Nipple reconstruction
Comments
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I got my nipples nearly a month ago. Am loving seeing those tiny bumps under my t-shirts. I wear a bra everyday anyway since my recon was a free TRAM flap and my breasts are a D cup.
Jenn
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Haha, Janet. You crack me up. I wish I had taken a before picture, too. I had other things on my mind at the time! My nips seemed to be always erect but I hid that with bras. I guess I like my new ones because they remind me of my old ones. I am thinking that since the brain is the big sex organ, maybe having nipples will help in that department, too. My hubs will have fun with them and even though there is no feeling, it might kick my brain into gear. Just sayin'. Is that info for a different thread?? Anyway, your PS will ask you what size you want. You do have input. The idea of a 3D tattoo intrigues me but I read recently that doctors use medical grade ink because regular tattoo ink contains lead. Of course, millions of people have regular tattoos without any apparent problem, including my daughters. I don't know what Vinnie uses. I just freak out about anything these days.
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From my own experience, & from what I read from others, the reconstructed nipples shrink enough to look like a nipple but are not high beam.
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Mine at 3 weeks are healing up. And I like having them there! They have not really shrunk much yet. Righty might be a tad smaller. The only thing I've been nervous about in getting them is if they end up level and symmetrical. OCD? A bit.
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The only pics I have before BMX was taken by my PS for my initial consultation, prior to my BMX.....he gave me copies.....unfortunately my huge breast were pointing toward the floor, nips barely visible! Very LOW BEAMS!
New nips are almost flat....and I DO HAVE FEELING in BOTH!
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My 2 cents worth.....I've had my new nip for 3 months now and I love it! It's shrunken down to a nice size bump and when I wear a bra it basically flattens out. Then I take the bra off and it fluffs back up a little. I have to wear a bra every day for compression for pain, but I think if I were to go braless, it would look pretty much like my native side. I am 100% happy that I got the nip recon!
Layla-- I'm getting a Vinnie tattoo in June and can't wait!
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Dulcgirl - Dont' underestimate symmetry! When I was debating over my BMX vs rads I was in such a state that I saw a hospital psychiatrist who 'coached me' with a list of pros and cons and priorities. Symmetry was somewhere near the top. I think cleavage might have been a bit higher. It's a small cleavage - always have been - but I like it.
I'm really enjoying all this positive nipple feeback. Lala - I want some like yours. Little ones that fluff up.
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Does anyone know who to email these days about the pic forum I lost the bookmark when I got my new computer so it's been a long time since I posted there.
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I definitely do not underestimate it personally. It was probably #2 on my pros/cons list!!! (1 was eliminate cancer/avoid radiation.)
But...I'm OCD about it enough that I've considered borrowing DH's level to see if they are even. Lol!!! Have not done it yet cuz it might make me crabby if they aren't. Ha!!!! I'm letting them have a few months before I compare them critically.
I agree...small but re-fluffable would be perfection!
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How much time did everyone take off work for Oragami Nipple Construction? I'm about to tell my boss I'm leaving again.. ( 7th surgery! )
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Just day of. The only tricky part is finding clothing that conceals the gauze stacks (or whatever your PS uses). I was nervouse about getting bumped, but I'm getting better about that now.
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JanetM--Picture this....you know how before getting a picture taken, one might "fluff" their hair? That's what I'll have to do before I "share" my nip with my DH each time!! Fluff the nip so it looks good!
Dulcigirl---I've already take a level to mine. Several times.
I'm very OCD but only since BC and the new boob thing. My PS thought I'd finally lost my marbles when I told him.HotPinkMess--Nip recon is easy peasy! Whole thing took about 40 minutes (for one), he slapped on gauze, I slapped on my clothes and was chowing down on a burger at Five Guys within half an hour! I could have had this done on my lunch break from work! But only if all you're doing is the nip recon. And for 2, you might need 2 lunch hours!
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Her name is Mary Jane Haake and she works out of Portland, Oregon. She only takes clients on referrals so you'd have to probably be in this area or she would have to know the PS who would refer you. You could probably send her an email and ask. If you google her name, a lot of stuff comes up, so maybe start there. I'll email you a before and after pic that I scanned into a pdf file.
Her website: (not much on it, probably better to google her name)
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rennamr- I wish she had pictures posted! Of the tattoos she has completed.
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Google her name on Google images and you should see pictures of her work. Let me know if you can't and I can try to send a link.
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rennamr - I got your email with the PDF of your tattoos. Thank you! And as I said in my PM to you, you should be very proud. The work is beautiful and you got a truly awe-inspiring result. Thank you for having the courage to share with 'virtual' strangers (and yet sisters) something so personal...
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All went smoothly and I join the nipple recon group.
Dressings are in place now but was able to see them before covered and I was impressed. I knew this was the decision for me but it made such a difference. The procedure was fast and overall pain free. Can't wait for a week to see them uncovered again. Thanks for all the encouragement as anticipation has always been the worst on this journey. Good luck to all making decisions about this process.0 -
Hi there! I am new to this group and would love to hear your thoughts..my PS said I have thin breast skin...I had a double mastectomy in June and have gone through reconstruction up to the point of nipples but not areola or tit tats as my husband jokes. Because of the thin skin, you can see the implants dimples at times. I have had lypo to plump up the crater in my chest. Is anyone experiencing this? Maddie
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Dulci - you are too, too funny with the comment about using a level on your nips! I haven't caught up with the posts yet but I have to tell you before I forget that before my exchange I had my husband get out his micrometer to check the projection of my TEs to compare with the characteristics of my intended implants!!
