3D Nipple Tattoos
If your nipples were removed during a mastectomy, you may have the option of recreating them by getting 3D nipple tattoos, nipple reconstruction surgery, or both.
A 3D nipple tattoo is a “picture” of a nipple and areola on the breast. It’s flat to the touch but looks three-dimensional and quite real. Nipple and areola tattoos are permanent tattoos, applied by a skilled tattoo artist with needles that insert pigment into the skin.
Many people choose to get permanent 3D nipple tattoos over nipple reconstruction surgery. Tattooing is less invasive and has a quicker recovery time. Plus, a tattoo can have fine details, shading, and coloring that make it look more realistic than what can be done with surgery alone. For example, a tattoo can create the appearance of the little bumps that naturally appear on the areola. Some people also like that a 3D nipple tattoo is flat so that their nipples don’t show through their clothes, and they may feel more comfortable going braless.
Others may choose nipple reconstruction surgery because they prefer to have nipples that physically project out. In those cases, tattooing is often used to add color and recreate the appearance of areolas.
Nipple tattooing can be done months or even years after breast cancer surgery, so you can take your time to decide if it’s right for you. And if you’re looking for a less permanent alternative, stick-on (prosthetic) nipples or temporary nipple tattoos are good options.
Who can get 3D nipple tattooing?
Most people who’ve had their nipples removed as part of a mastectomy can get 3D nipple tattoos. Nipple tattooing is usually done after breast reconstruction, but may also be done after going flat (aesthetic flat closure).
In very rare cases, you may not be a candidate for nipple tattoos if:
your breast skin became overly thinned after a mastectomy
you have lymphedema that involves the chest
you have a history of infections in the breast area
you had radiation treatments that damaged your breast skin
If you’re wondering if you can get nipple tattoos, talk with your plastic surgeon and an experienced nipple tattoo artist about your specific situation. In some cases they might recommend waiting longer for your breast skin to heal. They may suggest things you can do to help prepare the skin for tattooing. These could include massaging the skin, applying topical creams, staying hydrated, and making sure you eat enough protein. Also, they may recommend seeing a lymphedema specialist if you have lymphedema that involves the chest.
What to expect with nipple tattooing
Nipple tattoos are usually done at a plastic surgeon’s office, a hospital, or a tattoo artist’s studio. If you’re thinking of having it done at a tattoo studio (and not at your plastic surgeon’s office), make sure to get your plastic surgeon’s approval before moving forward.
Ideally, you should wait at least three to four months after your last surgery — whether that’s breast reconstruction surgery, aesthetic flat closure, or nipple reconstruction surgery — before getting nipple tattoos. This will give your breasts or chest time to heal and settle into a final position. It’s also best to wait until you’re fully satisfied with the results of any other reconstruction you may have had.
Nipple tattoo appointments can take one to two hours. During the appointment, the tattoo artist will talk with you about the nipple and areola size, shape, placement, and color you want.
If you still have one of your natural nipples, the tattoo artist will match the new nipple’s color and size to it. If both your nipples were removed during the mastectomy, you may want to bring a pre-surgery photo of your breasts. If you don’t have a photo, you can ask your breast or plastic surgeon for one.
To help find the best positioning for the nipple tattoos, the artist may place silicone nipples on your breasts. The tattoo artist will also show you a palette of pigments (tones of pink, tan, beige, brown, and purple) to select colors for the nipple and areola that look natural with your skin tone. After mixing the pigment, they will apply a swatch of the color to your breast skin so you can see what it looks like in different lighting and when you move around. The tattoo artist will also draw markings on your breast to show the location, size, and shape of the new nipple and areola.
Tattooing usually takes about 30 minutes per nipple. Because the breast or chest doesn't have the same sensation as before mastectomy, tattooing the area usually isn't painful. Still, some women may have mild discomfort or pain. You can ask the tattoo artist to apply topical numbing cream if needed. If you’re getting nipple tattoos at a plastic surgeon’s office, they may offer you injections of numbing medicine.
The nipple tattoos will be covered with a protective dressing. Be sure to ask for aftercare instructions. It usually takes about seven to 10 days for the area to heal. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs, as well as sun exposure, for several weeks after the tattoo application.
Normally you get an additional touch-up session about six weeks after the nipple tattooing. This can enhance the details of the tattoos and help ensure their longevity. Over time, the tattoo color may fade slightly, so some people get more touchup sessions later on.
Finding a nipple tattoo artist
Nipple tattoos can be done by staff members at a plastic surgeon’s office (such as a nurse, physician assistant, or plastic surgeon) or by a specialized nipple tattoo artist. In general, you’ll get the best results with a nipple tattoo artist because they have the most training and experience.
Ask your medical team to recommend a nipple tattoo artist who has worked with women after breast cancer surgery. The tattoo artist must be knowledgeable about tattooing skin that has scars. Always ask to see photos of the tattoo artist's work.
