FAQ
Breast and Other MedicalTattooing
WHY HAVE AREOLA OR 3D TATTOOING?
Medical tattooing for the breast or nipple areola micropigmentation, can be used in the following:
In breast reconstruction patients after a mastectomy, to recreate a natural and realistic appearing nipple areola complex. This can be done over a nipple reconstruction or without using 3D tattooing technique, or with nipple-sparing masectomies on existing areolas.
After other breast procedures, such as breast reduction, where the pigment has been lost or to achieve areola symmetry.
To darken light areola pigment per client preference. Treatment of vitiligo on the nipple-areola complex.
After your surgeon has rebuilt your breast, the tattoo is the finishing step of the reconstruction. It restores a feminine appearance to the breast
If you chose to have a nipple reconstruction procedure, the color is applied to the nipple and surrounding skin to create natural looking areola.
If you chose to avoid additional surgery or have found your previously created nipple has flattened out and is no longer dimensional, then a 3D tattoo is a great option. This type of tattoo is essentially a portrait tattoo of a nipple. It requires a 3 dimensional illusion to be created on a 2 dimensional surface. Your skin will not change topographically. It remains flat, with the appearance of a nipple protrusion. With specialized training, the artist can create a realistic, natural looking nipple and areola using light and shadow techniques.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN EXPERIENCED NURSE IN PLASTIC SURGERY THAT HAS SPECIALIZED TATTOO TRAINING?
I have been tattooing breasts since 2008 and have additional specialized training to provide a beautiful 3D effect.
As an experienced plastic surgical nurse, I have been to the OR to see all types of breast reconstructive (TE/ implants, DIEP flaps, LD flaps, TUG and GAP flaps) and cosmetic surgeries (liposuction, breast reductions, mastopexy, and breast augmentations ) performed. I have personally set up sterile surgical procedure trays and scrubbed in/assisted with hundreds of nipple reconstructions, lipo/fat grafting, skin grafting, dog ear revisions and other breast procedures. I have done countless tissue expander fills, drain pulls, post-operative wound care/ wound VACs and other nursing duties that have made me familiar with the surgery you individually had done.
I rely on my nursing background using sterile techniques and strict aseptic techniques to ensure you have the cleanest, safest experience possible.
My background in plastic surgery, oncology, and the burn unit has given me a critical understanding of the skin. There are absolutely special considerations of skin that has been surgically altered, stretched and or radiated that MUST be understood by the tattoo artist when taking on the great responsibility of mastectomy tattooing.
I use my best judgement in assessing if the skin is able to be tattooed safely or not and can communicate with your physician regarding any concerns prior to the tattoo. Your safety is the number one priority to me.
WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY BREAST TATTOO?
Scheduling should be only after complete healing from any surgery or invasive procedure. I prefer 6 months or longer when the tattoo area has direct scar involvement, especially if a patient has had radiation therapy or a history of infections. Otherwise I require absolute minimum of 4 months (of being completely healed) to pass between the last surgery you had on either breast and when I do the tattoo. This allows for healing, sutures to dissolve, scars to mature a bit and settling of the breasts to take place. It really depends on the individual situation is. If your scars are red and immature, they are not ready yet. The tattoo should be the LAST step of your breast reconstruction. It is really the finishing touch.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY APPOINTMENT?
At your appointment we will discuss your expectations and any concerns you might have.
There is paperwork that will need to be filled out. Items such as; a general health history form, a consent form for treatment and one for photos .
Before and After photos WILL be taken . This is NOT negotiable and is part of your tattoo record. No faces are included. You decide what permission I have to use your photos, publicly or keep them private.
After care instructions will be reviewed.
THE INITIAL APPOINTMENT WILL TYPICALLY TAKE APPROXIMATELY 2.5-3 HOURS. FOLLOW UPS TAKE 1.5-2 HOURS.
Using the A.R.T. method, it is a two step process, yielding the most natural and painterly results. The first application is done followed by a perfecting session 10 weeks later. Almost like how an artist lays his initial foundation for the painting, and then returns to it later to add the finishing details.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
Pigment is implanted into the skin by small needles that puncture skin at a high frequency. The needles leave behind pigment using the same equipment used for body art tattoos. I use traditional tattoo ink, not cosmetic facial pigment on the breast. The skin heals, creating a natural nipple areola complex tattoo.
