the right to make any of us feel badly about the decisions we've made on this journey! I had one acquaintance recently ask me why in the world I had my healthy breast removed along with the diseased one and reminded me that just because they were both removed didn't mean I was no longer at risk for recurrence. Well, no duh. This is a woman who didn't know what size her TE was or how many cc she was expanded to or what size her implant is, yet was complaining to me about her lack of symmetry! And.....AND..... telling the table that if she had known she could look as good as I did with two TEs she would have done that instead! By the time we were done with that survivor's luncheon I told my mom (who accompanied me) to NEVER, EVER let me sit by that woman again!
Seriously, we all need to feel empowered to tell these types of people (family included) that we would appreciate it if they would keep their negative comments to themselves and that regardless of their opinion(s) it's a personal decision, and that if they are ever in a similar position we would support their decisions rather than forcing them to justify what they decide to do.
It does make me sort of growl underneath my breath when I think about the hurt caused by pretty thoughtless people.
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I am COUNTING THE DAYS to new nipples! (21!)
I'm nervous because of so many stories of issues or total shrinkage loss or more scarring...
But I'm so excited to move to the next step for me. I totally get why some women choose NOT to get them and have considered that. And have had those "nobody will see them, deductable/copay, no sensation...." thoughts on the Con side of my list. But I decided that I need them for me. So I'll give it a try and hope for the best! Now my biggest fear is that they had better be even.
I would LOVE to hear how your PSs determined placement!
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dulci - are you getting "skin origami" nips? i've been doing some research on all my choices...
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yes, but not sure which origami technique my PS uses.
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Mgster,
After dealing with a mastectomy, this was easy. I think it depends on where they take the fat from.. For me, I had fat under my arms (dog ears) so it wasn't that bad. That's where my doc lipoed. I actually went to lunch after surgery with my aunt. I had to wear this compression band for over a week.. The compression was uncomfortable and there was some soreness, but I took tylenol and it was ok.. I've read some of the other women who had their stomachs and thighs lipoed and that seemed to be much more painful.. There will be bruising... I took 3 days off work, but honestly could have gone back within 2... My PS overfilled my divots because some of the fat will reabsorb. He did a nice job...I feel so much more confident with the results.. Of course, they will never look real, but they look like nice fake ones. I'll take that over the oblong looking foobies I had before the touch up.
Ann
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I have feeling on one of my nipples but not the other so much. I was able to feel part of the tatoo and part was numb. It didn't bother me until the end of the second one really. It's uncomfortable but not terrible. That said it did not make me want to get more tatoos which I thouhgt it might lol.
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Saw my PS today and she described the process she'll be doing. She said she'll tattoo the very, very tops of my inner thighs (right inside behind the tendon, just below my ladyparts) then remove it with a small flap to attach to the noobs. All this will be done at the same time. Has anyone had something like this done? I'm quite anxious about the graft donor sites!
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lahela...that is what my PS is planning to do to me. Not the tattooing part though. He is going to take grafts near, as you described it, the ladyparts. I also am worried about this. He said he takes it from there because of the color of the skin in that area...how it is darker. Not looking forward to this step.
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Mgster, that's why my PS said she'd graft from there, too. I'm not sure why she needs to tattoo first, though! She described very briefly the care routine (special cleanser after peeing, special dressings) but I'm guessing we'll have to go without underwear for a while!
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my PS used grafts from my old c-section scar. They look unbelievable. I don't need tatoo's, although I have debated that because the could be a bit darker. The nipple have shrunk but look real. It's been a year this month & am happy I did it. good luck ladies.
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I had a graft from the 'lady parts' area to the areola. I am a uni so only one side was affected. The recovery was a bit cumbersome but not painful. The scar is not visible if wearing a bathing suit unless you are wearing a thong. After 2 years I can barely see the scar.
