Areola Tattooing Workshop
Areola tattooing can help restore confidence and a sense of self after breast cancer treatment. Through careful artistry and compassionate care, practitioners can create realistic, personalized results.
About this Workshop
Join our workshop with a leading 3D post-mastectomy tattoo artist.
Learn what areola tattooing is
View before and after photos
Discover how to find a good technician
Find out who is – and isn’t – a good candidate for these types of tattoos to help you decide if it’s right for you
This information is designed to help you understand the process and ask questions
During our workshop we’ll cover:
The questions to ask before booking a 3D tattoo artist
Colour matching to compliment your skin tones
Health and safety protocols and the importance of a regulated and licensed professional
The differences between areola tattoos and decorative chest tattoos
Artistry and techniques such as shading, skin stretching, getting realistic results, and ensuring colour retention as the skin heals
Realistic expectations around appearance, the healing process, fading and the possible need for touch-ups
Build Confidence Through Knowledge
This workshop is available ONLINE
- It is led by one of our experts and delivered over Zoom. It lasts for approximately an hour and 15 minutes.
Who should attend this workshop?
- This workshop is for anyone who is interested in areola tattoos, has had breast reconstruction with or without implants, reconstructed nipples or has a flat chest wall following a mastectomy.
Find out if tattooing is right for you.
Join our next session and feel confident in your choices.
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter
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” There’s lots of great information. I feel as though the questions I had were answered before I even had a chance to ask them. I’m not happy about the changes to my body, but I am accepting them, and I appreciate the tips and support to help me deal with this.”
- Kathryn R, Workshop Participant
Prefer direct information from a professional?
Try our Bras & Prostheses Workshop today!
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Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter
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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
“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.
How do I find a Nipple Tattoo technician?
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.
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.
Let’s navigate this together
Join a community that understands. Receive expert advice, useful resources, and compassionate tips throughout your cancer journey in the LGFB newsletter