After a woman has a mastectomy and a breast reconstruction procedure, she may opt to get a tattoo that mimics the appearance of the nipple. These tattoos are designed to look just like a natural nipple, to replace the one that was removed during the mastectomy.
What Happens During a Mastectomy?
During a mastectomy, a woman may have one or both breasts completely removed from the body. A doctor will make an incision and actually remove breast tissue from the body. This can leave a woman without any chest at all, or with one natural breast - the other side of the chest being completely flat. This can be very demoralizing for women, as the breasts are a deeply engrained piece of feminine identity. Having only one breast can make it difficult to find clothing and bras, as well as to feel confident in that clothing.
Why Have a Mastectomy?
The most common reason for a woman to have a mastectomy is because of breast cancer. If a woman or a doctor finds cancerous tumors in the breast, they often advise removing all of the tissue, in order to quell the spread of the cancer. Because breast cancer is deadly and can easily metastasize, the doctor will often remove the entire breast (or breasts), in order to ensure all of the tumors have been removed. During this process, the doctor removes the skin with the nipple and areola, leaving a flat area behind.
What Happens During Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
After a mastectomy, many women opt for reconstruction surgery, which will simulate the look of natural breasts using the patient's own tissue, or in some cases, breast implants. This recreates the breast mound. The next step is to reconstruct the nipple.
Why Receive a Nipple Tattoo after a Mastectomy?
A doctor or artist skilled in nipple tattoos can create a nipple on the reconstructed breasts. Nipple tattooing can be performed when just one breast is reconstructed, to match the remaining breast. In cases of bilateral mastectomy, a nipple can be tattooed on both breasts.
The Nipple Tattoo Process
During the nipple tattoo process, a tattoo artist - usually one who has trained specifically for this task - will use the same tattoo implements as any other tattoo artists, to ink in a natural looking nipple. Usually, he or she can work from a study of the other nipple, or the woman can, on occasion, decide how she wants them to look.
How Realistic Are the Results?
The tattoos are designed to appear 3D, giving the breast area a very natural, uniform look. This can result in a boost of confidence for a woman who has endured cancer, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.
Women who have overcome breast cancer have every right to regain the feminine curves that they lost to mastectomy. The reconstruction of natural looking breasts and nipples involves many steps, but the end result can improve a woman's confidence and sense of self. To schedule a breast reconstruction consultation, contact Dr. Paul Pin.