Cosmetic Tattooing Procedures
Nipple areola re-pigmentation following breast cancer reconstruction surgery and other surgeries of the breast.
These may include breast reduction, breast lift and gender affirming surgery.
Scar camouflage, including small areas of hair follicle simulation to scars of hair bearing skin.
Tattoo removal by saline method is also available. This is a series of treatment for old or unsatisfactory permanent makeup or small body art tattoos.
The Nipple Areola Tattoo
Areola tattooing is the final stage of the breast reconstruction process.
It provides colour and dimension to the reconstructed nipple/areola area.
For best results, areola tattooing should be completed at least 3-4 months post surgery to ensure that scars have healed and settled well.
Other surgeries that can benefit from tattoo to the nipple are breast reduction where colour has been lost through the healing process.
Gender affirmation surgery where nipples may have been grafted during the surgical procedure and scarring to the nipple area has left a patchy appearance. Colour blending and definition can provide a much preferred aesthetic.
Where nipples have been removed completely colour and shading can provide a 3 dimensional appearance.
The process starts with a consultation and this can be done over the phone for those clients out of the Wellington area.
A variety of pigment tones in pinks and browns are used to match the other breast as closely as possible. For bilateral reconstructions, consideration is given to the breast size and the client’s skin tones when deciding on colour and contour.
This is assessed and discussed at time of consultation.
Scars and Camouflage
Only mature scars that are pale are suitable for tattooing.
Scars that are very pink and raised are not suitable and may respond better to other treatments such as steroid or laser.
Scars on hair bearing skin, such as the scalp, can benefit from micropigmentation.
Tattooing these areas will generally require several sessions for the scar to retain the pigment.