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Areola Tattoo

We offer restorative tattooing that creates the most realistic, natural areolas and 3D nipples for breast cancer patients and also for breast conditions that require areola re-pigmentation or asymmetry correction.

Areola restoration is a finishing touch to the breast reconstruction. It is considered a paramedical tattooing that involves aesthetic and artistic approach.

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Medical tattooing of the areola or 3D nipple can be used in the following:

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  • In breast reconstruction patients after a mastectomy to recreate a natural and realistic appearance of nipple and areola. This can be done with or without a surgical nipple reconstruction using 3D tattoo effects.

 

  • After breast reduction procedures, where the pigment has been lost or to achieve areola symmetry.

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  • To darken areola pigment per client's preference.

Woman Holding Flower

These two options can help you decide what type of Areola procedure you can benefit the most from:

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OPTION 1:

If you have undergone mastectomy or other surgical procedure that involved removing tissues that altered full or partial areola(s) as well as nipple(s) then you may want to consider getting Nipple Areola Complex Tattoo. It is a natural looking 3D nipple and areola that are created using light and shadow techniques.

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OPTION 2:

If your own nipple(s) are intact and if you are someone who only needs a symmetry/colour adjustment of the areola circles then you could benefit from the  Areola Tattoo. It is a great option for distorted areolas as result from a surgery or trauma.

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3D Areola before & after
3D Areola on latex
3D Areola before & right after
3D Areola on latex
Before & After : Healed Areola + Scar Camouflage
Before & immediately after: 3D Areola/Nipple  + Scar Camouflage

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

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WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY BREAST TATTOO?

The procedure should be scheduled only after complete healing from any surgery. Recommended time is 6 months, if the tattoo area has direct scar involvement. Otherwise at least 4 months. This allows for healing, sutures to dissolve, scars to mature a bit and settling of the breasts to take place. The tattoo should be the LAST step of your breast reconstruction.  

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WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY APPOINTMENT?

At your appointment we will discuss your expectations and any concerns you might have.

There is paperwork that will need to be filled out. Items such as; a general health history form, a consent form for treatment and one for photos .

 You decide what permission I have to use your photos,  publicly or keep them private.

After care instructions will be reviewed.

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HOW LONG IS THE APPOINTMENT?

The appointment will take approximately 2.5-3 hours 

This is a two step process, yielding the most natural and painterly results. The first application is done followed by a perfecting session 6 weeks later.

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WHAT IS THE  PROCESS?

Pigment is implanted into the skin by small needles that puncture skin at a high frequency. The needles leave behind pigment using the same equipment used for body art tattoos.  I use traditional tattoo ink specifically designed for Areola art. The skin heals, creating a natural nipple areola complex tattoo.

Each client will have a consult prior to the tattoo. We will discuss the best color, size and shape and placement of the tattoo. The actual tattooing will take about 45-60 min for unilateral and  90–120 min for bilateral.

The area will have slight redness and feel similar to a sunburn for a few days post procedure.  You will be instructed on aftercare for the area.

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DOES THE TATTOO FADE?

Yes, in varying degrees. Initially, the fresh areola tattoo will look very bright and darker than the final result. As the skin heals, the color may look less deep and vibrant later on compared to when it was first tattooed. With proper healing and aftercare, your tattoo can look beautiful for years to come. 

Your tattoo will start to peel in 3-7 days and should be done peeling in 10-14 days. After 6 weeks, we can determine if your tattoo needs additional color or not. 

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IS IT SAFE?

Yes, areola/nipple tattooing is safe. No procedure comes without risks involved however, such as allergic reaction to the ink and infection of the skin/ tissue. We will discuss the risks at the time of your appointment.  Single-use disposable needles and disposable cups for pigments are used along with strict aseptic protocols for handwashing and gloves are worn at all times. All instruments that enter the skin or come in contact with body fluids are disposable. Cross contamination guidelines are strictly adhered to.

Post procedural instructions, should be followed to ensure safe healing.

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CAN I GET AN MRI AFTERWARDS?

Please always check with your physician and MRI technician. However,  in the instances where MRI discomfort has resulted, it usually is reported as localized and temporary.

Note: The ink formulas contain minerals.

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DOES IT HURT?

Everyone has a different pain tolerance but most patients report it very tolerable. Also, there usually is decreased sensation of the skin to a more or less degree, depending on the type of breast reconstruction you had. Tattooing is a superficial process and afterwards feels comparable to a minor sunburn for a few days. Topical numbing cream/ gel are used if needed.

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HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW TATTOO?

Aftercare is primarily a matter of keeping the area clean (showers only until healed, no bath, sauna or prolonged swimming), no immersing the tattoo in water, avoiding direct and artificial sunlight. You may want to keep that in mind when scheduling your appointment. Do not let the tattoo dry out.  There may be some itching and peeling of the skin for the first week or two. Once healed, your tattoo will be soft and natural looking. Keeping the skin hydrated and using broad spectrum sun protection are key to keeping your tattoo vibrant for years to come. Never apply an acid (AHA) or retinol containing product to the tattoo. It will fade it.

Because tattooing causes trauma to the skin, it may take longer to heal in post radiation treated skin, those with autoimmune disorders or taking immunosuppressive medication, or in diabetics.

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IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO DO BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?

You may schedule after you have completely healed from your previous surgeries. I recommend you wait at least 4 months after your last surgery before having your tattoo.

Waiting 6 weeks after ceasing chemotherapy to have the procedure done.

You do not have to stop using immunosuppressive medication but know that it can delay/ prolong healing.

If you are Diabetic, your HBA1C must be in a good range and again your condition can prolong healing.

Skin must be completely free of tinted or fake tan lotions.

Do not use recreational drugs or alcohol for 48 hrs prior to procedure.

Also, you must not smoke. Nicotine constricts your vascular system and will impede oxygen necessary to heal your tattoo. I suggest this is abstained from for 3 weeks before and after your sessions.

Make sure you eat on the day of the procedure. 

Wear a comfortable, loose fitting clothing top that opens in the front.  That way you can wear it for comfort during your procedure.

It is ok to wear a bra. It can be helpful with holding the dressing applied afterwards.     

If you take aspirin or an NSAID for aches and pains, I would prefer you use tylenol (if you can tolerate it) as it does not thin the blood, for a few days prior to the tattoo.  However, DO NOT STOP regularly prescribed blood thinning medications from your physician, (aspirin or prescriptions).  The tattoo is a superficial procedure, not an invasive surgery.

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

  • Nipple Areola Complex unilateral $350

  • Nipple Areola Complex bilateral $700

  • Areola Tattoo unilateral $300

  • Areola Tattoo bilateral $600

  • Touchup after 6-8 weeks $65

Additional visits may be required depending on scar formation and color take.

*Insurances do not cover this procedure.

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Please feel in the form below with any questions.

Send photos to glam.makeup@hotmail.com with your request

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