Areola Tattooing

Areola tattooing is a micropigmentation procedure that is used to add colour to the nipple and areola area.

For breast cancer patients, areola tattooing may be used both with or without surgical nipple reconstructions. With a nipple reconstruction, the tattooing is used to restore the natural colour of the nipple and areola; in the absence of a nipple reconstruction, shading can be used to create the illusion of a 3-dimensional nipple.

Areola tattooing may also be used to disguise scarring and correct the areola shape following breast enlargement or reduction surgery. Some women may also choose areola tattooing if they have small or lightly coloured areolae and wish to make them appear darker or larger; likewise areola tattooing offers a means for transgendered people to achieve more feminine looking nipples and areolae.

The treatment normally commences with the application of a topical local anaesthetic, which should take around 45 minutes to take full effect. During this time, the client will choose the size and colour they wish for the finished areolae and nipples, and the skin will be marked up to show where the colour will go. Tattooing will then take place - this is normally done with pharmaceutical grade pigments containing minerals such as iron oxide and titanium dioxide. Following the tattooing, a dressing may then be applied, and the client will be advised of aftercare procedures that should be followed to get the best results from the treatment.

The colour immediately after the treatment will be significantly darker than when healed; it normally takes around 4 to 6 weeks for the colour to stabilise. Any subsequent treatments should take place after this period.