How Does Nipple Tattooing After Mastectomy Work?

Mastectomy surgery for breast cancer can affect how you feel about your body and femininity. Even after undergoing breast reconstruction to restore the missing tissue, you may feel that something is inherently missing. Innovative practitioners, like double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino, offer 3D nipple and areola tattooing for patients in Doylestown, PA.

Also called 3D areola reconstruction, this procedure can add authentic-looking nipples to your breasts. Learn how this treatment can complete your breast reconstruction journey by calling Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa for a consultation. We can work with you to create beautiful and balanced results.

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy

When mastectomy surgery for breast cancer takes away your natural breast tissue, a reconstruction procedure re-creates the shape and appearance of a natural breast. It is important to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon so you can be educated about your reconstructive options.

Plastic surgeons usually offer several forms of breast reconstruction, including breast implants and tissue expanders. Autologous reconstruction also uses tissue from other areas of the body to rebuild the breast. Breast nipple tattoos after mastectomy are usually the last phases of reconstruction.

Who should get 3D nipple and areola tattooing?

Although not every woman decides to get nipple tattooing, most breast cancer patients are candidates for this restorative treatment. During your assessment in Doylestown, PA, Dr. Tamburrino can examine your skin quality to make sure this procedure is safe for you. Most of our patients find that tattooing is preferable to invasive nipple reconstruction surgery because it requires little to no downtime at all.

How we perform nipple tattooing

Patients should arrive for their procedure at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa with clean skin free from products and moisturizers. The treatment itself is similar to getting a normal tattoo. Although the nipple area is highly sensitive, we can offer an anesthetic to make your experience more comfortable.

Once preparation is complete, Dr. Tamburrino then administers 3D tattooing and shading to create the appearance of a nipple and areola. Our office can even perform tattoo touch-ups on individuals who had breast nipple tattoos after mastectomy, but the overall image has faded over time.

Recovery and aftercare

Aftercare for 3D nipple and areola tattooing is not necessarily different from getting a tattoo anywhere else on your body. Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa will sterilize the treatment area and cover it to prevent complications, like an infection. Our knowledgeable team will give you instructions for keeping the area clean.

In the meantime, you may experience some side effects, like light bleeding from the treatment site. Patients should consistently replace the gauze on the affected area while waiting for it to scab over. Avoid picking at the tattoo or using any products with exfoliants or harsh chemicals. Some patients may require several sessions before they achieve their desired results.

Get breast nipple tattoos after mastectomy

When a mastectomy surgery for breast cancer has affected your silhouette, it may be time to consider 3D nipple tattoos. Dr. Joseph Tamburrino and the trusted staff at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa are dedicated to helping breast cancer survivors through every stage of the reconstruction process. If you are interested in 3D nipple and areola tattooing in Doylestown, PA, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We can work with you and help you enjoy a more natural-looking breast.