.svg?iar=0&hash=F6049510E33E4E6D8196C26CCC0A64A4){kind=logo}
/hfh-logo-main--white.svg?iar=0&hash=ED491CBFADFB7670FAE94559C98D7798){kind=logo}
Breast Reconstruction Surgery: What to Know
After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction surgery has been shown to provide a variety of mental and physical benefits
Nipple Reconstruction and 3D Nipple Tattoos
Our experts offer two advanced options to restore your nipple after a mastectomy.
If you are not having a nipple-sparing mastectomy, your nipple-areolar complex (the area defined by your nipple and the pigmented area that surrounds it) will be removed during surgery. In this case, we offer two options to restore your nipple—a procedure that rebuilds this tissue and one that uses a tattoo to re-create the appearance of a nipple.
Nipple Reconstruction and 3D Nipple Tattoos: Why choose Henry Ford Health?
- Integrated care: Many breast cancer patients tell us breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy is a critical part of their healing process. Because of this, plastic surgeons who specialize in breast reconstruction play a crucial role on our breast cancer tumor board. We are the only program in Michigan to include plastic surgeons on the breast cancer team.
- Expert team: Each year, our nipple reconstruction surgeons help women with breast cancer find relief by using proven approaches for the best possible outcomes.
- The latest procedures: Our team is experienced in the latest options for nipple reconstruction and 3D nipple tattoos.
- Streamlined referrals: When necessary, your lymphatic surgeon can refer you to other services within Henry Ford Health, such as lymphedema therapy.
- Support throughout your care: Cancer care is a journey. We provide support throughout treatment to help aid your recovery and ensure you can enjoy the highest quality of life.
Quality of Life: An Important Part of Cancer Care
Research shows that patient reported quality of life is linked to survival in people who have cancer.
FAQs about nipple reconstruction and 3D nipple tattoos at Henry Ford Health
-
How Does Nipple Reconstruction Work?
During nipple reconstruction procedures, we use mastectomy skin to create a new nipple mound. In some cases, we also use skin from the rest of your body to re-create the areola. If you are having a nipple-sparing mastectomy, you won’t need nipple reconstruction.
Nipple reconstruction surgery is not recommended if you:
- Have had radiation to your mastectomy skin, and this skin is what’s needed to make the nipple flap.
- Are a diabetic with poorly controlled blood sugars. People who have an A1C greater than 7 are not a candidate.
- Are an active smoker or marijuana user. These must be stopped within 8 weeks of surgery.
-
What Are 3D Nipple Tattoos?
This uses tattooing techniques, including dimensional shading and pigments, to re-create the image of reconstructed nipple and areolar complex. While the tattoo is flat, it looks realistic. This is an in-office procedure that doesn’t require surgery.
3D nipple tattoos may be recommended if you:
- Do not want to have any revision surgeries.
- Do not want to have a reconstructed nipple that projects out.
- Are comfortable with having just an image of the nipple.
- Are comfortable with the idea of being tattooed.
-
How Can I Regain Sensation in My Breast and Nipple After Mastectomy?
One concern many women have is whether breast cancer surgery will affect sensation. Thanks to new advances in surgical techniques, our mastectomy reconstruction surgeons offer a procedure that is performed at the time of your mastectomy, and which aims to restore sensation to your mastectomy skin and the nipple-areolar complex.
During this specialized procedure, we use a nerve graft (often from a human cadaver) to reconnect the cut nerve endings in your chest wall to the cut nerve endings under your nipple. You may be a candidate for this procedure if you are:
- Having a nipple-sparing mastectomy.
- Smaller than a C-cup breast.
- OK with receiving human cadaver–donated tissue.
Nerve reconstruction is an involved process that can take 1-2 years to restore sensation.
Find out if you’re a candidate for this procedure at your consultation.