Pink October: breast reconstruction with The Nipples Lab!

#DISCOVERY

written on October 1, 2024

How can you put your artistic sense at the service of something useful, well-being and self-esteem? Diane Lavinia launched her company in Chambéry in 2022, specializing in the production of silicone nipples. “I was closely affected by 3 cases of breast cancer and I decided to help these wounded women in my own way. The dermopigmentation that I initially proposed did not provide the necessary relief. I then trained as a prosthetist in Germany and England for a more realistic result that better meets expectations. » Diane goes even further by setting up an impression kit to reproduce the nipple identically. For those who have had a bilateral mastectomy, a bank of impressions is made available to them, consisting to date of 500 models from donors throughout France.

Art and material

To make custom nipples, it takes 5 to 6 hours between molding and coloring the silicones, all done by hand. “I have a perfectionist side, my patients must be 100% satisfied with the result. They deserve it because breast reconstruction can take several years. What I offer them is a bit of the icing on the cake, it allows them to turn a page. » The prostheses are fixed to the skin using a liquid adhesive and remain in place for up to 10 days. Repositionable and reusable, they are guaranteed for 1 year but can last much longer.

A certification that opens new doors

Non-allergenic, the silicones, dyes and adhesives used are “medical device” certified, which guarantees traceability of the prostheses and legitimacy with hospitals, doctors and associations. The Nipples Lab is the first and only certified brand in Europe. The pair of prostheses is sold for €200, Diane donates 10% to associations fighting against breast cancer. “For me, it is not an aesthetic product but a necessity. I would therefore like it to be partly reimbursed by Social Security. I would like to make these prostheses more accessible with, why not, a section dedicated to them in the pharmacy. »

Soon…

This fall, Diane will offer, in collaboration with her sister, a range of swimsuits designed for women who have had a mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction. 6 models will be offered to combine beauty and practicality. To be continued!

thenippleslab.com

Breast cancer in figures

• With around 61,214 new cases in 2023 and more than 900,000 people affected in France, breast cancer is the most widespread female cancer.
• It represents 33% of all new cases of cancer.

Source: Panorama of Cancers in France National Cancer Institute 2023 Edition