Trip to see Vinnie

Options
1…1718202223…34

Comments

  • Amelia123
    Amelia123 Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2014

    My PS also recommended Vinnie.  It will be a while before I am at that point (having the exchange in 2 days!), but I did have a question.  Does he numb the area? Is that necessary?  Or does he just tattoo without any special prep?  Not quite sure what to expect...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Judy_63
    Judy_63 Member Posts: 247
    edited June 2014

    I'm numb so the tattoos didn't hurt at all in my case.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited June 2014

    I didn't feel a thing. All good.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Amelia123
    Amelia123 Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2014

    Bdavis, glad all went well.  You say you didn't feel a thing - is that due the breasts themselves or did he numb them?  I'm also curious if this is covered by insurance.  Any help is appreciated!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited June 2014

    My breasts are numb (mostly), but even the areas I have feeling, I didn't feel any pain.

    And the insurance company processed the claim wrong and initially only covered one, but I called and they are re-processing. They denied one cause they said it was a duplicate procedure on the same day. Well... duh. I told the woman I have two breasts, two nipples therefore two tattoos. So she re-submitted it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mistyb
    mistyb Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2014

    KSteve..... Kathy- I am traveling from western NE to see Vinnie in October also.  I am so excited to get this done!  Perhaps fall in MD will coincide with some wonderful festivals, or other fun things to do.

     

     

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lala1
    lala1 Member Posts: 1,147
    edited June 2014

    Going to see Vinnie next week. Can ya'll tell me what to expect as far as how the process goes? I'm only getting one so I was wondering how long it took, should I try to wear a certain type of clothing, etc. And I'm thinking about staying overnight up there and wondered if I would need to have any of my own medical supplies (gauze, ointment, etc) till I get home or does he provide you with all you need (if anything at all)? My DH is going with me. Is he allowed back with me or does he need to bring something to occupy himself? Just trying to be prepared!!

    Thanks!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HappySpring13
    HappySpring13 Member Posts: 103
    edited June 2014

    I just got nipples done this past Wednesday and in a month or two when I am healed I want to get my tattoos.  Is it better to see Vinnie or let my PS do them?  I think from what I've been reading Vinnie has more color choices and matches what should be your color.  Plus I'm down for a road trip.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited June 2014

    I have been off the Board for awhile, just needed a break but am back.  I had my tattoos done with Vinnie several months ago and am thrilled with the results.  Glad I didn't give into my really competent plastic surgeon who wanted me to have the tattoos done in her office ( she is a good PS other than this advice.)

    Yeah, Vinnie is both technically excellent and highly professional artist.

    Peggy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited June 2014

    Vinnie gives you all you need for supplies as in pads and ointment.  You need to wear a bra so the telfa pad will stay in the bra and no need for tape.  I wore a bra and a knit pullover top - worked fine.  Nice to have light white cotton t shirts (like mens t shirts) for daytime to let them air.  But he will give you a sheet of paper telling you all of this along with the supplies.

    My PS has a PA who does the tattooing, but I heard so much about Vinnie I couldn't resist - and am ever so happy that I did go with him.  Worth all the wait and the distance and any $$ involved.  They look fantastic and I truly enjoy the 'drive by' glances I take just before the shower!!!!  My daughter asked "Can I touch them" - because the 3D truly looks like REAL nipples!!!!!

    I think the color mixing that Vinnie does is so realistic and he is such an expert at it that the PS offices can't compete.  

    Hugs

    Catie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lala1
    lala1 Member Posts: 1,147
    edited June 2014

    Thanks, Catie2013, for the info. I'm one of those people that likes to be REALLY prepared for things. I'm a huge fan of Google for this reason but Google doesn't tell you much about what it's like to get a nip/areola tattoo!! How long does it take? I'm a UMX so I figure not as long as it took you. And DH has offered to take me to the racetrack that evening. Think I'll be up for it?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited June 2014

    Lala... For one it will be less than an hour... And your husband can go in with you and watch... And you can do whatever you want afterward. There were no restrictions.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MereMere
    MereMere Member Posts: 158
    edited June 2014

    Keep in mind tho that they want you to wait 5-6 months after you last operation/procedure before getting tats.  It is really important to let you skin heal so you get optimal results... also make sure you tell them about and radiation too.... 

