ART bra instead of recon (multiple tattoos)

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Lily55
Lily55 Member Posts: 3,534
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

I have seen some pictures of these and they look exceptional and you cannot see the scars and optical illusion makes it look as though there is a bust but I guess there is no shape in clothes..........surely it must hurt or can you be sedated for that much tattooing?!

Anyone actually done it?

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  • crystalphm
    crystalphm Member Posts: 1,138
    edited February 2013

    I look forward to replies on this subject, it is something I think about at times.

    One of my doctor's concerns is Lymphedema happening because of the multiple needle sticks...any thoughts or evidence on this?

    I remember years ago, long before my breast cancer I saw a woman on TV who had her whole chest tattooed with the words I am ALIVE and floral and vines everywhere...and I knew then I would never consider reconstruction, I would be an ART gal.

    But now I just want nothing to do with pain....or possible LE.

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  • Rowan47
    Rowan47 Member Posts: 151
    edited February 2013

    Hi ladies, I too am interested in some type of decoration over my scars. Lily, I imagine with a large tattoo that you would need to do it in stages? Too much all at once! Crystal, my worry also would be possible risk of lymphedema. I would love a daisy chain across my scars, or maybe lilies. I have 2 small tattoos on my lower back, which hurt a bit, but nothing unbearable. My chest still has areas of numbness so probably wouldn't feel it too much. I think mastectomy tattoos are a great idea and very attractive :)

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited February 2013

    There is a story (and a photo) on BreastFree.org by a woman who chose to have a tattoo over her mastectomy site. The story is Denise's Story (on the "Personal Stories" page) and the photo is the last on the "Photographs" page .

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  • Galsal
    Galsal Member Posts: 1,886
    edited February 2013

    I saw a gorgeous one.  My first thought was I'm a wimp and that much would be painful, but I'd not thought of breaking up the sessions to get it done.  My second thought was how might that affect Lymphedema.

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  • Alynne61
    Alynne61 Member Posts: 11
    edited April 2013

    I had BMX and no reconstruction... and I really like the idea of the tatoos.  however, I do have some LE in my hand, upper arm and shoulder blade area on left and in my underarm on the right.  so, I am not about to try it.  

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  • flat13good
    flat13good Member Posts: 93
    edited November 2013


    I'm going to do it. I had reconstruction and now I'm getting it removed - not for me...... Since you do not have a lot of feeling I'm expecting it not to hurt as much as my other tattoos but we will see. I will have my removal this week so it will be a while before I start but Art is better than scars at least in my mind it is. If you want a large one it would not all be done in one sitting - it will take many sitting for what I want done. I say go for it............

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited November 2013


    I have had recon and tattoos are not my thing but I have seen a few gorgeous works of art on post mx chests. I think it can be fabulous!

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited November 2013


    I would love to have an exotic tattoo on my chest, but when I looked into it I got conflicting information about how long you have to wait, before the "area" can actually accept the tattoo. LE is also a very real concern. With a 2 to 5 year time frame I won't be doing anything, any time soon.


    I'd love to hear from anyone who has taken the step and had a tattoo, or have any more concrete information on the subject.


    I bought some lovely fake tattoos, and a new paint on finish, that takes the shine off them and makes them look very real. I thought it may be a way to try one for a week or so, and see if I really want to follow this up in the future.


    I had a tattoo done on my hip for my 40th birthday, so I have a fair idea of what to expect as far as pain is concerned. Well, perhaps not, if all the numbness persists!

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  • Vivtwins
    Vivtwins Member Posts: 69
    edited December 2013

    Hello!  Just wanted to share the tattoo I had done in August 2013.  It is going to be extended shortly.  I have LE in my right arm so can't have anything there but intend to make a bit more of my left upper arm/chest!!!!  

    Sorry I can't make it any smaller!

    Viv xxx

    image

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited December 2013

    Hi Vivtwins!

    Thanks so much for posting the photo, it is a lovely piece! Was it very painful?

    I have an old Tattoo on my hip, and it hurt like the Devil! LOL

    You obviously didn't have any problems getting it done so early, was there any hesitation by the artist or your Doctors?

    They seem to be very  strict here, about the long wait and the possibility of LE being started from the trauma of the Tattoo. It really puts me off doing it.

    I have a lovely piece of artwork which is a trailing vine with Tiger Lilies and a hummingbird which I'd love to do on my chest, but the negative responses have made me afraid to go ahead.

    I'd appreciate any more information you'd be willing to share. Thanks!

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  • Vivtwins
    Vivtwins Member Posts: 69
    edited December 2013

    Hi Ariom, 

    I'm glad you like it!  I really love it but my Dad didn't!!!!  Haha!  He went nuts, he hates my tattoos and didn't approve of me making such a statement!!!

