One of the hardest parts of recovery after a mastectomy is feeling like yourself again. Losing one or both breasts can affect your self-esteem, body image, and self-confidence.

For some people, the nipple is removed during a mastectomy, which can affect how you feel about your body.

If you’re having breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, you may have options for restoring the look of the nipple. Nipple reconstruction has been shown to help people feel more comfortable with their bodies. It may also help them feel less changed by the surgery and more like they have overcome their disease.

🗳️ What matters most to you when thinking about nipple replacement after mastectomy?

A realistic look and feel

Avoiding more surgery

Cost and insurance coverage

Other

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This article covers each option, including the pros and cons, to help you decide what may be right for you.

Nipple Replacement Options After Mastectomy

Whether you’ve had a single or double mastectomy, surgery can change how your body looks. You’ll want to know what options are available.

There are several ways to restore the look of a nipple after mastectomy. Here’s how they compare.

Prosthetic Nipples

Prosthetic nipples are made of silicone. They can look and feel like real nipples and come in different colors, areola sizes, and levels of projection, meaning how far the nipple sticks out.

Prosthetic nipples are a temporary option that sticks to the skin with a medical-grade glue. They stay on for about two weeks before needing to be reapplied. You can reapply them for about two years with regular cleaning and maintenance.

Silicone nipples can be applied as early as one month after mastectomy.

Prosthetic nipples may be a good option if you want something temporary or don’t want tattooing or another surgery. They may also be used by people who are waiting for nipple reconstruction surgery.

Surgical Nipple Reconstruction

Another option to consider is surgical nipple reconstruction after mastectomy. This procedure is often one of the last steps in breast reconstruction.

There are two different types of nipple reconstruction:

• Skin graft — A surgeon removes tissue from another area of your body, like your buttocks or abdomen, and places it where your new nipple will be.
• Skin flap — A surgeon takes a piece of skin and molds it into the shape of a nipple. You can also choose to get injectable fillers to improve the shape of the new nipple.

After the surgical procedure is completed, some people will get medical-grade tattooing to add color to the reconstructed nipple and areola. This step can also make the new nipple appear more real.

Nipple Tattooing

A nipple tattoo uses shading and color to create the appearance of a nipple and areola. The person applying the tattoo uses different pigments and shading techniques to create the illusion of a 3D nipple. Nipple tattoos can be done by either a plastic surgeon or a tattoo artist.

These tattoos, when done well, look like a real nipple and areola. One study found that people who had nipple tattooing reported improved sexual well-being.

Nipple tattoos are usually done three to six months after breast reconstruction surgery. This procedure has a relatively short healing period and can be a good option for people who want to avoid additional surgery.

How To Choose the Right Option for You

With the help of your healthcare team, you can decide which nipple reconstruction option is right for you. Ultimately, the decision is yours.

Talking to your healthcare team can help you fully understand your options and give you the chance to ask any questions you have. Each option has pros and cons. Your care team can help you compare them.

Here are some factors to take into consideration:

• Permanent vs. temporary options — Some people may want to commit to a permanent nipple option, while others may want something temporary. If you’re unsure, you could test out a nipple prosthetic before committing to a permanent option.
• Undergoing surgery — Chances are, you’ve had your fair share of surgical procedures at this point in your cancer journey. If avoiding surgery is important to you, you might consider a nonsurgical option.
• The look and feel of the nipple — Consider how you want the nipple to look and feel on your body. Although each option appears realistic, they each have a different look and feel.

The Emotional Impact After Mastectomy

Having a mastectomy changes your appearance and the sensations you feel. It’s not uncommon to feel disappointed, frustrated, sad, or even angry about the changes you’re undergoing and how your body looks or responds to touch.

Managing body image concerns is one of the most frequently reported challenges among women with breast cancer.

Support from people you trust can make a difference. You may also want to talk with a mental health professional who understands body image concerns after cancer. They can help you work through your feelings and adjust to changes in your body.

Join the Conversation

On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Which nipple replacement option are you considering? Let others know in the comments below.