    Good Luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited June 2014

    my son went with me, so absolutely no problem with your husband, and for sure you should be able to enjoy your evening just fine.  My whole procedure took about an hour and I had bilateral - I'd estimate more than half of that time because he will be matching the new to your present I would think!

    Enjoy - 

    Hugs

    Catie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lala1
    lala1 Member Posts: 1,147
    edited June 2014

    Thanks, everyone, for all the tips!! As long as I'm prepared, I don't get nervous about these things (surgeries, procedures, etc). I'll be getting my tit tat in a couple of days!!! Got the old underarms waxed today so I'm good to go! ;)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • julieped
    julieped Member Posts: 81
    edited June 2014

    Yesterday I made my appointment to visit Vinnie on December 3rd!  I am very excited about it.  Everyone speaks so highly of their results.  Lots of arrangements to make - airplane, hotel, etc.  After 3 surgeries in 9 months, I will be happy to get this done.  What a journey.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lala1
    lala1 Member Posts: 1,147
    edited June 2014

    I got a "Vinnie"! So glad I'm done! It was very easy and quick. Not painless but definitely doable. He's a true artist and what a nice man!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited June 2014

    lala1 - from your stats, it looks like you only needed the tat on one side.  How is the match?  I was able to keep one nip, and am very nervous about getting the other side to match.  Saving ( though not fast enough) for a trip to Vinnie.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lala1
    lala1 Member Posts: 1,147
    edited June 2014

    BayouBabe--Do not worry about matching. Vinnie is a rock star at this stuff! I have a large, yet light colored, areola so it made matching a bit harder. But I think the color will fade to just perfect. He made it pretty light and said I can always darken if need be. And the tattoo makes my slightly uneven boobs look much more even which is exactly what I was hoping for. DH was most impressed....said he could barely tell I had one fake boob!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited June 2014

    Thanks lala!  My gut is telling me this is what I need to do.  I didn't go through all this reconstruction crap to have some non matching tat from a local PS office.  Now to just convince my family that this is money well spent for a trip to see Vinnie.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited June 2014

    Bayou Babe - not to dis the PS ability - but my oncologist said he has seen some really not so great nipples done at PS offices in Atlanta!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lala1
    lala1 Member Posts: 1,147
    edited June 2014

    BayouBabe--I paid $600 for a uni and 3 days later I'm thinking I got a steal! My tattoo is healing beautifully....no pain after the next day (and that was just soreness) and I don't even have the scabbing I was warned about. Maybe it's too early but every time I look in the mirror, I'm more and more pleased. I even had my nip flatten out quite a bit and he shaded it to look like the native nip! Sheer genius and well worth it!! I've already texted to photos to my sister who happened to be out getting wild with her girlfriends and I got multiple thumbs up!! ThumbsUpWinking

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited June 2014

    Anyone know how far out he is scheduling right now?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ucfmom
    ucfmom Member Posts: 127
    edited June 2014

    Last I heard he was booked up through the end of this year in NOLA.  I haven't called to ask about scheduling in MD.  If I can't get in NOLA early in 2015, I may go ahead and book it in MD.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited June 2014

    Usfmom,

    Have you considered going to Renee in Ft Lauderdale?

    She trained with Vinnie and he recommends her. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • julieped
    julieped Member Posts: 81
    edited June 2014

    I made an appt last week for Dec. 3rd in Baltimore and that was one of his last ones for 2014.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited July 2014

    and I just made an appt for nov 8 in MD. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ally2345
    Ally2345 Member Posts: 320
    edited July 2014

    Chrissilini & bdavis-  Woot!  Woot!!  That is awesome!!  Happy dance for you both! You have to tell us all about it as I am hoping to go the 3D route.  My exchange is not until August so I have to wait a bit.  Sigh.  In the meantime, how exciting for you both!!  There are some people from the area that posted quite a bit but it may be on old threads.  They discussed hotels and restaurants.  Hope you can find the info.

    Ally

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited July 2014

    BDavis, I thought you had yours done already?  

    I think Cascader knows something of the restaurants in the area, And maybe hotels?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited July 2014

    I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Owings Mills. It is new and very nice plus the breakfast was great. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories