Nipple Areola Complex (NAC) Micro pigmentation
Breast Cancer Survival
It Has Been a Long Journey, Now You’re Ready for the Final Step
For all those who have survived the diagnosis, treatment and reconstruction of breast cancer, your journey is fully understood only by other survivors. You have gone through so much fear, anxiety and shed so many tears that it seemed your journey would never end. But you have gone through a process to not only make you a survivor, but also restore what has been lost.
When your treatment is complete, reconstruction begins. You and your plastic surgeon will work closely to reconstruct a breast that is similar to or better than your normal breast. This procedure will give you peace of mind that your femininity was never lost and, with time, the daily reminder of your emotional and physical hardships will fade. The final step is nipple areola complex (NAC) micro pigmentation. Insurance companies must now pay for this procedure since restoring the nipple areola complex color is considered part of the reconstruction process, not a cosmetic procedure.
Since beginning this procedure in 1993, I have seen tremendous improvements in the breast reconstruction process. My own techniques for micro pigmentation of the nipple areola complex over the last 20 years have also been perfected. Most doctors were satisfied with the “one color fits all” approach, but I knew the natural breast had many colors including shading and highlighting. Having breast micro pigmentation will require a touchup 4 to 6 weeks after the initial procedure since scar tissue is unpredictable in its color retention. As for maintenance, it’s important to avoid exfoliants and unprotected sun exposure which will rapidly fade the color. Most patients will also need a touchup every 5 to 6 years since all pigments will eventually fade.
With the hundreds of procedures I’ve done, the one thing that continues to affect me is the emotional release and happiness of the woman or man looking into the mirror with apprehension and then smiling with complete satisfaction. Your reconstruction has ended, but your perspective on life is forever change, and I thank all I have helped for allowing me to be a part of their journey.
Jilleen Hoffman works with Dr. Mike Majmundar at Northside Facial Cosmetic Surgery, 11681 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 200 Alpharetta, Georgia 30009. 770-475-3146. She would be delighted to offer a free consultation.
