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Areola Tattooing

Are you curious about areola restoration? You’re not alone. Many people investigate nipple tattooing as part of their breast cancer journey and recovery.

Is Areola Restoration (a.k.a. Nipple Tattooing) right for you? 

Nipple tattooing uses ink and shading techniques like traditional tattooing; this gives the illusion of 3D nipples where none exist. After breast cancer surgery, some people choose in areola restoration because it provides them a sense of confidence, empowerment, and comfort. 

Whether you choose to include this in your post-cancer journey is entirely up to you. Here are some of the things to consider if you choose to explore this option. 

Is there a ‘Right Type’ of Breast Tissue?

The first important thing to know is that nipple tattoos can be done on any type of tissue:

Reconstructed breast, with or without implants

Reconstructed nipples

Chest wall after a mastectomy

Speak with Professionals

Check with your surgeon to ensure you are a good candidate for tattooing. Tattooing may not be a good option if you have a history of keloids.

Wait at least one year after all your treatments are completed before getting a tattoo.

This allows enough time for your medical team to decide if you need any follow up procedures that could impact the tattoo.

“Is a mastectomy tattoo the same thing as a nipple tattoo / areola restoration?”

No! Areola restoration are realistic tattoos done to look like an areola and 3D nipple. Decorative Tattoos, also known as mastectomy tattoos, are a form of body art that can be used to cover or camouflage scars. These types of tattoos can be any type of design or image. Many patients find it to be an empowering form of self-expression and an opportunity to redefine one’s experience after breast cancer surgery.

Tattoo Artists

Decorative Tattoos may be done alone or in addition to areola restoration tattooing. Some technicians do both decorative and restoration tattoos, other specialize in one or the other.

How do I find a Nipple Tattoo technician?

Choosing the right technician for a nipple tattoo is important.

You are investing both time and money into the procedure so you should be comfortable with the person doing the work

  • The tattoos are permanent, so you want to be confident in your choice.
  • If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask a trusted friend to help you make calls and pre-screen with you.
  • You might also want to speak to your doctor, medical team, or other women for references too.
  • Before deciding on a technician, ask to see photos of the technician’s work. You can also request to call, email, or meet with a former client and ask about their experience.
A close-up of hands using a small tool to prepare skin-tone colored tattoo inks from a palette of circular wells in various shades.

Consider these things when choosing a technician:

Safety

Choose a place registered with your local public health unit

Tattooing is not regulated under Federal or Provincial governments. Establishments, however, can register with public health and will be inspected and regulated

Public health regulations will include standards on things like hand washing, sterilization, single-use needles, and bagging of machines to prevent the risk of infection

Artistry & Technique

Ensure that the colour, design and shading is skillfully planned and executed. This will help create a realistic areola tattoo. These factors should be customized for you to match an existing nipple, replicate what you are used to or align with your personal preferences. Colour, shape, size is unique to each woman.

Like with art, colour theory is a vital component of tattooing. It’s extremely important that the technician you select is experienced and knowledgeable on the role of skin tones and undertones as well as how they will impact the way colour pigments show up on you.

Before finalizing an areola design on your body, ensure the technician can draw it on paper first. This will show whether they have the artistic skills to deliver on the design you have selected.

Proper technique will ensure the colour pigment stays vibrant as the skin heals and tattoo develops. Stretching of the skin as the needle is tattooing will also help achieve this and ensure the ink does not fade.

Other things to look for include: no patchiness, clean line work, and smooth shading.

Colour and Camouflaging Scars

Tattooing can cover a scar that is light by making it darker, but it is very difficult to make a dark scar lighter

Laser therapy may help in lightning scars and should be considered if lighting is needed before embarking on tattooing

Empathy

Your needs are important during this experience. Ensure you feel comfortable with your technician

A technician should be patient throughout the process from deciding on a design to respecting your needs for breaks while getting the tattoo

Asking questions and speaking up if you are uncomfortable provides a better experience for you, and also ensures the technician is attuned to your needs

Cost

The cost of areola restoration can vary from $500-$1500 depending on whether it is unilateral or bilateral

Some provinces offer coverage through public health insurance

Though costs may increase with the use of proper PPE and medical grade pigment, you should insist on these

Is areola tattooing right for you?

Get your questions answered in our Areola Tattooing Workshop.

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