For women with breast cancer, there are times when it is distressing, dysmorphic, or otherwise distressing reconstructive surgery for breasts or mastectomy. To restore a sense of normalcy for those who desire it, you can have an areola tattoo, which alters the way that your Nipple appears using the use of pigments to make it look more realistic and authentic.
We spoke with Shaughnessy Otsuji, the owner of Studio Sashiko. Studio Sashiko about this ink that is unique.
What is an Areola Tattoo?
Areola tattoos are an aesthetic procedure applied to the area of the chest or breast in which the areola is located. The concept behind Areola tattoos is that they alter the look of the Nipple in a manner, such as creating one or changing the shape. Areola tattoos are made the same way as the other types of tattoos–by applying ink to the skin, creating a lasting image. However, they tend to be more precise about feathering and blending for a more natural appearance.
Why Would You Get an Areola Tattoo?
An areola tattoo is an entirely new nipple. And there’s a particular reason why the procedure is performed: to help breast cancer patients feel at ease within their bodies after surgery. Many sufferers undergo reconstructive surgery for their breasts (or a double mastectomy if the breasts of both are affected) and do not feel at ease within their bodies despite the surgery they’ve had to endure. This is where areola tattoos can help as an option to help women create their ideal body to feel confident and let women feel comfortable in their skin. They can also be a great alternative to reconstructing the Nipple for those who need something quicker and less invasive.
It’s important to remember that areola tattoos aren’t only for women who’ve had breast reconstruction surgery and have had their nipples nipple damaged. If surgery left your nipple unaffected, you might have marks or an uneven areola. The problem can be corrected visually by tattooing them over them to smooth out the shape, size, color, and shape of the Nipple.
“This type of tattooing offers so much healing for someone who has experienced a drastically altered appearance,” says Otsuji. “Being able to reconnect with your previous self when you look in the mirror is a magical thing!”
Although areola tattoos can be great for women who are breast cancer patients, it’s completely acceptable to apply the ink for any other reason. Some like changing the appearance or shade of their nipples by using ink. It gives you complete control over how a portion of your body appears.
“I work with trans and non-binary clients who have received top surgery and reconstruction; clients who have burns, skin grafts, or other scarring that has affected their chest; as well as anyone who is unhappy with their natural nipples and may need reshaping or re-pigmentation,” Otsuji says. Otsuji.
How to Find an Artist for an Areola Tattoo
Since they are an ink specific to a particular type and because they’re on such a susceptible surface, it is essential to choose an artist who not only has the experience of tattooing or cosmetic tattooing but is proficient in this particular kind of tattoo. If you’re unsure what to do or have a friend or relative with an areola tattoo, you can ask them for suggestions. If you don’t know someone with the ink, you can contact the local breast cancer organization or a center for recommendations. Another excellent resource to locate artists is Areola Restorative Tattoo (ART), a worldwide group of skilled and highly skilled tattoo artists specializing in the permanent art of areola and restorative tattoos. Sure, dermatologists or doctor’s offices also provide the procedure. Even in the absence of such, they’ll be more than happy to recommend artists to ensure they’re top-quality.
If you locate an artist who you believe meets the requirements of your job, ensure that you go online and look at their work to ensure that the design is in line with your expectations. Professional artists will have portfolios of areola tattoos that include both before and after images, and you should search for it online or inquire directly with the artist for the portfolio if it’s not publicly available (which could be the case due to the placement of body parts).
The preparation doesn’t end when you’ve found an artist, however. It is essential to meet with them in an appointment to discuss the way you would like your areolas to appear, to allow the artist to gain an understanding of the health of your breasts about scarring and skin texture, and to discuss any other issues that must be addressed before the procedure can begin.
Tattooing Process
Although there aren’t any similarities between eyebrows and nipples, areola tattoos can be performed similarly to microblading eyebrows. An experienced medical tattoo artist will work with you on the design of an areola tattoo that appears exactly as you would like because each tattoo is custom-designed to the individual, according to Otsuji.
“During this consultation, we’ll discuss the client’s desired nipple size, placement, and pigment colors that complement their skin,” Otsuji explains. “I’ll also want to assess the client’s skin type and any scar patterns or scar tissue that may require more technical skill to achieve the end result.”
Once a design has been agreed on, the artist will utilize an oscillated tattoo needle coated with non-toxic pigmentation to place the ink beneath the skin’s outer layer. Skin. While the actual Nipple itself isn’t being recreated, the image will appear as if a skilled expert in the field of medical tattoos performed it. Otsuji says that, skin is generally thin, damaged, and delicate following surgery, so it’s crucial to find a tattoo artist who can provide the mild pressure required.
The time that the entire procedure takes to complete is due to several variables depending on your artist, the requirements of the latest areola design, as well as the state of your breast. Since mastectomy usually leaves marks and rough skin, it is necessary for the procedure to be designed around keeping the skin and you protected. The entire process can take 30 minutes to several hours for each breast. You’ll need to talk with the artist who tattoos you to obtain an accurate estimation of the time you should be prepared for, although Otsuji states that the procedure typically takes 2 to two-and-a-half hours.