Nipple Reconstruction

Hi I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS in April 2023 at age 46 and had a skin sparing double mastectomy.  I had implant reconstruction in August 2023 and waited a whole year until August 2024 to have the medical tattooing of the areola and nipple (I was on the fence as to whether to get the nipple reconstruction).  My surgeon on the Gold Coast is apparently one of the highest performers of the nipple reconstruction surgery in Australia so felt I was in the minority in not getting them done. I opted not to get the surgery as it was another invasive surgery, would have cost another $1000 or so out of pocket and would have had no sensation and the risk of the nipple shrinking and going flat anyway.  I know women have had it done and are happy with the results, but the look of my tattooing is very professional and I'm satisfied with the outcome.  I kind of embraced the fact that they were no longer natural breasts and I didn't feel the need to try to make them something they weren't.  This is just my experience and I wish you well with your decision.    

I am still looking into reconstruction surgery I am going to give it about 12 months before things get serious 😁

Nipple reconstruction: is it worth it? podcast

( by Luan Laurei Wood , Sydney patient advocate, bc thriver, podcaster, instagram lives and more @ luanlawriewoods)

I knew one lady at our bc support group , but over 15 yrs ago ,  who had the skin twist surgery to make a nipple by her surgeon who also made her mounds, the back flap type,  which took  lots of surgeries  over  a few years to make them from what i can remember , then the  nipple  surgery  eventually was able to be created in yet another surgery supposidly the last one ( not)  and that little skin twist  took over 6 mths to heal and learn to self moisturise, went black at one stage , it was sadly very ugh for her. Then she had to wait a few years before she was allowed to get it and the aerola drawn and both coloured with cosmedic tattooing)

3D parmedical tattooing or prosthetic nips or temporary  tattoos seem so much easier- or save your time and a lot cash and go for none.

Hi Melways thankyou for this Drs Name,I will certainly take note of him ,it would be good to have a plan in place sounds like I need to pay the money,just to get anywhere so will look into this thankyou and I hope your doing well⚘

Obviously we can't choose our surgeon at Maroondah but Dr Michael Law does consult there as well and privately elsewhere but he's doing my friends nipple reconstruction when she is ready. I wonder if you can ask to speak with him or if you are able see him privately (I know costs money) to discuss it. He was wonderful to talk to and gave heaps of time to ask questions and never treated us like he was rushing us. I saw him privately paid for ourselves when diagnosed before moving to the Maroondah public system for treatment. 

Hopefully you can find the answers you want 

Hi Arpie,I can call the Maroondah but i can never get through on a Monday,, so far breast nurse doesn't have the answers for me till march ,good idea!! I will try emailng the surgeon before the appointment in March I am not sure about any procedure atm I am left with a breast &  nasty scar that's it no talk from anyone at Maroondah about where I go from here but I will keep trying at least I didn't get infection it's healed good iam not in any pain,the fact that the oncologist could only give me 5 Min of his time didn't really help me either.
I hope your doing well and everything is going to plan for you ⚘

Hi @melzzs ...

I had a nipple sparing lumpectomy, as my tumours were immediately under it.  The surgeon totally removed my nipple, removed the lesions underneath, then moved some of the fat tissue around from another area of the breast to fill in the hole, then sewed the nipple back on again.  He did a brilliant job & I only lost a bit of sensation.  The Mammogram lady this year remarked how good it was & asked for his name!

I am thinking that nipple reconstruction would a totally different procedure tho? 

Do you have a Breast Care Nurse assigned to you? Or does your surgeon have his own Breast Practice Nurse? You can also ask her. 

You could also email your surgeon and ask about it prior to your next appointment in March - or ask if a cancellation becomes available for an earlier appointment, if you could have it.  Keep in mind that most medical teams go on leave for 3-4 weeks over Xmas/New Year. So you are unlikely to get in til late Jan or early Feb at the best.

Click on this link (I just put ''nipple reconstruction'' into the Search Area on the blue bar) and some of the posts may be able to help you.  (You can use the search function for any query.)

https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/search?domain=all_content&query=%22nipple%20reconstruction%22&scope=site&source=community

For photos, tho, I believe you WOULD need to join the private Reconstruction group.

take care & all the best.

My medical team should advise me but they haven't I have to wait till my next appointment in March.

Both the girls had theirs done in Geelong. I don’t have pics. Not sure where in Melbourne but your medical team should be able to advise.

Can I see some pictures or advice into where to get the procedure done
Thanks