I had a double Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in Dec 06 after being dx with DCIS which was discovered after having a Mammogram due to a dx of the BRCA 2 gene 3 months previously ( i was 38 at the time ) i have just seen my Plastic Surgeon to discuss the " finishing off" - nipple and then tatooing of the Areola and Nipple only for the Breast Care Nurse to drop the bombshell - Tattooing is not available on the NHS at this particular Hospital!!!( apparently there is not enough call for it) In the past they have always talked about it as if it is part and parcel of the whole reconstruction. I just could not believe what i was hearing - They take away part of my Body but do not do the finishing touches to make me feel and look normal. I was handed a leaflet detailing a centre who carry out Medical Tattooing and for me the cost is £300.
Can anyone tell me if they have had any experience of this?
Also is there any sort of recovery time after having the Nipple Reconstruction?
Hi wendyc
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Kind regards
Katie
Hi Wendy,
I am having a nipple and areola tattoo done in February on the NHS.
I was also offered a nipple recon but decided against it.
It is so unfair that we have this postcode lottery in this country.
Take care,
Kat x
It does seem like a postcode lottery, I had nipple reconstruction and the tattooing was done 6 months later. I didn’t even have to ask, I went twice and was told that if it faded ( which it has a bit) to call and make an appointment to have it done again. The department that dealt with the tattooing was the Prosthesis Clinic, Maxillofacial Unit, they made me a prosthetic nipple at first which I really appreciated until I could have the reconstruction, they set aside one day a month to carry out this procedure.
As for recovery I think its just a matter of taking care until it heals.
Take care.
Jan