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3D Nipple & Areola Restoration Tattoo: What It Is, How It Works & The Benefits

Restore the natural beauty of your breasts after surgery with areola restoration. Here’s everything you need to know about 3D areola tattooing.

Feel Whole Again

Have you suffered the loss of your areola and nipples due to cancer, accident, surgery or other medical reason?

We have the perfect solution for you that isn’t just easy and fast but also the perfect confidence boost!

What Are Nipple & Areola Restoration Tattoos?

Areola restoration is a 3D cosmetic tattooing procedure that recreates the natural look of the areola and nipple following breast reconstruction or augmentation. The treatment can also correct asymmetry or color loss in the areola.

Areola restoration tattooing is a soft and hyper-realistic, non-invasive permanent work of art that will restore natural beauty.

This technique, sometimes referred to as paramedical tattoo, is for anyone who may have had a mastectomy, total loss, irregularity, or inconsistency in their areola and nipples after breast reconstructive surgery or augmentation.

5 Benefits of Nipple & Areola Restoration Tattoos

Areola restoration tattoos help women regain their confidence and feel more comfortable in their bodies after breast surgery or trauma.

This type of medical tattooing treatment also offers various benefits beyond improving the appearance of the breast, such as boosting self-esteem and improving the healing process.

The benefits of areola restoration and 3D nipple tattoos include:

Bringing back the natural autonomy to the breast
Feeling confident and sexy in your own skin
Creating a natural-looking areola and nipple
Completing your reconstruction or top surgery journey
Allowing for emotional healing

We are also proud to assist the Trans Community with top-surgery reconstructions and feminization surgery.

Who Is a Candidate for Areola & Nipple Tattooing?

Areola and nipple tattooing is for anyone who may have had a mastectomy, total loss, irregularity, or inconsistency in their areola and nipples after breast reconstructive surgery, top surgery, or augmentation.

How Is Areola & Nipple Tattooing Done?

During the procedure:

We draw on the breast or chest in the proper shape and size to view before we tattoo. We will also apply numbing if needed.
When we tattoo the areola and nipple, the artist uses soft flesh-toned or brown/black-toned inks depending on your skin type.
We mix and blend these inks with each other if we need a better color. We also mix the colors in water for a soft watercolor effect like a natural areola.
During the treatment, we work on one side, and then the other numbing the area as we go if need be.
When finished, you will be able to view the tattoos, and then bandages are applied!

How Long Does a Tattooed Nipple/Areola Last?

Areola tattoos typically last 3-8 years. However, lighter colors tend to fade faster than others.

Lifestyle can also be a factor in fading. For example, tanning beds or sun exposure can fade tattoos very quickly, making fade time more like 1-2 years.

How to Prepare for a Nipple/Areola Tattoo Appointment?

Proper preparation is key to achieving the best results from your areola or 3D nipple tattoo appointment.

Preparing for eyeliner tattooing is essential because it can help prevent complications or issues during the procedure.

Proper preparation also ensures your skin is in optimal condition, which leads to a longer-lasting outcome.

Prepare for your areola or 3D nipple tattoo treatment with these simple steps:

No sauna or tanning 1 week prior
No blood thinners or painkillers
No working out on the day of
No alcohol in your system
Must be at least 12 weeks post-op with healed wounds
No antibiotics 2 months prior

How Long Does a Nipple/Areola Tattoo Procedure Take?

Areola restoration takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete.

The touchup 8-12 weeks later is 1 hour to 1.5 hours.

Nipple & Areola Tattoo Aftercares

Getting an areola tattoo can be a life-changing decision for women. However, aftercare is crucial for optimal results and to prevent any potential complications.

Follow these aftercare steps to ensure a smooth healing process and the full benefits of your tattooed areola.

When you get home, you can remove the bandages.
Limit the wear of a tight bra for the first 48 hours. You must let the area breathe as much as possible during healing.
Ensure your hands are clean before you touch your tattoos and wash them.
Wash areolas before bed with lukewarm water and unscented soap or cleanser.
Apply the aftercare given to you by Daela Cosmetic Tattoo in a thin layer after cleaning.
Repeat in the morning and continue this process for five days. Please remember this is a new tattoo and should be cared for like an open wound.
Do not over-saturate with aftercare balm and lotions. But also don’t let the area get too dry.
After five days, switch to unscented lotion for two weeks, such as Lubriderm or Cetaphil.
No application of any scented lotions or tanning lotions for the first two weeks.
No scratching, picking, or peeling dry skin or flakiness.
No foreign body fluids in or around the tattoo for five days.
No activities that will cause extreme sweating for five days.
No swimming pools, hot tubs, or other bodies of water for five days.
No UV exposure (including tanning booths) for five days.
No laser light therapy, as it can darken/lighten or distort the pigment of the tattoo color.
No exfoliants, retinol acids, glycolic acids, and alpha hydroxy acids on the area for 30 days after the appointment (causes premature fading).

