So, don't ask me why, but I've long been attracted to the idea of getting my nipples pierced after top surgery. Does anyone here know offhand whether it's even possible, how long it's advisable to wait, and if there are any issues one should take into consideration when it comes to piercing nipple grafts?
I thought about that, too. ;D I'm concerned they might interfere with healing, though. I'd hate to loose my nipples entirely.
Some surgeons will, others won't. I've seen a chest or two without nipple grafts. As I recall Josh (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=5865) looked into that possibility. He might be able to give you more details.
Hm I've been wondering the same thing because I've been considering getting them. I've seen a couple of pictures on transbucket of guys that have their nipples pierced, so I'm assuming it's fine. Probably have to wait several months until everything is totally finished healing
ive already got mine pierced, whats the chances of the surgeon letting me keep it in so i dont have to go thro all the hassle again afterward
I can't see there being a problem with getting your nipples pierced after surgery. I guess it depends on the person though, some may not have enough nipple or whatever.
For a higher chance of the piercing healing and being healthy, make sure that you're fully healed from your surgery. Having the stress of your body healing from surgery will probably stop the piercing from "taking" or healing efficiently.
As for not getting nipples:
Many surgeons refuse to leave you with no nipples. It's not typical trans behaviour is one of their reasons for this.
However, there is a technique where you get the surgery without nipple grafts, and some of the nipple tissue is left behind for later when you get nipples crafted and attached, then you get the areolas tattooed around them.
I believe that not having nipples will make you look more like a breast cancer survivor and less of a male chest. I say this with the experience of my mother having breast cancer and her nipple had to be removed. Years later she did get one tattooed on but I haven't seen it yet.
I tend to agree, but I'm sure the person who asked realises that having no nipples won't make a typically male chest.
Tattooed ones look pretty good by the way. I believe theskyisdeeper on YouTube had his tattooed.
I've wondered about this, as well. Previously, I had my nipples pierced in the hopes that it would allow me to feel something in my nipples and it... kind of worked. I still didn't feel much, there, but it was a tiny improvement. I took the piercings out a couple months ago so that they'd have a chance to close up before top surgery.
However, I do like the aesthetics of pierced male nipples, and since I'll be getting free-grafts, maybe it'll allow me to get some sensation there once I'm healed up. Hm.
Quote from: al james on June 06, 2010, 02:07:56 PM
ive already got mine pierced, whats the chances of the surgeon letting me keep it in so i dont have to go thro all the hassle again afterward
Unfortunately, I do not think the chances are high. Usually for surgery they do not want you to wear any jewelry at all. I know in my surgery packet it says that I cannot wear any at all and it even goes as far as to specify nipple piercings in there. My sister and father were also not allowed any jewelry either when they went for surgeries.
I don't see why you wouldn't be able to get nipple piercings after surgery, but I'm not an expert.
I've also wondered about having the nipples removed then tattooed on later. I've seen a lot of pics with lopsided nipples and heard stories of complications with them and would like to avoid that happening to me. My choice to do that doesn't mean I don't want a male chest it's for aesthetic and health reasons.
I would think that having a nipple tattooed on would stand out or rather not stand out which is why it would be very noticeable to anyone who got semi close to you. Areola(sp?) I can understand and that may work.
That's where the piercings would come it, to create the bump so to say. ;D
Quote from: Hurtfulsplash on June 07, 2010, 07:10:12 AM
That's where the piercings would come it, to create the bump so to say. ;D
Maybe it would work. I have my doubts but would be interested in hearing from someone who tried it.
I fully intend on getting mine pierced after surgery. I don't see why not, as long as I have enough nipple.
Quote from: LordKAT on June 07, 2010, 07:07:42 AM
I would think that having a nipple tattooed on would stand out or rather not stand out which is why it would be very noticeable to anyone who got semi close to you. Areola(sp?) I can understand and that may work.
The nipple is stuck back on from the old nipple tissue left behind and the areola is tattooed on.
Check theskyisdeeper on YouTube for an example of this method.
I can only speak from the experience of having a breast reduction several years ago. I don't know whether the method of relocating the nipples is in any way similar to that you'd have in FTM top surgery.
Anyhoo, I had my nipples pierced a year or so after the surgery with no problems at all. I felt no pain (I've lost all sensation in my nipples, which sucks in many ways, but is handy when having piercings done!), and they healed fine.
I took the piercings out some time ago, but would love to have them done again. However, as I am starting to bind my chest in earnest, I don't think now's the time! I'll just have to wait til after surgery (again..!) and hope my nipples are up to it!
Yeah binding with a piercing is hard. I have a 14 gauge barbel in mine and wearing it under a binder get's rather uncomfortable. I don't think a surgeon will do it DURING surgery, as that is one more potential infection to worry about, making it a liability, but you could certainly get one afterward. I would recommend letting the surgery heal completely first, though.