I do remember not wearing panties but I do not remember for how long. Just do your best to keep things clean to prevent any infection. Overall it was easier than what I had expected. I am glad I had the graft because I got a little texture and color which helps in trying to match the natural one.
Are you sure your PS will do the tattoo at the same time? Normally that is done after everything is healed.
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Thanks for sharing your experience, islandmom. It really helps to hear what others have been through. Yep, she definitely said she'd tattoo then graft all on the same day - seems odd to me because tattoos scab horribly!
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You might want to try the Exotic Body in Sac....I am still in the process, but I liked their work in my precancer days.
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Just joining this thread. Decided on nipple reconstruction since my bmx in March with Lat flap recon. Had my exchange surgery end of September and still didn't know what I wanted with nipples. I was so tired of all the surgeries, infection and more surgeries that I didn't want to think of even a minor surgery for nipples. Made it through my year anniversary of diagnosis in December. That was harder than I thought it would be just remembering all the fear and anxiety I went through not knowing what was ahead. Had a scare when I saw my MO last week when he found another lump under my left arm ( the cancer side). Sent me right away for ultrasound and all looked good, seems to be only a enlarged lymph node with scar tissue. Whew! what a relief and scare. While getting the ultrasound the radiologist asked if I would be getting nipple recon, decided I was ready. Called the PS and let him know we could go ahead and get it scheduled. Just waiting for the scheduler to call me for a date. I keep looking at Vinnie's web site and think it would be so cool to go have him do the tattoos. But just no way to arrange it with work and disabled DH. Will work with my PS and his staff and hope for the best. Let me know of anything I should ask for during all of this process. I have always recieved the best advice from these sites. Wishing all of you the best.
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Good morning,
I've been reading this thread, but this is my first time joining in (I think).
I had my DIEP in June but can't have nipples for a few months as my scars are still a bit to 'aggressive'. I'm almost at the point where I just want to forget the whole thing because I don't want to have any more surgery. I know it's not as invasive - but I can't stand the thought of being put under. I think I used up all my bravery last year, and have depleted my resources. Has anybody else been in that boat - then gone ahead with it anyway, and felt so glad they did?
Also - nobody has ever mentioned grafting to me. Is that the most common route? My PS plan on making the nipple from material inside my breast, followed by a tattoo. A quickie - apparently. I trust him implicitly, and haven't looked for options. I know about 3D but I'm not going to go in that direction (Though I did research Vinnie. SUCH an interesting man).
Also, the circle scars on my boobs are really big. I think of them as my crop circles - and I want them to fade so badly, but they don't seem to be in any rush to go away. Have any of you had a a success story with fading scars?
Thank you -
Janet
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Hi. I had nipple reconstruction on 12/13. She took the graft from under my right arm. (already scarred area from bmx). I am really glad that I did it. I wasn't so sure, but now know it was a good decision for me. I had to keep the graft area clean and dry. I had to "prop" the recon. skin using large bandaids and cotton balls. After 1 week some stitches came out, two weeks later-the rest. I will see my PS again on Feb. 3. She will make any adjustments to them on that day in her office. If I feel they are a bit too "long" she will "snip" them. Oh, that does not sound fun. But she assures me that it will be painless. ***I must mention I really, really like my PS. However, they are just a little longer than I like as the top folds over just a bit. Not noticeable in clothing or anything. I had my surgery on Friday morning. I was back to work on Tuesday. As softness1 said, I probably could have been back at it on Monday. I do not have to do any tatooing for color, because I feel there is enough contrast. I don't know how she did that, but she did.
Good luck!
Danielle
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Janet - I waited for over a year to go ahead with my nipple surgery. I really needed a break from treatment. I am very happy that I have them now. Maybe in the summer I'll finish up with tattoos. My PS used the circle of abdomen (crop circles) skin to form nipples. He referred to it as 'origami'. It was a fairly quick procedure. I went home with some gauze bandages and an ugly surgical bra. I could shower in 48 hrs. I also had some lipo done and scar revision on the dog ears. I needed to keep compression on that site for a while (I think 2 weeks?). During the procedure he cleaned up some scar tissue left from skin necrosis on one flap. The formation of the nipples reduced the my 'crop circles' to look like colorless areolas. My nipples shrank a bit, but they still look convincing. I'm really happy with everything!
