Areola & Nipple Tattoo
Areola and nipple tattooing is a cosmetic procedure that can help to restore and enhance the appearance of the breast or chest after surgery. This procedure uses customized pigments to recreate the appearance of a realistic nipple and areola, and can be tailored to the individual to ensure a natural-looking result. The results of this procedure are generally long-lasting, although some fading may occur over time and touch-ups may be necessary to maintain the 3D effect. The procedure itself takes approximately 2-3 hours per session, and may be performed in two sessions to achieve the desired result. This procedure can be an empowering and transformative experience for individuals who have undergone surgery and are seeking to restore a sense of normalcy and confidence in their appearance. It can help to complete the reconstruction process and allow individuals to feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin.
​
Sample Photos
​
You must be at least 18 years old to view the photos on the following link. By clicking on the link below, you are verifying that you are over 18 years old.
​
​
​
Who may NOT be a candidate?
​
​There are certain individuals who may not be suitable candidates for nipple and areola tattooing. These include individuals who have unhealed wounds in the area of the nipple, as the tattooing process may disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Individuals with keloid scarring may also not be suitable candidates, as the tattooing process could potentially worsen the appearance of keloid scars. Those taking sun-sensitizing medications such as Retinol, Retin-A, Accutane, or Vitamin A may also not be suitable candidates, as these medications can increase the risk of complications during the tattooing process. Pregnancy is another factor that may disqualify an individual from being a candidate for nipple and areola tattooing, as there is an increased risk of infection during this time. It is important to discuss any underlying health conditions or medications with a qualified healthcare professional before considering this procedure.
​
How does it work?
This procedure involves the use of pigments to create an areola from scratch or to enlarge or darken an existing one, and can also use shading and highlighting techniques to create the illusion of a 3D nipple. The process of medical tattooing begins with a consultation, where the medical tattooist will discuss your desired outcome and assess your suitability for the procedure. Pre-operative photos may be used as reference to help achieve the desired result. During the initial procedure, the areola is drawn on to assess its size and location in relation to the entire breast, and the color is mixed to match the individual's skin tone. For individuals who have undergone surgery on only one breast, the areola and nipple are matched as closely as possible to the existing breast. The number of sessions required will depend on the type of treatment needed, the level of discoloration, and how well aftercare instructions are followed. The procedure itself takes approximately 2-3 hours and is usually not painful. A handheld tool is used to apply the pigment into the skin using a shading technique that creates realistic 3D results. All needles are sterile and single-use. After the procedure, a transparent dressing is applied over the tattoo, which should be kept in place for 3 days. After the dressing is removed, non-scented white lotion should be applied to the tattooed area once a day for 2 weeks or until all scabbing has fully resolved. Healing times can vary, but it typically takes up to eight weeks for the tattoo to fully heal.
​
Pricing​​​
​
Consultation Fee
The consultation fee of $100 will be credited towards the total cost of the tattooing procedure if you decide to proceed with the tattooing after the consultation. This means that the consultation fee will be deducted from the final cost of the tattooing, so you only need to pay the remaining balance.
It is important to note that the consultation fee is separate from the deposit required to secure your procedure appointment. The consultation fee is charged for the time and expertise of the tattoo artist during the consultation, while the deposit is used to hold your appointment time and date.
​
Procedure Cost
The cost of 3D nipple and areola tattooing can vary depending on the specific treatment needed and the individual's unique needs and preferences. In general, the cost of this procedure is from $950 and up.
FAQ
​
What results can I expect?
You can expect the tattoo to look like a natural nipple and areola, with subtle shading and highlights to create a realistic, 3D effect.
​
How long do results last?
3D nipple and areola tattooing is a permanent procedure, meaning the results will last a lifetime. However, it is important to note that there may be some initial fading of the tattoo in the first two weeks after treatment, and further fading may occur over time. This is a normal part of the healing process and can be minimized by following the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist.
Touch-up sessions may also be needed to maintain the appearance of the tattoo over time. The frequency of touch-up sessions will depend on a variety of factors, including the individual's skin type, lifestyle, and the fading that occurs over time.
​
How many treatments are necessary?
This procedure typically requires 2-3 sessions, each lasting approximately 2-3 hours, in order to achieve the desired result. The reason for more than one session is to help with color retention and to ensure that the tattoo looks as natural as possible.
​
How soon after breast reconstruction surgery can I do the treatment?
Please wait at least 6 months after your breast or nipple reconstruction surgery before coming in for an appointment with us.
​
I had nipple reconstruction, can I still do the treatment?
