Areola Restoration

 An areola tattoo is a cosmetic procedure that is done on the area of the breast or chest where the areola is found. The idea of areola pigment is that it alters the appearance of the nipple in some way, be it adding one or changing the shape. Areola tattoos are done in the same manner as other tattoos—by depositing pigment under the skin to create a permanent image—but tend to be particularly detailed in regards to blending and feathering, to ensure an extremely natural look. 

The purpose of the procedure is to restore the natural-looking appearance of the areola and nipple after breast surgery, such as a mastectomy or breast reconstruction.

As with any tattooing procedure, there is a risk of infection and an allergic reaction to the pigments used. It's important to research and choose a reputable, licensed tattoo artist to minimize these risks.

Areola restoration is suitable for most skin types, but it's important to discuss your specific case with a professional before deciding to go through with the procedure.

Your PMU artist will discuss the desired nipple size, placement, and pigment colors that complement your skin. Your artist will then assess skin type and any scar patterns or scar tissue that may require more technical skill to achieve the end result. Once design is agreed upon the artist begins inserting pigments with a pmu machine into the skin crafting around and keeping the skin safe. 

The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.

Some people may experience slight discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally considered to be less painful than traditional tattooing.

Your areola will take, on average, 4 weeks to heal. You will experience a peeling process between 7 to 10 days which will cause those scabs to fall off once it heels. Do not pick the scabs!  

The effect of the tattooing can last for several years, but it may need to be touched up periodically to maintain the desired appearance.

It depends on your insurance plan and the reason for the procedure. Some insurance plans may cover it as part of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, while others may not. It's best to check with your insurance provider to see if it is covered.

The number of sessions depend a lot on the type of skin on the person, all skins and organism are different so is better not to say that only one session will be needed. The second session is done after 60 days which is the normal healing time of the procedure. 

1-5 DAYS AFTER

-Redness and inflammation will be present. This is normal! The area may be mildly itchy, cream will help

1-2 WEEKS AFTER

-Collagen production starts taking place, redness will begin to fade with mild skin tone changes

2-3 WEEKS AFTER

-Skin tone of the treated area will temporarily darken while pigment is settling. (It will lighten, Trust the process)

4-8 WEEKS AFTER

-Healing process is finishing during this stage. The skin restores back to normal and pigment blends in

4 HOURS after the treatment

-Leave the cling film for 3-4 hours to prevent the skin from irritation. If possible don't shower.

24 HOURS after the treatment

-Unwrap the cling film and start with after care. Use PH neutral soap to clean any excess pigment. After Care is used 2-3 times a day in a thin coating.

7-10 DAYS after the treatment

-Use after care cream or ointment at least first 7-10 days. Sauna, steam, solarium, jacuzzi, chlorinated water are not recommend at least first 7-10 days. No sun exposure!

30 DAYS after the treatment

-Do not apply cosmetic products that contain strong acids to the pigmentation site. Avoid sun exposure while the skin is healing (still red), after that use 50+ sun factor on the treated area.

-Avoid any strenuous activities for 7 days

-Keep area hydrated with coconut oil or Aquaphor

-Avoid sun exposure or tanning booth

-Do not wash area with soap for 48 hours

-Avoid the beach, pool, jacuzzi and hot

baths

The purpose of the procedure is to blend the scar with the surrounding skin and make it less visible.

 The benefits of scar camouflage and micropigmentation:

• Reduce the appearance of scars and burns
• Correct skin discoloration
• Increase self esteem and confidence
• Whether your scar is the result of an injury, surgery, burn, or other cause, this scar camouflage can help you get the skin of your dreams.
• Scars that we can treat include:

                   -Post-surgical scars

                   -Face Lift procedures

                   -Scalps (trauma or Hair Transplants)

                   -Caesarean scars

                   -Stretch Marks

                   -Acne scars

                   -Contracture scars – burns

                   -Self Harm

                   -Mastectomy scars

                   -Vitiligo (if stabilized)

 You might be a candidate if you meet the criteria below. Your scar or stretch marks should be:

1. Healed and no longer pink or changing color: (has to be at least one year old)

2. Smooth and relatively flat: (If your scar or skin area is bumpy or raised, the process may not be effective)

3. Without dark edges or keloid scarring: ( If the scar has dark edges Indicates Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation (PIHP) from the initial trauma or surgery. Scar Camouflage Dark skin tones especially are affected)

4. Have realistic expectations: Scar Camouflage will not completely restore skin to the way it looked before it was injured.  The process will not “erase” a scar or skin abnormality so it appears completely gone and the area looks “perfect” again. It improves color differences to help disguise the scar or anomaly and make it less noticeable. 

 Your PMU artist will carefully analyze your scarring and will evaluate your natural coloring. Your artist will then work with multiple blends of pigment to recreate the tonal variance of your skin. With the use of a pmu electric device pigment will be inserted into your skin crafting around and keeping the skin safe. 

The procedure typically takes 1-3 hours, depending on the size and location of the scar.

The effect of the tattooing can last for several years, but it may need to be touched up periodically to maintain the desired appearance.

Some people may experience slight discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally considered to be less painful than traditional tattooing.

As with any tattooing procedure, there is a risk of infection and an allergic reaction to the pigments used. It's important to research and choose a reputable, licensed tattoo artist to minimize these risks.

It depends on your insurance plan and the reason for the procedure. Some insurance plans may cover it as part of a reconstructive procedure, while others may not. It's best to check with your insurance provider to see if it is covered.

A minimum of 6-12 months after the surgery is recommended to wait before getting a scar camouflage tattoo. The scar should be stable and the color should be finalized before the procedure. The healing process may vary depending on the type of surgery, location and other factors.

Expect to be at the studio for 1 to 2.5 hours – Some appointments can take shorter or longer, depending on individual circumstances.

For eyebrow enhancements: Avoid eyebrow tinting, waxing, tweezing or threading at least 7 days prior to your appointment.

Other skin enhancements: Avoid visiting tanning beds and receiving other skin treatments at least a week before your enhancement.

Consult with your physician regarding the hold of blood-thinning medications, which should not be taken three days prior to your appointment.

Avoid consuming caffeine as well as any sort of supplements like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Vitamin E, fish oil supplements, and Niacin at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. 

Your artist will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions and discuss your follow-up appointments. On average, full healing occurs between 6 and 8 weeks. *varies per individual

Touchups are recommended every 6 to 12 months. Some may require more frequent touchups, as frequent as every 3 months.