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I had tattooing and nipple reconstruction about ten days ago. I am seeing some peeling in the areola areas. Is it dead skin?
Asked by SusanK on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I had tattooing and nipple reconstruction about ten days ago. I am seeing some peeling in the areola areas. Is it dead skin?
I was instructed to keep the areas moist (bacitracin) and I thought I had been doing a good job. I am worried it is the ink that is coming off. I hope I don't have to go through this again, not because it was painful but what about insurance if it has to be redone? I see the doctor in four days but I'm fretting about this.
6 Answers from the Community
Devon
I used to be in the tattoo world, and peeling after a tattoo is completly normal! The ink should not come off at all because the skin that is peeling is only the top layers, and the ink should be farther down. Peeling/itching is normal in my opinion.
- 1 Like
over 8 years agosavingrace
It's been a while but if my memory serves me correctly, mine did the same thing. The ink got lighter, which they told me it would but it never came off. I think what you are experiencing is normal but question your doctor when you return.
- 1 Like
over 8 years agoluvnlife
I had the same procedure, What you describe is completely normal so don't fret. Good luck and enjoy your new look.
- 1 Like
over 8 years agoOceansidesteph
I had nipple reconstruction a year ago and have never gone back for the tattoo. I'm afraid since my breast has more feeling in it now that it will be really painful. I can't decide whether to bother with it, or not. Sometimes I think "as long as I look good with my clothes on that's all that matters. My husband never really sees it (keeping the lights dim!) ;) I'm regretting even having the nipple reconstruction at this point, wasn't really worth it. Good luck in your recovery, I'd be interested to hear how you like it when it's healed!
- 1 Like
over 8 years agoteddyfuzz
Peeling and itching is completely normal after a tattoo. It is just the dead skin sloughing off - kind of like peeling after a sunburn. Take a deep breath. This is nothing to worry about.
- 1 Like
over 8 years agoDaveWaz
SusanK,
I hope all is well.
Your question reminded me of some content we have on reconstruction experiences.
https://www.whatnext.com/experiences/procedure/breast-reconstruction-flap
https://www.whatnext.com/experiences/procedure/breast-reconstruction-implant
https://www.whatnext.com/experiences/procedure/reconstructive-surgery
It also reminded me of a guest blog post we had on our site about nipple tattooing after breast surgery.
https://www.whatnext.com/blog/posts/one-option-after-breast-cancer-surgery-nipple-tattooing
Best of luck to all,
David
- 0 Like
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