Nipple Tattoos

Grammy,

I too am a grammy with 3 grandchildren. I was 60 when diagnosed. I live very close to you in Yucaipa. I just got my 3D's done last Wednesday and got the bandages off yesterday. Mine are also flat because of nipple removal. They go right over the incisions so it takes your eyes away from the scars. My scars are fading a little. But got a bit red from being under that Tagaderm clear waterproof bandaging. When she finished and took a picture for me, I cried. It is very emotional. You feel like you are whole again. Did yours feel rough at first? Did they scab? I am keeping Aquaphor on them to help in the healing. Mine were available through Kaiser by the PAs that do the fills for PS office. It was a very sterile environment like an OR.

vetta girl - re-inflated, what is that? I decided to let the PS do nipples with my next exchange surgery. Vinnie is local (an hour away) and my insurance will not cover tattoos, so who knows, maybe I'll ask for them for Christmas. I am thinking about ordering some of the temp tattoos. Visually not having a nipple is bothersome to me.

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories. My tumor was under the nipple so it had to go. And I elected to have bilateral mastectomy so no natural nipple left to try and match. It was a 6 month wait for Vinnie. Trent was available in 1 month so I scheduled with him. 2 weeks away now! I did use the temp tats in different shades to get an idea of what I would like best. Robinblessed, I am also a grandma, 57 when diagnosed. I was moved when you said you cried when seeing your tattoo . You have a good attitude about touch-up

Diane

hello, I will be getting 3D tattoos by Vinnie at the end of Sept. I am getting very nervous about having it done.

Has anyone had the real nipple darkened as well. I was told because mine are light it would fade very quickly.

I didn't question it then...just alittle scared now. He said to bring Elma cream

we are going to Baltimore. I am coming from Toronto,ON. I have been reading the thread, but I had not read of anyone getting the natural nipple darkened as well as the reconstructed one. That is the part that makes me nervous.

Yes it was a typo..

Thanks Karen

Saw my PS today (I'm four years out from BC diagnosis and reconstruction) and I agree with him that I may want to consider a tattoo refresh. I had a great woman in Phoenix do mine back during treatment but am thinking I might go to Vinnie or Dragonfly Ink in San Francisco. http://dragonflyink.com/ Either way, I'm thinking to make it a trip with one or both my sisters along for the fun. One of my sisters lives near San Jose so I could stay with her if I opt for Dragon Fly. Anyone with experience and recommendations? Love to hear your thoughts and ideas. I may have a little work done on one of my reconstructed nipple before I get the tattoo refresh.

Thank you! I'll check it out.

I couldn't plan my schedule 8 months ahead in order to see Vinnie. Instead, last month, I saw Trent, at the Baltimore store. (I was able to get appointment in 6 weeks.) He was very calm, personable with great bedside manners. He used stick-on tats so we could decide on placement. Then he mixed a few colors according to my skin tone. He applied a tad of each, above the nipple area,so I could see them. After we agreed on a color, he explained the procedure and asked if I had any questions. The entire process took about an hour. I did have some pain, but some ladies do not. I wore a Cami at night and it worked nicely to hold the bandage in place. During the day I wore a bra. In a mirror they do look real! I love my Trents! Baltimore was fun with fabulous seafood. I can't believe how many times I had crab cakes

Well, I see that no one has posted on this site for over a year!! I had my tattoos in July 2015 through my PS office. They were "ok" but have faded and don't have a 3D look at all! They look like targets. I have found a tattoo artist in my area highly recommended and a former star on LA Ink reality show. I am so excited! He will be giving me west coast "Vinnies" so I am going to call them my "Cory's". His assistant and office manager is a BC survivor herself. That makes it even sweeter. She has had many surgeries due to complications with TE's, radiation and seromas. She has decided to not get the nipples but to have Cory tattoo over her scars with beautiful designs. Being 62 I don't think I would go that route, but I am so excited to have realistic tattoos. At the PS office, they use cosmetic grade ink and that just doesn't last. This will be permanent. He charges $600 but that is cheaper than Vinny.

Robin

Robin - I was 65 when Vinnie did my 3D tattoos. I can't tell you how emotional I was when looking in the mirror at home. It was just something that made me feel normal again after almost two years of healing and waiting. It's been a year and a half and they still look the same - no fading. I'm so happy for you.

You will be good to go for your party. I feltfine afterwards.

My 3D tattoos with Vinnie were uncomfortable a little when he was doing the work, but no pain afterwards at all. I did have shields to wear continuously for a couple of days. Good luck!

Yes, you need to keep polysporin and pads on at first. I wore a shelf Cami, the Sonoma brand from Kohls. It held the pads better than a bra. No pain that evening. I didn't want to wait for appointment with Vinnie so I had his partner Trent. It's been a year and they still look great!

Vinnie posts care instructions on his website

aftercare is antibacterial soap and aquaphor for 3 days, no pads. After that lotion 3 times a day for 3 weeks.