What Can I Expect After My Nipple/Areola Tattoos Are Healed?

Areola tattoos normally last many years, depending on lifestyle, skin type, and aftercare. Here are a few things to consider:

Exposure to the sun and tanning beds can cause fading and discoloration of the pigment. Once completely healed, apply sunscreen (50 SPF or greater) on the area if exposed.
Avoid using chemical exfoliants on the areola, as it will cause fading.
Do not do laser near your areola tattoo area (IPL). Some lasers may change the color of the ink.
You may need additional touch-ups after a few years to keep them looking fresh, bold, and 3D.

Nipple & Areola Tattoo Before and After

Compare the areola restoration before and after photos. See the dramatic transformation and natural-looking results you can achieve with this treatment.

How Much Does Nipple & Areola Restoration Tattooing Cost?

On average, you can expect to pay between $785 – $985 for areola restoration.

Where to Get Nipple/Areola Restoration Done?

Restore the natural beauty of your breasts after surgery with our areola restoration tattoo services.

With multiple Daela Cosmetic Tattoo studios to choose from, you can trust our team of skilled artists to help you achieve your desired look!

Check out our locations to see the nearest Daela Cosmetic Tattoo Studio and reserve your appointment.

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Why Choose Daela Cosmetic Tattoo?

DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo’s trusted artists and services offer several benefits to our clients:

Outstanding customer service: You will be well cared for before, during, and after your procedure.
Full-service studio: You can have all your cosmetic tattoos done by trusted artists.
Training: All of our artists are master artists or trained by master artists.
Natural products: We use natural products with pigments chosen for endurance and lack of color change.
Financing: We accept all major credit cards. We offer financing through a third-party provider and an easy in-house prepayment plan free of interest or other fees.

Nipple & Areola Restoration Tattoo FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our areola restoration services.

Is Areola Tattooing Safe?

Yes, very safe. It is even less impactful than a normal tattoo.

Do Areola Tattoos Hurt?

Most post mastectomy and top surgery clients experience zero to little pain due to scarring and incisions. Those with natural nipple and areolas may experience some pain, so we use a topical numbing cream during your appointment to keep the pain to a minimum. Expect a 2 out of 10 in the pain scale.

Are Areola Tattoos Permanent?

Yes, but because such light colors are used, and it’s a soft effect. You may need touch-ups over the years to keep the tattoos looking 3D.

Do Areola Tattoos Fade?

Yes, Areola restoration does fade with time.

Do Areola Tattoos Look Natural?

This will always look natural and lighten over time.

How Long Does It Take for Areola Tattoos to Heal?

Typically, the healing process is complete within ten days.

What Are the Potential Areola Tattoo Side Effects?

With any tattoo, short-term side effects such as pain, swelling, and irritation can occur.

How Long After Breast Surgery Can I Have My Areola Tattooed?

You need to be 12 weeks from the final surgery to be tattooed.

If we are working on any scarring, we prefer the scars to be 6 months healed minimum.

If you would like us to check to see if you’re ready, please email photos to [email protected]

Can Areola Restoration Camouflage Scars?

Yes, in some cases we can lighten or darken scars. However, they must be over 6 months healed to be considered.

Is Breastfeeding Safe with Tattooed Areolas?

Yes, however, we cannot tattoo anyone pregnant or breastfeeding.

Does Daela Offer Areola Tattoo Training?

Yes! Lina is a master artist and trainer. She also has a 3D areola online course and in-person training available.

Lina also has internationally trained and traveled to create a technique of many other masters combined. She is a leader in areola restoration in the tattoo industry.

Join the DAELA Academy and become an expert in machine technique, 3D tattoos, and anatomy. Leave ready to work.

Lina will also help you learn about breast cancer, surgery types, industry standards in paramedical, genetic mutations, implants, and insurance.

If you do not have any experience, we highly recommend in-person training with a live model.