For breast cancer survivors who have had to undergo a mastectomy, the journey of reconciliation with the physical changes their bodies undergo can be one of the hardest parts of the recovery process. There is so much emotion tied to our bodies, and the drastic changes the body undergoes can be difficult. For patients who opt for breast reconstruction, nipple reconstruction can be a huge stepping stone towards creating a more natural look and boosting confidence in your own skin. This process is extremely personal and no one can tell you what choice is best for you.
While nipple grafts allow you to recreate the appearance of a nipple, another surgery can seem unappealing to survivors who have already endured so much. 3D areola and nipple tattoos are another option.
What is Areola Tattooing
Areola tattooing is a form of medical cosmetic tattooing that allows your tattoo artist to create a 3D areola and nipple on your breast. 3D nipple tattoos can help to give reconstructed breasts a more natural look, or can be used to enhance the look of your current breasts.
They can also be the finishing touch for anyone who has undergone top surgery.
Similar to other forms of tattooing, areola and nipple tattoos deposit pigment under the skin to create the desired look. However, areola and nipple tattoos are permanent. Unlike other forms of tattooing offered at Beauty Studio 7 such as lip blush microblading which designed to fade over time, areola tattoos are permanent.
Reasons People Get Areola Tattoos
One of the biggest reasons individuals seek our areola tattooing, especially those who have undergone breast cancer treatment, is to feel “whole” again. Many women report feeling self conscious and “incomplete” following surgery. Nipple tattoos are a way for women to reclaim their bodies and gain more confidence in their appearance.
Who is a Candidate for Areola Tattoo
While areola and nipple tattoos are popular within the breast cancer community, anyone can get areola tattoos.
They are common for women (and men) who have undergone a mastectomy or individuals who have gone through top surgery. However, anyone who is unhappy with the shape or color of their natural areola or nipple can have areola tattooing done as well.
Do Areola Tattoos Hurt?
The answer to the question ‘do areola tattoos hurt’ depends on a lot on who’s having it done. During a mastectomy, the nerve endings that provide feeling to the nipples and breast are cut off. Both men and women who undergo a mastectomy often experience a loss of sensation in the chest are cut off. As a result, these individuals will hardly feel the tattooing take place, if at all.
For those who haven’t undergone a mastectomy but choose to have areola/nipple tattooing done, it is much more painful since the breast and nipple are such sensitive areas.
What is it like?
How long it takes to complete areola treatment really depends on several factors such as size, shape, color, skin thickness, and sensitivity. Expect to spend between 1 and 3 hours with us. After treatment it’s common for the tattooed skin to start to scab and peel. During this phase of healing it’s important to not pick them. This can result in a loss of pigment and improper healing.
After the initial tattoos have healed you may be asked to come in for a color touch-up where we refine the shape and color of the tattoos.
Book now to schedule an appointment in Gig Harbor with Kaleena Oja, PMUA 4x certified areola tattoo restoration artist.
Related reading: Areola Tattoos Are a Particularly Meaningful Form of Ink: Here’s Why