Nipple reconstruction healing time

[Linda17]

I know what you mean, I've had a dressing on mine for the last 3 weeks and now that I haven't I'm scared of squashing it and making it bleed again.  Although they have given me another spongy thing with a hole in it like I had at the beginning so hopefully that will protect it a bit.

[Amandadavies1]

I had 2 lumpectomies and there was still no margin so then had mastectomy. I wanted to leave it a year before recon to ensure nothing came back. Then had expander implant put it. 3 months of saline injections to stretch skin out. Then replaced expander with silicone implant. Then had good breast reduced to match recon side as I was very large and reconstruction could only get me to a C cup and now finally a nipple reconstruction. It sounds a lot but it's been over 2 years and overall quite happy with everything ( Although really glad I've finished now). I'm just really conscious of squashing the new nipple at the moment but I suppose it's only been 2 weeks. X

[Linda17]

I was about to reply saying "wow I can't believe you've had 27 operations" and then I noticed your second post where you had altered it to 7, although that is still a lot!

Good luck next week xx

[Amandadavies1]

Thanks for also letting me know that yours has shrunk quite a bit. I'm calling mine SuperNip at the mo as it's sooo large lol. Hopefully it will reduce loads xx thanks for sharing your experience xxx

[Amandadavies1]

Hi Linda

I have spoken to my Surgeon over the phone as my appt a few days ago was with nurse. He's told me to take all dressings off and I can now fully submerge in bath. I'm 2 weeks post op today and is looking ok. The colour has gone back to pink now but it does have a few scabs with quite a large one on top. I'm working from home on laptop for a few weeks so are currently going braless as he's said not to have anything pressed against it. I have another appt next week direct with surgeon which will then be 3 weeks post op. Fingers crossed it will continue to go well. I had my mastectomy, recon and reduction of healthy boob in various stages so the nipple op is my 7th and final op. Therefore I'm only dealing with nipple op recovery this time rather than recon recovery at same time. I hope you continue to recover well. Mand xxxx

[Amandadavies1]

Hi Linda

I have spoken to my Surgeon over the phone as my appt a few days ago was with nurse. He's told me to take all dressings off and I can now fully submerge in bath. I'm 2 weeks post op today and is looking ok. The colour has gone back to pink now but it does have a few scabs with quite a large one on top. I'm working from home on laptop for a few weeks so are currently going braless as he's said not to have anything pressed against it. I have another appt next week direct with surgeon which will then be 3 weeks post op. Fingers crossed it will continue to go well. I had my mastectomy, recon and reduction of healthy boob in various stages so the nipple op is my 27th and final op. Therefore I'm only dealing with nipple op recovery this time rather than recon recovery at same time. I hope you continue to recover well. Mand xxxx

[Linda17]

Hi Amanda

I've been to the clinic this morning and my nipple is healing nicely and I don't need to have a dressing on it anymore.  Just wanted to let you know that it is now a lot smaller than it was when I first had it done as I know you were worried that yours was really big.  Let me know how you get on at your next appt.

[Amandadavies1]

Hi Linda

Thanks so much for sharing your experience xx. I did think it odd that I was left with no dressings around it or padding. At the moment it seems huge lol. I'm calling it the Super Nipple. It does look very fragile still so have taped thick gauze around it as padding. It's a pity my nurse hadn't come across nipple recon before as left feeling a bit clueless. Will keep it cushioned untill my next appt in 8 days. Thanks again. I hope all is ok now xxx

[Linda17]

Hi Amanda

I thought I would reply to your post as I wasn't sure if any of the other women would as it was 6 years ago.  I had a mastectomy and LD flap reconstruction 7 weeks ago and had a nipple reconstruction at the same time.  Mine was really big at first but it has gone down a lot now.  When I had my dressings taken off I didn't have anything covering the nipple, just a square spongy thing with a hole in it to wear inside my bra.  It was doing fine until the scabs started to fall off and then I noticed that it was bleeding slightly so I had to go to the clinic and have a dressing put back on.  A week later it was still bleeding so my consultant put me on antibiotics and put a different type of dressing on it.  When I saw her 3 days later it had stopped bleeding thank goodness and started to scab over again.  That was last Friday.  I still have a dressing on it and am due to go back to the clinic this Friday so I'm hoping I won't need a dressing on after that.  

I'm sure that won't happen to your nipple, I just thought I would let you know about my experience.  I'm pleased you posted as not many other women on this forum have had a nipple reconstruction I don't think.  I was very pleased with my new nipple when I first saw it so I hope it still looks as good when I get to see it again!

