hi I have had nipple reconstruction and would highly recommend it. I had my stitches taken out yesterday and dressings off after a week and it looks great!
just got to wait for the colour to go on now in 6 weeks time… it is so painless after everything ive been through… id say go for it!
bakers
Hi bakers
I get confused with usernames, but did you have your op done by Mrs Jones?
I am due to see my surgeon next month to arrange nipple recon and I had got to the point of thinking maybe I wont bother, so I am glad to read your thread. How long did the procedure take? General anaesthetic? Do you have to take any precautions afterwards (I’m not allowed any more time off work)?
Jackie x
Hi jackie
you have a good memory yes Mrs Jones did my op! Honestly it is absolutely fine… The procedure took 20 mins each side and I felt fine after not even a paracetamal. I had it under local which is fine as you cant feel anything, bit nervy in the anesthetic room but I was fine when I saw sue! I had stitches out yesterday and it looks great, got some steri strips on till sunday. but I am truely amazed how clever they are!
anything else just ask me, go for it! I think once the colouring done nobody will know!
all the best
bakers x
Another question;
Can you have the nipple put over the top of a scar (assuming you have the circular scar where old nipple was)?
I know what you mean by how clever it all is!
Enjoy the sunshine
Jx
Sorry to intrude but your positive thread caught my eye and has really made me sit up and take notice.
If I am to have nipple recon it will be next year as had LD flap in June and surgery to other breast due in November.
I am very interested to know - did you have flesh taken from elsewhere or was the nipple made from the existing breast? (I understand the existing flesh can be pulled and then something similar to fishing wire wound around it to make a nipple -)
Kazza x
Hi Kazza
I had a nipple construction in June - made from the reconstructed breast (actually tummy!) skin. The surgeon cut two small strips of skin, wound them together and stitched them in place to form a nipple mound. No wire. Op was straightforward and the stitches were out about 10 days later.
When I first saw the new nipple (a dressing covered it for the first few days) - it looked HUGE and I was worried it would knock OH out if I turned over in the middle of the night! However, this is normal as the reconstruction quickly settles and does shrink in size. It’s now roughly the same as its partner, though I gather the nipples can flatten altogether over a few years.
I have a small horizontal scar either side of the new nipple, though that’s now covered by a tattooed areola.
Good luck with yours - it’s a minor procedure in comparison with all the other stuff and, for me, makes a big difference.
Lizzie x
Hi Humbug
Yes they cut two diagonal triangles and twisted them together and stitched them from the existing breast within my eclispe shaped scars, with two very small scars either side of nipple but once colouring done it will cover it all. i think they look great! I had a local so watched one side being done. I had LD flap in january on one side and the other side march 08. I go to the gym and swim alot and I think from a distance you know nobody would blink an eye where as at the moment I am abit self conscious in changing room and I have a 7 and 5 year old! Its been a long road as I was diagnosed aug 06 and have done the chemo, rads, zoladex, tamoxifen thing too. I am 40 years old.
If you want to ask me anything else please do.
Good luck with your next operation!
Thanks Bakers and Lizzie.
Do you know, whenever I hear of anyone having an LD flap a 2nd time I feel I have to worship them. What an op that one is - but to go thru it twice - how brave. Mind you Lizzie had the tummy one aaaaggh. I have been told I have a very high pain threshhold (I can’t take morphine) but wow that op is far worse than the original mastectomy.
I am 42 and after both of your comments am definitely looking forward to having nipple reconstruction.
I too am swimming quite a lot and it has really helped.
I went to a ball on Saturday and wore a strapless, backless dress - I never wore anything like that before BC so was quite nervous and felt a little out of my comfort zone - my scar on my back was covered by the corset style lace on the back and only a handful of people knew I’d had BC. Nearly every woman in the place told me how gorgeous I looked - so yes, I know what you mean about being self conscious but really nobody can tell.
My friends persuaded me to buy the dress and what a confidence boost that has been.
Let me know how well the colouring goes Bakers, if it’s as good as Lizzie’s I am sure you will love it. I am getting excited for you already. It is so good to have such positive endings to such an awful experience.
Good Luck and thank you both.
Kazza x
I had a MX with immediate free tram flap recon 5 weeks ago and yes it was a tough op but I’m doing well. I also had a nipple graft taken from my good side at the same time. I was worried that it would affect sensation in the good nipple but it has been really fine - it doesn’t feel any different. However the new nipple and the reconstructed area (1" diameter) is very flat and doesn’t match the other side at all. Does anyone know if this will plump up a bit? Is this normal or will I have to go for the plastic nipples after all?
I am hoping to have my nipple done within the next few months by Mrs Jones. I am very friendly with a lady who had hers done in Maidstone a few months ago. It came up in conversation that she may have to pay to have her tattoo done.
Can any body tell me if that is the case
Hi Merlyn
From a similar discussion about tattooing on a thread recently, I think it seems to be a postcode lottery as to whether you have to pay.
I didn’t and I wasn’t aware that anyone had to until I read their posts on the forum - so, much depends where you live and the policy of your local health trust.
Lizzie x
Thanks Lizzie
I have just had a look at that thread but nobody mentioned Maidstone, I will just have to ring the clinic and ask if nobody responds.
It seems very strange that we are encouraged and promised we would get all this surgery just for some people to be presented with a bill at the last minute.
Still I will probably pay if necessary as I want completion now.
Merlyn
Hi Merlyn
I have just had my nipple reconstruction done on both sides by Mrs Jones at Maidstone! Am due to go back in 6 weeks for tattooing, never once have I been told I have to pay for it but I need to check that I am covered for it so will let you know what I find out! 2 years today is my first operation after diagnosis… wishing you all the best.
bakers
Hi Merlyn
are you under Mrs Jones at the Sommerfield hospital? I didnt know sue jones was giving a talk on 25th october, I have never been to the support group but I go to chicks which is under maidstone hospital! im going to try to find out if we have to pay, will keep you posted… let me know if you hear anything…
take care
bakers