Specialized Nipple Tattooing and Areola Restoration
Nipple tattooing, also known as areola restoration, is a powerful final step in restoring confidence and a sense of wholeness following breast reconstruction surgery. For breast cancer survivors, this procedure can help recreate the appearance of natural areolas, enhancing symmetry and self-image. For transgender patients, custom nipple tattoos help to align an individual’s appearance with their identity.
Jeanine McTasney is an industry leader with decades of experience with nipple tattooing and other cosmetic tattoo treatments. She applies a variety of artistic techniques to create high-quality, long-lasting, and natural-looking results for patients.
What Is Nipple Tattooing?
Nipple and areola tattooing involves the placement of pigment in the breast area to create a realistic and natural-looking nipple-areolar complex. This medical tattoo procedure is an excellent non-surgical option. It is often one of the final steps for patients after breast reconstruction surgery, gender-affirming top surgery, or other breast surgeries.
Note: Although they are distinct, throughout this page, we use terms like “nipple tattoo” and “areola tattoo” interchangeably since they are part of the same anatomical structure (the nipple-areolar complex) and tattoo procedure.
What Are the Benefits of Nipple Tattooing?
Areola restoration tattoos provide powerful benefits for patients after breast reconstruction surgery or trauma. Some benefits include:
- Non-surgical alternative to nipple reconstruction surgery
- No scars
- Easier recovery than surgery
- Customized, natural appearance that often looks more realistic than surgery
- Adds the finishing touch to breast reconstruction or top surgery
- Nipple tattoos are flat, so you can choose not to wear a bra
- Creates a new focal point that distracts from scarring
- Increases confidence
Am I a Candidate for Nipple Tattooing?
Patients seek areola tattoos for a number of deeply personal reasons, including:
- Post-mastectomy Reconstruction: Breast cancer patients often lose their natural areolas and nipples after breast cancer surgeries, most commonly called a mastectomy. Nipple and areola tattoos provide a non-surgical yet realistic option for restoring the breasts’ appearance, helping patients rebuild an empowered self-image as they move into a new chapter after an illness.
- Gender Affirmation: Often part of gender affirmation surgeries, areola tattoos help transgender individuals attain a body image that more closely aligns with their gender identity. Jeanine recognizes the difference in shape and quality of male and female nipple-areolar complexes and works to create realistic, natural-looking areolas. These tattoos can be pivotal in the physical and emotional transition, fostering a sense of authenticity and self-acceptance.
- Correction of Discoloration or Asymmetry: Some individuals are born with or develop asymmetrical or discolored areolas. Areola tattoos can correct color and help create balance and symmetry for a harmonious, aesthetically pleasing result.
Patients who have lost their nipples and areolas after breast reconstruction surgery or top surgery or who are experiencing any other loss or irregularity in their areola and nipples may be good candidates for nipple tattoos; for those who are still considering nipple tattooing and want to learn more, temporary tattoos and other resources are available.
To determine your candidacy, schedule a consultation with Restorative Ink Specialists today. We offer in-person and virtual consultations for your convenience.
How Is Nipple Tattooing Performed?
A nipple tattooing, or areola restoration, appointment generally takes two to three sessions at about 90 minutes each. The process is very similar to that of a traditional tattoo application.
We use traditional tattoo inks instead of the iron oxide or titanium dioxide pigments previously used by physicians, which often lack the tonal range necessary to create realistic, three-dimensional nipples and areolas. Traditional tattoo inks also tend to last longer.
For both cosmetic and post-mastectomy patients, we utilize a variety of techniques for the best results, including scar revision, needling, and camouflage.
Nipple and Areola Tattoo Recovery
Nipple tattoo recovery is similar to traditional tattoo recovery and requires similar aftercare. You will be required to wear bandages for 12 hours after your session. Avoid wearing tight garments around the area for at least five days. Gentle cleansing and application of recommended ointment will aid in proper wound healing and allow for the best results.
We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions at your appointment, and you can always call us with questions or concerns.
What Results Can I Expect From Nipple Tattoos?
With proper aftercare, you can expect to enjoy your 3D nipple and areola tattoos for years to come. For best results, avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, chemical exfoliants, and IPL or laser treatments. Use a sunscreen with SPF 50 or greater to prevent fading and discoloration.
You may need touch-ups in the future to keep your tattoos looking bold and fresh.
How Much Does Nipple Tattooing Cost?
Areola restoration prices start at $850 for cosmetic and post-mastectomy appointments. Prices vary for follow-up or fine-tuning appointments. For exact pricing details, schedule a consultation with us in person or virtually by using our online contact form.
Nipple Tattooing FAQ
Does insurance cover nipple tattooing?
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998 requires insurance coverage of nipple and areola tattoos for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction patients. Verify with your insurance provider. Health insurance typically does not cover nipple tattoos for cosmetic or elective purposes.
Can nipple tattooing be done after radiation therapy?
The skin is more fragile after radiation therapy. For best healing, it is generally recommended that you wait three to five months before getting your nipple tattoo. Contact your doctor for confirmation, and feel free to consult with us about any questions you have about the timing of your nipple tattoo procedure.
How long do areola tattoos last?
Areola tattoos can last anywhere from five to ten years before requiring a touch-up. Several factors may affect the longevity of your areola tattoo, such as sun exposure, skin type, and lifestyle choices, like swimming in chlorinated pools. We use traditional tattoo inks, which are comprised of smaller molecules than inks used in permanent makeup or other proprietary medical pigments.
What is the difference between 2D and 3D areola tattoos?
A 2D areola tattoo is simple and flat, creating a single-toned circle that represents the areola. A 2D tattoo is most often completed when nipple reconstruction has been completed. A 3D areola tattoo uses more complex artistic techniques such as custom color, shading, depth, and pointillism to create nipples and areolas that look realistic and three-dimensional.
Does nipple tattooing hurt?
The nipple tattooing process is generally no more painful than a tattoo elsewhere on the body. Because the tattoo is being completed on a surgical site, the sensation of the tattoo needle on the skin is dramatically reduced. Many patients report very little discomfort and do not need topical anesthetics, although numbing is available to make the procedure more manageable if necessary.
Patient
Testimonials
Words from our patients
“I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to Jeanine for the life-changing work she did for me. As a breast cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy with implants, I’ve faced a long and emotional journey of healing. Jeanine helped me feel whole again by tattooing beautiful, 3D areolas onto my breasts—something I never thought I’d feel comfortable with again. The artistry and attention to detail she put into this is beyond words; they look absolutely natural and perfect.”
Permanent Make up and Restorative Tattooing
Restorative Ink Specialists
The office is available for scheduled appointments only, we are not available for walk-in consultations or treatments.
433 Soscol Ave. #B-161,
Napa, CA 94559