Nipple failed

Valerie_R

Hi there, I just had my abdominal scar re-excisio from my previous DIEP surgery, and got my nipple, which failed. The doctor says it is no big deal and she can redo the nipple in her office at a later date, but I'm disappointed.  It looks like a little tiny stub!  Has anyone else had to have their nipple re-done, and if so, what were the results?  Thanks so much,

Valerie

KPM

Mine started out okay, but has "retreated" and it's a stub, too.  I will get it redone soon and am waiting to tatoo until it's right.  Tell me more about the abdominal re-excision...I had a DIEP, too and don't like the scar there -- did it help?

EyesOTex

I, too, would be interested to know about the re-excision.  I have a huge, hard scar where I had an open wound for months that I had to finally have a second surgery to close, and I didn't even know the ab re-excision was part of the deal.  I don't even know if I want nipples or the re-excision, I had so much trouble with the original...though I hate this scar, too.  Thanks for the info.

Valerie_R

Hi there, the abdominal scar re-excision was well worth it.  It was a lot more invasive than my doctor had anticipated, i.e., she had to go a lot deeper to get all the adhesions and scar tissue, but I now have a hairline scar at 6 weeks that looks great.  My other abdominal scar was just too wide.

there was no pain with this and I could walk upright immediately.  She just wanted me to stay out of my abs for a couple of weeks so I didn't stretch the scar so no Pilates, just walking.

I'm really glad I did this because I have to look at myself every day in the mirror and I hated the old scar.  Waiting to see when she can give me a new nipple.  If I wanted to wear a bikini next year, which I really doubt as I'm 59 years old, I could do so. I feel so much less self-conscious now - I didn't realize how unhappy I was with the incision until now because I was worried about another surgery and thought about not doing this one.  I think I had an aspirin in the hospital and that was it.  I was in for 23 hours - they can hold you in in and out surgery for 23 hours - so I didn't get charged for an entire day.

Hope this helps.  Just waiting to replace my mutant nipple!

Cheers,

Valerie

Valerie_R

I wonder, do either of you know, how often nipples have to be redone?  I realize that this is an in-office procedure, but I'm getting a little weary of the whole surgical process.  Thanks.