Nipple tattoo artists may work out of their own studio and also travel to provide tattoos at plastic surgeons’ offices and hospitals.
Here are some tattoo artists in the U.S. who specialize in nipple and areola tattooing and who come recommended:
The Vinnie Meyers Team: This team of tattoo artists provides nipple tattoos in a shop in Finksburg, MD and travels throughout the year to offer nipple tattoos in other locations such as Boston, MA; Hoboken, NJ; New Orleans, LA; Plano, TX; Austin, TX; Birmingham, AL; and San Diego, CA.
Sauler Institute of Tattooing/Mandy Sauler: Mandy and her team of tattoo artists provide nipple tattoos at their offices and in plastic surgeons’ offices in several locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York City.
Marnie Rustemeyer: Marnie provides nipple tattoos at New York Breast Reconstruction and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Great Neck, NY.
Nicole Rizzuto: Nicole provides nipple tattoos at NMR Tattoo in Bellmore, NY.
Pink Ink Tattoo/Tara Williamson: Tara works out of plastic surgeons’ offices in Raleigh and other locations in North Carolina, as well as in Mississippi and Texas.
Restoration Ink/Renee Maschinot: Renee provides nipple tattoos in her shop in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and travels to plastic surgeons’ offices and hospitals in Jacksonville, FL; Charleston, SC; Hoboken, NJ; Baton Rouge and Lafayette, LA; and Houston, TX.
Cariangel/Carrie Pataky: Carrie offers nipple tattoos in her facility in Scarsdale, NY, and in plastic surgeons’ offices in Westchester County, NY, in New York City, in Connecticut, and in New Jersey.
Suzanne Moe/Suma Ink: Suzanne provides nipple tattoos in her studio in Homestead, FL, and at the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida.
Ari Hayden: Ari provides nipple tattoos at Electric Lady Lounge in Bradley, IL.
Liana Reznik: Liana offers nipple tattoos at Fancy Shmancy Permanent Makeup Clinic in Highland Park, IL.
Perky: Crystal Yang and Courtney Delgado offer nipple tattoos in San Antonio, TX.
Paying for nipple tattoos
The price for nipple tattoos done by an experienced artist is typically about $350 for one nipple and $600 to $800 for two nipples. The price may be higher if the tattoo artist is traveling to your area to do tattoos.
Some insurance plans cover nipple tattooing. Medicare often covers nipple tattooing, and Medicaid coverage can vary from state to state. If you receive your nipple tattoo at a plastic surgeon’s office or hospital (whether from a member of the medical staff or from a visiting tattoo artist), then that facility can usually handle the insurance claim for you.
If you get your tattoo at an independent studio, then you’ll have to submit the claim to your insurance yourself. You can submit a receipt from the tattoo artist and a prescription for the tattoo from your plastic surgeon that contains the appropriate insurance codes. The tattoo artist may also write a letter to the insurance company on your behalf. You, your plastic surgeon, and your tattoo artist may need to make the case in writing that the nipple tattoo is a medically necessary part of the breast reconstruction process and not just cosmetic.
If you don’t have insurance coverage and can’t afford to pay full price for a nipple tattoo, some tattoo artists may offer a discount. Some may have certain days throughout the year when they offer free nipple tattoos. Also, several nonprofit organizations provide grants to help cover the cost of nipple tattooing.
Prosthetic nipples and temporary nipple tattoos
Prosthetic nipples or temporary nipple tattoos can be good options if you want the look of nipples but aren’t getting (or are waiting to get) more permanent nipple tattoos or nipple reconstruction surgery.
Prosthetic nipples
These are made from soft silicone, and you can put them on and take them off whenever you’d like. They are either self-sticking or come with a special skin adhesive that can hold the nipple in place for several days or longer. They look and feel like real nipples and are available in different sizes, colors, and projections. Two of the best-known brands are:
Pink Perfect, which offers ready-made silicone prosthetic nipples in a variety of styles and colors and custom-made ones that are designed to match your natural nipples. The nipples are attached to the breast using adhesive and can be worn in the shower, ocean, or swimming pool.
Amoena, which sells silicone prosthetic nipples that are self-sticking and available in four colors and three sizes.
Some insurance companies cover the cost of prosthetic nipples. In most cases, you’ll have to submit the claim to your insurance, along with a receipt for the prosthetic nipples and a prescription or a letter from your doctor that states that the prosthetic nipples are medically necessary.
Temporary nipple tattoos
These are applied to the skin using a wet cloth, can last one or two weeks, and can be removed with rubbing alcohol. Three well-known brands are Rub-on Nipples, Tata Tattoos, and Nipplebacks. One of the advantages of temporary nipple tattoos is that they’re inexpensive. Using temporary nipple tattoos may help you decide if you want permanent nipple tattoos.
Nipple tattoo images
This information made possible in part through the generous support of www.BreastCenter.com.