How Prosthetic Nipples Have Changed Breast Cancer Recovery

To boost their self-esteem and regain a sense of normalcy, some mastectomy patients go through nipple reconstruction or get areola tattoos. But, we now have a third option that opens up a world of possibilities for breast cancer patients and survivors.

After my single mastectomy and breast reconstruction, I couldn’t wait to get nipple reconstruction surgery. Although I was cancer-free, I was covered in scars, bald from chemo and missing a nipple on my reconstructed breast. It’s strange how something so small can affect your self-image. For three months, I was completely uncomfortable in my body. I had to shower in the dark because every time I saw myself, I would end up crying. Losing my nipple was like losing my connection with my gender identity and sexuality.

I was obsessed with reclaiming this missing part of myself. But to my dismay, it turned out that my surgeon was unable to perform the nipple reconstruction on me. Like many women, my skin was still too sensitive after undergoing treatment, and I would have to wait for two long years before I was a fit candidate. That just wasn’t acceptable.

Necessity is the mother of invention, as they say, and instead of just a feeling of defeat, inspiration struck. If I couldn’t get nipple reconstruction, I would make my own prosthetic nipple. I went back to school to learn this medical art from professionals. Initially, I planned on being my only customer, but as it turned out, there were other women like me. And thus, Pink Perfect was born.

Pink Perfect isn’t just a business to me. It’s a way for me to help women reclaim their femininity and feel more confident. Read on to learn how Pink Perfect prosthetic nipples can change your breast cancer recovery experience.

A Non-Intrusive Option

Originally, getting a new nipple required surgery or a tattoo. Both options involve needles, scalpels and other invasive tools. Patients who wanted the look and feel of a 3D nipple had to choose surgery where a cut skin flap replaced the nipple. Prosthetic nipples not only resemble the real thing, but you also don’t have to go under the knife to get them.

Doesn’t Fade or Flatten

Both nipple reconstruction and areola tattoos have a permanent effect. But that doesn’t mean that they maintain the same quality forever. Surgically created nipples can collapse and flatten, requiring even more procedures to fix them. Areola tattoos sometimes fade and need touch ups.

Meanwhile, prosthetic silicone nipples come in a durable material that lasts for years. As long as you take good care of them, they can last a good while. And if you need new ones, you just have to order them.

Define Your Level of Modesty

When you get prosthetics, you can determine their size and prominence. Patients who undergo surgery or get tattooed can give the doctor directions, but at the end of the day, the doctor has the most control over the nipple size and shape. On the other hand, Pink Perfect nipples can come in one of three pre-made shapes or have the exact shape of your original nipple. While tattoos let you skip wearing a bra, you can use a subtle prosthetic to get a realistic nipple that doesn’t need coverage.

Convenience and Accessibility

To get a procedure done, you have to go through multiple steps. You must find a medical facility that will do the surgery or tattoo for you. Then, you have to wait for an opening, which can take months. Finally, you have to arrange travel to and from your appointment. Disabled patients and patients in rural areas have a much harder time finishing the process.

When you get Pink Perfect prosthetics, you don’t have to leave your home. If you want a custom product, you simply have to use our DIY impression kit and send it back. Patients who want a pre-made shape can even skip that step! Once your product is ready, we’ll send it over to you with everything you need to start wearing it right away.

Any Timing Is Good Timing

If you want surgery or a tattoo during treatment, you might have to wait until you’ve finished chemotherapy. Plus, all the factors listed in the previous section make it difficult to get them done quickly. But since prosthetic nipples don’t have any risk of harm, you can get them before you’ve finished treatment.

You Have More Options Than You Think

Although I have now made more than 1,000 prosthetic nipples, I still make all of them myself. I want women to know they have an option other than surgery. Define your recovery your way. Check out our selection of prosthetic nipples to see if they’re the solution you’ve been looking for.