Nipple Reconstruction + Tattooing Over Scars

Nipple Reconstruction

3D nipple tattoos offer breast cancer survivors a realistic and less invasive alternative to surgery. My training in Biomedical Science as well as my specialization in realism affords me the ability to render visually convincing three-dimensional recreation of one or both nipples without any surgical procedures or recovery downtime. During your consulation I work with you on how you'd like your nipples to look including color, size and placement.

Below is a silicone model I created. I tattooed the nipples using the same machine, needles, and inks that I use on clients. Utilizing a neutral light source, dynamic shading and the strategic placement of highlights, I can achieve a 3D effect on a completely smooth surface.

Nipples With Fabricated Skin Flaps

This survivor came to me after having undergone mutiple surgical procedures to reconstruct her nipples with skin flap manipulation. This created prominences but no pigmentation. She came in for a consulation for 3D nipple tattoos. I listened to her history and explained the realistic outcomes she could expect. The skin flaps created a pinned location I had to work with. She was excited but apprehensive so I did this in two stages. The first was conservative in color and size. This gave her the confidence to come in a second time. She said they looked like her nipples before the double masectomy.

Nipples On Smooth Skin

This survivor's nipples are tattooed on flat skin. She opted for implants without any surgical reconstruction. Over time her implants descended. Had she gotten the tattoos immediately they would have been where you see the scars. This type of shift is always possible but never predictable. This is why it is crucial to wait at least 6 months to a year before proceeding with any permanent solution.

Rework of an Existing Nipple Tattoo

  • Before

  • After

Rework of an Existing Necrotic Nipple Tattoo

  • Before

  • After

Tattooing Over Scars

In order for me to cover, camouflage or incorprate your scar into a tattoo I will need see the scar in the flesh before I will commit to the project. You must come into the studio so I can assess the condition of your skin and determine the options available based on intensity of injury, duration of healing, tissue recovery, as well as a host of other variables. There are multiple ways to handle working on damaged tissue as long as the tissue is compliant.

As a rule, tattooing skin-colored pigment over scars is not a long-term solution and will leave your scar more visible than it was before. Your skin tone changes, tattoo pigment does not. I do not recommend this technique, but if your heart is set on it please consult with a licensed cosmetic tattooer in a medical spa. Under no circumstances will I tattoo skin-colored pigment over scars.

The approach to covering skin abnormalities is driven by both physical condition and your overall goal and expectations. Success ranges from completely eliminating visibilty to distracting from it with color and design to honoring it by making it part of the aesthetic. This is where we get creative and have fun!

An in-person consultation is required to discuss all of these parameters and determine the best course of action.

Laser Removal

This is a tattoo that had undergone a tremendous amount of poorly executed laser removal treatments. The client came to me after doctors presented her with two options: 1) two separate surgeries cutting out the scar tissue and stapling the gaps creating two linear scars horizontally and vertically, or 2) find a kick-ass tattoo artist that can cover it.

So I did.

Surgery Scars

Most if not all scars alter the texture and surface of the skin. In the instance of large injuries and/or complications with healing the tissue damage can be deep. This client just wanted to lessen the visibilty of the scar left from a surgery that had gotten infected and left her with a necrotic open wound that took over a year to heal.

From destruction comes growth.

Stretchmarks & Clean Cuts

Stretchmarks are a tricky surface. Though the tissue damage is not deep, the results of the body growing faster than the skin leaves a pattern of smooth, shiny slivered dermis called striae. Stretchmarks persist, and if you're really lucky they change color over time like mood rings. Tattooing usually brings an acceptable level of success. This client also had clean blade cuts that I incorporated into the placement of the design visible in the sky adding texture to the clouds.

Waves don't stop, learn to surf.

Life Happens

No matter how you got the scar, how you choose to live with it is up to you. We are all flawed in some way. Our flaws are what make us perfect.

Focus on the solution, not the problem.