3D Areola Tattoo
Using the Art of Tattooing to enhance and correct
The 3D areola tattoo procedure can be performed for many different people and for a vast variety of reasons. Typically, we see clients who have undergone surgical procedures which have misshapen or removed the areolas completely. Some examples are double mastectomies as a result of breast cancer, extra skin removal after weight loss, breast lifts, and top surgeries for transgender people. While plastic surgeons often do their best to recreate or save what they can, the nipple can be incredibly difficult to reconstruct, and the healing process can cause further asymmetry.
By using the artistic technique of light and shadow, it is possible to create the illusion of a 3D areola that looks realistic, right down to the tiny folds, wrinkles, and bumps. This tattooing procedure is incredibly important after healing from a traumatic surgery because it allows our clients to move forward in life with confidence.
What to Expect
The first thing we will do is take "before" photos. Then, we will discuss what needs to be done to achieve your goals. We will draw everything on with a surgical marker while you are standing up and looking into a mirror to ensure you’re comfortable with the placement and size. Once we have come to an agreement on what needs to be done, numbing cream is applied to the area to be tattooed.
While you are numbing, we set up everything needed to perform the procedure. Together we decide on the pigments to be used by swatching a few different colors on your skin to find the shades that look the most natural and complement your skin tone the best.
Pain is minimal and most clients don’t feel very much at all due to nerve damage from the surgery or surgeries they have undergone. The tattooing procedure from beginning to end typically takes around 2 hours. After the procedure we will take photos to document the transformation. Then we will either apply aftercare ointment or a transparent film wound dressing.
Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some swelling and redness which should subside within 24 hours. If needed, you can use a cold compress on the area to help the swelling go down.
After a few days, the area may begin to flake off a layer of pigment and you may experience some dryness and itchiness in this stage. Avoid peeling, picking, and scratching the area, it is all a part of the process!
Once the pigment begins to flake off, there may be a much lighter pigment revealed underneath. This lighter pigment will continue to develop over the next few weeks and darken a bit with time. You may also experience post inflammatory hyperpigmentation during healing. This is when the treated area appears darker than the surrounding skin. This is totally normal with certain skin types and should fade away within a few weeks. You must wait 5-6 weeks to asses your fully healed results.
If, after 6 weeks, you would like to add more color, please contact us to schedule a followup appointment. 3D Areola tattoo followup fees are typically $500.
Pre-care Instructions
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Avoid alcohol and blood thinners like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Advil, or fish oils a minimum of 48 hours before the procedure for best results.
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Avoid waxing, facials, and beauty treatments the week before your procedure to ensure your skin is not peeling or reacting to the treatments.
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Discontinue the use of Retinol/Retin A and products containing Tretinoin a minimum of 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
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Do not have a sunburn on your skin at time of appointment.
Avoid While Healing
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swimming
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baths
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sweating
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saunas
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gardening
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sun
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pets near the treatment areas
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vigorous exercise
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tight clothing that causes friction or doesn’t allow areas to breathe
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No accutane and must be off of accutane for a minimum of one year before having a permanent makeup procedure done
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Avoid caffeine the morning of your appointment.
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Do not be under the influence at time of procedure.
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Must be over 18 years of age and prepared to show Proof of age.
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Must not be pregnant
Post-care Instructions
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Avoid tight clothing, saunas, swimming, steamy showers, sweating, beauty treatments, pets near the area, touching with dirty hands, and direct sunlight for 7-10 days after the procedure.
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Avoid using products like sented lotions, serums, and sunscreens directly on the treated area for 7-10 days. While healing, avoid using anything other than a gentle soap and aftercare ointment on the area.
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Also avoid facials (if face or neck was treated), chemicals like Retinol, AHA & BHA, and exfoliants for 30 days after the procedure.
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Wash the area morning and night for the next 7 days. Use an unscented, gentle antimicrobial soap/cleanser, create a lather in your hands and gently massage the treated area for 30 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a paper towel. Wait about 10 minutes for the area to dry completely, then apply the aftercare ointment using a qtip.
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Make sure the amount of ointment is minimal. You only need a thin layer of aftercare to help your skin heal, applying aftercare in excess will inhibit the healing process. For example: both areolas will only need about a pea size amount of ointment all together.
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If given Sandierm: Keep the Sandierm on for 5-7 days after treatment unless it begins to lift early or cause irritation. When ready to remove, do so in a warm shower and gently wash afterwards. **Do not worry about performing the daily cleansing/ointment aftercare if you have been given Saniderm.**