    I never even asked for information to be honest!  The artist was really happy to do it and the only thing that the LE clinic said was no more tattoos on my right arm.  I have another large one on my back too and I really want my upper left arm and further on to my chest at some point. I would imagine you have to wait a bit of time before going over scars.  I'm not going to go too far yet as I would like to lose a bit more weight before I might my absolute decision about whether or not to have recon.  I'm 99% sure I'm not going for it but I want to just be 100% sure.  

    I think you should go for it!  So long as you are healed and not signs of LE, I reckon you would be fine!  Maybe check with the doctor?  

    Look forward to hearing if you go for it or not!

    Viv xxx

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited December 2013

    Thanks so much for that Vivtwins!

    You made me smile when you spoke of your Father not approving. I waited till my Dad had passed before I got mine. He would have been mortified! My Dad was an officer in the Navy and used to talk of pulling young drunken sailors out of tattoo parlors all over  the world.

    The day I decided to have mine, which was for my 40th Birthday,  I straddled the chair and the artist started my tattoo. The sky turned from clear, bright blue to black, and the wind sounded like it would lift the roof off the tattoo parlor, while the rain was beating the windows. The artist made comment about not expecting weather like that. I said it was just my Dad letting me know he didn't approve.

    The funny thing was, that when I showed it to my Mother, who was very traditional, she loved it! Go figure!

    Thanks again! Merry Christmas!

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  • georgie1112
    georgie1112 Member Posts: 282
    edited December 2013

    I would LOVE some artistic tattoos. But I have intermittent LE. It is well-controlled and I only wear my sleeve on the airplane and when I am doing heavy work. So I am really lucky! I do get acupuncture and am always getting cuts b/c tamoxifen makes my skin thin but these do t make my hand swell. So maybe I could get a tattoo. 

    But I only really love the huge elaborate tattoos. They really disguise the surgery. 

    Viv- beautiful colors and designs! Such a great idea to keep adding to yours. How many times did you have to go to get your tattoo? How many hours? Do you happen to know the type of leaves in your tattoo? So pretty!

    Thinking I could have a tattoo on the side without LE and get a tiny bit on the LE side to see if I could tolerate it. I've seen people who get the tattoo done in stages which might work.  

    M- Funny about the sky turning dark when you were getting your tattoo. Dad really not happy! 

    Merry Christmas for those who celebrate. 

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  • flat13good
    flat13good Member Posts: 93
    edited December 2013

    My mother went nuts with my first and my dad has never said a word so I know he does not approve.  My aunt talked to my mom so things settled down and now I have many.  Once I get the clear I will be doing my chest since I had my reconstruction removed.  I have really bad scaring and lumps so I will cover it all up.  They do large tattoo's in steps so you usually go back many times for the bigger ones.  My PS gave me the name of the man that does his nipple tattooing so I know he has worked on this type of issues.

    Hope all had a good holiday!

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  • Vivtwins
    Vivtwins Member Posts: 69
    edited December 2013

    Hi Ladies, 

    How funny how we worry about whether our parents will approve.  My Dad phoned me and went bonkers at me.  He did apologise once I had explained to him that at 43 he really couldn't tell me what to do.  He just hates them and that's his problem not mine, although I did secretly feel really upset at how he yelled at me!!!!

    Georgie, it took about an hour to do the tattoo!  My artist is an absolute angel.  I nearly fell asleep while she was doing it.  I was her first customer to ever do that!!!! Haha!  I wouldn't ever let anyone else do them now!  They are hibiscus flowers in the tattoo.  I have lillies on my back so I would like to try and incorporate them both as I extend them.  I am truly addicted but have to have them where I can cover as I work in a school and I don't want to push their tolerance!!!!  Although I have 2 on my right wrist which have never caused any issues.....only with my Dad!  Haha!

    Keep posting your decisions, it's exciting.  I'll let you know if I book an appointment! 

    Viv xxx

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  • georgie1112
    georgie1112 Member Posts: 282
    edited December 2013

    Viv, 

    One hour sounds good!!! Better than I thought. To truly disguise the scar and lumps and bumps, there would need to be a fairly large tattoo with detail.

    I am an artist so it will be fun to think what would look good.  I will check out who does these tattoos where I live. So exciting! It is something to look forward to after surgery, infection and seromas!!!

    Flat23gd,

    Yup my chest is not flat either so good to disguise the lumpiness. It will be cool to see something beautiful getting undressed.  I am truly happy I had this surgery. But not so much looking at my chest. To be it represents living and letting go of stress. Just need to complete the picture. Either in my mind or on my body. 

