Topic: Nipple reconstruction

Mar 14, 2012 08:27PM - edited Mar 14, 2012 08:28PM by 1openheart

I just got  my tattoo after having my nipple constructed from the mastectomy scar.  The nipple was constructed in November after the June mastectomy.  I had the tattoo done a couple of weeks ago. It really matches pretty well.  I go back in for a touch up (if needed) in about a month.  The color really matches the natural breast pretty closely.  

If I would have had both breasts removed and therefore not needed to match the existing areola, I think I would have gone with 3D tattoos on both breasts and not had the nipples reconstructed.

Good luck to you! 

Apr 1, 2012 12:07AM Cyn0619 wrote:

1 open heart
Hi
I just wanted to say thanks so much for your response. Can you tell me the difference between the reconstructed nipple vs. the 3d nipples. These forums are great I wish I had them much sooner!
Take care
Cindy

Apr 2, 2012 05:14PM alliesmom15 wrote:

I had BMX in May with immediate reconstruction.  I lost my nipple on the cancer side but spared my other one.   I wasnt crazy about them so I switched drs and she did some fat grafting in Dec with lipo to my thighs to put around the implants and reconstructed a nipple for me.  I get my tattoo in a couple of weeks.  At first it was really long but now that it is healed it is the same size as my natural nipple.

I love my nipple, it looks really good.  I am more comfortable with the way I look now, I feel more like a woman than I have in a long time :) 

Apr 5, 2012 07:48PM lago wrote:

I had my nipple recon in October then tattoos in February. They look fabulous. The only issue that I hear with the 3-D tattoo is from the side you can tell it's flat. Face front it's great.

Apr 6, 2012 09:32AM Carrol2 wrote:

I had my pre op appointment now I have to wait for medicaid to approve it before they will schedule it. MY ps is not going to do fat grafting, they have gotten more and more round as time goes on, and the low spots all filled in. He is pretty sure he will just do the nipples and the lipo on my sides. I am going to try to lose at least 24 pounds before my surgery. He thinks it would be best to take a week off from work if I can (retail on my feet a lot). He said it's best to take it easy after the surgery for a while.

What scares me is you only get one shot at this. He will make them as long as possible and then just hope they don't flatten out. If they do then they can't re do it. SO I guess it will be whatever it will be and then I will be done except for the tatoos. 

Apr 6, 2012 10:01AM Carrol2 wrote:

No he said that the skin can only handle so much, and that there is not much success rate in redoing it. 

Apr 6, 2012 02:19PM Carrol2 wrote:

Apr 6, 2012 04:02PM SuebeeBC wrote:

Ditto

Apr 7, 2012 11:13AM lago wrote:

Carrol I think we meant he is pleased because they did turn out great.

Good luck with the weight loss. I put on a few too but I figured out some of it was water retention. I started taking the diuretic again. Lost 4.5lbs in 2 days and I feel so much better (and can get my feet in my shoes!) Still have winter weight to lose though.

I have been doing my usual power walks but also strenght training at home. I'm tightening up.

Apr 15, 2012 01:36PM Golden01 wrote:

My  nipple reconstruction surgery is scheduled for May 18 with tattoos to follow. I have a good friend that is a about a month ahead of me on this journey. Her PS said he could do the surgery in the surgical suite in his office using "twilight sleep". She's opted for a hospital based surgical center instead and indicates they will not be using general anethesia. We both had BMX. I can't imagine not being totally out while they do the surgery. My preop visit isn't for a couple of more weeks. For my other surgeries, they've kept me overnight due to low blood pressure problems.

Here's my questions:

What kind of anethesia did you  have for nipple reconstruction?

Did anyone spend a night at the surgical center after your surgery?

My PS only uses hospital based surgical centers but has anyone had the nipple surgery done within their PS office?

Apr 15, 2012 11:18PM lago wrote:

lab44 When I had my nipple recon I also had a  revision done to lefty (pocket work) and fat transfer. I think it took about 3.25 hours. The donor sites will be the areas that will have the most discomfort. I would assume that goes for the skin donor site too.

How much discomfort? I'm not a good person to ask. I never took any narcotics through this entire process, even after the BMX. I was just a bit sore but not in pain. I will say this is way easier than the BMX or the exchange. After a few days you will look like you were beat into a gang. The donor sites get very bruised but look worse then you will feel.

Apr 20, 2012 07:53PM sadie5254 wrote:

I was wondering if anyone considered not having the nipples redone?  I had diep on the left side and frankly, I could care less to have any more surgery, however minor.  My husband feels and the same and we're the only ones ever going to see it.  Having the reduction done on the right side next month.  PS asked about the reconstruction and I said I wasn't interested, and he said I could do it anytime.  I love the smooth look and don't have to wear a nipple shield to work. (Well, I do on the right side still).   Wondered if anyone else didn't have it done.

Apr 22, 2012 08:15PM Carrol2 wrote:

Hey Kristi I am in MO too. Were are you from, I am in Belton. DO you have a tatoo guy yet. Who is  your PS? WOuld love to compare notes.

Apr 23, 2012 04:42PM lago wrote:

Had my recon 6 months ago. I don't remember when I stopped shielding them but I would go by your PS's instructions. Mine  project enough to look real and are fine in a bra with just a tiny bit of thickness.

Apr 24, 2012 11:11AM lago wrote:

I would check with your PS. I would think it's a bit too early to wear something like that.