Nipple Sparing

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noonrider
noonrider Member Posts: 464
edited August 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

I'm curious about people's experience with nipple sparing surgery. I was diagnosed with IDC 2 cm, ER/PR+, HER2 neg, had lumpectomy and SNB in April. Clear margins and nodes. However, my oncotype came back in an intermediate group. Because I can't  take tamoxifen my risk of recurrence is at 25%.  I just finished chemo and after consulting with all my doctors have opted to move forward with BMX. My doctors all say I'm a good candidate for nipple sparing. Anyone here have experience? 

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited August 2014

    Yes, I had bilateral nipple sparing with immediate reconstruction (tissue expanders) last year and am very satisfied with the results. If you have any particular questions please feel free to PM me.

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited August 2014

    I had nipple sparing bmx with one step I implants just about 3 years ago. One nipple had to be remove after the final path report but I'm very pleased with the other. 

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  • noonrider
    noonrider Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2014

    Thanks ladies. I'm not even exactly sure what to ask. I guess if you had any problems or not, which you already mentioned. LOL I will be having immediate reconstruction. The surgeon did say they would be doing pathology on all tissue inside the nipple and all the ducts, etc. I'm nervous and just want to get this step behind me. 

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited August 2014

    I think the most important thing is to get a surgeon who is experienced in this specific surgery.

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  • noonrider
    noonrider Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2014

    I love my PS! Five years ago I had a tummy tuck, and my PS also does breast reconstruction partnering with my BS. I've seen lots of their before/after pics of breast recon. With my tummy tuck several friends had her for their TT's as well so was able to see what kind of work she does.

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  • DiveCat
    DiveCat Member Posts: 968
    edited August 2014

    I had bilateral MX with nipple sparing, direct to implant in April. My left side was a little dark and scabby for a while, but it was not necrotic....I applied antibiotic ointment and fresh dressings to it twice a day, and at about 3 weeks out it was a healthy pink nipple again.

    My right nipple was inverted before surgery (has been all my life) and now is a little less inverted (due to release of ducts/connective tissue I am told) and my left which was more pokey but never really pokey (I had kind of weird nipples to begin with!) is a little less pokey. No sensation to touch or anything, though sometimes there are some random phantom sensations (not painful or anything and very rare at this point)

    I went into this not planning on NS, but decided to give it a go. I am really happy I did, and think it helped me accept my new breasts very easily, when I looked in the mirror, even all bruised, swollen, and odd shaped, I immediately accepted them because I could still see my weird nipples. I might have been fine without them too, but I think there was a bit of a psychological benefit. 

    If I had not kept them, or they had failed, I would have looked into 3D tattoos....those can look amazing!

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  • noonrider
    noonrider Member Posts: 464
    edited August 2014

    My PS said the recovery is very similar to that of my tummy tuck. My belly is numb from the belly button down to my crotch, and my armpit and back side of my arm is numb down to my elbow from the SNB so I figure if pretty soon ut my entire front side will be numb. I remember the weird creepy crawly sensations under the skin from my TT. Is it the same with recon?

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  • CFK
    CFK Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2014

    I had a nipple sparing one step BMX.  I have had no problems with my nipples except I have no feeling in them. It was strange at first but I'm used to it now.  They get erect when I'm cold but I don't feel anything.  I had the creepy crawly sensations, as you describe it, but I was told they were nerves regenerating.  That feeling went away after a month.  Good luck with your surgery.

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