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Danielle - Yikes. What does 'too long' mean? Getting them snipped does not sound the least bit enjoyable. It's great that you didn't need tattooing for contrast - but isn't the crop circle quite pale?
Janetaneed - Thanks for the quick response. I suspect I'll be waiting a year as well. I'm not in any rush and I've turned into a big fat hairy chicken. I suspect 'orgami' is what my surgeon has planned for me, though he doesn't refer to it in those terms. I'll have to ask. He also said he'd do my 'dog ears' at the same time as my nipples. I'm not in a rush for those either.
Maybe that's because it's -25 C, and I'm so bundled in sweaters and scarves. Come spring, I'll probably want my body back.
PS I like your dog!
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Janet M,
I use Scar Away for my scars.....in USA cost about $20. a box of 8 strips.....I have used them after all my surgery
and for me they really work.....they can be cut and also washed....they really have flatten my scars....at this moment I have 5 tiny (cut) pieces on my fat transfer sites above one foob...2 very small pieces of Scar Away above and below each of my new nipples, to flatten the little scars there, and a half a strip + a little piece, for a new 6 inch incision between my foobs (where a lump was removed)...that looks amazing only 3 weeks out from surgery!
Di
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none of my business...but any of you that had skin grafting from the lady parts or nearby, have any problems with HAIR GROWTH on it's NEW place as an areola? I read somewhere that can be a problem.
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Hi everyone, I was trying to read the whole thread before posting, but only got to January 2013 before giving up on that--what a lot of great information here!
I had mine done a few days ago on the 17th. My PS did some fat grafting and also fixed some tiny pointed "dog ears" at the ends of my abdominal DIEP incision. Now I'm sporting a binder on my abdomen and my new nipples are under wraps for 2 weeks. Lucky for me my PS surrounded the silicone "thimble" protectors with layers of gauze with a hole in the center so everything looks pretty smooth under clothes. It always seems so odd to me how different surgeons do things so differently (bandages for 2 days...bandages for 2 weeks...), but I trust my PS and have no problem doing what he says.
I took the weekend off, but was able to go back to work at my desk job the following Monday. But, I'm just today getting to the point where I don't feel a little bit injured as I go about my day.
Now I just need patience to wait to see how they are. I had RT on one side--we waited a year after the last radiation for the skin to heal, but I'm still a little anxious about how that side is doing.
Wishing you all excellent results and uneventful healing!
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Janet_M the graft method is not very common because it involves more surgery and possibility of complications when compared to a tattoo. In my situation I chose the graft method because I am a uni and wanted to match my natural nipple as much as possible. If I was not a uni I would have opted for a tattoo around the nip, which exactly what your PS is offering to you.
Even though the grafted areola is darker than my regular skin it is still not as dark as my natural nipple. Also the nip itself was built with the breast skin (origami) so it is lighter. If I wanted an exact match I would still have to get a tattoo. What I gained with the graft is texture.
Di2012 I did worry about the hair myself since I have thick, dark, coarse hair. Before the graft I had one session of laser hair removal in my bikini area. I probably would have done more but there was not enough time since you have to wait many weeks between sessions. Lucky for me the laser works best on dark thick hair. I was very pleased with the results. I ended up getting laser in other parts of my body as well.
About hair in the grafted areola I have removed probably four hairs in two years so I would not say it is a problem and the hairs are not thick.
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Forgot to add, mine were made from the skin in the area, not a donor site. For myself, I think I'd really need to psyche myself up a lot more to do a donor graft--like several of you said, the whole series of treatments take a lot out of you and I think even one additional incision site would have pretty much put me over the edge!
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