Nipple Replacement
Could you be happy with a new breast that had no nipple? You have time to think about it, because the nipple is dealt with after the initial reconstruction surgery.
What are your choices? You can do nothing. Or you can choose from fake or reconstructed nipples. None are perfect and none have the kind of sensation you might have had before surgery.
- You can purchase polyurethane, removable nipples that come in a semi-erect position. These rubbery tips are surprisingly lifelike in texture and color. You moisten the back and stick them on—almost like a little suction cup—whenever you wish.
- You can have a look-alike nipple tattoo applied by your surgeon. (Don't worry—since the new breast does not have a lot of feeling, this won't be painful.)
- You can go for nipple reconstruction from transplanted tissue.
Rebuilding a nipple
Nipple and areola reconstruction can use tissue taken from the labia—the skin folds of the vulva, just outside the vagina. You can have vulvar surgery and nipple reconstruction as an outpatient, under local anesthesia, in under two hours. You can usually drive the day after surgery; the discomfort in your crotch lasts about a week.
Tissue can also be taken from the inside of the thigh. In fact, creative surgeons can find skin in any number of places, especially if the nipple reconstruction occurs at the same time as breast reconstruction. The skin may darken naturally over time, or your surgeon can tattoo a custom color to match your other nipple. This reconstruction takes only about 20 minutes in the surgeon's office.
TIP: Reconstructed nipples have very little sensation or sensitivity. Therefore, it may not be a good idea to use part of your existing, natural nipple to create a new nipple. In that case, both nipples may become numb. For some women, that would really affect their sexual pleasure.
Timing of nipple replacement
Nipple replacement isn't scheduled until at least two months after breast reconstruction surgery. By that time, the swelling will go down and your breast will settle into its "natural" sag. The nipple can then be positioned properly during nipple replacement.
