One nipple sparing and one skin sparing mastectomy

Anonymous

One nipple sparing and one skin sparing mastectomy

AnaMaria34

Hi all,

I had a bilateral mastectomy with TE 5 days ago. I decided to keep the nipple on my prophylactic (cancer free) side. I could not do so on the other. I didn't learn until minutes before the surgery that most people don't choose this. I can't find pictures or information anywhere of what to expect from having one breast mound with my real nipple and one with a fake or tattooed one. Has anyone chosen this option? Did you have a lot of trouble with symmetry? My thinking was that I could avoid a second huge scar and keeping the nipple would help that side look more real. Now I'm concerned I made the wrong choice. I would love to speak to someone about it. Does keeping a real nipple make it challenging to get it to face forward, etc? Thank you!

Luckynumber47

No, no, no don't go by what other people say! You made exactly the right choice for you! What about all the people who have an UMX? Don't they have one real nipple and 1 reconstructed or tattoo?

Don't second guess yourself. You made a great decision. Now focus on healing and getting on with life.

Sending you gentle hugs and positive vibes,

Lucky

BayouBabe

AnaMarie - this is exactly what I did, and I am 100% happy with my decision 4 years later. Having one nipple that was mine, helped so much mentally in the early months. I had the other nipple/ areola reconstructed with a skin graft from my thigh during my exchange surgery. What really made it the right choice was having a 3d nipple tattoo to finish things off. Research the tattooing carefully. I went to Vinnie Myers shop in Baltimore - Paul did my tatoo. The color was matched wonderfully. Most people would not be able to tell which is mine and which is the reconstructed one. With a good PS and a good tattoo artist, you will be fine