Nipple Reconstruction Question

Options
RE
RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello Ladies, I have done the expander reconstruction quite some time ago, its been over a year. I was supposed to have the nipple recon but kept getting sick and could not have it done. Well I have decided to go ahead and get it done since I am doing okay right now. I am hoping those of you that have had this done can give me tips on questions to ask and what I can expect to happen during the nipple recon. any info you can give would be appreciated. I go to see the surgeon on Wednesday, thanks everyone.

(¯`v´¯)
.`*.¸.*RE

Comments

  • tommaseena
    tommaseena Member Posts: 1,769
    #2
    Options
    My experience
    Re,
    I had mine done and it was done in the OR suite under local. I did develop a problem in the breast where I didn't have cancer--cellulitis type problem and was hospitalized with IV antibiotics for a few days. So when I had the tattooing done my PS had me start taking antibiotics a few days before and then 10-14 days after and also had me do a special wash for 2 days prior when I showered.

    I would ask if you should be on antibiotics just to make sure everything goes fine. Use ointment that the dr should give you over your new nipples.

    Please remember your new nipple(s) will be bigger at first and then will go down as time goes by. You will not have the same sensation in the new nipple as the old one. No nipple hard on when it is cold outside.

    My new ones turned out smaller than my natural ones were.

    Best of luck.
    Margo
  • e_hope
    e_hope Member Posts: 370
    #3
    Options
    not taking
    I had mine done back in march and the one did not take. Fustrated with the whole thing i choose to not have the side that didn't take corrected.
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #4
    Options
    tommaseena said:

    My experience
    Re,
    I had mine done and it was done in the OR suite under local. I did develop a problem in the breast where I didn't have cancer--cellulitis type problem and was hospitalized with IV antibiotics for a few days. So when I had the tattooing done my PS had me start taking antibiotics a few days before and then 10-14 days after and also had me do a special wash for 2 days prior when I showered.

    I would ask if you should be on antibiotics just to make sure everything goes fine. Use ointment that the dr should give you over your new nipples.

    Please remember your new nipple(s) will be bigger at first and then will go down as time goes by. You will not have the same sensation in the new nipple as the old one. No nipple hard on when it is cold outside.

    My new ones turned out smaller than my natural ones were.

    Best of luck.
    Margo

    :-)
    Thank you Margo that is all good info. I will be sure to ask about the antibiotics which is a great idea. Sorry to hear that you had problems, I am a bit nervous about the whole thing but feel like I want to finish what I started. I'll let you know how it all goes.

    RE
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #5
    Options
    e_hope said:

    not taking
    I had mine done back in march and the one did not take. Fustrated with the whole thing i choose to not have the side that didn't take corrected.

    :-(
    Oh E_hope thank you for sharing as well, I am so sorry for your frustration. I know my sister has a lot of problems with her reconstruction and she did not end up doing the nipple portion. I hope things are a bit better now.

    RE
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #6
    Options
    I had the diep flap
    I had the diep flap procedure where they made the nipple at the same time, so I am not sure what they make the nipple from in your case? Anyway, I had no trouble with the nipple. Had to get the areola tattooed for the color, but was told to come back yearly as pink/fleshy color fades the most of the tattoo colors. I've never done that (>20 yrs) and it still looks ok ;-)

Discussion Boards