I Got My Nipples at Camp Breastie
Read Macee’s inspiring story of confidence, body acceptance, and post-mastectomy restoration, 2 years in the making.
Being Diagnosed at 26
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 8th, 2020 — at just 26 years old.
Before surgery, I loved my nipples. Losing them was something that weighed heavy on me. So before my double mastectomy in June 2021, I took photos to remember them — a small but meaningful way to honor the body I was saying goodbye to.
After Surgery: Grief and Gratitude
My surgery went well, but emotionally, I was devastated. Seeing my chest flat and without nipples was difficult.
Power to all of those who have chosen to be flat, and to those who didn’t have the choice — you absolutely rock it and are so beautiful. But the flat life just wasn’t for me. I knew I wanted a fuller chest again, though I had no idea yet what it would look like — or how I’d feel about my nipples moving forward.
As I began my fills, I started exploring options. My plastic surgeon explained that, just like with my reconstruction, I had choices when it came to nipples too. She described nipple reconstruction surgery, where nipples are created using your own skin. She even showed me real-life photos — but my biggest hesitation? The thought of them being, as I said, “always on.”
I’m a special education teacher and a soccer coach, so I spend a lot of time around kids. I didn’t want to constantly field questions like, “Why are your nips so hard?”
Reconstruction and a Little Manifestation
My initial surgery was June 3, 2021. I had fills for over six months before my expander-to-implant exchange in December 2021, and then a revision surgery in December 2022. But it was October 10, 2022 — almost two years after my diagnosis — when everything started to align. I sent a message to the Perky Instagram page, not knowing that I was manifesting the next step of my journey.
Even before getting nipple tattoos, I had reached a place of peace with my breasts. I felt beautiful without nipples. I even did a photoshoot with AnaOno and photographer Bianca Muniz, and those photos made me feel beyond confident and powerful. For a moment, I even considered not getting nipple tattoos at all — I was happy with how I looked.
Then Came Camp Breastie 2023
That year, Perky was going to be at Camp Breastie — and there was a raffle to win a 3D areola tattoo session. I thought, “Why not?” and put my name in. Later that night, I introduced myself to the Perky team and mentioned that when I was ready, I’d travel to Texas for my tattoos.
Their response?
“Why don’t we do it this weekend?”
The universe had aligned. Two years after my double mastectomy, at my very first Camp Breastie, I got my nipples back.
Obsessed Is an Understatement
I was so happy. Look at that smile!
I showed everyone — especially my cabin that weekend. I couldn’t believe how real they looked. It was emotional, empowering, and surreal all at once.
Later that summer, I reunited with Bianca for another photoshoot, this time highlighting the beautiful, lifelike work created by Perky.
Then, at my three-year cancerversary, I celebrated with a boudoir shoot — feeling fully in love with my body again.
By the next Camp Breastie, I had my touch-ups, and I couldn’t believe they looked even more real.
Full Circle
It’s hard to describe what it feels like to see yourself whole again — to see your body not just as medical, but intimate.
Although I still face challenges with intimacy after cancer, my breasts — with their nipple tattoos — are now one of the parts of my body I feel most confident about. They remind me how far I’ve come, how much I’ve healed, and that beauty after breast cancer is something we get to define for ourselves.
My chest is no longer medical — it’s mine.
We were honored to sit alongside Macee at Camp Breastie 2025 to share the impact of nipple restorative tattooing for women who have undergone mastectomy. Macee shared her story, showed her beautiful results, and helped us dive into the true “cherry on top” of the reconstruction journey. 🍒
We’re so thankful to be a small part of the magic that is Camp Breastie, and to meet incredible women like Macee who remind us why this work matters so much.
