Areola tattooing is a semi-permanent procedure that creates a realistic nipple and areola on a breast. It can be used to reconstruct a nipple and areola after breast cancer surgery , a preventive mastectomy, Breast augmentation, Breast Reduction or a Breast Uplift.
It can also be used to create a three-dimensional nipple areola without surgery.
How does it work?
- A qualified paramedical tattoo artist uses a small machine and sterile needles to implant organic pigment into the skin
- The artist measures and outlines the nipple area
- The artist blends colours to create a natural look
When it’s used After breast reconstruction surgery, After a preventive mastectomy, For patients who don’t want surgery, and For patients with thin or radiated breast skin.
Benefits
- Can help patients regain confidence and body positivity
- Can be a good option for patients who aren’t good candidates for surgery
Make Other Changes to Your Breast Before Your Nipple and Areola Tattoo Procedure
Talk with your plastic surgeon if you want to make any other changes to your breast. This includes changing the position of your implant, changing the type of implant, or making a scar less visible. In most cases, you’ll need to have these procedures before your nipple and areola tattoo procedure.
Unfavorable outcomes from previous attempts at nipple tattoo can be corrected with properly completed revision 3-D tattoos.
What to expect
- You might need more than one tattooing session
- You should wait at least three months after your final breast reconstruction procedure to get your tattoo
What does getting a nipple and areola tattoo feel like? Does it hurt?
After your mastectomy, it’s common to have lost feeling in your breasts. Most people only feel pressure or vibration during their tattoo procedure. Topical anaesthetic can affect the colour of your tattoo, so we don’t recommend using it unless you need to. A topical anaesthetic is medication you put on your skin to make an area numb.
How to prepare for Areola re-pigmentation treatment
you should avoid sun exposure, certain medications, and other treatments:
- Sun exposure
Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products for 1–14 days before your treatment.
- Medications
Avoid medications that cause photosensitivity, such as doxycycline or minocycline, for at least 72 hours before treatment.
- Topical products
Avoid harsh topical products, prescription serums, creams, steroids, acid-based products, retinol products, glycolic acid, and AHA/BHA products for 3 days before treatment.
You should also disclose any medical history, skin conditions, or recent sun exposure during your consultation.
You may not be a candidate if:
- radiation treatments damaged your breast skin
- your breast skin became overly thinned when tissue was removed during the mastectomy
- you have lymphedema that involves the chest
- you have a history of infections in the breast area