Nipple Reconstruction

Pink_Lady_2008
Pink_Lady_2008 Member Posts: 5
in Breast Cancer #1
Does the Nipple Reconstruction look real and is there any sensitivity? My plastic surgeon mentioned that 75% do not complete this step? True or false.

I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction done 2 years ago and have put the final stage. And wondering if I should complete this step???

Comments

  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    #2
    It just depends on each person
    I had the nipple reconstruction and although there is no nipple sensitivity, it looks somewhat normal. I had the areola tatoo as well. Of all the surgeries, this by far was the easiest.

    Hope you make a decision that's right for you.

    Hugs,

    Sylvia
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944
    #3
    sea60 said:

    It just depends on each person
    I had the nipple reconstruction and although there is no nipple sensitivity, it looks somewhat normal. I had the areola tatoo as well. Of all the surgeries, this by far was the easiest.

    Hope you make a decision that's right for you.

    Hugs,

    Sylvia

    Although I am not ready for
    Although I am not ready for this step yet, I have thought about my options. Do I want the tissue flap or just do a 3-D tattoo? I found this website with rub on 3D nipples. I haven't tried them yet but I think after my implant exchange surgery (hopefully in July) I might wear these for a few months until I make up my mind.

    Here is the website for the temporary tats (they last 1-2 weeks).

    http://tattooednipples.com/purchase-rub-on-nipple-tattoos/



    I have an additional question to add to this topic. Is anybody else experiencing phantom nipples? It's really a strange sensation. LOL

    Lorrie
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #4
    butterflylvr said:

    Although I am not ready for
    Although I am not ready for this step yet, I have thought about my options. Do I want the tissue flap or just do a 3-D tattoo? I found this website with rub on 3D nipples. I haven't tried them yet but I think after my implant exchange surgery (hopefully in July) I might wear these for a few months until I make up my mind.

    Here is the website for the temporary tats (they last 1-2 weeks).

    http://tattooednipples.com/purchase-rub-on-nipple-tattoos/



    I have an additional question to add to this topic. Is anybody else experiencing phantom nipples? It's really a strange sensation. LOL

    Lorrie

    Lorrie -i have had the
    Lorrie -i have had the phantom nipple sensations since my mastectomy last summer! you're not the only one! I did just have my nipple reconstruction done almost 3 weeks ago. I really dont have much sensation towards the middle area of my breast where my scars are thickest. They look pretty good though. When my scars completely heal up i'll be getting the areola tattoos!
    *hugs*
    Heather
  • Pink_Lady_2008
    Pink_Lady_2008 Member Posts: 5
    #5
    butterflylvr said:

    Although I am not ready for
    Although I am not ready for this step yet, I have thought about my options. Do I want the tissue flap or just do a 3-D tattoo? I found this website with rub on 3D nipples. I haven't tried them yet but I think after my implant exchange surgery (hopefully in July) I might wear these for a few months until I make up my mind.

    Here is the website for the temporary tats (they last 1-2 weeks).

    http://tattooednipples.com/purchase-rub-on-nipple-tattoos/



    I have an additional question to add to this topic. Is anybody else experiencing phantom nipples? It's really a strange sensation. LOL

    Lorrie

    Phantom Nipples
    I did alot in the beginning, not so much now its been about 2yrs since I had a mastectomy....thought I was going crazy!!!
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #6
    :-)
    I waited a little more than a year before having the nipple portion done. I choose to have a skin graft taken and place over the created nipple. It healed well, the color is good so no tattooing was needed. I and my husband are both very surprised at how "real" it looks. It made me feel more whole to look in a mirror and see it completely done. In regards to sensation, it does not have the sensation your natural nipple had but to just be touched in a loving way is a great help when you realize your "new foob" is not taboo and off limits if that makes any sense to you.

    Hope this helped some,

    RE
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #7
    RE said:

    :-)
    I waited a little more than a year before having the nipple portion done. I choose to have a skin graft taken and place over the created nipple. It healed well, the color is good so no tattooing was needed. I and my husband are both very surprised at how "real" it looks. It made me feel more whole to look in a mirror and see it completely done. In regards to sensation, it does not have the sensation your natural nipple had but to just be touched in a loving way is a great help when you realize your "new foob" is not taboo and off limits if that makes any sense to you.

    Hope this helped some,

    RE

    I hadn't seen an update from
    I hadn't seen an update from you Re, so, I am happy to read how great everything went for you. And, I love your pic!

    Hugs, Angie
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #8
    Angie2U said:

    I hadn't seen an update from
    I hadn't seen an update from you Re, so, I am happy to read how great everything went for you. And, I love your pic!

    Hugs, Angie

    Awwww
    Thank you Angie for your kind words, in the end it was well worth it and I am glad I decided to complete the process!

    Hugs,

    RE
  • Dawne.Hope
    Dawne.Hope Member Posts: 823
    #9
    did it & no regrets
    Dear Pink_Lady

    I had my nips done in December. My PS used the CV-flap method (no grafting). They've shrunk a lot but I am really happy I did it. It makes me feel almost physically whole again. I don't have my tats yet but will have them done probably in the fall. There is something healing for me when I put on a bra and you can see a hint of a nip. Glad I did it ... no regrets at all.

    I have absolutely no sensitivity and was regaining some sensation above my MX scars. Sadly, that is gone now ... I hope it comes back. But again, I have no regrets.
  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #10
    Hi
    I had my nipple done the same time I had my exchange surgery. I am happy with it. I still need to get my "tatoo", but have had to change the date a few times because of other commitments. It is scheduled for June now.

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