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lol!!! Now THAT is meticulous research!!!
P.S. The level is in the bathroom for tomorrow morning. Here's hoping the bubble is in the middle!!!!
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Drumroll please......
So, IF I was subjected to micrometers or plum bobs or such I might not pass inspection. HOWEVER, with my 2 ft level (smallest I could find) I was very close!! If there is ever a Level Nipple Contest all I have to do is drop my right shoulder ever-so-slightly and BAM!! We have a winner!!!!
(Now the OCD in me wants to get out the laser level and get a more precise assessment. But I have laundry to do.
)Happy weekend, all!
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Janet, didn't your PS take photos? My PS has a lot of photos and we look all the time to compare how I want the new ones to be.
AR, I got my fake nips surgically done and I plan to have them tattooed. I have been in this same dead end long term relationship for almost 12 yrs. Now I want to move on. I am glad I had them done. Mine are very soft like the real ones so they don't show unless I was to wear a wet T shirt but my son is at the university so I really don't see myself doing that at my age. Once they have color they might show braless under a white top but isn't that the reason for going braless under a white top?
Did anyone turn out with permanent headlights out there?
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Layla2525 - No, no photos. Is is standard procedure to take pics? I had a skin sparing BMX so I understood that by filling the skin envelope they'd recreate my shape. I wish I did have pictures of my nipples - I really like them.
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Hey all... Just a few thoughts... I have tossed the nipple reconstruction idea around with a several thousand women over the past 12 years and the opinions are mixed. I must add that not all PS create nips equally.... or lay them out correctly.
I think my best piece of advise to those wanting to have nip recon is to PLEASE be a part in where your nipples will be. DO NOT leave it up to your PS alone to make that determination. Have him/her draw a circle on your breast so that YOU can see what it might look like in the spot that they determine to be the correct placement. Far too often I see nip recons in the wrong spot...it might be because your PS wants them to be on an existing scar... or maybe he was taught that an equilateral triangle starting at the base of your sternal notch and measuring 20-21 cm to each angle of the triangle is where your nipples should be. Well sometimes that works but sometimes it does not! Others measure the distance from your shoulder to your elbow and the halfway point draw a horizontal line from there to your breast... that is where your nipple goes... WHAT? It does not work by way of formula. Rarely are reconstructed breasts symmetrical so these formulas do not always ... or almost never work. It is critical that you all play an active part in where they should go since you and yours will be the ones looking at and living with them forever.
I am NOT the biggest fan of nipple recon for these reasons...
Incorrect placement...
Asymmetrical in size and shape...
Too big or too small...
Additional surgery and scars...
Possibility of partial or total collapse...
headlights always on high beam...
eliminates the braless idea...
You PS says you need them to look complete...
Your PS says everyone gets them and it is the last step of your recon...
I AM a fan of nipple recon if...
You want them...
Your hubby wants them and you want him to be happy and you don't mind having them...
you have unilateral recon and have a bit of projection on your natural side so to balance things it makes your recon more symmetrical...
You love wearing light fabrics and like your nipples to show threw your blouse...
Either way I can still tattoo your breasts to finish off the process and make them look great but I cannot fix incorrect placement. I can cheat a bit one way or another to help with one being a bit higher than the other but it isn't easy to do... so make sure you take an active roll in where they should go!
If anyone needs any additional info, opinions or help with this you can email or pm me...
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vinnie.....wonderful insight into the world of nipple recon. The pro's and con's are great guidelines!!!!
What I would most appreciate would be a list of tat artists outside of the Southern/Eastern US. Obviously, not all of us will be accessing one of your locations.
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vinnie,
How long after nipple construction can you do tattoos?
Will you directly bill my insurance for your Baltimore location?
If I am looking to have tattoos done in Baltimore in early June, when do I need to schedule?
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nihahi... the best resource is pinkinkproject.com... Renee has compiled a list of people doing this service. She has tried to determine who is actually doing it well but you will need to review their portfolio to see for yourself if it is what you want to wear on your body forever. Renee is a wonderful advocate for you all and is also GREAt at doing this type of tattooing... she has been working with me for several years and is very good and compassionate... and works endlessly in this regard!She is in Ft. Lauderdale Fl.
Donna2012...
The length of time between nips and tatts varies... some PS say 6-12 weeks ... I think 20 weeks is better to insure good pigment retention.
At my place in Maryland we give you an invoice with CPT and DX codes to submit to your ins co. Recently we are finding good results in reimbursement.
I am booking June-July now so call my office for appointment info... good luck.... if we cannot take your call please try back as we are very busy these days... my wife Robin and daughter Anna are doing their best to get call backs if y to you if we cannot make your appt when you call...
V
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Thanks Vinnie!!!!!!! Hopefully there are some outside of the US on the list.
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thanks vinnie! One more question - can you remove radiation tattoos? If so, what can I expect?
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Don't know about the outside the us thing... but yes I can cover radiation marks! Usually it cover or masks them very well and permanently! V
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