Nipples ....

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  • mormor1
    mormor1 Member Posts: 136
    edited November 2017

    WOW!! What a great surgeon! Do you mind if I ask his name? Sometimes on forums people are searching for good ones, and it's nice to know the "gems" that are out there. Thanks for sharing your experience.


    You are so right...there's nothing better than our natural nipples, other than being alive and healthy!!

  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited November 2017

    I have feeling and sensations.

    Vicky


  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited November 2017

    My surgeon is Marc Zeilckson at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL.

    Vicky


  • mahimarina
    mahimarina Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2017

    thank you -- you and me both!

    I know a tattoo artist who does beautiful work. He wants to be able to provide this particular service for free, because he has been so impressed with some of the women he has met. but of course how much any one person can do pro-bono without any compensation is limited. Are there non-profit organizations that could help cover the cost for this kind of service?

  • mormor1
    mormor1 Member Posts: 136
    edited November 2017

    mahimarina,
    That is so wonderful that he does that! Maybe he takes a donation? That certainly would be fair enough. Would you be able to go to him? Otherwise, maybe check with your local American Cancer Society. if there are any places that help cover costs.

  • mahimarina
    mahimarina Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2017

    He can take donations, but doesn't have 501(c)3 status at this point. It's something that grew organically for him and he hasn't set up a 501(c)3 yet. he's a busy guy... and he's not that patient with all the paperwork: he's definitely a "do-er" rather than a "planner"! (plus he has his first kid, 2 years old!) Donations would be SUPER!! (I'm in the process of getting a "regular" tattoo and donated to this effort because I think he's doing it in exactly the right spirit and for all the right reasons). You can find his page under Mark Corliss tattoo or Spilt Milk tattoo, then go to "Mark Corliss" under the Artists tab...

  • mormor1
    mormor1 Member Posts: 136
    edited November 2017

    Love it! Checked out his page...wow...what intricate art work! I've never had a tattoo...can't imagine how long it would take or how expensive it would be to have so much body covered with tatts!! Incredible work.

  • mahimarina
    mahimarina Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2017

    He spoke of one woman who made a huge impression on him: she chose not to have any reconstruction, but got a big bold glorious tattoo on her torso instead... People can go to him now, (he's already got people coming from Minnesota, and Canada, all over, really. I'm working with my local support group to encourage people to "sponsor" their friend and make donations in her name so it doesn't all fall on the tattoo shop to absorb it. I also want to suggest that he could give lessons to other tattoo and medical professionals for 3-d nipples since his work really does look exceptionally good.

  • mormor1
    mormor1 Member Posts: 136
    edited November 2017

    Good idea to have people sponsor a friend! <3

  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited November 2017

    Fun stuff here - I saw my plastic surgeon yesterday, it's totally time for me to do something permanent for nipplies!! ( . )( . )!!

    The scar on lefty, the radiation side, was very puckered, the right side too but not as much. Doc released the scar from the scar tissue it was anchored to and then transferred some fat from my tummy to under the scar so that it won't re-attach.

    I'm a little sore, and a little swollen, but looking at his work, I now am rounded rather than flat and puckered. Totally hoping that it's not just the swelling!

  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited November 2017

    That is wonderful Jenwith4!

    Coach Vicky


  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited November 2017

    hi Susie,

    I don't have much feeling either, especially on my radiated side. However, I can say that once in a while I realize that I have gained some feeling there, just a teeny tiny little bit.

