Nipples ....

Awesome, Tara! I have also read many different approaches on these boards, but have only actually seen my own. So I'll start: I had multi-focal DCIS, so mx was ultimately the recommendation and one of the areas was pretty close to the nipple, so they never really even discussed keeping it. The surgical options may have been different back then (this was 14 years ago), I'm not sure. I had my surgeries in multiple stages as I got a pretty big hematoma from my initial lx, and they were concerned about doing more steps (i.e. mx plus TE placement) all in one go. My final surgery was the nipple reconstruction. My PS took cartilage from behind my ear, and skin from my inner thigh, to make an actual 3D nipple. He told me that later I could get a tattoo to color match my other one once I healed, but for some reason, it was initially darker and still matches to this day without ever needing the tattoo. It is not as erect as the other (I think it has shrunk down a tad), but I'm still happy with it. I have to admit, sleeping was a bit difficult for the first week or so (he took the cartilage from behind my left ear and skin from my inner left thigh, but the recon was on my right). The ear made it hard to sleep on my back or left side, but the recon made it hard on my right. Other than that, I was pretty happy with the process and results.

MTwoman

My MX was actually delayed for 5 months (while I was put on Arimidex as a bandaid to progression) to allow the hematoma to go down...my hematoma was from the stereo biopsy. Given the multifocal DCIS, they went into several spots and after the first area the compression to do the second, made the first bleed like a firehose...and thus the hematoma.

Never have heard others on these boards talk about that...that I was "special"!

I will need a nipple on my L, I don't want more scars, so will do nothing (as in no reconstruction) or something superficial (tattoo or appliques)...In my current state, full TE and waiting for exchange, the one nipple look is more jarring than the difference between L and R.

Hi Ladies

I wanted to offer some reassurance for those of you thinking of having reconstructed nipples. The procedure was the easiest of all I went through and I am happy with the results. I had the skin tattoooed to give it the shade that I most wanted. That being said the 3D nipples are wonderful and No headlights so if you are thinking of doing both breasts that might be a nice option. I was very skeptical of the possibility of it looking like a nipple but it does and with a good tattoo artist and good placement it will fool a baby they look so real.

I also have seen some beautiful breast tatoos but many women choose not to have the reconstruction because they do not want to have the nipples show through their shirts and like to go bra-less. That is my only criticism if I go without a bra or put on a thin bra everyone looks because they protrude all the time. I had the reconstruction because I have a preteen daughter and I felt it was important for her to see that I could heal from this and have a normal looking breast but everyone has there own reasons.

I chose not to do it. To me it would look weird since I had bmx. It would just remind me more that I have 0 breasts since they would be static than the opposite. Just me. Nothing against it for others.

Farmer where do you order the temp tattoos from?

I had lumpectomies done on both sides but one lump on the left breast was too close to the nipple and I had to lose the one nipple on the left side. The surgeon did his best to make it look like a nipple of sorts but it's kind of "off centre". With a bra on you can't tell that one side is smaller than the other.

I don't mind the "no nipple" look because when I see the surgeon's idea of a nipple I really have to laugh. It's the six inch scars on each side I have a hard time seeing.

Not sure how I'd feel if I'd had a mastectomy.

MTwoman: right now I'm thankful I'm still alive and well. You're right the scars will fade over time. I'm hoping to be around long enough to see that happen.

I did four years ago. I flew out by myself, did a bit of site seeing, came home the next day. Awesome experience.

Just the other day, for the first time ever I had to tell myself that they aren't my real breasts. We're talking over five years out. It took me a long time not to notice the under the pec action. The nips look so real, they have not faded that I can tell. They were my first and last tattoos as well. It stings a bit during the procedure. Mine stung mildly for a couple weeks after. It was no big deal. I took it as a good sign that I had feeling there.

Vinnie's work was the best part of the whole recon. I promise, you won't regret it. Also he has trained a couple others in his shop to do them and I would not hesitate to use one of them as well.

Shared your info with my hubby and he just said "We had better call Vinnie and get on his calendar!"

Thank you Farmer Lucy and Summer Angel.

Coach Vicky

Vinnie has an excellent reputation. However, for some, the travel and expense is prohibitive. There are other micropigmentation specialists (tattoo artists) out there that specialize in cosmetic and reconstruction tattooing. My PS office uses a local woman who also has a practice in NYC. She is a true artist and a lovely person. I had my areolas done in the PS office where I was very comfortable and close to home. I knew everything was sterile and up to medical standards. It was very private as well. She took time to get to know me and to understand what I wanted. She matched the ink to my natural tones in my skin (red head with freckles) so the areolas were not too dark or too light. I already had origami nipples done by the PS, so she just used her talent to give them more of a 3D effect since they flattened a bit. She worked within my flap scars, using the scar as part of her design. Every time I see my gyno she takes a second look to check why I, a BMX woman, still have my nipples. We laugh every time. Five years out and they still look great.

Since I had DIEP reconstruction there was little sensation in the flap skin that was being tattooed. It was very easy to tolerate. The tattoo artist talked to me through the procedure which kept my mind off of any pain that might be there. All in all, it took a little over an hour to have both sides done. She was efficient but not rushed, which was nice.

Some insurance companies will cover the procedure if done in the PS office. I didn't bother fighting with mine since they cost half as much as what Vinnie was charging. It was well worth the few hundred dollars she charged.