Nipple Tattoos

What are Nipple Tattoos?

Nipple tattoos are real tattoos applied to appear 3D or as similar to a real nipple as possible. An experienced nipple tattoo artist can create truly amazing results.

There are many advantages to choosing nipple tattoos following breast surgery. Not only does this technique avoid the need for additional surgery to create a nipple, but the associated healing and recovery process is quicker and easier than surgery. A tattoo artist can also add fine coloring and details to the nipple and areola area that cannot be achieved through surgery.

Who is a Candidate for Nipple Tattoos?

If you have had breast reconstruction with an implant or tissue flap, you may be a candidate for nipple tattooing. However, those who may not be ideal candidates include those with a history of infections in the breast area, who have lymphedema involving the chest, who have very thin skin due to mastectomy, or whose radiation treatments have damaged their breast skin.

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 Nipple Tattoo Process

Nipple tattooing should be the last stage of the breast reconstruction process and should occur at least 4 months after breast reconstruction surgery. Nipple tattoos can be applied in a nipple tattoo artist’s studio, a hospital, or a plastic surgeon’s office; our team can recommend local nipple tattoo artists on request.

Your nipple tattoo appointment may take 1-2 hours. During this appointment, you will have the chance to speak with the tattoo artist regarding your preferences for nipple and areola size, shape, and placement. Because a reconstructed breast does not have the same sensation after mastectomy, tattooing the area is not usually painful.

Your tattoos will be covered with a protective dressing, and your tattoo artist will provide you with instructions regarding how to care for the area. The color of your nipple tattoo may fade slightly with time, and a touchup session may be desired at some point.

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.

“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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