Areola and Nipple Tattoos: Natural-
Looking Restoration
Restore your confidence with our 3D Areola & Nipple Tattoo treatment. Our skilled artists create realistic results, helping you feel whole and beautiful again.
This restorative treatment is currently available only in our NYC Flatiron salon.
Experience the Art of Areola & Nipple Tattoos
Natural-looking results
Our artists focus on hyper-realistic designs, ensuring that the areola and nipple tattoos look as natural as possible.
Custom color matching
We customize pigments to match each client’s skin tone, ensuring a natural and flattering result.
Experienced artists
Our highly trained professionals specialize in cosmetic tattoos, which is crucial for achieving results that heal to the ideal shape and color.
Sterile and Safe practices
We follow strict hygiene protocols to ensure client safety and prevent infections.
Longevity and fade-resistent pigments
Our high-quality pigments are designed to maintain their color over time.
Personalized consultations
We offer complimentary consultations to discuss client goals, preferences and expectations before the treatment.
Discreet and compassionate care
We understand many clients seeking areola and nipple tattoos have undergone mastectomies or other medical procedures, so we provide a supportive, private, and comfortable environment.
Health insurance coverage support
We will supply documentation needed to apply for health insurance coverage, where applicable.
Understanding Areola & Nipple Tattoos
Areola & Nipple Tattoos is a specialized treatment that reconstructs the appearance of the nipple and areola using 3D cosmetic tattooing. This technique creates a natural, realistic look with precise shading and color matching. The treatment is a single session that typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, and results last 3 to 5 years.
How it works:
Our trained cosmetic tattoo artists use specialized pigments and cosmetic tattoo techniques to create a realistic, 3D effect, making the tattoo appear like a natural areola and nipple.
Colors are custom-matched to the client’s skin tone and personal preferences.
Shading and highlighting techniques add depth and dimension, even if the nipple itself is flat due to surgery.
Who Benefits from this treatment?
Breast cancer survivors who have had mastectomies and reconstruction.
People with faded or irregular areoles due to aging, scarring, or surgery.
Those undergoing gender-affirming surgery who want to enhance or create an areola.
Individuals with skin conditions like vitiligo that have caused pigment loss in the area.
Anyone who wants to perfect the shape or color of their areolas.
The Areola & Nipple Tattoo Process
1
Consultation
We start with a consultation, and discuss your vision for what you desire your areola & nipple to look like. For those who have undergone mastectomies, pre-operative photos can be used as reference, if you wish to match with what you had. We will draw on the areola to see how it relates to the entire breast in terms of size and location. We also decide on color, and mix a custom blend that matches your skin tone.
2
Skin preparation
The area is cleaned and disinfected to ensure a sterile environment. If necessary, a topical numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort.
3
Tattooing process
We use a handheld tool to apply the pigment into the skin (most client have little to no sensation in the treatment area so numbing may not be used) to create a hyper-realistic areola and nipple. Shading and color blending techniques give a 3D effect, making the tattoo appear raised and natural. The session can take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on complexity. Only one session is needed.
4
Healing & Aftercare
The skin may be slightly red or swollen for a few days. Mild scabbing and flaking is normal as the tattoo heals. Do not peel or scratch off any flaking in tattooed area. No vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours as it may cause swelling. A more detailed Aftercare guide is below.
Areola & Nipple Tattoo
Transformation Gallery
Pre-Appointment & Post-Care Instructions
Pre-Appointment
Please arrive to your appointment with clean skin.
Post-Appointment
Please follow our AfterCare instructions below on use of Tegaderm and application of Healing Cream.
Medications: Take over-the-counter medication for any discomfort. If you have a history of cellulitis, please take antibiotic tablets as directed.
Do not peel or scratch off any flaking in tattooed area. No vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours as it may cause swelling.
TEGADERM, is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Leave the Tegaderm on for THREE DAYS— do not lift it, change it, or remove it.
The Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation, and contamination while it is going through the most important part of its healing. It will also protect your clothes, sheets, and others from coming in contact with the excess ink, blood, and fluid that are the normal by-products of healing a tattoo.
You can perform your usual activities (including exercise) while the tattoo is covered with Tegaderm. Be sure not to bump or rub your new tattoo excessively, or do anything that will scrape or peel the covering off.
Showering will not affect Tegaderm; it is reasonably waterproof. You can shower normally while healing. However, do not bathe or swim until your tattoo is fully healed.