  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited November 2017

    I was able to do a nipple sparing mastectomy. I have skin sensation across most of my chest and breasts but definitely not the nipple. They do still respond to cold and touch though - strange. This will be my first winter where I’m out and about since surgery. We went to a high school football game a couple weeks ago for my son’s school. It was COLD and I had a decent jacket on with two layers of shirts underneath and a padded push-up bra. I told my husband I swore I could finally feel my nipples it was so cold and they were so hard. Hoping that was a good sign for things to come😀

  • Mnr
    Mnr Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2017

    hello all I thought I would check out this area since one of the monitors recommend it.. I just had nipple reconstruction surgery done on the 15th of December of 2017. Just over a week ago.. they did the flap surgery.. I had a mastectomy done 9/15/16. Of course it had to be done on my 48th b-day. Well now I never thought I would have done another surgery after that.. but being nipple-less for a year was hard... And it was a hard battle to find a P.S. that would do it.. all I was told is to get the 3D tattoo done.. Not what I wanted.. also there is no one that did it near me..over 3 hrs. Away. I finally found a P.S. that would.. I have to say it is painful and looks horrible to me right now as I hate seeing the swelling and new scare.. but I was assured that it would lock better in time... They say when it fully heals it will look more like my other side.. I was devastated when the first P.S. said he did not want to give me another female breast... Could have knocked me over with that....I am glad I kept looking for a while... Has anyone else ever gone thru this... Just so lost..sorry for ranting about it.. but still have to heal then the tattooing... And that was also so hard to find someone that does it...

  • OG56
    OG56 Member Posts: 897
    edited December 2017

    MNR I had nipples done 3 weeks ago after having a BMX 1 year ago. Today I have an appointment with the doctor to see how they look I'm kind of excited with them I've really baby them I found some unique ways to protect them and I'm hoping that I don't have to worry about smashing them anymore. All we can do is hope for the best and I was hoping this would be my last thing besides tattooing unfortunately I have an indentation That was supposed to be fixed during my nipple surgery but it did not take so I guess I'm looking at fat grafting boohoo. I hope everything goes well for you it'll be great to have nipples again and not be a Barbie doll.

  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited December 2017

    Oh I love my skin nipples!

    I am going to do the 3D for my areola and to even out the nipples. One is larger than the other.

    Yes, they look funny early on. Mine were done 19 October and they are just now looking normal.

    And when I shower, there is something to touch on my breasts ... they feel normal.

    Hang in there ... they will look better soon.

    Coach Vicky


  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited December 2017

    I had my nip recon in April and the scars still haven’t healed completely. Although my PS said I could get the tattoos several months after the surgery, the tattoo artist wants me to wait until the redness goes away.

  • Mnr
    Mnr Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2017

    hello again..was great to hear from people who have been threw this..Thank YOU all for the support. I do have a few questions for anyone who might have ideas... I am still wearing bandages on the nipple area.. my issue is that at night I seem to pull off. I over tape it but still I do it.. I am now going to try sleeping in a t-shirt... I learned that when the bandage falls off it rubs and makes it so sore...I think the hardest part of this is that I have never known anyone who has gone threw this.. and Dr.s don't seem to have answers except to tell me to go online and read...being a man seems to make it even harder.. I see so much for the women who have been threw it.. I am worried about the next step of the tattooing but know that hopefully the final step.

  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited December 2017

    Mnr

    If your PS approves (yes, get approval) stick a Carefree pad to your bra / tube top ... whatever you wear at night..

    I wore tube tops (got them at Amazon.com) and this worked for me. The tape would cause a breakout after a few days.

    My PS ask me how I thought about this. I said if the Carefree pad was good enough for one area, it should be OK on my new breasts. He was speechless.

    Coach Vicky


  • Mnr
    Mnr Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2017

    hi coach.. Ummmmm one problem with that...I am a man and don't wear a bra..lol...why I am going to wear a shirt but with out something covering the nipple it hurts... But wonder if a cover would work will have to figure out how to hold in place..I read about breastfeeding pads.. but it will look funny I am sure. And also how to hold it on

  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited December 2017

    Sorry about that. I mis read your line. My apologies.

    I still think that a tube top could work. It might be worth a try to get one.

    Best wishes.

