Areola restoration is a deeply personal and transformative experience. At DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo, we’re honored to support our clients through this final step of healing, offering masterful results in a luxurious, compassionate environment. To ensure the best possible outcome, we’ve outlined everything you need to know before and after your 3D areola restoration tattoo.
Before Your Areola Restoration Tattoo Appointment
Are You a Candidate?
To be eligible for areola tattooing, the following conditions must be met:
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You must be 18 years or older
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You must not be pregnant or breastfeeding
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You must be at least 12 weeks post-surgery with fully healed incisions
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, our team is here to help assess your readiness and timing.
Antibiotics & Scheduling
If you’ve recently taken antibiotics, you’ll need to wait a specific period before your tattoo appointment. The rule is simple:
Wait as long as you were on the antibiotics.
For example, if you completed a 10-day course, your appointment should be scheduled at least 10 days later. If you need to take antibiotics before your session, just give us a call—we’ll help you reschedule.
One Week Before Your Appointment
To prep your skin and body for the best healed results, please avoid the following for at least 7 days before your appointment:
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Saunas, steam rooms, and tanning
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Direct sun exposure to the chest area
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Blood thinners (Consult your physician before making any medication changes. See our full FAQ for more.)
24 Hours Before Your Appointment
The day before your areola tattooing:
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Skip strenuous workouts
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Avoid caffeine and alcohol
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Stay well-hydrated and eat nourishing meals
Aftercare: The First 5 Days Are Key
Once your areola tattoo is complete, follow this healing plan for optimal pigment retention and beautiful results:
Initial Steps
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Remove bandages once home and let your skin breathe for 48 hours
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Always wash hands before touching the tattooed area
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Before bed: Gently wash the area with lukewarm water and unscented cleanser (like Cetaphil or Dove)
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Apply a thin layer of the aftercare product provided by your artist
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Repeat the same cleanse and balm routine in the morning and night for 5 days
Keep Skin Balanced
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Don’t overdo it—too much balm can smother the skin, but you also want to prevent dryness
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After Day 5, switch to a light, unscented lotion (like Lubriderm or Cetaphil) for the next two weeks
What to Avoid While Healing
To ensure optimal healing and color retention, avoid the following:
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Scented lotions or tanning products for 2 weeks
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Scratching, picking, or peeling the area
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Exposure to bodily fluids for the first 5 days
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Heavy sweating or workouts that cause friction or irritation
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Swimming, hot tubs, and baths for 5 days
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UV exposure, including sunbathing and tanning beds, for at least 5 days
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Laser therapy near the area—this can affect pigment
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Chemical exfoliants (retinol, glycolic, AHA) on or near the tattoo for 30 days
Long-Term Care for Areola Tattoos
Once fully healed, you can enjoy your new areola tattoos with minimal maintenance. Follow these tips to keep your color fresh and vibrant:
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Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen if the area will be exposed to the sun or tanning beds
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Continue avoiding exfoliants and acids directly on the tattooed skin
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Avoid laser treatments near the area
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Consider a touch-up every few years to maintain vibrancy and definition
Trust DAELA for Areola Restoration
DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo is a trusted name in paramedical tattooing, offering unmatched artistry, privacy, and care. Our master artists specialize in 3D areola restoration tattoos that help clients feel whole, empowered, and beautiful. Every treatment is performed in a private, luxurious suite with the support and compassion you deserve.
With multiple locations across the country, DAELA is proud to be a leader in cosmetic and paramedical tattooing. We’ve served over 25,000 clients, earned 2,000+ five-star reviews, and continue to transform lives one tattoo at a time.
Explore our locations or learn more about paramedical tattoo services.
