Do I rebuild my nipples, get nipples tattooed on, or get alternate tattoos in place of nipples? It's the final decision to be made, but probably the one decision that will effect my overall satisfaction with the look of my new breasts most of all.
SIZE AND PLACEMENT
No matter which option I choose for nipple replacement, I need to figure out the precise placement and circumference of the new nipples! I guess I could get some circle stickers of different sizes and try them out. LOL It's really going to bother me (obsessive, remember!) if the permanent ones aren't quite even or if they look "cross eyed!" I really would go CRAZY(er), if that were the final result.
REBUILDING NIPPLES
It has come to my attention that most people I talk to regarding this process do not have any idea what rebuilding nipples entails. There are options involved even within this option. The doctor can take skin from other areas of the body to use as nipples. Some areas used include the inner thigh or part of the labia (yes, lips). There is an advantage to using labia. The skin is naturally darker, and perhaps even resembles a nipple in texture, more than regular skin. Some doctors just use the skin already where the actual nipple would be.
When the decision is made regarding where the skin is taken from, the doctor somehow folds up the piece of skin and sews it together in the shape of the nipple. They can either only make the actual nipple, and have the areola tattooed on after the nipple heals, or graft an areola out of the labia skin at the same time as sewing on the nipple, for the added effect of a more natural texture and color. If they use lighter skin and tattoo the nipple and areola for a more natural pink look, the tattoos fade, and most women wind up with WHITE nipples, sometimes getting them re-tattooed every couple of years, or just sticking with the white grapes. I call them grapes, because, in the beginning, they stick out and are huge! I've heard the doctor gives you a nipple guard to keep on them while they heal. Keep in mind, no matter how real they look, they remain numb. They are still and always will be "just for looks."
Although this looks a bit more natural, it is an additional surgery with many possible complications, including necrosis (the skin used could die and decay), either the entire nipple and areola, or just a portion. Often times, they collapse and flatten out completely. From research I've done, it's my opinion that these complications are fairly common. I've read many blogs where the women have gone through 2, 3 or even more, nipple reconstructions before achieving a half decent nipple and areola. This process sounds like a nightmare to me! I am not looking forward to another surgery - plain and simple!
TATTOOS
This is the option I am leaning toward. Still, there remain options - tattoos depicting 3D images of real nipples, or tattoos in the place of nipples which are more personal, meaningful, and much prettier! I am leaning toward a sort of daisy, with a 3D nipple in the center of the flower. See the pictures posted on my "Nipple" page above! I am posting pictures of each option for comparison, and, no, none of them are my own boobs or nipples! LOL
I am interested in ideas for tattoos. If any of you see something, either funny or serious, please send it my way! I need as much input as possible before the big day, when I finally commit to something permanent.
Here are some funny ideas which have come up along the way:
- A shot glass and a lime
- Yin and Yang
- Peace signs
- 4 leaf clovers
- Stars
- Hearts
- Breast Cancer Ribbons
- Bass Clefs
- Lips/Kisses
- Flowers
- Sun/Moon
- Skulls
Prosthetics
There is also a not so permanent, but reasonable, option for those who don't want to commit. You can get prosthetic nipples. I found some great ones online that you can wear for up to 2 weeks, and you can go swimming, shower, etc. in them! The cost is a bit much - $275 to $625 EACH. I think insurance has to authorize them, but I am sure there are limits on how many and how expensive, and whether or not you pay up front and get reimbursed. I like that these come in different colors and sizes, not to mention the cheaper, very temporary, option comes in VARIETY PACKS! This could be a good way to experiment with placement, color and size, before making any drastic decisions.
I cannot end this blog without mentioning my dear grandmother, who passed away this July 28th. She was my comfort and inspiration throughout this journey, for many reasons, but mainly because she was the only member of my family other than me who has had a mastectomy (on only one breast, with no reconstruction). Her bravery and LACK OF WHINING, through her cancer treatments (x2) and mastectomy, set the bar high for everyone who knew her. A braver, kinder, wiser, more giving, more patient woman will never exist in our lifetime. This much I know! Thank you, Grandma, for showing me real strength and giving me something to strive for, always. Rest in peace.
