okay all you double mastectomy ladies... to nipple or not to

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e_hope
e_hope Member Posts: 370
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am schedule for my nipple reconstruction surgery April 1.. and will have the tattooing about 3 months or so later.

was curious how many of you double mastectomy woman who have done the surgery, or chose not to and what made you decide on your choice??

what your opinion is of your final product if you are happy or dissatisfied with how they turned out.

** i like the idea of not having to wear a bra, but I don't feel so womanly with my alien like nippleless breast.

also how long was your recovery from this surgery
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  • debbie1162
    debbie1162 Member Posts: 36
    #2
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    I am interested too....
    I only have one side and that is my next step. (and to do more surgery to even the sides). I just don't know.
  • Christine Louise
    Christine Louise Member Posts: 426 Member
    #3
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    Nippleless and loving it
    Before my bi-lateral mastectomy, I had unusually long nipples. I had a hard time keeping them from showing through even multiple layers of clothes. And, I hate bras. Now, I still have expanders, but I'm thrilled with popping a shirt on with no bra and no nipples to worry about! Since the inplants will be softer than these hard-as-a-rock expanders, I realize I may want a bra after they're in, just to minimize jiggle sometimes.

    I don't know for sure, but I'm leaning toward getting just the tattoos. My cousin decided against even the tattoos. She'd just had enough medical stuff by that point. She, too, is happy with her smooth shape.

    By the way, via Google, I've seen photos of women with fancy vine and flower tattoos that "cover" the mastectomy scars. No nipples. Some are quite beautiful. I jokingly asked my plastic surgeon if he could tattoo that. He said, "I can only do circles ... I guess I could make snowmen."
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #4
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    Christine Louise said:

    Nippleless and loving it
    Before my bi-lateral mastectomy, I had unusually long nipples. I had a hard time keeping them from showing through even multiple layers of clothes. And, I hate bras. Now, I still have expanders, but I'm thrilled with popping a shirt on with no bra and no nipples to worry about! Since the inplants will be softer than these hard-as-a-rock expanders, I realize I may want a bra after they're in, just to minimize jiggle sometimes.

    I don't know for sure, but I'm leaning toward getting just the tattoos. My cousin decided against even the tattoos. She'd just had enough medical stuff by that point. She, too, is happy with her smooth shape.

    By the way, via Google, I've seen photos of women with fancy vine and flower tattoos that "cover" the mastectomy scars. No nipples. Some are quite beautiful. I jokingly asked my plastic surgeon if he could tattoo that. He said, "I can only do circles ... I guess I could make snowmen."

    I had left side only
    My mastectomy was on the left side only. I decided to put on hold nipple question until I feel completely back to normal. My breast surgeon suggested that my goal should be staying healthy for the next 12 months. I feel good without nipples and keep changing dates for my appointment with plastic surgeon. Tattoo seems as a very painful procedure to me. Probably I had too much during my treatment.
    Good luck with your decision,
    New Flower
  • karen0423
    karen0423 Member Posts: 67
    #5
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    I was dx in 2002 and had a
    I was dx in 2002 and had a mastectomy, I didn't have reconstruction until my DIEP surgery in Jan 2009, I had the nipple surgery and tattoo and am very happy with the results. The recovery wasn't anything.
  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    #6
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    New Flower said:

    I had left side only
    My mastectomy was on the left side only. I decided to put on hold nipple question until I feel completely back to normal. My breast surgeon suggested that my goal should be staying healthy for the next 12 months. I feel good without nipples and keep changing dates for my appointment with plastic surgeon. Tattoo seems as a very painful procedure to me. Probably I had too much during my treatment.
    Good luck with your decision,
    New Flower

    I had my nipples done in

    I had my nipples done in late December, and I haven't decided whether I'm glad that I did it or not. I had it done at the same time that the plastic surgeon reduced one of the breasts (I had free flap reconstruction). I might not have had it done if I hadn't had
    the reduction surgery.

    Right now, one of them hasn't healed completely (no particular problem) and the plastic surgeon's PA has said that they could redo them since they aren't prominent. In a way, I'm relieved that they aren't, and I've decided to just go with the tatoos, since my bras are not padded.

    This decision was a tough one for me.

    Joyce
  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    #7
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    karen0423 said:

    I was dx in 2002 and had a
    I was dx in 2002 and had a mastectomy, I didn't have reconstruction until my DIEP surgery in Jan 2009, I had the nipple surgery and tattoo and am very happy with the results. The recovery wasn't anything.

    I had
    I had nipple reconstruction in Feb 2010 and am glad I did it even though I developed Cellulitis/infection 6 days post-op. It diminishes the scars. My PS recommended that I do this because I am still young(46) and she told me that she would do the whole thing if it was her.
    They can do 3-D tattooing so it looks like you have a nipple but nothing sticks out.

