Nipple reconstruction
Comments
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Hi
I truthfully think they should not reimburse reconstruct nipples unless the plastic surgeon has a track record of them NOT flattening. I wish insurance companies would survey patients to see if these nipples are actually nipples 6 - 7 months down the road. If a high percent of a doctors nipple flatten- they I don't think the physicians should repeatedly get reimbursed....... from what I have read- the majority flatten. This will eventually force physicians to come up with a new plan/technique for nipples if they repeatedy don't get reimbursed for the same failure. Does this make sense? But maybe I am wrong Are anyones protruding more then just a tiny bit after a year? If so, what approach did your surgeon take? Could you imagine if we kept getting reimbursed - we wouldn't change our ways either Thanks
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Nihahi, I am allergic to Polyspirin, Bacitracin, and E-Mycins so we didn't put anything on my nipples other than gauze stacks with a hole in them, covering that with one hole-less one. Hope you're doing better today.
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Stopped EVERYTHING yesterday....all redness, warmth and swelling is now all gone, but thankfully, not the nip. Panic attack over....going shopping today for non-friction extra huge cheapo tops, and just going with that until I see the doc again. Could slap myself for now remembering I've had increasing issues with polysporin, the last few times I've been told to use it. I know I can't use a lot of other "in's" things....must be a connection there.
Thanks for all the support gals....love you all!!!
Stix....I'm only wanting a little bit of "something" in the long run. I'm quite certain my PS doesn't do nipple recon with the mindset of "easy money for him, no gain for me". I hope you don't have insensitive or callous docs on your team!!!! I have "heard" the odds of recon nips going completely flat is more common unfortunately with implants rather than flaps, because of the dynamic of the implant exerting "outward pressure", but that may be more theory than fact. I hope things work out for you in time. Can they redo you nips by adding a bit of fat or alloderm???
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I don't think their intention is easy money. You took that all wrong. The phsicians DO ... do the work.They do ... do the surgery. It is not like they are getting reimbursed for NOTHING...
... But, long term statistically from what I have heard through people on here....the majority flatten- I think.... So why why keep reimbursing- it will make our doctors more creative- if they don't keep reimbursing.... maybe... ?? Thoughts for any of you that have been out of nip reconstruction for a year...:). Are they flat or not? Vinnies 3-d doesn't count for protrusion that the surgeon doesn't make... .0 -
no worries, Stix...yep, I'd love to hear from someone who is long term out from it too, but, I don't know if any are still posting. Even with my recent "panic attack" of the weekend, I'm still grateful for the chance to try....what the outcome will be in the future.....who knows.
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Nihahi, I'm happy to hear the symptoms are resolving! Stix, you make a good point that consumer demand is the push for countless improvements in our lives. I'm very interested too in how flat reconstructed nipples eventually become. I'm happy with my reconstruction so far and am debating between surgical nipples and tats or just 3D tats. I've read every post on this thread and anything else I have found on the subject.
A nurse at the PS office told me all nipples flatten out but they look better than just tats. I thought long and hard about sharing her comment because #1 I don't want to offend anyone with her comment, #2 it's only one nurse's opinion and #3 my first reaction was run, don't walk, and get your nips somewhere else! As I've thought about the comment, maybe "flatness" is really just a matter of degree. She showed me a couple photos and I thought they looked good but it was impossible to get a good sense of depth in the photos and I didn't know to ask how far from surgery the photos were taken. Additionally, we can read here from women who are very disappointed with their surgical results and would definitely disagree with the nurse.
Please forgive my rambling as I talk thru this issue in my head to even formulate my question. So, I guess it's with implants, how flat do reconstructed nipples really get? Years out, can you close your eyes and still feel something there, like a change in texture on your breast or something? Or do they eventually stretch out to smooth and with your eyes closed you wouldn't even know they are there? Thanks everybody for all you share!
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The more I think about it, the more I'm drawn to the idea of a 3D tattoo. The main reason is that I think I would get really annoyed if I had to wear a bra only to cover the headlights. I am loving not wearing a bra now (granted, it's only 2 weeks post-exchange), but PS has indicated I won't ever need to wear one if I don't want to. BTW, my implants are not large: Mentor ultra high profile smooth round 455cc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!!
