An areola tattoo is a cosmetic procedure that is done on the area of the breast or chest where the areola is found. The idea of areola ink is that it alters the appearance of the nipple in some way, be it adding one or changing the shape. Nipple-areola tattooing is a cosmetic procedure to help recreate an individual’s nipple.
- Nipple $800
- Vaginal $600
On the day of the procedure, the person should arrive with clean skin. Also, the tattoo artist may ask them to avoid applying moisturizer on the night before or morning of the procedure.
They may also recommend that the person wears a loose-fitting shirt that opens in the front. Some facilities may provide gowns or robes for people to change into.
The tattoo artist may ask the person to sign a consent form or fill out a health questionnaire beforehand.
A person can expect the entire appointment to take 1-2 hours.
Before tattooing, the tattoo artist will discuss the colors, placement, and size with the person getting the tattoo.
If the person has one of their natural nipples, the artist will match the size and color of that. If the person has had both nipples removed, it may be beneficial to bring in a picture from before the surgery.
To determine the color, they will look at a palette of pigments, including varieties of pinks, browns, purples, tans, and beiges.
After mixing the pigments, the tattoo artist will apply a small amount to the skin so that the person can see how it looks in different lighting.
To help decide on the placement, the tattoo artist may use a silicone nipple. They will then draw markings to show the location, shape, and size of the new areola.
It can take approximately 30 minutes to tattoo one nipple.
Once the procedure is complete, the artist will apply a bandage to the tattoo. It usually takes 7-10 days for a nipple tattoo to heal. However, for skin that is thinner, healing can take up to a few weeks.
Once the tattoo is complete, the color is typically darker and more intense. The tattoo will lighten slightly as it heals. However, after 1–2 months, there should be no further color change.
Following the tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions will help the tattoo heal faster.
During recovery, a person should avoid chlorinated pools, bathtubs, hot tubs, and direct sun exposure. People can also apply antibacterial ointment to the area to prevent infection.
The reconstructed breast will not have the same sensations as before the mastectomy. As a result, the tattooing is not usually painful.
However, some people may experience mild discomfort or pain.
A person may opt to get a nipple tattoo as an alternative to undergoing surgery. This prevents the creation of new scars. In addition, the healing and recovery process is easier than that of nipple reconstruction.
Some people find that the results are better than if they had undergone nipple reconstruction surgery. This is because the tattoo can include fine details, coloring, and shading that may it look more realistic.
However, similar to getting a traditional tattoo, getting a nipple-areola tattoo carries a few risks, which can include:
- allergic reactions
- infections
- granuloma, which is a small area of inflammation
- keloids, which are raised scars
- dissatisfaction with the final result
Although the procedure is common and well-tolerated, some people may experience a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. This is otherwise known as a delayed allergic reaction.
A person in a 2019 case study experienced a delayed reaction 7 weeks after the procedure despite having no reaction in the skin allergy test.
A person interested in 3D nipple tattooing should speak with a healthcare professional about any potential risks.