    Margo
  • ms_independent
    ms_independent Member Posts: 214
    #8
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    me too
    I am so glad you asked the question. I've been wondering the same thing. I just got my tissue expanders replaced with implants 2 days ago. So, it's too soon to do anything. I don't want to have permanently erect nipples-I hate when they show through. But, I have heard women say they feel like the "breasts" belong to them after the nipples are done. I also read something from a "professional bra fitter". She said bras are made with a little extra room for the nipple. So, women without nipples have difficulty finding bras that don't wrinkle at the tip. I haven't discussed it with my plastic surgeon yet but, I am leaning towards just the tatooing.

    Hugs, El
  • e_hope
    e_hope Member Posts: 370
    #9
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    Thanks ladies....
    Still so
    Thanks ladies....

    Still so stressed about this, I worry about what the final "product" will look like. I am only 37 and just want to feel whole again. but I have nightmares about waking up from surgery with these huge nipples..LOL.. and yes, i have discussed this fear with my surgeon.. and have decided to go with the slightest nipple..

    Such a thing to worry about.. seems like everyone has the same feeling...
  • ms_independent
    ms_independent Member Posts: 214
    #10
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    e_hope said:

    Thanks ladies....
    Still so
    Thanks ladies....

    Still so stressed about this, I worry about what the final "product" will look like. I am only 37 and just want to feel whole again. but I have nightmares about waking up from surgery with these huge nipples..LOL.. and yes, i have discussed this fear with my surgeon.. and have decided to go with the slightest nipple..

    Such a thing to worry about.. seems like everyone has the same feeling...

    I didn't know
    I guess I just didn't think about the ability to make a little nipple. Sounds like a good solution. Keep us posted on the outcome.

    Good luck!

    El
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #11
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    e_hope said:

    Thanks ladies....
    Still so
    Thanks ladies....

    Still so stressed about this, I worry about what the final "product" will look like. I am only 37 and just want to feel whole again. but I have nightmares about waking up from surgery with these huge nipples..LOL.. and yes, i have discussed this fear with my surgeon.. and have decided to go with the slightest nipple..

    Such a thing to worry about.. seems like everyone has the same feeling...

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Christine Louise
    Christine Louise Member Posts: 426 Member
    #12
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Uneven expanders
    I would definitely talk to the surgeon about your concerns. Mine assured me the implants will be placed evenly. It does sound as if your expanders are more uneven than mine, however.

    When my expanders had only one fill, they had ripples and flat spots. I could feel the "empty" expander when I pressed on the area. Now they're filled and the shape has evened out. The shape is still not as natural as the implants will be, of course.

    The left feels (but doesn't really look) larger and is more under my arm than the right one. The lymph node scar is extremely deep on the left. The expander seems to get pushed into the scar when my chest spasms. I'm always aware of the left as if I'm wearing a bra with a cup several sizes too small on that side. The right is well-behaved. I hope the implants won't have this problem.

    I'm eager to hear how the small nipple reconstruction works for you who chose it. Please keep us informed!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #13
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    Christine Louise said:

    Uneven expanders
    I would definitely talk to the surgeon about your concerns. Mine assured me the implants will be placed evenly. It does sound as if your expanders are more uneven than mine, however.

    When my expanders had only one fill, they had ripples and flat spots. I could feel the "empty" expander when I pressed on the area. Now they're filled and the shape has evened out. The shape is still not as natural as the implants will be, of course.

    The left feels (but doesn't really look) larger and is more under my arm than the right one. The lymph node scar is extremely deep on the left. The expander seems to get pushed into the scar when my chest spasms. I'm always aware of the left as if I'm wearing a bra with a cup several sizes too small on that side. The right is well-behaved. I hope the implants won't have this problem.

    I'm eager to hear how the small nipple reconstruction works for you who chose it. Please keep us informed!

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • e_hope
    e_hope Member Posts: 370
    #14
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    i too...
    I too had one remove profo.. I found that for some time the cancer affected side had swelling.. I would talk with your plastics though..

    I was very round and they were like two balls attached to the front of me.. when my surgeon place the implants he made extra room on sides and top and a more realisic appearance was the outcome...

    if you are only at your 1 st expansion.. i wouldn't worry yet.. but talk with your doctor... I had 8 fills total.. i was happy with the size after the 7th but he did the 8th to allow for the shrinkage that radiation may cause..

    keep us up dated
  • svillalobos01
    svillalobos01 Member Posts: 15
    #15
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    To nipple or not to...
    Hi there, well, I just turn 38, I am married and I feel young and I want to still be able to feel sexy, those where my reasons for getting nipples and the tattooing!

    The nipple reconstruction took about 2 hours, nothing compare to the mastectomy. I was warned by my PS that the nipples would look huge right after surgery, but not to worry, they will shrink about 2/3 the size. And they did, they are not big at all, just a little bump but enough for me to make me feel normal again. My doctor said I was not going to need a bra ever again, but with these nipples they show through clothes all the time, so I have to wear a bra. If you don't want to wear bras, they sell like a silicone shell that sticks to the skin and you're done and covered!

