Nipples ....

Options
12357…13

Comments

  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2018

    Thanks for the update, Coach Vicky. I’m scheduled for my tattoos on April 22, with Amy Black in Richmond. Can you wear a bra afterwards or do you need a camisole? What are some of the instructions you have to follow?


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited April 2018

    Leslienva

    The Vinnie Myers Team has a strict protocol for nipple tattooing aftercare. I was told to bring a good support bra. We stopped at Nordstrom on the way to Maryland and I got re-fitted for a good support bra.

    The Vinnie Myers Team provided the pads and ointment for me to use. I was told not to use any pads except for the ones they provided and to only use the pads for the timeline they stated. When I used the pads, I wore a bra. I did air the tattoos for a couple of hours everyday. When airing, I wore a loose top.

    I did exactly everything they said to do. I had very slight flaking along the outer ring of the areola. Except for some slight matter (normal would discharge) on the pads on day I, the other four days the pads were clean. I healed quickly.

    I find my reaction somewhat counter to my usual behavior. I pretty much listen to my own drummer most of my life. My DH is forever asking if I read the directions to something I am working on. However, when it came to breast reconstruction, if my Plastic Surgeon said to use only Dial Soap, I only used Dial Soap. When told to do "X" for the tattoos, I did it.

    I hope this helps.

    Coach Vicky


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited April 2018

    Vicky - what a GREAT post! I'm seeing Vinny on April 17th and I can't wait. I'll have my daughter with me - she is very modest - I am pretty sure I won't be able to do much "airing"... I'm a little bummed about that. We are looking at colleges, I hope I'm not going to jeopardize my nips by having to be dressed and walking around...


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2018

    Thanjs, Coach Vicky. Now I have a better idea of what to expect!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 32B
    32B Member Posts: 238
    edited April 2018

    Hello ladies,

    I'm new to this thread. Thanks so much for sharing all your stories.

    Have any of your tried Pink-Perfect silicone prosthetic nipples? I'm thinking of ordering a pair to use temporarily while I'm waiting to be healed enough to get a tattoo.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2018

    Nip recon delayed for me 🙄 went to see my new PS Tuesday and he totally threw me for a loop. In Dec we met and talked about options. A few days later I emailed him with my decision and surgery was scheduled for April 25th. His assistant scheduled and appt for Apr 3rd to discuss and finalize surgery plan. He said he really didn’t like the implants my original surgeon used he’s going to release my scar on my radiated side, put bigger implants in and put a whole lot of fat up top. This is why I chose him, his specialty is working with radiated breasts and improving the integrity of the skin. I guess you can say I got a reconstruction detour

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited April 2018
    Imkopy2 ... This reads great for you!

    H

    Forum: Breast Reconstruction — Is it right for you?

    She is awesome about implants!

    Coach Vicky


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2018

    Thank you Vicky,

    She is a huge help with so many women on this topic. I am going to DM her since my situation is a bit different from the rest. Honestly her articles on fat transfer and radiation is what peaked my interest. Thanks a bunch

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited April 2018

    Imkopy2

    You can also send WhippetMom a picture in a private message. No head shot...just the boobs. I have a very small place that could accept fat grafting. DH took a pic and she shared a good approach for tacking it. After 20 months of getting finally finished with this recon, I have decided against another surgery. Once I got MY NIPPLES, I felt complete and finished.

    Do you mind sharing your new PS's name? Your PS could be of service to others facing your situation.

    Coach Vicky


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sweet_Pea
    Sweet_Pea Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2018

    I'm reading up on this thread and am so happy to hear from all of you that are so happy with your different choices. I haven't got any dates yet except for my exchange surgery on April 24, so I think nipple recosntruction is at least 3 months away for me, if not more.

    My PS does nipple reconstruction and the practice has someone who does the tattoo for aerolas.

    I'm a uni and am worried about nipple reconstruction on one side only if it might stick out...but then again, I feel a bit like maybe I should have had a BMX because it's always going to be different being a uni. Then again, we were never meant to be 100% symmetrical, it doesn't exist in nature, right?! :D

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited April 2018

    Sweet Pea

    Here is a great article about BMX and other choices. You may need to paste it into your browser.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/96/topics/861706?page=1#post_5129990

    There is much to consider.

    My tattoo artist commented that one of my nipples was not as centered as the other being just slightly off. I think one really has to stare to see that. Your wise comment "we were never meant to be 100% symmetrical" is spot on for me!

    Coach Vicky


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2018

    Vicky I am totally willing to share my PS info...I’ll throw it on all of the threads along with the link. I’ve even had some PMs and have shared his info.

    For any ladies that are in or near the Chicago area, I highly recooked Dr John Kim...his specialty is breast reconstruction. When surgeons travel to a conference based on the latest techniques he is typically one of the speakers talking about his research. If you look at his breast reconstruction cases you will see the amazing results.

    http://www.drkimsurgery.com/

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited April 2018

    Imkopy2 WOW. I read your PS's bio and thru his website. It seems like he really cares.

    Best wishes.

