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Areola Tattooing is most commonly done post mastectomy. This service can be done regardless of someone decides to have reconstruction. We are able to give a 3D result even on a flat skin surface. Another reason someone may consider this service is post Mastopexy, more commonly called a Breast Lift. This can be beneficial if the scar from the lift has left an uneven border, tissue necrosis occurred, or to simply blend the scar into the natural Areola.
CONSULTATION
& COLOR SELECTION
During this time, we discuss your desired results in detail. We select color, texture and details together. This helps to achieve the perfect areolas and nipples for you.
THE TREATMENT
After we have selected your colors and completed your mapping, we begin your tattoo. Most ladies feel very little, but if there is any discomfort numbing is applied to keep you comfortable.
MAPPING & PRE DRAWING
We discuss and select size, shape and placement together. Once we have decided these, we begin your pre drawing. this ensures proper placement and ratio to achieve the best aesthetic result.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Once the majority of the tattoo is completed, we will spend time on the details to make sure your new nipples look as 3D as possible, and your areolas have the number of glands and texture you desire.
3D Areola Tattooing After Breast Cancer
A restorative step to feeling whole again.
Every woman’s journey is unique, and this appointment often marks the final, emotional step in healing and recovery. My goal is to create a calm, supportive space where you feel comfortable, informed, and truly celebrated.
Please note that I’ve chosen to keep the cost of this treatment as accessible as possible by reducing my hourly rate significantly compared to my other services. While I do not offer insurance billing, I’m happy to provide a detailed receipt after treatment and CPT codes you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. You can always reach out to your insurance to ask for a prior authorization code to ensure reimbursement. Insurance companies have become increasingly difficult; they may require a referral to Babe Ink by one of your in-network doctors. This referral would need to have the doctors NPI number and your diagnosis code. You would attach this referral letter to our receipt where we include your CPT code that is available upon text request when we finish your follow up session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is areola tattooing?
Areola tattooing is a form of paramedical micropigmentation that recreates or enhances the appearance of the nipple, details, and areola after breast reconstruction surgery.
Who is a good candidate for areola tattooing?
Anyone who has had breast reconstruction or a mastectomy, and had been released by their surgeon to have areola tattooing.
How long after surgery can I get my areola tattooed?
Typically, 6-12 months after your final surgery, once scars are fully healed. Your surgeon will need release you in writing first to ensure your skin is ready for tattooing. Some surgeons may allow areola tattooing as early as 3 months after DIEP flap reconstruction. We will proceed with treatment as long as there is a release provided by the surgeon.
Does areola tattooing hurt?
Most patients describe it as mild discomfort—much less than expected. Numbness is common after breast surgery, and topical anesthetics are used if needed to keep you comfortable throughout the session.
How long does the appointment take?
A typical appointment lasts 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on whether it’s one or both sides, and design customization. This includes consultation, color selection, pre drawing and tattooing.
How long does healing take?
Initial healing takes 7–12 days, and full healing is complete in about 4–6 weeks. During that time, you’ll follow a simple aftercare routine to keep the area clean and protected. These instructions will be sent via email immediately upon scheduling. You will also be sent home with a printed instruction card, and everything needed to care for your new tattoos.
Why is an 8 week touch-up important?
An 8 week touch-up is an essential part of the process. As your skin heals, some pigment naturally fades or exfoliates, and this follow-up allows me to perfect your color, details, shape, and 3D appearance. Think of it as the perfecting session, it ensures your results are even, balanced, and long-lasting. This tissue has been through a lot, so it is important that we do not overwork the skin by trying to do too much in one session.
How long does an areola tattoo last?
Results can last for many years, but color refresh appointments will be desired every few years to refresh color and keep the details enhanced. Longevity depends on skin type, overall health, sun exposure, lifestyle and aftercare.
Is it a 3D tattoo or flat color?
3D areola tattoos use advanced shading and highlights to create the illusion of a natural nipple, even on flat skin. We only offer 3D areola tattooing for breast cancer survivors.
Will it look natural?
Yes! Every design is customized to your skin tone, surgical results, and personal preference. The goal is a natural, balanced, and beautifully realistic result that helps you feel complete again. I love when you bring me a before picture, even if you didn't like your native areolas. We can discuss what you did and didn't like, and I can pull inspiration from the photo of anything you did like. Don't have a photo? your surgeons office will! ask them to send it to you or they can email it to me along with your release. Email: Becca@babe-ink.com
How much does it cost?
