3D Areola Tattoo FAQ's | The Artistry Beauty Studio

3D AREOLA TATTOO FAQ'S

At The Artistry, we are honored to offer 3D areola tattooing, a service that helps restore confidence and a natural sense of self. Many clients share that they never realized how impactful this could be until experiencing the emotional transformation it brings.

Our focus is on creating realistic, natural-looking areolas and nipples through advanced shading, highlights, and color techniques. Each process includes a consultation, two tattooing sessions spaced 7–10 weeks apart, and a follow-up appointment. Whether after mastectomy or top surgery, our goal is to closely recreate a natural appearance.

This service helps shift attention away from scars and the reminders of past challenges, allowing patients to embrace their journey with strength and resilience. At The Artistry, we are here to support you every step of the way.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF AREOLA AND NIPPLE TATTOO VS. NIPPLE RECONSTRUCTION?

Choosing to get a 3D areola and nipple tattoo offers several advantages. It avoids additional surgeries and the formation of new scars, provides an easier healing and recovery process, and allows artists to add fine details and coloring to the nipple and areola that can't be achieved with surgery. Additionally, nipple reconstructions done through surgery tend to flatten over time, whereas tattoos maintain their appearance

HOW SOON AFTER MY FINAL SURGERY CAN i HAVE THIS SERVICE DONE?

Typically as soon as your surgeon clears you but no sooner than 6 months post-reconstruction surgery. You must provide us with a doctor clearance letter for the Areola + Nipple Restorative Tattoo service prior to our appointment.

CAN I GET MY TATTOO DONE SOONER WITH DOCTOR APPROVAL?

It is crucial for the scar tissue to fully mature and heal before getting your tattoo. Even if your doctor clears you earlier, as artists, we deal with compromised skin regularly and understand that while the skin and scars may appear healed, they are still mending internally. Please be aware: Tattooing prematurely can lead to additional scarring and poor results.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAVING MY TATTOO DONE BY THE ARTISTRY VS. GETTING IT DONE AT MY DOCTOR'S OFFICE?

Doctors' offices often do offer areola tattooing, but the technique for "3D" areola and nipple tattoos is a specialized skill not everyone possesses. This expertise is crucial for achieving a truly realistic appearance. When you choose me, you're opting for someone who specializes in creating lifelike, three-dimensional tattoos. While it may involve some out-of-pocket costs or extra effort to handle insurance matters independently, trust me, it's an investment that pays off in a result tailored perfectly to your journey.

HOW MANY SESSION WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE MY AREOLA AND NIPPLE TATTOO?

We usually complete the areola and nipple tattoos in two sessions to ensure we don't overwork your sensitive skin and to carefully create your new look. The first session sets the base, and in the second session, we add the details and perfect everything. We schedule the sessions 7-10 weeks apart, allowing your skin enough time to heal between them.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE MY 3D AREOLA TATTOO RE-DONE BY THE ARTISTRY, IF IT WAS INITIALLY DONE BY ANOTHER ARTIST?

We will likely be able to correct/touch up your previous areola work but will need to see a picture of it in advance to determine the best plan of action. You can upload a picture here.

WILL THE PROCEEDURE BE PERFORMED IN A CLEAN, STERILE, AND PROFESSIONAL ENVIORNMENT?

Most definitely. We provide a private, clean, sterile environment and utilize disposable needles and equipment to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the process.

ARE WE TRAINED FOR THIS SPECIFIC SERVICE?

Absolutely,. our Artists hold multiple certifications for Scar Camouflage Tattoos and have undergone extensive training for 3D Areola Restorative Tattoos with Sherah Juarez, a renowned Master Technician at Ink Boutique Houston. With over 15,000 areolas tattooed and global training experience, rest assured, I've been trained by the best in the field.

IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL?

In most cases, getting an areola and nipple tattoo is a relatively pain-free process, as the breasts are often numb following surgery. However, individual pain tolerance varies, and some patients may experience discomfort rather than pain. While we don’t pre-numb, a secondary numbing agent can be used during the process if needed

ARE TATTOO INKS SAFE?

Tattoo inks are not directly approved by the FDA, but the manufacturers that produce them are regulated to ensure safety. These companies have been making tattoo inks for decades, and the inks I use are of the highest quality, sourced from top manufacturers with a long history of safe use.

While there are concerns about certain ingredients, it’s important to remember that the amount of potentially harmful substances in tattoo inks is extremely small—much less than what we are exposed to in everyday products like food, cosmetics, and lotions. The risks associated with tattoo inks are minimal compared to the chemical exposures we face in our daily lives, and their safety is backed by years of proven use.

YOU ARE NOT A CANDIDATE FOR 3D AREOLA TATTOOS:

Have overly thinned breast skin due to your mastectomy (Have your plastic surgeon determine this for you)
Have lymphedema of the chest
If you are currently taking Antibiotics
If you have additional upcoming breast reconstruction surgeries
If you are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
If you are Pregnant or nursing

If you have any concerns please check with your Doctor/Surgeon first to get a Clearance Letter to ensure you are indeed a candidate for this procedure.

WHAT TO EXPECT THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT:

At your appointment, we will review the tattooing process with you, and answer any questions you may have. Discuss size, placement, and nipple style, and select colors that are suitable for your skin tone and desired look.

Appointments take 1.5 – 3 hours

For a unilateral mastectomy, the natural areola is matched as best as possible in appearance, placement, and color.

For a bilateral mastectomy, placement, shape, and size are discussed and drawn on to compliment the breasts and create balance and symmetry.

Once the design prep is complete, you lay comfortably on the bed, and the process will begin, taking approximately 30-50 minutes per nipple.

You will go home with an Aftercare kit which will include written instructions on how to care for your new tattoo properly.

At the end of your first session, we’ll schedule your final session. After both sessions are complete, we’ll arrange a follow-up appointment to review your results and check how well your tattoo has healed.

At The Artistry, we never want cost to be the reason someone goes without this service. Each October, in memory of our dear friend Andrea, we offer a limited number of complimentary 3D areola tattoo services to breast cancer survivors. It’s our way of honoring her and giving back to those continuing the fight with strength and resilience. To reserve a spot, please sign up here.