Nipple reconstruction

Carrol2

Thanks Grier i am getting there. feeling more whole every day.

Ossa

Carrol you look great..It is amazing that nipples can make you feel so much more like a woman.. Hated my foob before, accept it now.. still not happy with it though

lago

The tattoos after the nipples did if for me. Also I liked the nipples once they shrunk. They look real

txmomof2

My nipple implant surgery is tomorrow and I can't wait!!!  It will be so nice to feel "normal" again!!   And I'm so happy that they moved my surgery from 5pm to 10:45am!  Whoo hoo!

Grier

That's awesome txmomof2!  Good luck tomorrow and report back in!

Grier

lago - how long did it take for your nipples to shrink?

Ossa

txmao.. good luck tomorrow.

jwilco

Getting my nipple tattoo tomorrow!  Still debating having some sort of plug implant too.  I decided to see what the tattoo would be like first.  So tired of surgical procedures.  I hope I like it.  Sort of nervous about it.  I'm a UMX so I always have the real one and it's hard not to compare.

lago

greir you will see the most shrinkage in the first 1-3 months.

Golden01

LOL - Have a great story about my new nipples. Yesterday, I had to have a D&C (not part of the great story, probably part of my Tamoxifen stories). When I told the admitting nurse that I 'd gotten my tattoos this month, she was quite interested as she had a friend with breast cancer who had not done nipple reconstruction or tattoos. Back in the curtained cubicle, I asked her if she'd like to see the tattoos, she said yes, I raised my gown and she was amazed at how good they looked. The IV nurse was also there and hadn't been listening to our conversation but had taken a glance when my gown went up. The first nurse and I continued our conversation about who did my tattoos, whether or not you could have them done quite awhile after surgery for BC, whether insuracnce covers doing the tattoos, etc. The IV nurse chimed in with, "What are you talking about?". She said she thought she was looking at my real nipple! Up the gown went again and both the nurses were amazed that on the right where it is perfectly flat (my reconstructed nipple on that side shrunk to nothing), there is the appearance of a nipple through my 3-D tattoo! On the second look, of course, she could see the scars and that it wasn't real. Made for a brighter spot in what all-in-all was a pretty icky day (except for the extra Demerol they gave me after the procedure, that was pretty good too!).

Timbek2

I am contemplating if I want tattoos or reconstruction.  Where is the photo site. It would really help to see just tats vs. those with nipple reconstruction.  All help appreciated!

Becki

lago

Timbek when it comes to seeing 3D tatts VS reconstructed I think you really need to see in person. I have been told that 3D tatts from the side don't look as 3D from the front.

Del11

Vinnie Myers has some photos on his site:  http://vinniemyers.com/section/105672_Nipple_Areola_Tattooing.html

CMartin

Vinnie did mine. I will be posting pictures in the forum this weekend. you can get access to that by sending Layla a private message. it is truly different without the real dimension but I would choose that option again.

CMartin

golden...love the story!

Ossa

Thank you Carrol

pegs54

I am just 3 weeks out of mastectomy surgery, looking forward to nipple reconstruction when the time comes. Anyone have Tram Flap reconstruction? What type of nip reconstruction did they use? Also see info about scar treatment breast or abdomen. More info please..Thank You.

CMartin

Tattoo pics are now on the forum.

JamieB86

I saw them Cindy and they look great!

Ossa

cmartin  they look great  you must be so happy being done

Grier

Just left you a note there..the girls look fantastic!  I do have a huge favor to ask...would you consider posting a picture wearing a fitted shirt or sweater?  (as that's how most people will be seeing mine )  It would be really helpful to see if you have the time to post - If not, totally undertand!

CMartin

thanks all. grier...absolutely. will let you know...

Hindsfeet

I had a unimx. My PS took half of the good nipple and put it on the reconstructed breast. He promised it would take and it did. I feared I would lose sensation in the nipple of my good breast. I still have sensation in nipple of the good breast, and have feeling in the reconstructed nipple. I'm amazed. I wasn't for sure about it, but glad I did it. Looks good.

Carrol2

wow hindsfeet that is amazing I never heard of that. 

CMartin

grier...dh is posting pics for you now.

Myklee2001

Hi , my name is Marilee and I was wondering if you could give me some insight on your tram flap surgery. I am trying to decide against implant with TE or a tram flap for a double mastectomy I will have before the years end for DCiS. How was the surgery and how has the recovery been?. I am nervous because of the length of time in the OR and the recovery. I am going crazy trying to make this decision. Thanks for your help



Marilee

Jennt28

Marilee, Are you meaning a free TRAM or a pedicled TRAM? I had a free TRAM...



If you pop over to the DIEP 2012 thread and ask the same question I'm sure you will get more answers.



Jenn (I read here because I am due a nipple recon in Feb/Mar.

Carrol2

ok had my 5 week follow with PS up on my new nipples. All looks good. I was wearing protective cones over them but he said I could take them off. Looks really good. He was pleased and so am I. I just have to get scar guard now. Then he wants to see them again in 3 months. So waiting till then to get the tatoos.

JamieB86

No more trying to camouflage those cones! Yay.

GreenMonkey

I just got my surgery date - December 13th - a week from today. I'm feeling nervous. How do they NOT cut into the implant (accidentally)? I'm also having fat grafting. I hope it works. Curious how uncomfortable it is and how much time I'll need to take off work.