Areola tattoos are one of the most confidence-boosting tattoos in the world of permanent makeup. It is a specialized procedure that helps regain the natural appearance of the areola after breast reconstruction surgery. Unlike traditional tattoos, this innovative procedure requires technique, shades, tones, and skills that can give an illusion of bona fide areolas.
If you are planning to get areola tattoos or want to educate yourself for the sake of a loved one, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will list the top things you should consider before getting an areola tattoo. These considerations will help you make an informed decision and ensure a successful outcome. So, let’s explore these crucial factors together.
Table of Contents
1. Candidacy
As groundbreaking as the procedure is, not everyone is a good candidate for areola tattooing. It’s a rare occurrence but a few candidates do not get the green light from their doctors. You need to consider whether you are a good candidate for areola tattoos or not.
There are three steps to finding the answer to this. The first step is to consult your primary care physician. The second step is to do your research and find out what makes an individual an ideal candidate. Here are a few conditions that make you unsuitable for the procedure:
- A history of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
- Active infection or a history of infection in the breast area
- The skin on the breast area is overly thin and delicate due to mastectomy or other surgeries.
- Have chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems.
- Have congenital conditions such as lymphedema.
- Have damaged skin on the breast area.
The last step is to find a professional artist and share your medical history so they can guide you in an informed manner. Remember, if any concerns or red flags arise during any step of the process, it is advisable not to proceed with the procedure. Your safety and well-being should always take precedence.
2. Time
Even if you are a good candidate for areola tattoos, you must find out the right time to get the procedure done after your breast reconstruction surgery. Typically, candidates are advised to wait between 4 to 6 months after the final surgery.
However, your doctor is an expert in this field and will assign the appropriate time based on your healing progress.
3. The Process
You must consider learning about the process of areola tattooing so you can make an informed decision and walk into the salon, knowing what to expect.
In all its brevity, the process starts with a consultation where the permanent makeup artist takes measurements, talks about your expectations, discusses options and concerns, and talks about shape, size, color, etc.
Once the candidate and the permanent makeup artist are on the same page about the design and the results, the procedure will begin, which can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the variables.
Like traditional tattoos, the artist uses needles and permanent ink. However, unlike traditional tattoos, the ink is deposited only on the surface level and doesn’t penetrate any deeper than the top layer of the skin.
4. Downtime
Areola tattoos have minimum downtime. Right after getting the tattoos, you can go about your day. The tattoos will be wrapped in a bandage by the permanent makeup artist, and they won’t hinder your movement or your productivity in any way.
It will take about 2 to 3 weeks for the tattoos to completely heal and take their final form.
5. Aftercare
It’s incredibly important to know that areola tattoos, like all other tattoos, require some aftercare. You need to make sure that you can adhere to the aftercare instructions given to you by the permanent makeup artist. Some of them include:
- No swimming, sunbathing, hot tub, weightlifting, workout, yoga, or other forms of strenuous activities, etc.
- Avoid all activities that will make you sweat or require contact with water or chemicals.
- Diligently apply the cream prescribed by your artist.
- Only shower with your dressing on
- Do not pick or peel the scabs. Allow them to fall on their own.
6. Longevity and Lifespan
Although permanent, areola tattoos fade over time because the ink is only deposited on the outermost layer of the skin. Another reason why areola tattoos aren’t forever is that the ink used during the procedure is less pigmented and quicker to metabolize.
The lasting duration of areola tattoos is different for different individuals based on their lifestyles. People who swim, work out a lot, will experience faster fading.
7. Side Effects and Pain Level
Slight swelling, redness, discomfort, and scabs are the common side effects of the procedure, but they are to be expected as part of the healing process.
However, like all invasive procedures, there’s a risk of infection involved in case of malpractice. If the swelling and redness do not go down or are too severe to be normal, immediately consult a doctor.
As far as pain goes, the procedure is completely painless for those who have had a mastectomy and have lost feelings in their breast area.
Topical anesthesia or numbing cream is used on other candidates to minimize pain and discomfort.
Artistic Solutions for Breast Restoration
One of the most important things to consider when planning for areola tattooing is choosing the right artist. Make sure you do your research and settle for one that fits all your qualifications.
If you are in Calgary, AB, you can save yourself all that trouble by reaching out to us at Reflective Beauty Boutique.
We have specialized in the skillful art of areola tattooing and how to create a realistic picture by paying attention to every minute detail. More importantly, we listen to you and what you want at the end of the day. You can show us pictures, tell us your expectations, and book an appointment with us to discuss every detail of the procedure.