Nipple reconstruction

Hi Balijo, was just reading previous posts and wondered how you went. I had a bilateral mastecomy in January with expanders put in and am 6 weeks post silicone implants and now wondering about the nipple reconstruction recovery etc. My barbie boobs as gradually taking shape and the extra swelling is going down - way softer than the expanders and I can finally lay on my side for a bit of time at least - maybe 30 minutes. 

Cheers

Fiona

 

Hi there, I'm the same as Louise, I don't have any mammograms any more due to not having any breast tissue, and yes I feel the same not having anyone looking out for you. Np but hopefully that settles down as time goes on. I'm happy with the shape of my implants, I didn't do any muscle implant due to the long recovery involved, I needed to keep working as I did not have a lot of sick leave. As for the feel of them, they are a bit hard but get softer all the time, I'm just being able to lie on my side again, but I get the nipple op in 2 weeks so that will stop again for a while! I look forward to the next stage as as the moment to me they're just 2 lumps, I look forward to looking in the mirror and feeling "normal". Good luck Jillian with everything. Jo x

Yes, the lat dorsi is the muscle from the back.  The implant was to match the other side (which was reconstructed back in 2003 with a TRAM).  I have been unlucky enough to go through this twice!

I'm not sure how you would go with future screening with an implant on the other side.....I never had to worry about that but hopefully some of the other girls can help you.

I don't have any testing any more as I no longer have any breast tissue.  It is a bit daunting when no-one is looking over you....I still have to have checkups every year with my oncologist but it is just her feeling my reconstructions and asking how I am feeling - no tests, blood tests or scans.

Thanks Louise. Did you have the back muscle with the implant to match the size of the other side? The doc has also asked if I want to go bigger. I don't know!!! That would mean a small implant in the other side as well. Then there is the issue of bc screening on the other side. I will still have to have a nip and tuck on the good side as I have breast fed three children. Things just are not what they used to be. Maybe this is the chance to get the super model boobs!!! So many decisions!

Let me know if you have any other words of wisdom.

Thanks! Jillian

Thanks Louise. Did you have the back muscle with the implant to match the size of the other side? The doc has also asked if I want to go bigger. I don't know!!! That would mean a small implant in the other side as well. Then there is the issue of bc screening on the other side. I will still have to have a nip and tuck on the good side as I have breast fed three children. Things just are not what they used to be. Maybe this is the chance to get the super model boobs!!! So many decisions!

Let me know if you have any other words of wisdom.

Thanks! Jillian

I've got an implant in the right side.  I don't really like the feel of it that much but it is way better than not having a breast at all.  I can't lie on my stomach as it feels like i am lying on a rock!  Sleeping on my side is fine.  It looks really natural though and I am happy with the final result.  The plastic surgeon used the lat dorsi muscle from my back and then put the implant behind it.  The recovery was fine and I don't really miss the muscle from my back at all.

Good luck next week!

Hi,

I have just been diagnosed with DCIS in my right breast myself. Had an op to get out what they thought was there but with no clear margins. So yes back under the knife and take the rest of my breast :(. I would be interested to hear how you went with the implants. Have seen a plastic surgeon and I don't have enough fat to have anything taken off my stomach :( There seems to be such a mixed bag with the implants. I am keen to do something but what decisions to make. I still have a bit of time to think about it. Don't go back to the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon till next week for my next appointment. Hope to hear from you soon.

Cheers, Jillian

Hi there,

I had no pain at all from either the surgery or the tattooing of my nipples.  Recovery time was quick for both :)  I had no additional scarring at all and having the nipples tattooed was the most fantastic day!  The end of such a long, hard journey!  It made me feel normal again.

Good luck x

 

My new nipples are absolutely awesome.

My reconstruction has taken 12 months because the distance we have to travel. Just before christmas I had the nipples done. We went back to get the stitches out and then I had to look..... I couldnt believe what a difference they made. The went from mounds with lines, to boobs. I had tears of joys rolling down my face, they are brilliant.

The op took an hour in the doctors private surgery. No pain, took 1 panadol after. The only inconvenience is having to bathe and not shower. They healed very quickly but I had 2 of the stitches work their way to the top and had to get them out.( 2 second job, after travelling 5 hours to appt)

On the 25th I have the tattooing done. This involves 1 hour on the table. Wont hurt because I have no feeling. I tried to postpone it because of another family issue but husband said 'No, this will give us closure'. How good is he.

So Im looking forward to the 25th.

My advice is to go for it.

Annie