[Amandadavies1]

Hi there Lou. I had nipple reconstruction 10 days ago. Just had stitches out and dressings off. It seems huge but I know it will shrink loads. I'm really nervous now that dressings are off and have just taped thick gauze around it to stop me from bashing it. The nurse couldn't give me any info on after care as she had never seen a nipple recon. Did you not get it wet for a while longer. She was happy for me to not have any dressings on it at all but currently having a SUPER nipple makes me nervous. Many thanks Mand xx

[clare83]

Nonsuch, would love to see pic please. Have appnt next week with PS to discuss possible lipo on my recon to even up my 2 boobs and to discuss nipple recon and tattooing.

[nonsuch]

Stoic, I've sent you a personal message...get back t me if you don't receive it.

And a general update on my nipple recon, I heard this week that if this liposuction doesnt reduce the size of my refilled breast enough, then I could have another try. I'm pleased about that!

Ahhh and another piece of the puzzle, I asked the surgeon I saw this week about the type of bra I should wear. Evidently they recommend balcony type bras with underwire and side boning for extra support!! Exciting and so much more choice than wireless sports bras!!

[stoic65]

I would love to see a photo please. How can I email you direct so you could send me one. I am having to decide between having radiotherapy or a mastectomy and I must admit that the hospital photos of reconstructions have been very off putting. thank you

[Guest user]

My BCN and other recon patients I've spoken with say the perkines can be affected by the taotooing process so the new nipple may become flatter with time. I hope mine stays perky but if it doesn't, then so be it. Better a flat nipple than no nipple at all!
Good luck everyone

Lou
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[nonsuch]

I've heard degree to which they last is in part the method used, in part the personal characteristics of the individual and in part how you treat them!
It is a lot bigger than my other one, which is quite small, so scope to shrink a lot!!!

Got to make sure not to squash it till it's stabilised!
But I'd have it done again if nec!

[saffronseed]

After seeing a pic of Nonsuch's new nipple I am so amazed at the detail and the fantastic results she has had after this op and I now can't wait to get mine done!
I have seen a couple of posts on this bCC site on other threads saying that the 'nipple' only lasts a year and then flattens out Is that true or is it just a myth ?- my understanding from my PS is that its for life - I think the tattoo (when done) fades a bit and may need to be 'touched up' after a while - but I think the nipple stays as perky. Does anyone know? xx

[nonsuch]

I was excited as anything this morning ....the unveiling of my recon nipple!
First the large plaster came off, then the steristrips ...couldn't feel it happening at all. Then the stitches out and hey presto a new nipple. I asked the nurse to take pics of with and without the stitches which I'll share on request as it's so hard to know what to expect beforehand.

I had the op two weeks tomorrow, and there aren't any scabs at all, it seems to have healed really well. There's a little bit of yellowing bruise near the nipple area, and a black bruise under the band area of my bra, but no other outward mark. There is still some swelling to go down as I had lipo to reduce the size of my recon boob.

I asked if there was any advice about how I should treat it, but not apparently, other than not squashing it in a tight bra. From my main op I know not to go swimming in a pool for at least a month, and not to do sit ups. Cant wait for the tattoo now!!

[Guest user]

Yay! It's finally healed. Took about seven weeks in total but I was just unlucky. BCN said most people's heal much quicker.
Now waiting for tatooing appointmnet but result so far is great. The reduction and uplift on my good side has also boosted my confidence.
I'm longer hiding in a cubicle when getting changed for swmming. Who would have thought having a nipple would make such a difference?
Go for it, girls. It's worth it!

Lou
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[Guest user]

Bumping this as I am interested in the answer.

[Guest user]

Thanks Lucy
The scab has all but dropped off now and it will hopefully have gone by Monday.
Thanks for your kind response though. It's much apprecaited

Lou

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi Lou

If you remain concerned please feel free to talk to one of our breast care nurses on the helpline, lines open 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays on 0808 800 6000

Best wishes

Lucy

[Guest user]

Hello

Does anyone know how long it takes for a new nipple to heal?
I had mine fashioned from my own breast skin (following LD flap recon with tissue expander last year) on June 13th but the scab's taking ages to drop off. My BCN says this is quite normal and the rest of the new nipple looks pink and healthy - and is a remarkably convincing match.
I have it dressed every week so fingers crossed it will have healed a bit more when I go back to the clinic next week. I know I must not get it wet.
Apparently it can take weeks sometimes so I guess I'll just have to be patient. It's not really a cause for concern - just the finishing touch to what has so far been a very succesful breast reconstruction.

Lou
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