3D Areola
When treating breast cancer with a mastectomy, the nipple is typically removed along with the rest of the breast. (Some women might be able to have a nipple-sparing mastectomy, where the nipple is left in place. If you’re having breast reconstruction after your mastectomy, you can decide if you want to have the nipple and the dark area around the nipple (areola) reconstructed through surgery or tattooing (3D), or both.
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A 3-dimensional (3D) areola and nipple tattoo is a cosmetic tattooing technique that creates the illusion of a three-dimensional nipple and areola on the skin. This type of tattooing is the perfect solution for people who have undergone breast reconstruction surgery or mastectomy and have had their nipples and areolas removed or altered. With this procedure, we can help restore the appearance of a natural-looking nipple and areola, and provide a sense of restored femininity and confidence for those who have undergone such procedures. The technique involves the use of our unique pigments to create depth and dimension.
3D Areola Tattooing Benefits
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Improved self-esteem: For many women, the loss of an areola after breast reconstruction can be emotionally challenging. 3D areola tattooing can help restore a sense of femininity and increase self-confidence.
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Enhanced appearance: A well-done 3D areola tattoo can look very realistic and give the illusion of a natural-looking areola. This can help the reconstructed breast look more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing.
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Minimal scarring: Unlike surgical procedures to restore an areola, 3D areola tattooing does not leave scars. This can be particularly important for women who have already undergone multiple surgeries and want to minimize further scarring.
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Lower cost: 3D areola tattooing is typically less expensive than surgical procedures to restore an areola.
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Minimal downtime: Unlike surgical procedures, 3D areola tattooing typically involves minimal discomfort and recovery time. Women can often return to their normal activities soon after the procedure.
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Pre-procedural care
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Scars must be fully healed (typically it will take at least 6 months after surgery and scars will be white).
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No sun exposure (for 4 weeks prior) to the area where pigmentation is to take place.
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Refrain from blood thinners prior to the procedure (Aspirin, Alcohol, Vitamin E, etc.) at least 24-48 hours prior to the procedure. Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns prior to discontinuing any medication.
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For best results gently exfoliate the area to be tattooed to remove any dead skin for the 2 days prior to your appointment.
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Important questions we will ask:
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How long ago was your surgery? It generally takes at least 6 months after surgery before the skin is properly healed and ready to be worked on again.
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Are your scars white? Scars must be healed. You don’t want to re-injure the skin.
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Is there scar tissue where pigmentation is to take place? If so, is it raised? Scar tissue can reject the color or heal cooler. If it is raised it might need dry needling to help break up some of the scar tissue.
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Has there been radiation in the area? Radiation can thin the skin making it fragile with the possibility of broken capillaries creating bruising and purpling under the skin. Keep in mind when color mixes with blood it can cool significantly. Conversely, sometimes radiation can keep it lighter by pushing out more color.
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Do you have problems with healing? Vigilance with your aftercare is required to reduce the risk of infection.
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Do you form keloid or have hypertrophic scarring? A keloid is a type of raised scar. Unlike other raised scars, keloids grow much larger than the original wound. If you have keloid-prone skin anything that can cause a scar can develop a keloid there a breast implant?
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Are you planning on further surgeries? Areola tattooing is the final stage. It is important to know that you are done and healed and that there won’t be any complications or changes in the tattoo design.
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Is there a nipple graft? If this is the case, there can be additional scar tissue. This is important for us to know when doing the procedure.
Color always appears darker and stronger when you initially leave and will gradually fade through the healing process. There is a follow-up appointment included so we can fine-tune and tweak the color as well as reinforce where the color has been lost. (You will need to wait at least 6 to 8 weeks for this appointment so the skin can heal properly). The Aftercare protocol must be strictly followed to reduce any risk of infection.
*Keep in mind this is an art, not a science. There’s no such thing as perfection (especially
because we are not symmetrical) but instead, we aim for beautiful improvement.
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