What Is 3D Nipple/Areola Tattooing?

3D nipple/areola tattooing uses advanced pigment blending and shading techniques to replicate the three-dimensional appearance of a nipple and areola on flat skin. The result is a realistic, natural-looking nipple and areola, even if no nipple reconstruction has been performed. Check out more results here.  We also offer soft areola/nipple enhancement, which can be done over natural, reconstructed, or scarred nipples and areolas to improve shape, color, and size, and may reduce the appearance of scarring.

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Who Is It For?

Nipple/Areola Tattooing is suitable for:

• Individuals who have undergone a single or double mastectomy

• Breast cancer survivors, with or without nipple reconstruction

• Anyone looking for more even shape, size, color, and symmetry of their nipple/areola complex

• People with scars or pigment loss around the areola from surgery, augmentation, reduction, or trauma

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Your Options:

• 3D Nipple Tattooing: Hyper-realistic nipple and areola appearance

• Areola Pigmentation: Enhances or restores color, shape, and symmetry around a natural or reconstructed nipple

• Highly Custom: Your options can be specifically tailored between you, your artist, and your doctor's recommendations to create the most suitable result for you.

• The procedure can be performed unilaterally or bilaterally, and is fully customized to your skin tone, body type, and personal aesthetic preferences.

• See more results here

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What to Expect During the Appointment

• Consultation: Before we schedule you for the service, we'll meet virtually or in person to discuss your desired outcomes and considerations unique to you. We'll review your medical history, skin tone, scarring, and desired outcome to develop a plan for a safe, natural result.

• Design and Pigment Matching: The areola size, color, and position are carefully mapped and approved by you.

• Tattoo Procedure: Takes about 1-2 hours, depending on whether the tattoo is unilateral or bilateral.

• Perfection Session (if needed) is scheduled 4 to 12 weeks later to perfect color and definition.

Insurance Options
While we do not work directly with insurance companies or bill insurance, we are credentialed to provide superbills which may allow you to be reimbursed by your insurance provider for part or all of the cost of the service. 

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Healing and Aftercare

• Initial Healing (7 to 10 days): Expect some redness, mild swelling, and flaking. Keep the area clean and follow aftercare instructions.

• Color Settling (4 to 6 weeks): The pigment lightens as the skin heals and regenerates.

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Common Questions (FAQs)
Is 3D nipple tattooing painful?
Most clients report little to no pain. We also use a topical numbing cream to help ease the process.

How long does the tattoo last?
Results are permanent and will last several years. A touch-up may be needed every few years, depending on skin type and pigment retention.

Can I do this if I had radiation?
Yes, but the skin must be fully healed. We'll conduct an in-person or virtual consultation to ensure your concerns are addressed before arranging the service.

What if I already had nipple reconstruction surgery?
Tattooing can enhance the reconstructed nipple by adding color and detail.

How long do I need to wait after a mastectomy?
We require 9 to 12 months after a mastectomy, or sooner with your doctor's approval.

Contact us to arrange a consultation here.​

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT!!!  PLEASE PRINT OUT, READ AND SIGN THE THREE FORMS BELOW, AND BRING THEM ALL WITH YOU TO YOUR APPOINTMENT!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea was trained & certified in Permanent Cosmetics and Advanced Areola Pigmentation by the Huntington Academy of Permanent Cosmetics in California, and is also a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, and makeup artist for over 29 years.  2nd Skin Studio is licensed and registered by the State of Michigan as a legal Body Art Facility, consistently maintaining and upholding the highest standards of safety and sanitation practices as governed and overseen by both the State of Michigan and the Livingston County Departments of Health And Humans Services.

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