3D Nipple Tattoo
3D nipple tattooing and 3D surgical nipple information
Artistic tattoo techniques can create a 3D nipple tattoo for those opting out of the nipple surgery. The goal with the 3D nipple tattoo is the illusion of protrusion.
Women who choose breast reconstruction after a mastectomy have options for creating the nipple if they choose to:
- A tattooed 3D nipple effect
- A surgical nipple
- A grafted nipple
Because there is no color defining the nipple or areola after breast reconstruction, a tattoo is optimal for adding lost color even if the nipple is surgically created. The other option besides surgery is a 3D nipple tattoo. Although the tattooing itself is 2 dimensional, the goal is an overall realistic 3D appearance.
Option 1
An areola tattoo artist tattoos the areola and nipple color and creates an illusion of protrusion for the nipple.
Pros
– No nipple surgery with possible complications.Tattoo realism techniques create textures, freckles, and a 3D nipple illusion.
– If your doctor’s office performs this procedure in-house, it’s often bundled as part of the reconstruction and covered.
Cons
– Can be an out of pocket cost as most restorative tattoo artists are often out of network and insurance may only cover a portion.
– Like any tattoo, it will fade with time and additional color may be needed after a few years.
Option 2
A surgeon surgically creates a nipple protrusion using the skin or other methods.
Pros
– A real protrusion creates the nipple, which can be tattooed to add color.
– Most unilateral cases benefit from a surgical nipple, especially if the contralateral side has a larger nipple.
Cons
After nipple surgery, the nipples may not be symmetrically placed. Also, the size and shape of the nipple can be unpredictable and with time, the nipples flatten often need to be redone.
– The protrusion is all of the time. Bilateral cases often don’t prefer this if they don’t want to wear a bra.
Option 3
An areola tattoo artist tattoos the areola and nipple color and creates an illusion of protrusion for the nipple.
Pros
– No nipple surgery with possible complications.Tattoo realism techniques create textures, freckles, and a 3D nipple illusion.
– If your doctor’s office performs this procedure in-house, it’s often bundled as part of the reconstruction and covered.
Cons
– Can be an out of pocket cost as most restorative tattoo artists are often out of network and insurance may only cover a portion.
– Like any tattoo, it will fade with time and additional color may be needed after a few years.
Option 2
A surgeon surgically creates a nipple protrusion using the skin or other methods.
Pros
– A real protrusion creates the nipple, which can be tattooed to add color.
– Most unilateral cases benefit from a surgical nipple, especially if the contralateral side has a larger nipple.
Cons
After nipple surgery, the nipples may not be symmetrically placed. Also, the size and shape of the nipple can be unpredictable and with time, the nipples flatten often need to be redone.
– The protrusion is all of the time. Bilateral cases often don’t prefer this if they don’t want to wear a bra.
We are privileged to receive referrals from several San Francisco Bay Area
doctors including plastic surgeons, here are a few:
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Stanford Medicine|Health Care
R. Laurence Berkowitz M.D.
Kamakshi R. Zeidler M.D.
Aesthetic &
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
www.aesthetx.com
