Nipples ....

I'm so glad to see the list of tattoo artists expanding. I had my nipples done 5+ years ago and am thrilled with the results. Unfortunately, there was not much information about available tattoo artists and I did not want to travel for my tats. I stayed local and had my PS recommended tattoo artist finish my reconstruction. She was terrific, very professional, and half the cost of traveling to Maryland. I would encourage women to explore the talent in their own neighborhoods. As reconstruction becomes more popular and successful, more tattoo artist or micropigmentation specialists are being trained in the 3D techniques. Always look at samples of their work and read reviews. There is a lot of talent out there.

My skin nipples took a couple of weeks to heal. The tattoos I could shower the next day but not scrub or let the shower hit full force.

I waited five months after the skin nipples before tattooing.

I schedule the nipples in October and tattoos in March so I could swim.

Your PS will know best.

Coach Vicky

I had bmx with nipple sparing reconstruction last week and saw the PS for a follow up today. The right side looks good, the left side isn't doing as well. He said there's a 50/50 chance the nipple or some surrounding skin will become necrotic and there's not much I can do about it except pray. This was the side I had a lumpectomy on in February so I wonder if blood flow was compromised from that. Anyone have suggestions for helping the left side succeed?

ReadyAbout and Resting

My nipple reconstruction was uneventful. I have feeling and sensitivity without pain. Sorry, I don't have more to offer.

Try asking the Moderators if they know of a forum or articles.

Coach Vicky

I waited to the fall. I wanted to swim and not take any time off.

Coach Vicky

I'm just starting to think about the nipple conundrum. I did not have nipple sparing on my initial mx and will go in for a prophylactic mx this fall. What to do about the nipple? I definitely want a match on both sides, where possible, so I was thinking of going android without any nipples on either side. Then it occurred to me that there will probably be occasions where I might have to be topless in public (european spas) - that will only draw attention to me (not like the huge scar across the boob won't already). I don't want headlight effect, I want tee shirt boobs. Any suggestions?

Amelia, I don’t think mine have a headlight effect. They’ve flattened out but still look real. But I always wear a bra anyway since my implants are so small. I need the extra padding!

Amelia, first off your scar will fade to barely visible and you can use cica care sheets to help you get there. I'm 2 years post BMX and my scars are very faint...I had revision surgery in April and my PS gave me the CCS and only a month in and I can see the difference. Also, I agree with Vicky, it finishes the look and makes them look like a breast. Buuuuut my sister in law who is also a survivior never had nip recon or tats and she loves it. Def a personal decision...

I'm so happy to hear how many of you feel "completed" and great with your Vinnie tattoos. He's got to be a really special guy to have a team with that kind of following. Very impressive.

Nipple reconstruction and aerola tattoo are included in the "pack" of services that my PS offers upon reconstruction. (The clinic also charges you for a 10-massage pass -- massages are performed post-surgery by specialised physical therapists to aid both in drainage issues as well as scarring and range of motion. They really have been worth it both post-mastectomy and post-reconstruction.)

I'm going to have to ask, though, to see some examples of the reconstruction tattoos that they're doing, and also check what kind of ink they're using, after hearing about how well they can turn out with specialised tattoo artists like Vinnie or others. I want to make sure I'm not overpaying for something I'm not going to be fully happy with.

And really I have this thread to thank for my education on the topic. I'm excited and informed thanks to this thread and you all sharing your experiences...a good combination.

My plastic surgeon had a tattoo artist come in but she only used medically approved pigments so they fade over time and are not anything like Vinnie's my insurance covered that

My plastic surgeon had a tattoo artist come in but she only used medically approved pigments so they fade over time and are not anything like Vinnie's my insurance covered that

Bella, I paid $600

I paid $800 at Vinnie's. I had a referral from my insurance company before going. The referral was for "durable medical equipment", I kid you not.

Research this for background for your insurance:

The 1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law mandates that insurance cover the breast (s) to be reconstructed to their original shape, size and
appearance, thus the reason tattooing is considered medically necessary for this patient.

The codes and description for my tattoos were:

Service: (entered twice) Areola / Nipple Micropigmentation Code: CPT 11921RT and CPT 11922LT (Maybe that is for the right and the left, I don't know.)

Service: Personal History Breast Cancer Code: Z85.3

Absence: of Bilateral Breast Code: Z90.13

I have filed a claim with my insurance. To date they have not paid. It take up to 6 weeks to get reimbursed. It has been about 8 weeks.

Best wishes. I hope this helps.

Coach Vicky

Many thanks for all the pointers! I have to think about this.

Love the comments about "street creed with a tattoo artist named Vinnie" (ReadyAbout) and "wanting to show them to everyone!" (Jenwith4kids)

I've shown off my android foob to more people than I probably should have....

I wonder if my insurance will cover some nipple tattoos.