AREOLA AND SCARS
After you’ve had breast reconstruction surgery following a
mastectomy or lumpectomy, there’s one more possible step.
BEFORE AND AFTER
INFO
TREATMENT
You’ll need to decide if and how you’d like to have your nipple — and areola, tattoo around it –the reconstructed area. This part of the process usually comes about 3 to 4 months post-op, when the new breast mound has healed.
Nipple and areola reconstruction after breast reconstruction can boost
your body image and help you adjust psychologically to the many
changes in your body. The goal is to make the new breast or breasts
look as much like your natural breasts as possible.
How soon can I get my Areola Tattoo?
It is safe to receive this treatment once you get a “green light” from your doctor and with at least 6 months of healing time to pass after the date of your final surgery.
Scar Camouflage: 12-18 months.
How long will the procedure take?
Typically there is a half hour consultation, which it’s done a patch test and an arrangement for the procedure day and discuss all of the options and get answers to any question or concern you may have. The procedure itself takes up to two hours (depends if you do 1 or 2 nipples).
Is it painful?
You may experience slight swelling and redness following the procedure and the skin may feel tight. This should get better within the first week depending on how sensitive your skin.
Will there be any downtime following the procedure?
You should be able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.
However, avoid swimming and using a sauna or jacuzzi for two weeks after the procedure as chlorine can act as a bleach which will change the appearance of the tattoo. If using the gym within the first two weeks following your tattoo, please cover the treated area with a small amount of after cream that was provided by your me beforehand to limit friction. Please ensure the area is cleaned afterwards.
What should I do if I have a problem?
Infection is very rare. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact me if some of these systems will occur:
– Swelling and/or heat that doesn’t resolve in the first two days.
– Redness spreading from the tattoo that gets worse over a few
days.
– A fever (temperature higher than 37.5C / 99.5 F).
Will I have a follow-up appointment?
You will typically have a follow-up appointment five to six weeks after the initial treatment. Following an assessment, I will discuss if further pigment is necessary. It is common to need two treatments as the colour will fade over time and a further procedure may be
required to achieve and maintain the desired colour.
Why should I go to an Areola and Nipple Tattoo Specialist (vs the regular tattoo master)?
It can be difficult to ensure the ideal colour match, shape, size, etc. Nipple Tattoo Specialists have studied the skillful art of recreating a real, lifelike areola and 3D nipple down to the finest details. Now women can have breasts that appear normal and the most realistic- looking nipples possible.