Thursday, November 27, 2008 twinnie1 asks

Q: I am wondering if nipple reconstruction hurts.I had a bilateral mast. with skin expanders.

I was diagnosed in September and had a bilateral mastectomy on Oct. 1 of this year.

Does nipple reconstruction hurt? I have decided to do the tatooing. I am also curious to hear other's experiences regarding the recreating of the nipple itself. How is it done?

I have a big scar on each breast of course due to the mastectomy. They aren't too bad considering but I am told the next surgery the surgeon opens them up again. Does that make them look worse or do they just fade away in a year or so anyway? Is there a way to reduce the scars? (I'm just curious because after everything the scars are my last worry!)

Thanks so much.

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Answers (1)

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

11/28/08 10:20am

Hi Twinnie: In my experience, nipple reconstruction doesn't hurt. It's done under a local anesthetic, and is maybe a bit sore for a couple of days, but no big deal. There are various ways to do it; check out our explanation of nipple reconstruction; and also pictures of nipple reconstruction. If you have a skin graft taken from somewhere else on your body you'll have a little scar there, but I think they do a really good job, between the actual surgery and the tattooing, at minimizing scars. Really, I think you'll be pleased. Good luck- PJH

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Q: I am wondering if nipple reconstruction hurts.I had a bilateral mast. with skin expanders.

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