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All right ladies, the anxiety is setting in. Tomorrow's my day! Had my pre-op appointment today. All marked up for surgery tomorrow! Looking at nip recon on left, revision of native nip on right, revision of right boob to more match other, and extensive fat grafting round two. Trying to get mentally ready for the pain again, which is hard, but so ready to have this surgery behind me. I am so hoping it is my last.
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Sending tons of positive thoughts your way BayouBabe! I was really anxious before my revision too but very happy with the results (except I wasn't able to get nipples at that surgery). Remember to allow your body time to heal even if you feel great! As I've read on this board, "just because you can doesn't mean you should." Will keep you in my thoughts tomorrow!
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Thank you friendships! With how excited I am for this one, the anxiety is surprising me.
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Well, thanks for enjoying a great topic on nipple reconstruction and flat or not and the debatable of reimbursement. Its an interesting and a debatable subject. NOT only that but, some PS don't place the nipples where they should actually be- they use the triangle method. As Vinnie said in a previous message you can't use a triangle method on every breast- b/c no two breasts are the same. I ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU TO PLEASE PLEASE GET THE DETACHABLE STICK ON NIPPLES AND PLACE THEM ON B4 YOU HAVE YOUR NIPS SURGICALLY PLACED. Look at them from the side with your forarme behind your back parallel to your bra line. - Does the nipple look like it is on the side of your breast moreso??? If your surgeon doesn't like that you have your opinion of where is should be placed.... then please WALK OUT...
Stix0 -
Just checking in to say things are looking sooooo much better with the uber loose, soft tops and nothing else. I'm reconstructed on the small side, (at my request), so don't really NEED to wear a bra anyway, except for things like running, which I haven't gone back to yet post-nip. As the swelling and bruising resolves, I am happier each time I check things out with what/where/how my PS did things. I'm into the "time will tell" phase of what will the final result be, but for anyone checking this thread out looking for personal experiences....I am beyond happy that I choose to do the nip recon...and I hope everyone eventually finds the same with whatever path they choose. Nip with tattoo or just tattoo or just nothing...it's a personal preference, and I support everyone's choice of how to get to the "finish line".
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Yay, Nihahi!!! Good news on a cold day!
I am also very happy with my recon nips. I've discovered that if I want to wear my non-lined bras or just go without, Joann Fabrics has a great product that conceals the nips perfectly!! Can't remember what they are called, but they are nude colored silicone circles that stick on and hold very well.
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That is wonderful dulcigirl.... just some good info...i would wait about 6 months or so to get the tattoos..... just to make sure they don't flatten....
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I am waiting as long as Vinnie says to wait. And as long as it takes to save up the money.
(Which will be 5-6 months.)
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Stix...
Thank you!!!!!! That is exactly what you should do... be a voice on where your new nips should be!!! You have to wear them!! RIGHT?!!! so tell your PS you have a say in where YOUR nips should be... they are your for gods sake!!! They are going to be yours forever... so have some say in where YOU want them!!!!
V
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Just had my nipple reconstruction and some minor lipo on my reconstructed breast today. All went well. I cannot take off the bandages for 48 hours - anxious to see how it all looks!! Nothing constricting for a couple of weeks. Now I just need to call vinnie to make my appt for late Sept or early October!
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Yay, Donna! I was thinking about you today!
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Congrats Donna.....so happy for you. Hope all looks well and heals uneventfully. You have done so well with your recon...this will be a piece of cake!
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thanks everyone! My stage 2 diep w/ nipple reconstruction has been easy. I think the reason is - nothing was done with my abdominal incision or my natural breast. Where the nipple was done I have no feeling - so no pain. I have slight pain on the outside of the reconstructed breast, because that's where she was doing lipo. Everything is covered & I can't shower or take off the bandage for 48 hours.
The surgery was under general anesthesia and took about 1 hour. I had a small area of scar tissue on the one side, which she also removed. I am anxious to see what size incisions are underneath. Now, I just have to figure out concealing clothes for the next 2 weeks or so, until I can wear a bra again. She said that the nipple will be double in size, and will shrink to match my natural one.
So glad to be done with another "step" of this process!!
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Thinking of you donna.....hope the unveiling goes well....remember....it's a transitional journey.
