Following a breast reconstruction a new nipple can be reconstructed. This is usually made from the skin of the reconstructed breast and is followed by tattooing to replace the colour. Sometimes skin grafts can be used. Occasionally tattooing alone is requested or indeed a prosthetic (‘stick-on’) nipple.
The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and takes 30-40 minutes. There are dressings placed over the reconstruction but these are splash proof. Healing takes about 10-14 days. If tattooing is needed then this is scheduled to start about 6 weeks after the new nipple is made.
