Trip to see Vinnie

Ladies - I am still mulling over the 3d nipple idea. I know I don't want raised ones, but the 3D is enticing. Has anyone here regretted going from Barbie boob to 3D nips? I think it is kind of fun to wear a man v-neck with no bra. But a "normal" look would be nice also.

BTW - I was in Baltimore last weekend for a wedding, and somewhat afraid to drive in the big city. The wedding was close to Vinnie's shop, and driving was no big deal. ( I'm in OK.) We did however drive to Penn Station and then take the train to DC to the Smithsonian for a few hours.

Do you really think Vinnie makes that much of a difference. I heard of someone locally who does it, but I am hesitant to go that route.

Also - what is the recovery like? Do you have to limit activity?

Thanks MLP! I think I might check that place out for supper when I'm there

Thanks Chrissilini! I have one more PS appt (since I fell on the right side 3 weeks post exchange my PS put me on papaverine to increase blood flow to that side). Then I think off to Vinnie I go!

Merlcat - I think that I've read where most women say they had to wait 3- 6 months after Exchange to get their tatts...

I asked my PS the same question, and since I am having some reconstruction-related issues, he said to give it a year in case I need revision surgery. He knows how much I revere Vinnie's artwork, and the PS said it would be a shame to damage that through further surgery.

As for the difference as to what the PS can do and what Vinnie can do, my PS explained that his equipment was not capable of doing the intricate shading that is neccessary for a 3D tattoo.

I think it would be like the difference between the Mona Lisa and a stick figure!!!  I showed my PS pics from Vinnie's gallery, and told him to start taking Art lessons!!!

(Just speaking about my own PS - gosh - there may be some real artists out there... wouldn't THAT be nice?)

I was wondering what you all thought. I have had nipple reconstrucion but I now need the tatoos. I was going to plan a trip to see Vinnie in NOLA for two reasons, 1. cause you all are so happy with his work and his website shows great work and 2. I could incorporate it into a little mini vacation.

Now my questions are this :

is it worth it to get his tatoo if I have had nipples? or would that be overkill? I want the best I can get.

also would I be too sore after to be able to enjoy a few days of hiurricanes and gumbo afterwards?

Carrol2 - I think quite a few ladies have had Vinnie put the finishing touches on their reconstructed nipples...if that's what you're asking... 

You can check his gallery - some pics are of tattooed reconstructed nipples and some are just the 3D tatts only.

And I think a few days of hurricanes and gumbo would take any soreness AWAY. But only if you're talking about hurricane DRINKS....

Glad to hear you had a great experience, Dawn. I can't wait until I can reschedule my appointment.

debbieg2010 - yay for you!!!

I'm just beginning that stage where I have to decide if I want a second opinion. I've recently considered swapping my very large implants with smaller ones, and using fat grafting to make up the difference.

But I've given myself until August (a year after my exchange) to make any big decisions. 

I always thought I would have been to see Vinnie by now, but I want to be sure I'm done with surgery first. Don't want to destroy his amazing work!!!

I am scheduled for exchange to implants in mid-May, and plan to go see Vinnie afterwards--my sister lives in the area, so I can have double the fun on this trip. It sounds as though a Vinnie tattoo is really worth the effort. 

Blessings2011- Sorry it took me a while to get back. When I had the swap of the implants my PS made a very thin and short horizontal cut to the side, more under the arm for the replacement. My BMX scar has faded as well. I hope things go well for you if you go for a second opinion. Stay in touch.

That's great to hear kayb!!  I didn't know that about the 10 year mark...assumed it had it be done!  I just emailed Vinnie to make my appointment.  Exchange is May 1st.  Where are you having yours done?

kayb~  Please keep me posted here.  My husband and I decided to do it in NOLA...always wanted to go there!  I'm calling this morning to make the appointment!

Sue~  I'm not surprised!  How long did they take?  Did you feel it?  Did you have nipple reconstruction as well?  Bilateral tatts?  Price?  Lots of questions!  So happy for you!

Tamiami - no problem for the questions, glad to help if I can. Total time was probably about an hour and a half. I would say the actual tattooing took less than an hour. I did feel it some (more on left side than right), but not to bad. I did not have nipple reconstruction (just the tattooing). I made my appt a few months ago, and I paid $400. I'm not sure if his fee recently increased or not. They gave me the form to submit to my insurance for reimbursement (see how that goes). If you go to NOLA, I believe they take care of the insurance benefits for you. Do you have your appt in NOLA all set now?

Sue713,

I am so glad to hear how impressed you were with your tattoos! I will be getting my tattoos next Wednesday in NOLA and I am so excited! I saw your post that it hurt more on the left than the right, was your cancer on the right? I have never had a tattoo and am a little nervous.

froggy12, yes my cancer was on the right side, so not sure if that had something to do with it. I have never had a tattoo either (and was also nervous). Now that I'm done, i realize there is nothing to be nervous about (sit back and relax...you are now in the final stage). Don't get me wrong, the feeling i felt during the tattooing was nothing unbearable, just that I did feel it (I've just read where some women didn't feel anything). And Vinnie and I just chatted the whole time, so you kind of forget about what is even going on. You will be just fine! Congrats on your appt! Let us know how it goes.