Nipple & Areola Tattoos
in Tucson, AZ

Nipple and Areola Tattooing as Part of Your Restorative Journey

For patients who have undergone flat closure or breast reconstruction, we provide referrals for high-quality aesthetic nipple and areola tattooing as a finishing step in their restorative journey. These tattoos can create a natural, realistic appearance and provide an empowering option for individuals seeking to regain a sense of wholeness and confidence following surgery.

What are Nipple Tattoos?

Nipple and areola tattoos are medical tattoos designed to appear three-dimensional or as similar to a natural nipple as possible. An experienced tattoo artist can create truly realistic results that help patients feel whole again.

There are many advantages to choosing nipple and areola tattoos following a double mastectomy or breast reconstruction surgery. This technique avoids the need for additional plastic surgery and an extra healing journey to create a nipple, while the associated recovery process is quicker and easier than surgery. Skilled tattoo artists can also add fine details and coloring to the nipple and areola area, achieving a natural appearance that cannot be replicated through surgery alone.

Who is a Candidate for 3D Nipple Tattoos?

Individuals who have undergone breast reconstruction or breast cancer surgery with an implant or DIEP flap reconstruction may be candidates for nipple and areola tattooing. Patients who have had unsuccessful nipple reconstruction surgery can also benefit. 

However, some patients may not be ideal candidates, including those with a history of infections in the breast area, lymphedema involving the chest, very thin skin due to mastectomy, or breast skin affected by radiation treatment. A consultation with a skilled nipple tattoo artist is the first step toward determining candidacy.

Paramedical, Nipple/Areola Tattoo Artist in Tucson, AZ

Choosing an expert specializing in nipple and areola tattooing is essential for optimal results. At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we are proud to work with paramedical tattoo artist Dawn Morrow. As a breast cancer survivor, Dawn brings a deep passion for helping others restore their sense of self through three-dimensional nipple tattoos.

Before your appointment, a consultation with Dawn will review your personal goals, medical history, and any questions you may have about the process. We want every individual seeking nipple and areola tattoos in Tucson to feel comfortable and informed about their decision.

The Nipple Tattoo Process

Nipple and areola tattooing is often the final stage of breast reconstruction and is usually scheduled at least four months after surgery. This process typically requires two appointments — the initial tattoo session and a follow-up touch-up to perfect color and detail.

Appointments usually take two to three hours. During this time, you will discuss your preferences for nipple and areola size, shape, and placement. The tattoo ink will be customized for a natural appearance based on your skin tone. Since reconstructed breasts often have reduced sensation, tattooing is generally not painful.

After the procedure, your tattoos will be covered with a protective dressing, and your tattoo artist will provide instructions for care. The color of your tattoos may fade slightly over time, and a touch-up session may be recommended.

What to Expect

• Appointment Length: 2–3 hours each.
• Consultation: We will discuss your desired nipple and areola size, shape, and placement.
• Custom Color: Tattoo pigments are blended to match your skin tone for a natural look.
• Comfort: Most reconstructed breasts have reduced sensation, so the procedure is generally not painful.

After Your Tattoo:

• A protective dressing will be applied.
• You will receive detailed aftercare instructions.
• Some fading is normal between sessions, and the second appointment helps ensure lasting, natural results.

Scar Camouflaging

In addition to nipple and areola tattooing, Dawn Morrow also offers scar camouflaging, a specialized tattooing technique that blends scar tissue with the surrounding skin tone to help minimize its visibility and create a more natural appearance.

Scar camouflaging can be performed on a wide range of areas, including but not limited to:

• Breast surgery scars (e.g., mastectomy, reconstruction, reduction, augmentation)
• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) scars
• C-section scars
• Facelift or neck lift scars
• Arm lift or thigh lift scars
• Burn scars
• Injury or trauma-related scars
• Other post-surgical scars
• Stretch marks

Accessing Insurance Benefits for Nipple Tattooing

The WHCRA requires that insurance providers cover all stages of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, including nipple and areola reconstruction. This means that nipple tattooing is a covered benefit for many women undergoing breast surgery. However, it’s important to note that not all insurance plans are created equal, and coverage can vary depending on your specific plan.

Nipple Tattoo FAQs

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in learning more about nipple tattoos following breast surgery, our team at Tucson Breast Health Specialists will be happy to recommend some professional tattoo artists. Please contact our Tucson, AZ practice today to learn more.

Board-Certified Surgeon

MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS

Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.

More About Dr. Ley

“The level of care is excellent.”

Dr. Ley is extremely good at explaining your breast cancer, treatment options, and everything she is going to do. She is a masterful surgeon and uses plastic techniques to close incisions, leaving minimal scarring. In addition, she is warm, pleasant, and a lovely person. I am so happy that I found her based on a friend’s recommendation. I can’t say enough about her and the practice’s excellent care.

Dr. Ley helped me through the first round of BC in 2017 with kindness, compassion and expertise! I had absolutely no reservations when trusting her for a 2021 and now for the 3rd time I can’t imagine going through this without her. She is a lion when it comes to fighting for you, calls you personally even though she has to be the busiest Dr. and mother I know. She’s considerate of your needs, fears and concerns and never lets you go it alone. Can’t say enough good!

Dr. Ley is an excellent doctor who cares about her patients. She takes the time to explain everything and provides all options. The level of care is excellent.

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