What is areola reconstruction tattoo?
The tattoo will help recreate your nipple and areola and complete your breast reconstruction. If you have a nipple reconstruction procedure (a procedure to rebuild and raise your nipple), you’ll have a raised nipple and the tattoo will give color to the reconstruction.
Is nipple tattooing covered by insurance?
These private insurance companies are prohibited from rejecting claims for all stages of reconstruction of the breast, on which a mastectomy has been performed. As a result, the majority of private insurance companies cover nipple-areola tattooing (if performed by physicians).
How long does it take for areola tattoos to heal?
General Care Guidelines Don’t soak in a pool, bath, or hot tub until your tattoo is completely healed. This usually takes about 2 weeks. If a crust or scab appears on the area, don’t peel it off.
How long after breast reconstruction can I get a tattoo?
For this reason, doctors recommend waiting between 3 and 5 months after breast surgery before getting a tattoo. They also suggest that you consult your doctor before you get a tattoo to be sure that your incisions and any radiation-related dermatitis are fully healed.
How painful is an areola tattoo?
Although the discomfort of cosmetic tattooing is nothing compared to that of traditional tattooing, it is still mildly uncomfortable. Discomfort levels vary from client to client. For those who are more likely to experience some discomfort, numbing cream will be added to ensure it is a minimal as possible.
Why can’t you keep your nipples after a mastectomy?
Saving Nipples During Mastectomy Does Not Increase Risk of Cancer Recurrence. Leaving nipples intact during mastectomy can cosmetically improve breast reconstruction results without raising the risk of cancer recurrence, a study has shown.
How much do nipple tattoos cost?
The price for nipple tattoos provided by an experienced tattoo artist is typically about $350 for one nipple and $600 to $800 for two nipples if you’re paying out of pocket. The price may be higher if the tattoo artist is traveling to your area to do tattoos. Some insurance plans cover nipple tattooing.
Can you keep your nipples with a double mastectomy?
When treating breast cancer with a mastectomy, the nipple is typically removed along with the rest of the breast. (Some women might be able to have a nipple-sparing mastectomy, where the nipple is left in place. This is discussed in more detail on our page about mastectomy.)
Can you get nipple size reduced?
If you’re uncomfortable with the size of your areolas, reduction is possible. Areola reduction surgery is a relatively simple procedure that can reduce the diameter of one or both of your areolas. It can be performed on its own, or together with a breast lift, a breast reduction, or breast augmentation.
What is a 4D nipple tattoo?
4D nipple reconstruction is one step up from 3D tattoos. These are hyperrealistic tattoos that are created using a surgical procedure. They add a “fourth” dimension in the form of depth to the nipple so that it not only looks like a real nipple– but it feels like one too.
What happens if you get your nipples removed?
Smaller injuries can heal with proper care. However, if a nipple is completely damaged or removed from the body, it won’t grow back. While rare, one or both nipples can be lost in an accident. This can happen with severe physical trauma, such as a bike accident where a person’s body scrapes along the ground.