Each client will have an in depth consult prior to the tattoo. We will discuss the best color, size and shape and placement of the tattoo. The actual tattooing will take about 30-45 min for unilateral and 60–90 min for bilateral. Nipple-sparing mastectomies and areola pigmentation take longer due to required time for the numbing agent to take effect, and specialized techniques.
The area will have slight redness and feel similar to a sunburn for a few days post procedure. You will be instructed on aftercare for the area.
I use traditional tattoo equipment and body art tattoo ink, NOT EVERYONE who does breast tattooing does. I encourage you to inquire about this when you call a provider for services.
Intenze tattoo ink information
https://intenzetattooink.com/pages/our-inks
DOES THE TATTOO FADE?
Yes, in varying degrees. Initially, the ink the tattoo will look very bright and darker than the actual ink used, but as skin heals, the skin cells that were damaged from the trauma of the tattooing process, are shed and replaced by new, pigment-free cells. This is why the color may look less deep and vibrant later on compared to when it was first tattooed. With proper healing and aftercare, your tattoo can look beautiful for years to come. Restorative tattooing of the breast at times can be completed in just one sitting however, I prefer to stage the tattoo doing two applications to get things just right. The visits are typically done ten weeks apart. This allows me to respect your skin and add more realism and details for the final result. If deemed an additional visit is needed at the conclusion of your 2nd appointment, additional color applications, are done at either no fee or a reduced fee per tattoo artists’ discretion, if performed within the 1st year. ***It is impossible to determine when a touch up will be required in the future as it varies per individual. Different compositions of specific brands of ink, along with dilution practices play a role in fading/retention, color shifting. Different tissue (scars, areola, breast skin, thin skin requiring very lighthanded techniques, radiated skin) all absorb and retain ink differently. An individual’s ability to retain ink is different for everyone. Proper aftercare and avoidance of UV light exposure will aid in longevity. If additional color is desired AFTER the first year, any supplemental (touch up) appointments will be charged 1/3 of the originally paid price. More about this is discussed in “Forms & Payments” tab.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes, areola/nipple tattooing is safe. No procedure comes without risks involved however, such as allergic reaction to the ink and infection of the skin/ tissue. We will discuss the risks at the time of your appointment. Single-use disposable needles and disposable cups for pigments are used along with strict aseptic protocols for handwashing and gloves are worn at all times.
Post procedural instructions, should be followed to ensure safe healing.
Many ladies ask if tattooing will pop their breast implant. The answer is no. Tattooing is done in the “sweet spot” of the dermis, nowhere near your implant. Infections in the skin or wounds caused in a radiated skin field, however, can erode the skin, migrate and compromise your implant, so proper aftercare is a must.
CAN I GET AN MRI AFTERWARDS?
Please always check with your physician and MRI technician. However, in the instances where MRI discomfort has resulted, it usually is reported as localized and temporary.
Note: The ink formulas contain minerals.
DOES IT HURT?
Everyone has a different pain tolerance but most patients report it very tolerable. Also, there usually is decreased sensation of the skin to a more or less degree, depending on the type of breast reconstruction you had. Tattooing is a superficial process and afterwards feels comparable to a minor sunburn for a few days. ***Please note: DO NOT APPLY YOUR OWN NUMBING CREAMS. Patients will be provided a high-quality and safe professional quality numbing cream at the time of their appointment by the artist. If you have applied any type of topical anesthetic cream or ointment to your skin prior to your tattoo, it could change the skin and how it accepts pigment. This can result in poor implantation and retention of color also possibly requiring additional sessions to achieve full color-take on your tattoo. *There will be a reduced sitting fee imposed for any additional appointments required due to this. I have multiple numbing agents available that can be applied pre-tattoo and during the tattoo in a layered fashion, if needed. I cannot however promise the tattoo will be pain free but I will try to keep you as comfortable as possible.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW TATTOO?
