Breast Reconstruction

bernih

Hi, I just had my expanders taken out and my implants placed. My next step would be nipple and areola reconstruction. I am so unsure of what is the best option.  These are the options I have. 1. Do nothing. 2. create by tattooing. 3. Just create nipple from skin already in the breast area. 4. Take skin from the area of my hysterectomy to create nipples and areola. This would give a little tummy tuck, but it would also have wound care to deal with.  If anyone has any thoughts on what option they would choose and why, I would be appreciate hearing your commments.

Clementine_P

My experience

I had nipples made by the existing skin from the breast area and then had those tattooed.  The nipples that they made looked okay but did flatten out over time.  The tattoos faded completely.  I asked, though, and found out I can go and get tattoos put on top of the completely faded ones and was told yes.  So I am considering having realistic tattoos put there.  I will say, though, that as time goes by my motivation to get retattooed is waning.  I'm glad I had the nipples made, it really made me feel closer to my old self.  It wasn't a big or painful surgery at all and the results were pretty much immediate.

Clementine

GreeneyedGirl

Tats~

Hi, I have a nipple tattoo~ and I love it!!!

baci

Just need to vent

This is my first time posting here, Im not even sure I am on the right board. Without giving any background I had my tissue expanders removed and replaced with silicone implants a week ago today.  I just took a look and all I can do is cry.  They look horrible to me.  One is higher than the other and they do not sit high enough on my chest.  The worst part is that I have all this extra skin hanging beneath the implants and under my arms.  I see my PS tomorrow but today I am just devastated. I dont want to be negative or vain but this seems almost worse than when I was diagnosed.