Areola Complex

Let me help you with the healing process. Whether you need one nipple to match or both created, I can help you feel whole again with realistically tattooed areolas and nipples.

My services are backed by years of experience on the skin as a professional tattooist (tattooing since 1996) with an artistic eye, as well as certification from The Beau Institute of Permanent Cosmetics. This service is also good for women with healthy breasts that want to add color and shape in this area of their body.

All areola clients need to come in for a consultation so that I can evaluate your particular situation and go over the procedure with you. In some cases this procedure will be covered by your insurance. I do not take insurance, but can give a receipt for service that can be submitted to your insurance company. The best thing to do is to call your insurance company and see what is needed specifically by them so you can get pre-approved and reimbursed for the cost.

All breast reconstruction patients need to have medical clearance from their doctor, simply stating that they are cleared to be tattooed. In addition, reconstruction patients must have healed a minimum of 8 months from their last procedure.

At the consultation I will specifically go over what to expect at your appointment and we will figure out your specific color formulation for the procedure. All procedures require two sittings. Because of the nature of the area, particularly if there is a lot of scar tissue, the procedure will most likely need a touch up after the first sitting healing time of 6 weeks.

What to Expect at the Areola Appointment

At the time of the consult, the color will have already been chosen. There is usually little or no feeling in this area so there is no pre-numbing to be done. If there is sensation after we start I can apply a numbing as we go to make it more comfortable.

After the paperwork is filled out we will draw on the areola choosing the correct size and shape (shape applies more to matching an existing areola). If you have a pre-surgery photo, you can bring it in if you would like, but it is not necessary. The actually tattooing will take about an hour and half. You will leave with verbal and written aftercare instructions.

Areola Complext Healing Instructions

For the first week, please wear loose fitting t-shirts and no bra as often as possible. The more oxygen and less friction this area gets during this time will promote faster and easier healing.

UNLIKE other permanent cosmetic procedures, the client is asked to use Bactracin ointment for the first 2 days only (do not exceed 2 days with this ointment and do not use if you know you are allergic) after 2 days switch to 1% hydrocortisone. Apply ointment to area lightly with Q-tip, 2-3 times a day for 7-10 days.

If a slight crust appears on the pigmented area do not force removal by picking, scratching or washing the area. Do not be alarmed if some of the pigment comes off on the Q-tip when applying hydrocortisone, this is excess pigment and dead skin coming off and is normal. The final healed color cannot be judged till after 2 weeks.

Avoid While Healing

– Soaps, cleansers, and water on pigment areas (wash around it)
– Sun, tanning beds and self-tanners
– Hot steamy showers (shower with back to the water to avoid water or put a thin layer of Vaseline to repel water)
– Chlorine pools, jacuzzis or saunas
– Dirt from gardening for the first week to prevent infection

Long Term Care for All Procedures

After healing use sunscreen daily to help prevent fading. If you donate blood, it is the Red Cross policy that you wait one year after a procedure.

IF you are planning on a chemical peel, MRI, or other medical procedure, please tell them you have had iron-oxide permanent cosmetics.

If you are planning on laser removal on your upper lip or Photo Facial with an IPL, you must tell your laser specialist that you have had permanent cosmetics so this area can be avoided by laser. Both ablative and non-ablative lasers may cause pigment to turn black.

Please contact Raya if you have any questions.