Breasts: With or Without Nipples?
Is that a question you ever thought you’d be asked? But if you are meeting with a plastic surgeon to discuss your reconstruction options, it’s one you need to ponder.
You’re going to love Dr. Narayan,” my friend said to me as we talked over coffee one morning after my second diagnosis. “He did the neatest little trick with a cocktail napkin in his office when I met with him, showing me how he’d reconstruct my nipples if I chose to have a mastectomy. I almost wanted to have surgery just for those nipples he was promising me!
I did meet with Dr. Narayan to discuss my options before my double mastectomy. I waited in silence for the cocktail napkin trick. It never came. “Where’s the napkin nipples?” I asked, half joking, half serious.
“We’ll talk about nipples after your surgery,” Dr. Narayan replied. “First your body needs to heal from the primary surgery.” Which for me was something called a TRAM Flap. Dr. Narayan and his plastic surgery team at Yale would relocate my own abdominal muscle, tissue and yes, fat, to my chest and create two beautiful, symmetrical breasts. Without nipples, at least for the time being.
After that nine hour surgery and subsequent recovery, whether or not I had those nipples was completely irrelevant. I just wanted to heal.
“You know, a friend of mine buys her nipples at Nordstrom,” my mother in law said to me one day. Could she be serious, I thought? For kicks and giggles, I looked into it; Nordstrom does carry ‘breast petals,’ cover-up pasties to give you a smooth look under clothing. They don’t, however, carry the flat out nipple enhancers that you can find at Frederick’s of Hollywood.
But now, two years post-op and I’m starting to wonder. Is it time to consider that surgery? My gut says no, who cares. But sometimes I wonder …
Are nipples important? What do you think?
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer blog, cancer, health, health and wellness, Reconstruction, TRAM flap, wellness, women, women's health, women's health and wellnessRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Humor, Reconstruction, Survivor Stories
7 opinions for Breasts: With or Without Nipples?
Sarah S.
May 6, 2008 at 10:52 am
I think they are but I am only getting the tatoos without the tuck. I do not want permanent head lights.
Alicia Sparks, NAMI Affiliation Leader
May 6, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Hmm…”permanent head lights,” like Sarah pointed out, are something to think about. But those breast petals you mentioned (which you can get just about anywhere - I have a set from Goody’s, for example) would help with that, too.
Do I think nipples are important…well, I guess I do. However, at the same time, if I’d gone through everything you’ve been through, I’d probably have a bit of a wild/spontaneous/free spirit-type streak and do something like tattoo the area. No tattooed nipples; something decorative, like my favorite flower or something.
I suppose it all depends on how you feel about your new “two beautiful, symmetrical breasts,” right? If you’re comfortable with the way they are now, and not up for undergoing another surgery, then what’s the point in putting your mind and body through it? On the other hand, if you’d like a brand new and just as perfect set of nips, and have the energy and money to go through with it, then go for it!
admin
May 6, 2008 at 12:44 pm
To eaches own and that is something that is specific to that persons persona and thoughts. I have not had a mastectomy so I can not fully understand, but I do know that my husband and I have had the conversation as many of my family members and friends have had this decision and I do not think I would do any surgery that was not necessary. Like said, I CAN NOT fully understand but I think if the time came I would say I am perfect just the way I am. But if you decide to go for the nipples, I hope they are just as you imagined and are pleased with them. :)
Angela
May 6, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I guess if I were in that position I would be weighing the toll of an additional surgery against any emotional healing that might come from nipple reconstruction. My first instinct is to think the surgery is “unnecessary” and to say no way would I do it, but maybe I would feel differently — maybe it would be necessary for my mental outlook and well-being.
Cathy Bueti
May 6, 2008 at 5:40 pm
This is something I debated as well. After my TRAM I finished my 6 months of chemo and then I was able to go for the nipple. I initially thought I didn’t want to bother with it. I had gotten used to seeing it how it was and really didn’t want to go under the knife again! But I decided to do it. Although I am glad I did…it was hard to get used to having a headlight that was always ON! I never went back for the tatoo of the color….I had had enough by that point. I think it is such a personal decision and Karen, if your gut says know….I would listen :) Our gut is always right.
Good topic!
Sarah S.
May 7, 2008 at 12:57 pm
There is always the option of getting pink smiley face tatoos. Who says they have to be nipples. I like the flower idea too or even a pink ribbon. I am gonna have to give it some thought.
Karen Lynch
May 7, 2008 at 2:13 pm
It’s funny, this tatoo concept. I’d always toyed with the idea of getting one. Who knew this would be the catalyst!
I suppose it would be great PR to get pink ribbons!
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