nipple recon

Public Archive
1

Help I am due to see my BS next week and I know he is going to ask me if I am ready for nipple recon.
But I really don’t know, I just feel as though I have been through so much over the past months I need a break.
But then if I take a break will the idea were off ? my OH doesn’t think I need to have it done, ‘he says you have been through enough’. But I know it’s my decision,

Would love to hear from anyone who has just had it done.

I had tram recon in dec 2006 and just finishing chemo this week.

thanks
x

2

Hi judithab,

I am 6 weeks post surgery and saw my consultant 3 days ago. He offered me a nipple recon but to be honest, I’m not that bothered about it. My husband isn’t bothered and everyone who I have shown my breast to post surgery has commented on how good it looks and that you don’t immediately notice the nipple gone- nobody has been repulsed. I, like you, may change my mind in the future but at the moment, I am staying as I am- I suppose I see the missing nipple/ areola as my war wound!

3

Hello

I had LD reconstruction 18 months ago followed 6 months later with nipple reconstruction, like you I almost didn’t bother as everything had healed well. Don’t know if you have much feeling in your reconstructed breast I haven’t and I didn’t even need any kind of anesthetic, its not a brilliant match with my existing nipple but better than nothing, I’ve even had it tattooed which has made a big difference.

If you have decided against more surgery, and I don’t blame you if you have, have you thought about having a stick on one made, I did in the interim, they make a mould of your existing nipple and even try and get the colour as near as possible.

Best wishes.

Jan

4

Hi i had LD recon end of june, and am seeing the surgeon again in october to have it pumped up (i have an implant under the muscle) i have no idea what the nipple reconstruction is like, or whats its made up of, so would be really interested in any info you can give me Jan. i think its all personal choice, for me, the less i have to remind me of it the better i think, but i may feel different in time.

Alison xxx

5

Hi Alison

My nipple recon was made using skin from the local area, just pulled up and shaped, took about 45 minutes, if I had needed to have skin taken from anywhere else I don’t think I would have bothered. I also have an implant in my reconstruction but never had to have it pumped up.

Yes you are right it is personal choice, whatever you are comfortable with.

Jan

6

Hi Jan, did it hurt after at all? and thank you for that, i didn’t have a clue what they did, can’t believe i never asked!

Alison

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No it didn’t hurt at all, its worth discussing it when you next see your surgeon even if you decide not to go ahead.

Jan

8

Thank you Jan, i will do, so glad i looked at this thread

Alison xx

9

Hi Judith

A bit late I guess, but I had the nipple put on when I had the chest expander taken out and the silicone boob put it. He took skin from a mini tummy tuck (it was small too…it didn’t hurt and it didn’t look any different either!) ha ha. I could have had skin taken from different places but he favoured this one. I was so impressed with the nipple. I went and got it tattooed a few months ago and it is a good match. If you wanted to see a picture of my recon I would happily show it you if I could get you my email address. If you are interested I do write on the Breakthrough site and my email address is on there if you want to go and look and email me. It is up to you, but I am so glad I opted to have it done. But I agree that it is all about your feelings and your decision.

Love Roz xx