Pricing varies based on whether it’s unilateral or bilateral. You can view current pricing and details on my babeink.as.me
Touchup and color refresh pricing can be located under the appropriate tab on our booking site. They are not included in the initial session cost.
Is this procedure covered by insurance?
In some cases, yes. Many insurance companies cover areola tattooing as part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy. I can provide a receipt and CPT codes and a receipt after we finish treatment, you may submit for potential reimbursement. Please keep in mind that your deductible could be a factor. Insurance companies have become increasingly difficult; they may require a referral to Babe Ink by one of your in-network doctors. This referral would need to have the doctors NPI number and your diagnosis code. You would attach this referral letter to our receipt where we include your CPT code that is available upon text request when we finish your follow up session.
What if I’ve already had a nipple reconstruction?
Areola tattooing can beautifully enhance the color and shape of your existing nipple reconstruction—it adds definition, texture and symmetry for a more natural finish.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Read your email from us and complete your paperwork using the link in your email. Avoid tanning, sunburn, or applying lotions to the area the day of your appointment. Shower and wear a loose, comfortable top and bring any reference photos especially if you have a preferred look or tone in mind. Don't forget your surgeons release, we will not be able to do your appointment without proof you are cleared for treatment. Sometimes it is written in your notes on platforms like mychart that you have been released.
Can I drive myself home after my appointment?
Yes! Areola tattooing is a gentle, non-surgical procedure, so you’ll be completely fine to drive yourself afterward. You may experience mild tenderness, but nothing that affects normal activity.
Will I see the design before you start?
Absolutely. Every detail from placement to color is customized just for you. Before I begin tattooing, I’ll show you the shape, size, and tone options so you feel 100% comfortable and confident with your design.
Can visitors accompany me?
You’re welcome to bring a guest for support if needed. However, due to limited space (and so I can stay fully focused on your results), visitors will need to wait in the waiting room during your treatment. If you’d like them to join you at the end when we reveal your new areolas, they’re more than welcome to come in and share that special moment with you. Please make sure your guest understands they will not be allowed in the room during your treatment, it is awkward and causes me anxiety if they do not understand this policy.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Loose, comfortable clothing is best. A button-up or zip-front top makes changing easier and prevents rubbing on the treated area afterward.
What if I feel nervous?
It’s completely normal to feel emotional or anxious this appointment carries a lot of meaning. I’ll walk you through every step, explain what’s happening, and make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and supported the entire time.
How do I schedule?
You schedule directly online by visiting babeink.as.me
after scheduling you’ll also receive all pre- and post-care instructions automatically by email.
My Why...
Why Do I Offer Areola Tattooing?
This is a question that I am frequently asked, I figured I would answer it here because I know that this is a very personal service at the end of an emotionally exhausting chapter. My story is a sad story, but it is completely honest and transparent. I have lost countless loved ones to different types of cancer. I wanted to share my "why" because I am frequently asked this in appointments, and although it's been 16+ years I still have tears in my eyes when I try to answer this question in person. I lost my mother to gallbladder cancer in 2009. I was her primary caretaker and medical power of attorney. During this time, I watched cancer take every ounce of humanity from her. After 7 months of surgeries, appointments, and unsuccessful treatments, she passed away emaciated weighing around 50lbs. During that time, I did whatever I could to try to help her feel feminine and beautiful. After showering, I would fix her hair and do her makeup, I also gave her frequent manicures and pedicures to help her to still feel feminine. I remember about a month before she passed, I went shopping in the children's department to purchase some clothes for her to wear in her bed. After I finished her beauty treatments and got her in her new clothes, she smiled and looked at me and said "I guess there are all different types of beautiful" which was her way of thanking me and telling me I made her feel beautiful again. She was always a beautiful lady who got ready every day, even if she wasn't going anywhere. This experience fueled my passion; I was a makeup artist at the time. I loved doing makeup but... it began to feel very superficial to me. After many years of reflection, I decided to enter the field of cosmetic and paramedical tattooing. I get to help women feel beautiful every day, and it doesn't wash off like the makeup that I was doing. Although none of my loved ones survived, I am deeply moved by having the chance to give survivors back a sense of wholeness and the femininity that cancer has tried to take from them. I get be the final step in their reconstruction, they survived, they are trusting me with the final step, which means the world to me!
-Becca Fuller
