There are over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the US alone. At least half of which are choosing to have mastectomy (unilateral or bilateral) that often means being left with no nipples.
Nipple and areola tattoos aim to create a realistic and natural-looking nipple and areola, contributing to a sense of wholeness and symmetry. For some women nipple and areola tattoos can have significant psychological and emotional benefits, helping them to regain a sense of normalcy and body confidence.
Nipple and areola tattoos are typically done after the surgical site has healed from breast reconstruction. The timing of the tattooing is a personal choice and may vary based on individual preferences and the advice of the medical team.
Nipple and areola tattooing is usually done by a skilled and experienced medical tattoo artist or a professional trained in paramedical tattooing. Typically it is offered as part of breast reconstruction services in medical facilities, but some tattoo studios may also specialize in medical tattooing and may offer nipple and areola tattooing in their studios.
Patients often have the option to customize the size, shape, and color of the nipple and areola to achieve a natural skin tone. The goal is to create symmetry and a natural appearance between the reconstructed breasts.
The tattooed area requires time to heal, and post-tattoo care instructions should be followed. In some cases additional sessions may be needed to achieve the desired color and appearance.
It's important to note that nipple and areola tattooing is a personal choice, and not every individual undergoing breast reconstruction opts for this procedure. Those considering nipple and areola tattoos should first consult with their healthcare team. Although the procedure can be a meaningful and empowering part of the breast reconstruction journey for many individuals, not all women choose to do so for a variety of reasons. It may be from religious belief, not wanting to suffer the pain or inconvenience involved in tattooing, or it may be because of medical and health reasons.
But there are other options!
For those women who still debate whether or not to do nipple and areola tattooing, and for those who chose not to, there is the option of prosthetic nipple…