breast reconstruction

There are many techniques available for reconstruction of breast defects after surgery for breast cancer. The art is to choose the right technique for an individual woman, taking into account lifestyle, post-operative support and expectations. While an immediate breast reconstruction is ideal, not all breast cancer patients can have an immediate reconstruction because of the type of cancer, and because of the additional treatments that may be recommended such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A delayed breast reconstruction can be undertaken any time after the mastectomy and adjuvant therapy is completed, from a few months later to many years. Usually a complete reconstruction will involve more than 1 operation to achieve an aesthetic breast shape with a nipple reconstruction.

Nipple tattooing is the final stage in the process of breast reconstruction, following mastectomy. This completes the process of recreating the most natural looking breasts and allows a woman to feel as much like herself as she did prior to her mastectomy.

During this procedure, permanent pigment is tattooed into the skin to create the natural colour of the nipple-areolar complex. This offers a more realistic appearance following mastectomy surgery. The pigment is designed to be permanent, although some fading of it is expected over time and may require additional topping up. The staff at Bay Plastic Surgery have been trained in blending the right pigment colours, to achieve an areola colour which best matches the individual person and their skin tone. The pigments themselves are made from purified ingredients which meet FDC (food drug and cosmetic) standards in the USA and are hypoallergenic.

Both nipple creation and nipple tattooing are performed on site at Bay Plastic Surgery under local anaesthetic, with minimal discomfort and downtime. Nipple tattooing is offered to women about 3 months after nipple creation surgery. Our specialist nurses will discuss colouring, the process and will also provide photos which other women who have undergone the procedure have kindly allowed us to share. The procedure is performed in pleasant surroundings, and takes from 1½ - 3 hours, depending on whether one or both sides are tattooed. Patients are able to go home immediately afterwards.

Follow up appointments are also a vital part of the process to assure the very best outcome possible, since some women will require a touch up session after 3 – 12 months.