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nihahi- the unveiling went well! It looks exactly like I thought it would. Larger then my natural nipple, but it is what I expected. How long was it for you before you could wear a bra? How long was it before the nipple shrunk to a normal size?
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Sounds great, donna!!!! I've been hoping to find a happy post from you today.
No bras for me yet....couldn't find anything that worked, so have been just wearing soft, uber loose clothes. Nothing compressing, but no gauze padding either after my "panic weekend". My new nip has definitely softened a tiny bit, but I don't think it has actually shrunk. Happily, that area of my flap recon right around the nip also no longer seems as flattened either. I don't see my PS for another 2 weeks, so until then, I guess it's continue on as is.
I actually have some sensation in the nip!!! The PS was quite surprised as he was freezing me, how much sensation the flap itself had.
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nihahi,
I am also just wearing no bra and loose clothing. I do not have any gauze or anything, just a few steri strips where lipo was done. I have my post-op may 5th.
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Thought I'd check in. I had my fat grafting and nipple recon one week ago. PS also did some work to lessen scar on native nip and adjusted implants on both sides. Had the grand unveiling today. Mixed emotions. Glad to have this part complete. New nip is HUGE and a bit frightening!
Saddened by the scars being fresh and red again - that I think is hitting me the hardest. I get to have my first shower in a week tomorrow. Yes! Also a bit discouraged about the care this new nip will need - my directions have me covering it with pads for the next five weeks, no bra or any tight tops - not sure how I am going to disguise the pads under my work clothes, ugh. Everything really looks great. I think I am just surprised to have the post exchange blues all over again with this revision. Sigh.
Maybe things will look brighter when I no longer need the compression wear and the fat grating bruises fade. So tired of feeling AND looking like a patient.0 -
bayoubabe....I know we say it so often to each other, but hang in there!!! I can soooo relate to where you are right now, as I was feeling pretty low right after my nip date too. As others who have gone before reminded me.....things change, and things get better.
I am 3 weeks now post nip. I can tell there has been definite "softening" and fading out of the nip.....(it seemed rock hard at first and very pink). I also am convinced (yes...I have measured the dang thing more than once) that it has shrunk a bit in height....seems the same in "width". Time will tell how much it flattens, but, truly, I can firmly say at this point, that I am glad I did it.
sending hugs.....
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Nihahi, it's so great to hear you say this! You have "nipped" your frustration and worry in the bud! (Sorry, couldn't resist)
My nipples seem to have slowed down their shrinkage. It's been since Feb. 7th. If they stayed this size, I would be very happy! They were HUGE in the beginning but I did ask my PS to "go big or go home."
BayouBabe, I sympathize so much with your desire NOT to be a patient! I was there, too. I didn't have the instructions/restrictions you did, but after two weeks I just couldn't wear gauze pads anymore. I wear a bra but try to wear looser-type ones. Sometimes I think if my nips are going yo shrink or flatten, they will and there's not much I can do about it. It's worth a try, though!
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Nihahi and Jeannie - thank you for the kind words and words of encouragement. A night of sleep has me feeling a bit better. Still not sure how I am going to do 5 weeks of no bra and lumpy/bumpy bandages. Don't think I will be able to stick to the plan for that long. I work in a high school and am in constant motion. I am a D or DD bra size, so these are no small bandage covered unnoticeable objects!!! It is SOOO nice to see both side symmetrical for the first time since BMX. Once the nip shrinks down, I think I will have quite the work of PS art on my chest! Not bad for a rads girl! Healing hugs to all as we heal mentally and physically!
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Jeannie....there are times you just crack me up with your "word play"
Here's a thought...on my non-bc side, I had a lift and reduction during flap surgery. That nipple, (though less so now), most definitely softened, faded and "flattened"....maybe that is the norm for anything but a natural nip, and we are just unknowingly, sliding into another "new normal"! As good as our new breasts can be looking (regardless of the recon type), they aren't the same as the original package...I'm thinking a "new normal" nipple might just be a better match in the long run??
Other than the usual advice of layers, soft, loose, floaty tops, scarves.....I have no other solutions for you in your workplace, bayou...but, I'm sending hugs! Do the best you can, and like everything else...don't beat yourself up if that "best" doesn't measure up to someone else's "standard"....(X)
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hello ladies! I will be having my nipple recon on May 16. Any words of advise?
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