WHY AREOLA TATTOOING?

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Areola tattoos are a beautiful solution to create natural-looking nipples and the illusion of protrusion. A 3D Areola tattoo offers the breast cancer survivor a fresh start and is the finishing touch to breast reconstruction. 

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• Closes the circle of recovery and restores a sense of wholeness

• No additional surgery is needed

• Tattooing can camouflage scars on the breasts

• Can correct faded or irregular areola pigmentation

WHAT IS IT?

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3D Areola Tattooing (Nipple Tattooing, Areola restoration etc) is a 3D tattoo procedure to replicate the areola and nipple. This technique is for anyone who may have had total loss, irregularity or inconsistency in their areola and nipples after any type of breast reconstructive surgery.

HOW LONG IS EACH VISIT?

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Each visit is about 1 to 1.5 hours.  Kylie and her client will choose the new areola nipple replacement, size, shape, and color to provide a realistic outcome.

WHEN SHOULD A CLIENT SCHEDULE TATTOOING?

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The client should always consult with their doctor first. But, tattooing is usually done 3-4 months after a woman’s final in-hospital surgery. This is normally when the skin has healed enough from any reconstruction surgeries.

DOES IT HURT?

It is not uncommon for breast numbness to linger after a mastectomy due to the cutting of nerve endings. Although topical anesthetics are available, most clients have no to little sensation during the procedure. After drawing the outline of the areola and nipple the tattoo process begins. You may feel a vibrating sensation while needles transfer pigment into your skin.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

The tattoo can last up to several years and gradually fades as all tattoos eventually do.

 

Kylie uses permanent tattoo inks,  whereas a lot of artists use pigment that requires additional pigmentation every year to maintain color.  Kylie's areola and nipple tattoos are created for our clients to last a lifetime, with very few refreshing sessions. 

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IS THIS PROCEDURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?​

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Your procedure may qualify to be covered by your health insurance. Find out more information about your rights for coverage and to select your tattooing provider under the Federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. Read an article by Elyn Jacobs on a personal journey to recovery from breast cancer. Elyn Jacobs is the Executive Director and the Director of Grants for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation, a certified cancer coach and a breast cancer survivors​.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR THIS PROCEDURE?

 

When you come into the studio, it doesn’t matter if you have old work that needs a color boost, color correction or you are a fresh canvas ready for color. You and your Esthetician will decide the best options together. During the color audition, you will also discuss areola. Our Estheticians always use more than one color and layer different colors to create a realistic result. Reconstructed nipples or not, we will focus on shape, highlights and shadows. You may choose the addition of Montgomery bumps. If you have a pre-mastectomy photo, you may bring it to help recreate your original look, if you want. This is a time you can have it the way you want. If you want brown areolas, light pink areolas, smaller, larger, you’re your Esthetician will always asks questions to understand your desired look.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT THE DAY OF MY PROCEDURE?

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Make sure you have had a good breakfast or lunch. It’s important for you to be comfortable and relaxed. Wear a loose sports bra and a 2 piece outfit. Your Esthetician will provide a disposable robe but you might be more comfortable with your jeans or slacks on to keep you warm. Although there usually is no pain, your Esthetician will provide a topical anesthetic. We want you to be comfortable. If you have a list of prescription medications, please be ready to provide the list for your consent paperwork.  Your Esthetician will provide you with your post procedure care and a few non-stick gauze pads to get started.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

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If we choose to follow up and do a little perfecting, there is no charge for that. We suggest waiting 8 weeks for the skin to recover from the original procedure.