    Vicky

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2018

    Thank you Vicky!

    I really do believe I found the surgeon who is going to make me completely whole. I went today for my pre op and he lady checking me in said Dr. Kim? He is the best at what he does...that was def a comforting thought. 15 days...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mormor1
    mormor1 Member Posts: 136
    edited April 2018

    Coach Vicky...SO happy for you and many of you others who are feeling finished!! Awesome!!
    Sweat Pea...I'm a uni too...it is a little harder to match perfectly, but I LOVE having a natural nipple with sensation!!

    32B - There are a few different companies for custom nipple prosthetics. .I use a Naturally Impressive nipple. It doesn't always match exactly (like you've all been saying about nature), but looks very, very real, makes me happy to look in the mirror It stays on so well, I almost forget it's not part of me! The prices are really affordable...especially for a uni. I like how the nipple prosthetic gives me some dimension, matches better in that way than surgery or a tattoo could.

    32B, I agree that nipple prosthetics can be a great temporary option to "feel whole" while waiting to do something else. They can also really help you figure out what color, size, features you like as well as what positioning you are comfortable with.

    Coach Vicky, I'm wondering how they decide on placement at Vinnie's?.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Fembot
    Fembot Member Posts: 86
    edited April 2018

    Vicky, thanks for sharing your Vinnie experience.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited April 2018

    mormor1

    About placement ... He put a plastic circled disk over my skin nipples. Drew a pink line around the outside of the disk (thus making the ends of the aureolas) a circle around the outside of the nipples. Started filling in with customized ink. I got mine rosy!

    Coach Vicky


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 32B
    32B Member Posts: 238
    edited April 2018

    Mormor, thanks for the tip. I'll check out naturally impressive.

    Fembot, good to see you here. Let me know if you end up going to Vinnie. My PS says his team shades just as well as the pros, but I'm not convinced.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sweet_Pea
    Sweet_Pea Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2018

    I love this thread and how happy people are with all the different solutions.

    I'm going in for exchange surgery tomorrow (!!) and am wondering how soon you all found you could wear a prosthetic nipple or a temporary nipple tattoo. Obviously the incision has to be fully healed,..but I can't think of how long that takes.

    I'll have nipple reconstruction with an aerola tattoo after the summer passes but am wondering if I'll even have a chance to try out any of these other solutions in the meantime.

    Thoughts?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2018

    Sweet pea, good luck and congrats on your exchange surgery, please check in when you can. I used the temp tats when I was fully healed, if you’re uncertain check with your PS. I will be doing exchange surgery Part Deux on Wednesday. I will say the squishy side is much better than TEs.

    Hugs

    Miche

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited April 2018

    So, I don't even have to type all the details of my experience at Vinnie's because it was exactly like CoachVicky described. I am beyond happy with my 3D tattoos. They look really real. I kinda wish they were a little bigger, but it's done and they look SO real! Now I'm just hoping my scars fade a little more. I have a follow up with my PS in a week or so - I'm a little sad that I don't have to see him regularly anymore, he was the light in all of this darkness!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2018

    Jenw4kids-CONGRATS!!!! So happy for you...who did you go to?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited April 2018

    imkopy2, I went to Vinnie in Baltimore! Worth every penny.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2018

    thanks Jen...it confirms which direction I’m going...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited April 2018

    Jenwith4

    Happy you are pleased. I want mine just a little bigger so I may go back. Not sure b/c they look so real!

    I miss my PS. I think with breast cancer it is a good PS that keeps us focused on the future and true recovery (emotional and physical as opposed to cancer treatment).

    toAll

    So... I headed to Nordstrom on our way to Vinnie's to be fitted for a good bar. We went shopping Tuesday at the same store. (BTW, first time I had clothes shopped since diagnosis in June 2016). Same sales person that fitted me is really the women's department manager. She recognized me and ask how the tattooing went. I blurted out, "great, do you want to see them." Next thing I knew we are in the dressing room and I am showing my new boobs. She said the look great and so real.

    Note to self: Stop this showing. LOL.

    Happy weekend everyone!

    Coach Vicky


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2018

    Lmbo- After all of the people that see our breasts throughout this journey how we have no problem just whipping em out. I think it’s great that you are willing to show the final product...don’t be ashamed of being proud of your new breasts, by no means was the road an easy one!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2018

    I went to Amy Black in Richmond, Va, and I’m very happy with my results. She’s been doing nip tattoos for eight years, and she was done with mine in about half an hour! I wasn’t expecting it to be so fast.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LisaK12
    LisaK12 Member Posts: 107
    edited May 2018

    Just in case anyone else is considering ordering prosthetic nipples: I recently ordered mine from pink-perfect and am very happy with them. Eventually I plan to get Vinnies but got these in the meantime. I tried them on today for the first time and DH and I couldn't believe how real they look!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited May 2018

    That is wonderful, LisaK12!

    Coach Vicky


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 32B
    32B Member Posts: 238
    edited May 2018

    That's good to know, LisaK12. I'm glad you were so happy with them!

    Has anyone tried Naturally Impressive?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories