3D nipple/areolas OR nipple reconstruction

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kingster
kingster Member Posts: 333
edited April 2016 in Breast Reconstruction

I would love opinions on 3D nipple areola tattoos versus the surgical reconstruction of the nipple/areolas. How does each hold up in the long term? I need to decide. Thanks ladies;)

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  • BreezyH
    BreezyH Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2016

    I don't post often but was looking for 3D nipple info and saw your post.

    I had a nipple reconstruction (using existing skin on breast mound to create the nipple and tattooing for color) one side flattened out completely and the other side has a slight nub. The color faded. My surgeon discussed this all with me before so I knew it was a possibility and I've chosen not to have them redone but I am going for 3D nipples today.

    This was my experience and might be of some help in your decision. Good luck!

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  • kingster
    kingster Member Posts: 333
    edited March 2016

    BreezyH, thank you so much for responding. Then, I should also go with the 3d tattoo. Besides the extra expense, time, and risk of infection, it seems more plastic surgeons in my area (I know of 4 different ps) seem to all agree that nip recon usually flatten out in the long term. How long did it take for your nip recon to flatten out? So excited for your tattoos. Where did you go? I would love to hear all about your experience! I have a consult next week to look into the 3d tattoos in Pittsburgh, PA. Formanaturalis.com is the website. Luke (tattoo artist) does the tattoos and works with a PS here. Sure wish I could find a way for insurance to pay.

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  • Warrior_Woman
    Warrior_Woman Member Posts: 1,274
    edited March 2016

    I did both. For me, I wanted the full package. I wanted to be back to the old me as much as possible. I had my tats done by Vinnie and my PS did my nipples. I posted photos in the picture forum. I am happy with the outcome. The nipples were done in August and the tats were in January. Vinnie said he can make them darker if I want them darker. I can still be braless with a tee. There is just a slight impression of nipples and I like that. After 2.5 years of no impression I don't mind slight headlights. This decision was right for me. Anything you decide only needs to be right for you.

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  • kingster
    kingster Member Posts: 333
    edited March 2016

    Warrior, I'm just worried that my outcome will not be as good as yours. I saw your pics, and am so happy for u! After BC u deserve it. My PS did not recommend it, and I can't seem to find anyone I can trust in my "network". I want the whole package, but am afraid of making it look worse. I wish I knew a PS that did that regularly with success.

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited March 2016

    Kingster, are you having trouble finding a PS who will do the nipples or who will do both nipples and tattoos? Just wondering. I did have a consultation with a PS (before my BMX) who doesn't do nipples and said that they "always flatten out to nothing". That was the reason I didn't go with him, actually, because I knew that wasn't true. I'm going to have both, had the nipple reconstruction in early December and have an appointment with Vinnie in June. I'm super happy with the nipples. When they were first done they seemed absolutely huge, but have now flattened nicely. I wouldn't mind if they go down a bit more even, but if they don't they're totally a normal size. I'm flying from Denver to get Vinnie tattoos, even though my PS does do them, because I'm like Warrior in that I want to have as much of the old me back as I can.

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  • Warrior_Woman
    Warrior_Woman Member Posts: 1,274
    edited March 2016

    Kingster,

    I agree 100%. Nothing happens without absolute confidence in your medical providers. I'm in the Northern NJ area and went to Phila. for reconstruction. It is a 5 hour commute round trip. There really isn't anyone close to me that I'm comfortable with. The trip to Vinnie was an all day event - About 8 hours round trip. I paid cash for the tattoos. That was $800. My PS is out of network but he worked with me. I only paid my co-payment and deductible. That wasn't bad. He never told me that they would flatten or not flatten. I figured he wouldn't do them if they didn't work at all. The nipple reconstruction process took about 20 minutes. I spent more time parking my car and riding the elevators. I've driven from Phila. to Pitts before. It took me about 6 hours each way. You really only need one trip if you decide to travel for either. There really isn't a need for follow-up. My pigmentation is lighter than my original coloring but as Vinnie pointed out...I can wear a white tee shirt.

    When you say you're concerned about making it look worse I am wondering what about it bothers you now. My experience was that each step completed left me one step closer to looking normal. One thing that worked well that I did not expect - My surgeon made round flaps where my areolas would be during my LD Flap surgery. They were amazingly close to exactly how they should be. When Vinnie tattooed he made the slightest adjustments for symmetry. In other words, there are parts of the flaps that are not tattooed but I don't even see it unless I'm intentionally staring.

    My PS is Steven Copit at Jefferson. They work with people from out of the area all the time. Here is the website: http://www.jeffersonplasticsurgery.com/

    If you ask for Anna she can check your insurance and explain how it would work for you. I don't know if this is a good choice for you but I after having been left with my chest skin glued to my ribs by the PS team at Penn, I was extremely happy to have a viable alternative that I have confidence in.

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  • kingster
    kingster Member Posts: 333
    edited March 2016

    Warrior, thanks for the info. I know that my insurance now pays nothing out of network. I had TE to implant recon, and I think the likelihood of nip recon failing must be higher. The pressure of that implant pushes against my skin. I know of someone that has successful nip recon, but with a tram flap recon. I think using your own tissues does make it more likely for the nip recon to work. My results look great with a bra and clothes, but without a bra...My left side (extensive ca side) is lower by about half inch or so, and the incision pulls in a little (but improved after 1 fat graft). So no bra looks weird and also feels uncomfortable. Even the genie bra is enough support to look good;) So, I think I "will quit while I'm ahead". This has also put a financial strain on things. Even in network I pay 10% on top of deductibles and copays. Plus, I recently had to cancel my 2nd fat graft due to dental problems. I have now maxed out my dental insurance and must pay for 2 crowns out of pocket. I needed 2 root canals after having a cleaning and exam only 3 months ago and being told all was good. Have u ever heard of that? I was told that my nerves were inflamed. Wonder if there is a connection between this and the dcis/implant recon?

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  • kingster
    kingster Member Posts: 333
    edited March 2016

    Hey Jo;) Thanks for the info. Does Lauren have an opinion about nipple recon? Has she seen many? Did she tattoo any? My ps does not recommend them due to them flattening over time and additional scar tissue. It's good to know that more tattoo artists are starting to do this for breast ca survivors. Since 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime, it's too much for just 1 person. I'm going to see another ps that works with Luke (tattoo artist) for a consult for 3D tattoos this week. I'm excited to check it out. My recon seems to look and feel better as time goes on, and I hope the ps agrees that I'm tattoo ready.

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  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited April 2016

    I saw my PS this week - we talked about nipples. I really want them - just can't decide if I need recon or if tattoos will be enough. He suggested that I get some temporary tattoos - try them out and see what I think. I can't believe how much of a difference they make! I had to share here... they are pretty cheap, they look really cool - even my husband was totally surprised. Check them out: http://www.breasthealing.com/

    Inside of the half an hour it took me to figure them out and show my husband, I have decided to call Vinnie!


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