Yes, it is generally possible to undergo nipple and areola tattooing after nipple reconstruction. However, it is important to note that in some cases the reconstructed nipple may resist taking pigment, which can make the tattooing process more difficult. In these situations, it may be necessary to have multiple visits in order to achieve the desired result.
​
Is it painful?
Most clients do not report significant pain during the procedure, it is important to note that each case is different and some individuals may have more sensation than others.
​
What are the risks?
Like any medical procedure, nipple and areola tattooing carries some risks. These include the potential for infection, allergic reaction, granulomas (small bumps that can form around foreign bodies such as tattoo pigments), and keloid formation (excessive scarring). To minimize these risks, it is important to follow aftercare instructions closely and to report any concerns or adverse reactions to a qualified healthcare professional. It is also important to inform the healthcare professional if you have any specific circumstances or underlying health conditions that may affect your suitability for this procedure.
​
What is the downtime?
After undergoing nipple and areola tattooing, there is typically no downtime and you should be able to resume your normal activities. However, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours after the procedure in order to allow the tattooed area to heal properly. Your tattooist will provide detailed aftercare instructions after the procedure, which should be followed closely to minimize the risk of complications and ensure optimal healing.
​
Will I have privacy?
Yes, treatment is typically performed in a private room to ensure privacy. It is important to discuss any concerns about privacy with your healthcare professional before undergoing the procedure. They should be able to address any questions or concerns you may have and ensure that you feel comfortable and respected throughout the process.
​
Is this covered by health insurance?
It is possible that some health insurance companies may cover the cost of nipple and areola tattooing, depending on your specific policy and coverage. However, it is important to note that this procedure is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by health insurance. Since the tattooing facility is not a healthcare provider and does not accept health insurance, it will not be able to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. However, we can provide documentation to help you claim reimbursement from your insurance company, depending on your out-of-network benefits. It is important to check with your insurance company to determine your coverage for this procedure and to discuss any concerns about reimbursement with a qualified healthcare professional.
​
Do you do corrections to existing nipple & areola tattoos?
Yes, it is generally possible to perform corrections to existing nipple and areola tattoos. However, the success of the correction will depend on the appearance of the existing tattoo, as well as the specific issues that need to be addressed. In order to determine the best course of action, it is typically recommended to schedule a consultation before booking the treatment. We will be able to assess the existing tattoo and discuss your desired outcome in order to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
​
Can I bring guests with me to the treatment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring guests with you to your appointment. However, we request that they wait outside the treatment room during the actual procedure for the safety and privacy of all patients. We understand that it can be helpful to have the support of family and friends during medical procedures, and we encourage you to bring someone with you if it makes you feel more comfortable. If your guests would like to wait in a comfortable and enjoyable setting, our location is conveniently situated in front of Madison Square Park, which is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and pass the time. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all of our patients and their guests.
​
Will the tattoo needle puncture my breast implant?
Tattoo needles do not typically go deep enough to puncture a breast implant. The needle used for tattooing only penetrates the top layer of skin, called the epidermis, and does not reach the deeper layers of tissue where a breast implant would be placed.
​
Is it safe to have an MRI after medical tattooing?
It is generally considered safe to have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) after getting a tattoo. The small amounts of iron or other metals found in tattoo pigments are not likely to interfere with the MRI process.
However, it is important to inform your healthcare provider and the technologist performing the MRI about your tattoo before the procedure. This will allow them to take any necessary precautions to ensure your safety during the MRI. For example, they may need to adjust the MRI settings or use a different type of coil to ensure the best possible image quality.
It is also worth noting that some tattoo pigments, especially those containing metal particles, may heat up during an MRI. This is a normal reaction to the MRI's magnetic field and is not usually cause for concern. However, if you experience any discomfort or pain during the MRI, be sure to let the technologist know right away.
​
​
How to Book
​
If you would like to schedule a consultation in our office, we offer 45-minute appointments by appointment only. Simply let us know via email at MedicalTattooNYC@gmail.com and we will work with you to find a convenient time. If you are unable to make it in for a consultation, we may ask you to provide a picture of your breast so we can confirm your candidacy for the procedure.
Once we have had a chance to review the information and determine a suitable appointment date, please pay the required $100 deposit in the payment section of this website to secure your appointment. Please note that your appointment is not considered booked until the deposit has been paid.
If you have previously had areola and nipple tattooing done with another tattooist, we require a consultation prior to booking a procedure. This is to ensure that we can properly assess the area and make any necessary recommendations. We cannot guarantee that previous tattoos will be completely covered.
Please remember to bring your photo ID to your appointment. We look forward to working with you and creating a beautiful, natural-looking result.