Cancer can take a lot from a woman. Her energy, her hair, her eyebrows, and oftentimes her breasts. When women undergo breast surgery as part of their cancer treatment, their nipple(s) are typically lost during the breast removal process.
While this isn’t something we often think about as a cancer side effect, it’s a big one. Breast reconstruction, which involves creating a breast mound where the natural breast(s) was, leaves the new breast(s) bare unlike before. Breast surgery scars and absent nipple(s) can significantly impact a woman’s self-confidence and body image.
There are procedures like nipple-sparing mastectomies and nipple reconstruction to help with this issue but for different reasons patients aren’t always eligible or willing to go through another procedure. That’s where tattoos come in! Yes, a tattoo, 3-D Areola Tattoos to be exact!
Not Your Typical Tattoo
3-D areola tattoos offer breast cancer survivors who want nipples a very realistic and minimally invasive alternative! The process involves tattooing a nipple on the skin and adding color and shading in such a way that it looks three dimensional and hyperrealistic. If reconstruction was just on one breast, the tattoo artist will match the color and shape to your existing areola. If you had bi-lateral reconstruction, pre-operative photos can be used to recreate your original areola, or you can choose a whole new color and shape!
The Process
Areola tattooing is a three step process.
- Initial Consult And Pigment Test
- Tattooing Session
- Follow Up/Touch Up Session
Art & Medicine
Nipple-areola tattooing is a combination of artistic touch and medical knowledge. As a hospital facility, Woman’s Center for Wellness will work closely with your physician post-surgery to ensure tattooing is a safe option.
The Least Painful Tattoo You’ll Ever Get
Many women’s first question is, “Will it hurt?” Actually no! While nipples and breasts are usually extremely sensitive areas, the nerves in the breasts are usually cut during surgery. Therefore, reconstructed breasts don’t have the same sensation as before making tattooing the area generally painless.
Let’s Talk Money.
Compared to other reconstructed options, areola tattooing is relatively cost efficient.
- Consult- $50
- Uni-lateral Areola Tattoo – $400
- Bi-Lateral Areola Tattoo – $700
If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation visit our website or call 225-924-8311.