mastectomy tattoo and lymphedema risk?

gypsyrambles · November 2016

I had a sentinel node biopsy. I'd like to have a mastectomy tattoo over my reconstruction. I know any arm tattooing or needles is a big no-no, but how much of a risk is a breast tattoo with only one node removed? I see so many mastectomy tattoo photos that I have to think it can't be that risky.

doxie · November 2016

The risk is there, but I'd think it low if you have no active LE and have not had radiation. I had truncal/breast LE and have had two surgeries on the BC side. I'm almost symptom free now.

I had a partial MX and lost my nipple/areola tissue. I had a nipple constructed and the areola tattooed in the same surgery. I already had mild LE and this aggravated it a little. All calmed down after about 6 months. Keep in mind that this was surgery on a radiated breast and it is not surprising that it took longer to heal, so promoted additional LE.

bfmomma · November 2016

I have lymphedema in my hand. My doctor said no tattoos on that arm, but the chest would be fine.

Please share pics if you do it--I'm still deciding what I want :

Binney4 · November 2016

bfmomma, the bad news is that a lot of doctors know little about breast/chest lymphedema (also called truncal lymphedema). So the idea that your chest is not at risk is not entirely accurate, as any number of women here with truncal lymphedema can verify.

And the good news is that MOST women do not ever develop lymphedema.

Which sure doesn't guarantee that a tattoo to the breast area would not trigger lymphedema. So if you're determined to do this (and I can certainly understand why you might be) do be VERY certain that the artist you see is extremely cautious about your infection risk.

Here's why: all of us who have had bc treatment are at risk for both arm and truncal lymphedema, and it can be present in the tissues before any swelling is visible (called pre-clinical or Stage 0 lymphedema). When there is excess lymph fluid in the tissues from this condition, the risk of cellulitis (infection) is greatly increased. In fact, you might want to check with your medical team for a prophylactic antibiotic for a few days surrounding any tattooing. Lymphedema is for life, so do give it careful thought.

Hugs, and be well!
Binney

JWoo · November 2016

a few important rules for anyone getting tattoos, but especially for those of us with or at risk of LE:

1-hydration! You need to be fully hydrated. Drink about a gallon on water a day for at least a week before. No coffee, alcohol,etc

2- anti-inflammatories. Curcumin/tumeric and approved OTCs should be taken starting a few days before and after.

3- good hygiene and a long talk with your tattoo artist. Research your artist thoroughly. Talk to their clients, check out the shop and how clean it is,etc. follow their hygiene instructions carefully! If they are knowledgeable, they will give you very specific information on how to prevent any issues.

4- get and do the Lebed video. It's so corny, but works! Do it every day!

I've always been a sweller. I couldn't sit for more than 2 hours even before my cancer interrupted my life. So now it's even harder to get things done. But I'm careful, follow these basic rules, and continue to have discussions with my drs and artist every time I get worked on.

Binny always has great advice, and talking to your dr about having an antibiotic rx ready is a great idea. But, with proper hygiene, (and a bit of luck) it should not be necessary to take it.

Good luck

ksusan · November 2016

I became reactive to chlorhexidine during treatment--it makes my chest and torso break out in welts now. Hibiclens is chlorhexidine. If you've had any dermatitis after your surgeries, having a port cleaned, etc., probably best to test whatever your tattooist is using to sterilize before you get a tattoo.

hugz4u · November 2016

A risk means you could have a 50/50 chance of getting or not getting LE. I love love love the tattoo idea but hey! I have LE and it's a major beast to manage. It's a life changer, time waster, and a pain to deal with. Also sucks huge bucks out of my wallet. About 700 dollars cnd every six month for one sleeve and one glove. Not including other LE supply's. I'm talking a few thousand yearly.While my friends go out for coffee, spend money on cool cloths I'm in LE therapy paying dearly. Myself ...I would keep my visible scar and lower my risk and ditch the tat over it but everyone should make their own health choices.

Once you get LE you don't get rid of it unless it's early stage and you keep on top of it.Its a monster.

Don't want to scare you but when I'm in a flare I have to wrap my arm like this pic and then I add special short stretch ace like bandages that make me look like a Egyptian mummy. Takes about one hour to put on and if it's on too tight you have to rip it off and start over again.Very hard to comb your hair or fry a egg for yourself let alone look after my family. Oh didn't even mention my sex life in bandages. Thats a whole different bag of cats!

What if you got LE on both arms and had to bandage both arms rendering you practically useless.Some girls here do!

mastectomy tattoo and lymphedema risk?

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