Areola Tattoo

Everyone’s journey to a nipple tattoo is different. While some feel comfortable without having the areola and nipple present, others feel more complete to have that area back. It is a decision that is a personal one, and one that should be taken seriously.

What is 3-D Nipple Tattoo?

While a tattoo cannot produce the projection required to be truly “3-D”, a high quality detailed tattoo can appear to have dimension much like a real nipple/areola.

The 3-D nipple or areola tattoo is a work of art that looks like an authentic nipple. Shading, shadows and other artistic skills make the tattoos look just like real nipples, and helps patients feel confident in their breasts once again. The inks used for nipple tattooing are mixed to create the most realistic appearance possible for each patient.

The tattoo artist strives to create a shade that resembles the patient’s original nipple and complements her natural skin tone. This is one of the reasons it is important to have a tattoo artist perform the procedure – there is an art to making each nipple unique to each patient.

Is Scar Camouflage with Permanent Makeup Possible?

Scar micropigmentation is an effective way to cover up or at least minimize the visibility of scars of different origins. By injecting pigments into the tissue, the scar or discolored patch of skin is matched to the skin surrounding it. This treatment is also possibly the best way to cover up scalp scars, and has become an integral part of breast reconstruction. For a custom permanent makeup solution that looks natural and gives you the confidence.

How soon can I get my Areola Tattoo?

It is safe to receive this treatment once you get a "green light" from your doctor and with at least 6 months of healing time to pass after the date of your final surgery. Scar Camouflage 12-18 months.

How long will the procedure take?

Typically there is a one hour consultation and the tattoo artist will usually do a patch test, discuss all of the options and get answers to any question or concern you may have. The procedure itself takes up to three hours (depends if you do 1 or 2 nipples).

Is it painful?

You may experience slight swelling and redness following the procedure and the skin may feel tight. This should get better within the first week depending on how sensitive your skin is.

Will there be any downtime following the procedure?

You should be able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.

However, avoid swimming and using a sauna or jacuzzi for two weeks after the procedure as chlorine can act as a bleach which will change the appearance of the tattoo. If using the gym within the first two weeks following your tattoo, please cover the treated area with a small amount of after cream that was provided by your artist beforehand to limit friction. Please ensure the area is cleaned afterwards.

What should I do if I have a problem?

Infection is very rare. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact your permanent makeup artist if some of these systems will occur:

- Swelling and/or heat that doesn’t resolve in the first two days.

- Redness spreading from the tattoo that gets worse over a few days. - A fever (temperature higher than 37.5C / 99.5 F).

Will I have a follow-up appointment?

You will typically have a follow-up appointment six to eight weeks after the initial treatment. It is common to need two treatments as the color will fade over time and a further procedure may be required to achieve and maintain the desired color.

information from www.survivingbreastcancer.org