After 3 days, remove the Tegaderm by carefully peeling it off your skin. Do not quickly tear it off, as this can cause skin irritation. The easiest way to soften the adhesive is to stand in a hot shower for several minutes and remove the covering in the shower.
After removing the covering, rinse the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and wash, then rinse several times using antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin using the palm of your hand. Do not use any washcloths, sponges, or brushes.
After patting your tattoo with a clean towel, the skin should be shiny and dry. For the next SEVEN TO TEN DAYS, apply a thin layer of EVERTRUE HEALING CREAM when it feels tight, dry, or itchy. Otherwise, let it air out and heal naturally. You might notice a few layers of flaky skin peeling, this is completely normal.
Areola & Nipple Tattoo Pricing
This treatment is currently available only in our NYC Flatiron salon. Areola and nipple tattoos on breasts that have been reconstructed after mastectomies or other surgery, may be covered by health insurance.
Experts
Michelle
$1,200
Master
Therapist
May
$850
Senior
Specialist
Visit our NYC Flatiron Salon for Areola and Nipple Tattoo treatments
Experience life-changing restorative Areola and Nipple Tattoo treatment in our NYC salon. Treatment will be done in a private room, away from our other cosmetic tattoo clients.
Artists
Michelle
Master Therapist
Stephanie
Senior Specialist
Kelly
Senior Specialist
Judy
Senior Specialist
May
Senior Specialist
Sammi
Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about our Areola & Nipple Tattoo Restoration.
How soon after breast reconstruction surgery can I do the treatment?
Please wait at least three months after your breast or nipple reconstruction surgery before coming in for an appointment with us.
I had nipple reconstruction, can I still do the treatment?
Yes. However in some situations the reconstructed nipple resists taking pigment. In these scenarios multiple visits may be necessary.
Is it painful?
Most clients do not feel any pain. Each case however is different and there may be minimal sensation.
What are the risks?
To minimize risks please follow after-care closely. Risks include infection, allergic reaction, granulomas, and keloid formation. If you have any specific circumstances, we encourage you to check in with your doctor.
Will I have privacy?
Yes. Treatment is done in a private room separate from our salon floor.
Is this covered by health insurance?
Many insurance companies should cover this expense, for clients who have undergone mastectomies. Since we are not a health care provider, we do not accept health insurance and we will provide documentation to claim reimbursement. We cannot assure that your health provider will pay for the treatment, but we will help in any way that we can.
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act: Passed in October 1998 by the US Congress: “The act requires group health plans and health insurers that provide medical benefits covering mastectomy to also cover the cost of breast reconstructive surgery for women who have undergone mastectomy. Coverage must also include all stages of reconstructive surgery of the diseased breast, procedure to restore and achieve symmetry on the opposite breast, and the cost of prostheses and complications of mastectomy.”
Do you do corrections to existing nipple & areola tattoos?
Yes, however the results depend on what the existing work looks like. In these situations we recommend coming in for a consultation first before booking the treatment. We only do touch-ups on clients who have previously done Areola tattoos with us.
Why is the cost of bilateral and unilateral clients the same?
Unilateral clients require more time to ensure that the results match the existing nipple and areola.
Will the needle puncture my implant?
No, the needle only goes in the dermis, which is not deep enough to risk puncturing an implant.
Is it safe to have an MRI?
Yes. The iron or metals in pigments are so microscopic in size that it is considered safe.
Are the pigments used for areola tattooing vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes. Our pigments are 100% vegan and cruelty-free — free from animal by-products and not tested on animals. We believe in compassionate beauty and body restoration.
Are these pigments safe for sensitive, healing, or scarred skin?
Absolutely. We use medical-grade pigments specifically designed for post-surgical skin, including scar tissue and sensitive areas. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
Do you offer custom pigment blending for skin tone matching?
Yes. We specialize in custom blending to match a wide range of skin tones and undertones — from very fair to deep complexions — for a natural, seamless result.
What are the pigments made from?
They’re composed of high-purity iron oxides, sterile water, glycerin, and safe colorants. These ingredients are chosen for their safety, longevity, and compatibility with sensitive skin.
Can I request a pigment ingredients list for peace of mind?
Of course. We’re fully transparent about our pigment formulations and are happy to share full ingredient details upon request.
Book a Free Consultation
Fill in the form below and we’ll get in touch. Thank you!
How to Book an Appointment
VISIT US ONLINE
Mindbody
EMAIL US:
info@evertruesalon.com
CALL OUR SALON AT:
9173883318
Consultations are free.
Please note we have a 48-hour cancellation policy and require a credit card for all bookings ($150 late cancel fee).