    Coach Vicky


  • Mnr
    Mnr Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2017

    that is a thought but how soon after surgery can I stop using the bandages no one has said... The PS and nurse did not say... I asked but got told see you in 3 weeks and to keep it covered no answer on using something different than a gauze and bandage. Skin is raw where the bandages get used.. and no worries on miss reading it... I do it a lot..lol... Thought maybe using a tight tank top to hold something in place...

  • ToughCookie101
    ToughCookie101 Member Posts: 191
    edited December 2017

    I am not sure what the technique is called, however I have seen reconstructed nipples where they « pinch » and sew your nipple in place, they essentially sew a circle to make it perky. It is still of course then skin colored, but 3D, so once healed you get the areola and perky part tattoed. Looks good and less invasive than some other options.

  • Mnr
    Mnr Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2017

    hi cookie that is sorta like what I had but they cute like a flower ..as I call it... The take a flap and fold then wrap the others around it..will do the tattooing when I am healed... It's just a long journey...

  • Lorri70
    Lorri70 Member Posts: 191
    edited February 2018

    hi I just got nipple reconstruction on Thursday and I'm worried the dr gave me cream and said in 48 hours to squirt cream in and to get a cotton bud and clean it, it's protected by a plastic cone shape thing I squirted the cream in and barely tipped it I'm afraid thenipple will fall off do I have to do this? I've covered it up now and left it I'm terrified this will get infected and not work out

  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited February 2018

    Lori70.... Call your MD and ask.

    Coach Vicky


  • Nickel103
    Nickel103 Member Posts: 42
    edited February 2018

    Hello ladies! Wondering if anyone here had nipple reconstruction after radiation? If so, is one technique preferred to another? and were you happy with rhe results? Thanks for the feedback

  • Lorri70
    Lorri70 Member Posts: 191
    edited February 2018

    Hi Nickle103, I just had nipple reconstruction done 2 weeks ago so it's very new, I had 20 sessions of radiation in January 2017 , I had no burning or any irritation the dr said I needed to wait for a year after radiation before getting nipple reconstruction, the only damage I had was my breast decreased in size and because I had my nipple removed my breast was a square shape so the dr rounded it as well, I'm delighted so far but it is only 2 weeks,I don't know what it's called but he used scar tissue where they take a flap round and wrap it around itself and stitch it up my breast is yellow and badly bruised but nipple itself looks amazing, I need advise on scarring and nipple protection so if anyone has any advice on this that would be great

  • GwennyMD
    GwennyMD Member Posts: 147
    edited February 2018

    Hi Ladies

    I had BMX and DIEP reconstruction on both. Since DIEP left me with a circle of stomach skin on each breast the PS used that skin for origami nipple so there are no extra scars. In order to protect them during the healing process I used the circle cotton makeup removers and cut holes in the middle to fit the nipples. I got this tip from someone else on another thread. I made sure that I wore bras that did not mash the nipples. I had the nipples done about 15 months ago. Within 4 months they were almost flat. Fortunately there is still a great shape and a little projection.

    Since I live in Maryland, I had the tattoos done at Vinnie's In June 2017. I used Paul Bessette. He is the older gentlemen in the shop. Paul was a tattoo artist for many years before he joined Vinnie. He was fantastic. He was very caring and explained everything to me. I had already tried out some of the rub on tattoos so I already had an idea of how I would look. I love them. Vinnie trained both of the guys in the shop many years ago and now he is training his daughter.

    For those of you who do not live in the Maryland area, the guys travel at least twice a year. Vinnie has been going to NOLA for many years. They also go to Texas(either Houston or Dallas). I think they are adding a northern city to their list (either NYC or Boston). I heard once that Vinnie had added California to his list. I think one of the guys always goes with him. If you are interested, call the office to find out more.

  • meg2016
    meg2016 Member Posts: 287
    edited February 2018

    Vinnie (and/or team) go to Dana Farber in Boston several times a year. They go to my PS' office there. They are there in March, then again in the summer.

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