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  • flat13good
    flat13good Member Posts: 93
    edited December 2013

    Georgie  I'm planning on Floral  Cone flowers, Peonies, and some wild roses and maybe more.  I had reconstruction and hated it so I had it all removed - I'm not sure if I look worse then if I had just had them removed and never had recon.  Any way it is what it is and that is concaved and lumpy  and I would rather look at my garden when I get undressed.  I think for all the years of not wearing a bra I built up muscle under my breasts so now I have a shelf more so in the radiated side. Wish they would have removed it too.  That will be the Cone in the cone flower.  I have lots off good ideas from pintrest.  Flatsy

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  • glorianna
    glorianna Member Posts: 92
    edited December 2013

    Hi,

    Hate to spoil the fun with beautiful tatoos, I have none - but there are many substances causing cancer -

    the tatoo colours I have read in are not too good for the body? I and many others have become more careful with

    lipsticks, cosmetics etc

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  • glorianna
    glorianna Member Posts: 92
    edited December 2013

    Hi,

    Hate to spoil the fun with beautiful tatoos, I have none - but there are many substances causing cancer -

    the tatoo colours I have read in are not too good for the body? I and many others have become more careful with

    lipsticks, cosmetics etc

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  • Vivtwins
    Vivtwins Member Posts: 69
    edited December 2013

    Ooooo I do love a good root through Pintrest!  It's awesome isn't it?  

    I am going to have to find some inspiration soon.  I think I'm going to see my artist next week after new year to see if she can draw me something.  I really want to carry on the theme I have now but I would her to put her clever touch to it!  

    How exciting, I can't wait to see the results of all our ideas.  

    Viv xxx

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  • Vivtwins
    Vivtwins Member Posts: 69
    edited January 2014

    I think is a risk of cancer from anything we do!  We have cleaning products, cosmetics, too thin, too fat, smoking etc.  I don't think I got cancer from having a tattoo! 

    My mum was completely clean living, fit and healthy and she died of cancer.

    Life's too short to worry about that stuff, I might get hit by a bus tomorrow!!!!!

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  • flat13good
    flat13good Member Posts: 93
    edited January 2014

    I agree my Mom died of cancer and she hated my tattoo's so I would rather look at art and beauty that scars. I think this spring the work will begin.  Flatsy

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  • georgie1112
    georgie1112 Member Posts: 282
    edited January 2014

    Viv and Flat13good,

    Do post pictures of the designs. I don't use Pinterest. Guess I am missing out...  

    Would like to hear more about the process and what kind of design works better to camouflage the scars.

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  • Vivtwins
    Vivtwins Member Posts: 69
    edited January 2014

    image

    This is one I really like to go down my chest next to the one I posted above!

    Viv xxx

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  • cinnamonsmiles
    cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
    edited January 2014

    I have mild to moderate Lymphedema bilateral on the arms, sides of chest and chest.

    Personally, I would not risk the tattoo'ing with such a higher risk of LE if you had any sentinel or axially nodes removed.

    It can cause pain, destroy underlying tissues, is a royal pain to deal with and expensive (OT/PT, sleeves, gauntlets, etc, this stuff ain't cheap by any means-I get cheaper sleeves and ONE SLEEVE is around $72 and Medicare doesn't pay a dime..not sure if Obamacare rules will force Medicare to pay now but that is for another thread).

    Sleeves are terribly hot and uncomfortable in the summer!!! Mosquitoes and bugs can still bite through..if you get it on the chest or sides of chest, then you may need  to find chest compression that works...And don't forget the pain in the butt Manual Lymphedema Drainage to be done at home...

    And I only have mild/moderate...I have achiness from it, arm fatigue, I have to be careful of my daily arm usage and what  can do with them, modify activities to reduce flare ups, and get pain with it because I already have nerve damage from the BMX with SNB/AND.

    Please think about it very carefully.

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  • Vivtwins
    Vivtwins Member Posts: 69
    edited January 2014

    Hi Cinnamonsmiles, 

    I have LE in my right arm and treat that with sleeves and am kept an eye on by the clinic too.  I've been told no more tattoos on my right side so would not go there in that respect.  

    I have a large one on my left shoulder front and back (see pic above) and it caused me no problems.  So long as I get the all okay from the LE nurse it should be fine but I agree it isn't for everyone!

    I too get arm fatigue and it aches a lot but i'm very very careful and look after my skin etc.

    I will post what the advice is from the LE clinic on 15th Jan when I see them next!

    xxx

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  • georgie1112
    georgie1112 Member Posts: 282
    edited January 2014

    Viv,

    Beautiful!!! Hope you get the okay to proceed. Do post and let us know. 

    Cinnamonsmiles- Sorry you are contending with LE. I have mild intermittent LE in one arm. Just saw my LE therapist for PT and she did not nix the idea of a chest tattoo. She said many risk factors that were previously thought to aggravate LE, don't. Acupuncture is one she mentioned. Things that don't bother me are shaving, acupuncture, small cuts and hot weather. They may bother someone else. 

    So am wondering and hoping a tattoo may be okay for me. I would start on my unaffected side and then try a little on the side with issues. 

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