Aftercare is primarily a matter of keeping the area clean, moisturized, and protected…. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR TATTOO WITHOUT WASHING YOUR HANDS 1ST. Your tattoo will start to peel in 3-7 days and typically is done peeling in 7-10 days. During the healing period I request water restrictions of showering only (no immersion into any body of water until fully healed) for approximately 2 weeks for bathtubs and privately owned/monitored swimming pools. 3 weeks for hot tubs, lakes, rivers, and ocean water. Avoiding direct and artificial sunlight is also required. ***You may want to keep that in mind when scheduling your appointment. Do not let the tattoo dry out. There may be some itching and peeling of the skin for the first week or two. Intense exercise should be avoided while the tattoo is fresh for the 1st few days (walking is fine) to decrease risk of infection. Heavy exercise can be resumed once you’ve begun to peel. However, if you participate in jiu jitsu, judo, wrestling, self defense or any other activity that involves close contact in a gym area with others, you must wait until you’re completely healed, appoximately 2 weeks before returning. Once healed, your tattoo will be soft and natural looking. Keeping the skin hydrated and using broad spectrum sun protection are key to keeping your tattoo vibrant for years to come. Never apply an acid (AHA, Lactic acid, glycolic acid or retinol containing product to the tattoo. It will fade it.
Because tattooing causes trauma to the skin, it may take longer to heal in post radiation treated skin, those with autoimmune disorders or taking immunosuppressive medication, or in diabetics.
*If you have a history of lymphedema, it is advisable to wear your compression garment and use any pumps or massaging as instructed per your therapist/or physician sees fit. Even if your lymphedema is not very adanced, please ask them to see if it may be a good idea to wear the sleeve and any other therapy & modalities for a few weeks after the tattoo for prevention/ worsening of the affected area’s involvement.
See the aftercare instructions you are provided at your appointment.
CAN I BRING A SUPPORT PERSON TO MY APPOINTMENT?
Absolutely- adults only please. Do not bring pets. As always, encouragement and input from friends and loved ones is welcomed during your visit. However, if disrespectful, intrusive, or distracting behavior occurs during your appointment, the party will be asked to leave per artist’s discretion and return when you are ready to be picked up.
IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO DO BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?
You may schedule after you have completely healed from your previous surgeries. I recommend you wait 6 months after your last surgery before having your tattoo, especially if you have had radiation treatment or a history of infections (absolute minimum of 4 months must pass before scheduling an appointment). Please bring a prescription/clearance from your physician to your appointment, and any reimbursement forms required by your insurance company/H.S.A account to be filled out.
Waiting 6 weeks after ceasing chemotherapy or the use of cytotoxic antineoplastic agents and your counts should be within an acceptable range per your physician to have the procedure done. If this is the case, I'd prefer a note clearing you to have the procedure from your physician.
You do not have to stop using immunosuppressive medication but know it can delay/ prolong healing.
If you are Diabetic, your HBA1C must be in a good range and again your condition can prolong healing.
Skin must be NOT BE TAN from sun, tanning beds, and completely free of tinted or fake tan lotions.
Absolutely no sunburned skin in the tattoo area can be present.
Do not use recreational drugs or alcohol for 48 hrs prior to procedure.
Also , you must not smoke. Nicotine constricts your vascular system and will impede oxygen necessary to heal your tattoo. I suggest this is abstained from for 3 weeks before and after your sessions.
Make sure you eat on the day of the procedure. Bring water, juice and a snack if you tend to have low blood sugar.
Wear a comfortable, loose fitting clothing top that opens in the front. That way you can wear it for comfort during your procedure.
PLEASE wear or bring a bra to your scheduled appointment. It will be helpful with holding the dressing applied afterwards.
If you take aspirin or an NSAID for aches and pains, I would prefer you use tylenol (if you can tolerate it) as it does not thin the blood, for a few days prior to the tattoo. However, DO NOT STOP regularly prescribed blood thinning medications from your physician, (aspirin or prescriptions). The tattoo is a superficial procedure, not an invasive surgery.
Appointments
How to schedule an appointment/consultation
https://www.livingstorytattoo.com/contact
After the consultation, I schedule all appointments personally and do my best to accomodate people’s schedules. Once on the books, I have reserved a spot dedicated all to you.
Pricing/Payments & Charity Options
*See the “Forms & Payments” section for specific details on $ pricing per procedure.
https://www.livingstorytattoo.com/forms
Please contact me with any questions!