    I had my tattooing about 1 1/2 month after the nipples. I was very concern with the pain, but they numb the area first with a topical cream then she asked me how much sensation i had in the site, I had forgotten I don't have much sensation so it was not that painful, the only area the hurt the most was by the scar. The first days after they looked very dark, a lot darker than my normal tone, but it took about a week to get the real tone to set in. i love it, you know, it will never look the same as before, but I am very happy with the overall results.

    Sol
  • Different Ballgame
    Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
    #16
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    DO IT ALL - WHAT A DIFFERENCE
    I did it all. What a difference!!!!!! I have not seen other women's reconstructed nipples. My are slightly raised (SLIGHTLY). Doing the nipple and then the areola completes the breast. They make the breasts look more symmetrical. I had a friend who choose not to do it, then saw what my breasts looked like. She is now considering it.

    It amazing how fast memory fades. Healing on the nipple reconstruction - one to two weeks - can't remember. My nipple surgery was done 2 years ago.

    Also, the reconstructed nipple is not your real nipple in that it will not be affected by weather nor arousal...in other words, it is not going to grow.

    I love my reconstructed breasts!!!!!

    Hugs,
    Janelle
  • e_hope
    e_hope Member Posts: 370
    #17
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    svillalobos01 said:

    To nipple or not to...
    Hi there, well, I just turn 38, I am married and I feel young and I want to still be able to feel sexy, those where my reasons for getting nipples and the tattooing!

    The nipple reconstruction took about 2 hours, nothing compare to the mastectomy. I was warned by my PS that the nipples would look huge right after surgery, but not to worry, they will shrink about 2/3 the size. And they did, they are not big at all, just a little bump but enough for me to make me feel normal again. My doctor said I was not going to need a bra ever again, but with these nipples they show through clothes all the time, so I have to wear a bra. If you don't want to wear bras, they sell like a silicone shell that sticks to the skin and you're done and covered!

    I had my tattooing about 1 1/2 month after the nipples. I was very concern with the pain, but they numb the area first with a topical cream then she asked me how much sensation i had in the site, I had forgotten I don't have much sensation so it was not that painful, the only area the hurt the most was by the scar. The first days after they looked very dark, a lot darker than my normal tone, but it took about a week to get the real tone to set in. i love it, you know, it will never look the same as before, but I am very happy with the overall results.

    Sol

    silicone shell
    okay,,, need to know where to get those.. that would b great
  • ealong1
    ealong1 Member Posts: 7
    #18
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    debbie1162 said:

    I am interested too....
    I only have one side and that is my next step. (and to do more surgery to even the sides). I just don't know.

    Single mastectomy
    I only had one side done. My natural nipple does is small, so I decided to just go with the tattoo. I kept thinking it would be wierder to always have one nipple visible when my realy one is flat most of the time anyway. Also, surgeon said I didn't have much breast tissue left, so there wouldn't be a whole lot he could do. Maybe I was just tired of surgery at that point, but 7 months later I'm still very happy with my decision. Good luck with your decision! BTW, I'm 34 and I still feel sexy!
  • marilyndbk
    marilyndbk Member Posts: 238 Member
    #19
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    Such a good question. This
    Such a good question. This is why I love this site. Almost 4 wks ago I had the exchange surgery and am trying to decide whether I want nipples/tatooing. One part of me says I have been through enough. The other part wants me to have both the nipple and tattooing to be finished with reconstruction process and look as normal--whatever that is-- as possible. Sometimes I wonder if the decision making and the anxiety will ever be over. Take care. Marilyn
  • e_hope
    e_hope Member Posts: 370
    #20
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    marilyndbk said:

    Such a good question. This
    Such a good question. This is why I love this site. Almost 4 wks ago I had the exchange surgery and am trying to decide whether I want nipples/tatooing. One part of me says I have been through enough. The other part wants me to have both the nipple and tattooing to be finished with reconstruction process and look as normal--whatever that is-- as possible. Sometimes I wonder if the decision making and the anxiety will ever be over. Take care. Marilyn

    i know the feeling
    Mar.. i know the feeling. Seems like the last year of my life has been filled with nothing but decisions making and surgeries... this is going to be my 5 th surgery in a year.. mast/ port a cath placement/ then port a cath removal/ exchange surgery/ and now nipple recon.. more surgeries in one year than i had in my entire life..
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #21
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    tommaseena said:

    I had
    I had nipple reconstruction in Feb 2010 and am glad I did it even though I developed Cellulitis/infection 6 days post-op. It diminishes the scars. My PS recommended that I do this because I am still young(46) and she told me that she would do the whole thing if it was her.
    They can do 3-D tattooing so it looks like you have a nipple but nothing sticks out.

    Margo

    Looks like you have a lot of
    Looks like you have a lot of good advice here. Just wishing you good luck in whatever you decide.

    Hugs, Angie

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