Areolar Tattooing in Oklahoma City

Areolar tattooing is a process in which a woman's areola can be recreated to match the natural color of the areola. This procedure is typically performed after breast reconstruction.

Recreating the Nipple with Tattooing

Areolar tattooing is an important procedure for women who have lost one or both nipples through surgery or trauma. By using advanced tattooing techniques, the appearance of the nipple can be restored.

For some women, this can help them regain a sense of womanhood in the same way breast reconstruction can. After successful areolar tattooing, the goal is for the recreated nipple to look realistic and match the existing areola.

In your consultation with Dr. Nuveen and our micropigmentation specialist, you may need to bring any photos of what the nipple looked like prior. This, as well as a clear explanation of your goals, will help us plan for your procedure.

In this consultation, Dr. Nuveen and his staff will make sure to explain how areolar tattooing works and how you can care for your skin as you heal.

Common Questions About Areolar Tattooing

Is an anesthetic necessary for areolar tattooing?

No, an anesthetic is not necessary for areolar tattooing. In some cases, however, a topical anesthetic may be offered if you are nervous about discomfort. An ice pack applied to the treatment site can also have a soothing effect.

How long will areolar tattooing take to complete?

The process for areolar tattooing is relatively short. In some cases, the tattooing process for a single nipple can be completed in around one hour. For some treatments, however, you should allow for a longer procedure time.

How is areolar tattooing done?

Areolar tattooing is completed in a process very similar to a traditional tattoo. For the treatment, a small handpiece will be placed on the surface of your skin. The handpiece will hold the pigment for the recreated nipple. As it passes over your skin, the handpiece will inject small amounts of the micropigment beneath the surface of your skin. It will do this in a rapid motion, delivering small amounts of the pigment several hundred times per minute.

How will my skin feel after the treatment?

You will leave our office with a surgical dressing covering the tattoo site. You may experience some redness on and around the recreated areola, but this will be a short-lived side effect. Following your treatment, the pigment may appear darker than you anticipated, but it will fade somewhat as you heal.

How long will the appearance of the areola last?

The tattoo pigments used for your areolar tattooing treatment are long-lasting, but that does not mean they will last forever. Just like those with tattoos find the pigment can fade over time and with age, you may wish to return to our office for follow-up areolar tattooing. The process for touch-ups will be similar to the initial treatment, but may be shorter in some cases.

For More Information...

We encourage you to learn more about areolar tattooing in Oklahoma City by emailing the office of cosmetic surgeon Dr. Erik Nuveen. His staff is eager to hear from you and schedule a consultation at 405-842-6677.