What makes an artist specialising in Fine Arts decide to make a career out of producing prosthetic nipples? Cara Du Plessis shares her story with us.
Cara Du Plessis (24) lives in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Twenty-four-year-old Cara specialised in mould making when she was doing her Honours in Fine Arts at the University of Pretoria. The artist wanted to make art that made a bigger and more active difference in people’s lives. Something that had an impact.
Due to this desire, Cara got interested in anaplastology (the art and science of restoring a malformed or absent part of the human body through artificial means). So, she started to explore the possibilities of prosthetic designs.
“My research eventually led me to information regarding the many women who lose their nipples in mastectomies and weren’t left with many options after surgery. This highlighted the opportunity for a small intervention that could possibly make an enormous difference to these women,” Cara explains.
Cara then acquired international professional expertise in silicone nipple prosthesis making. Since then she has been perfecting her product for over a year. “I really wanted the nipples to be perfect in every way possible before launching,” she adds. Now, Cara has officially launched Perky Pinks.
“I have met so many truly wonderful women so far! Breast cancer survivors are my inspiration now. I helped a lovely lady recently. She had this to say: ‘I use Perky Pinks nipple prostheses and am very impressed with the soft and natural appearance. I work out and shower with them and would recommend Perky Pinks to anyone.’”
About Perky Pinks prosthetic nipples
Perky Pinks produces realistic adhesive silicone nipples for women who have undergone a mastectomy. These adhesive nipple prosthesis replicates the shape, size, colour and texture of real nipples. There are three nipple sizes to choose from and five shades to match different skin tones.
Perky Pinks’ special FDA-approved adhesive properly secures the prosthetic nipple against the breast. The prosthetic nipples and adhesive are waterproof. So, the nipple prostheses can be worn in the shower and while swimming in the ocean or swimming pool. Perky Pinks prosthetic nipples can be worn for up to five days at a time.
These nipple prostheses can help you feel feminine, be satisfied with your appearance, boost your self-confidence and feel comfortable in your own skin.
How to place your order:
Order your preferred nipple size and shade on www.perkypinks.co.za. Delivery (nationwide) can take anything from two to three weeks depending on where you are based in South Africa.
How do you apply the nipple?
Your kit includes everything you need. Simply apply the FDA-approved adhesive to the back of the nipple prosthesis and press it against your breast.
After five days, use your complimentary remover solution to remove the nipple from the breast. Wash and dry your Perky Pinks and simply re-apply to use again.
There is a step-by-step tutorial video on ‘How to apply the nipple prosthesis’ in the FAQ section of www.perkypinks.co.za.
Cost
A kit of Perky Pinks nipples costs R2000. This includes shipping, 1 x pair of nipples, 6 x alcoholic wipes to prep the skin, 1 x 50ml remover solution, 1 x 10ml adhesive, 1 x 5ml adhesive (nice to keep in your handbag or while travelling) and 1 x application brush. If you need more adhesive or remover solution, you can order it on the website.