Nipple Reconstruction: Skin Graft OR Tattoo??

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wasin
wasin Member Posts: 131
edited June 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

I'm scheduled to have nipple reconstructive surgery in doctor's office soon.  I've read some discussions in among ladies who have gone through tattooing nipples/aerolas and some ladies chose to have skin graft done from using skin from the inner thigh.

I'm having a hard time deciding if I should go w/ tattooing nipples/aerola once the nipples are created or just go w/ skin grafting.  Initially, I thought skin graft would leave a scar right between the legs and so I was concerned about how I would look when I wear swimsuits in summer.

For those of you who have chosen to get the skin graft instead of tattooing, are your scars visible?  I know one benefit of this procedure is you don't have to deal w/ touch ups like w/ tattoos.  

Any thoughts?  If this applies to you, can you share your experiences/thoughts?

Thank you!

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited March 2011

    I haven't gotten around to getting my nips yet, but I've decided to go with 3D tats and not get surgically constructed tats at all.  I've seen some pictures and the results look very nice, and read posts from many ladies here who are happy with 3D tats.  And I just don't feel like going through yet another surgery.  But that's me.  I'm sure other ladies will chime in with their experiences.  Good luck with your decision!

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Thank you for sharing.  I've heard about 3D tattooing.  Do most women get touch-ups down the road?

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  • Deirdre1
    Deirdre1 Member Posts: 1,461
    edited March 2011

    Oh I have had the nipple and areola reconstructed from the groin and yes there is a scar and I wouldn't recommend it at all!!  Only after did I discover the 3D MEDICAL tattoo's and that would be the way I would go if I got a "do over" <grin>... but just so you are aware, not only does the groin nipple reconstruction leave 2 more areas (if you are going bi-lateral only 1 if one breast) for potential infection but the nipples (at least mine did) shrunk down after 3-6 months and I ended up having to tattoo the areola because it was way too "pink"...  Now some women have had the nipple re-created from there belly skin but again I wouldn't do any moving of tissue for the nipple... If you do your research you will find that almost all nipples (the fake ones <g>) will shrink down.. and my ps make mine rather large trying to adjust for that (and I took very good care of them while they were healing!) and they still are almost flush with the skin on my foob.... so it was a useful surgery for me... 

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Deidre1,  thank you for sharing your experience and your insight.  I actually had a chance to see the photo of my PS's patient who had skin grafting done for her nipples and the scars were very visible which made me not want to do it.  I forgot about the possible infection in the groin area.. ughh.. I definitely don't want to mess w/ that..  Thank you again, that really cleared up alot and it helped me with my decision.  :)

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  • Deirdre1
    Deirdre1 Member Posts: 1,461
    edited March 2011

    you r welcome.  But remember you can still have a "finished product" with either 3D medical tattooing or regular tattooing...  Good luck and I hope it turns out the way you would like.. and please let us know how things progress...  Take good care!  Deirdre

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  • mawhinney
    mawhinney Member Posts: 1,377
    edited March 2011

    I had  c-v flap nipple reconstruction.  Huge at first but shrunk to almost nothing.  Just a little bump. I also had areola tattooing but in 18 months the color faded. I just had the tattooing redone as I need scar removal surgery so PS redid the tattooing but said it will fade again.  If I had to do it all over again I would do 3D tattooing and skip the c-v flap procedure.  It was an easy procedure but not worth the little bump.

    On a positive have the nipple & areola reconstruction defintely improved my appearance by distracting the eye from my mx & biopsy scars.

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Thanks, Deirdre1!  I'll definitely let you ladies know! :D

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  • wasin
    wasin Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2011

    Mawhinney, was that procedure the one the PS had to take the dark skin from the inner thigh?

    I wonder why the nipple shrunk.. Alot of women seemed to have experienced the samething about how the nipples shrunk.  I should call my nurse and ask her..  Thank you for sharing your experience.   I hope my to-be-created nipples won't shrink..

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  • Delilahbear
    Delilahbear Member Posts: 466
    edited March 2011

    I had nipples from orgami process of breast skin. The areola was grafted from skin taken from the crease between butt and upper thigh. It was not too uncomfortable, but did have to be restitched as incision opened up, but scar is not visible, even in swimsuit. My nipples were quite large, but shrunk and now they are about 1/4 inch projection. Just enough to show through thin bra and t-shirt, and definitely not just a nub. In my case the new ones (14 months old) are much better than my original and I am really pleased with the finished look they give.

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  • Barskyy
    Barskyy Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2011







    Hello, i am Yelena Barsky i am a  3D or regular nipple tattoo artist for teaching and therapeutic purposes and also my prices are very reasonable . I have a new address and a new Phone number which is: (267)-243-6753 My new address is 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., suite# 1A2 Philadelphia   Pa,19130.



                                                                                                        

      

                                      Any questions about anything do not be afraid to ask me feel free to call or email barskyy@yahoo.com!



               

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  • sac9dgm
    sac9dgm Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2014

    Hello Wasin,

    Understand Nov 2010 you were deciding if you should go with the tattooing nipples/aerola or rest with skin graft.  How is your nipple reconstruction skin graft results with your surgery?  or did you choose the 3D nipple tattoo?  

    August 27th I have plans with my PS for the skin graft from the groin inner thigh area.  Just curious if you are happy with your results and if there was any complications.

    I would be happy to hear from anyone who has recently had the last stage of the reconstruction process.  And what method you chose and feedback.

    skin graft or 3D tattoo.  What is the best results?

    Thank you,

    Di

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  • lahela
    lahela Member Posts: 515
    edited June 2014

    sac9dgm, I will be having the procedure in 12 days and will let you know how it goes! I'm very excited to do it. My PS says wound care of the donor site is very important, but she finds that the fipple results are generally better. I really don't have any choice because I have flat areas on the front of my DIEP foobs and can only wear solid molded bras or it looks odd, so I need the projection. I'll be getting tattoos as well to recreate the areola look and to cover DIEP scars.

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  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 556
    edited June 2014

    I received the 3d tattoos Sat and so far love them I did not want to have more surgery.

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