3D Areola Restorative
At CB Skin and Cosmetic Ink, we specialize in Areola Restorative Tattooing, a form of tattooing that can help restore the appearance of the areola and nipple area after breast reconstruction surgery, mastectomy, or for those who simply wish to enhance or define their natural areola. This procedure uses specialized pigments to mimic the look of a natural areola, offering a sense of confidence and completeness. To achieve the best results and ensure proper healing, it’s important to follow the Pre and Post-Care Instructions carefully.
Areola
Tattoo Guide
How Does It Feel ? Is It Painful?
Pain is subjective to each individual person. Generally with paramedical tattooing there is normally little to no sensation felt in the area that we are working on. If a client does have some sensation or discomfort we do have numbing cream available to keep you as comfortable as possible during the treatment.
How Long Does It Take ?
Generally the appointment will take approximately 3hrs for Brows, 3.5hrs for Lip Blush, 2hrs -3 hrs Areolas/Scars, 1hr Removals which includes consultation, analyzing and shaping the brows and/or lips, Areola's etc, pigment colour selecting, numbing  along with the physical process of implanting the pigments.
Results Expected ?
The results and longevity of your tattoo will depend on how you care for your camouflage and areola area during the healing process and after. Everyone’s skin will respond differently in how it heals, number of sessions needed and desired results and colour retention. I like to work conservatively in your initial session and build on the foundation at your touch up once we see how skin has responded. It is easier to add then to take away. After the initial treatment there will be approx between 30-50% pigment loss, as two treatments are normally required to get the desired results. The second appointment should be scheduled within the 8- 10 week mark to help keep the skin integrity and to allow for optimal healing time. The final colour should only be considered after the final SECOND treatment, which will also fade to the final colour in approximately 6-8 weeks. Depending on the area being treated and the desired results more touch up appointments may be needed.
What To Expect Right After The Procedure
Day 1 : The permanent Cosmetics will appear slightly thicker and the colour will look much stronger and maybe warmer due to the redness caused in the skin. The area may be slightly swollen as well. ​ Day 2-4 : The Permanent Cosmetics will appear darker and or brighter and bolder from when you left the clinic and colour may seem a little red still. They may feel rough and dry. If you had Lips done you will normally experience flaking around day 3/4 and it lasts about 1 day. ​ Day 6-10 : Not all Permanent Cosmetics through the flaking process; some clients can't even see the flaking. Permanent cosmetics may look very light and patchy at this stage. The pigment will reappear in nearly all cases. ​ Day 28-40 : Depending on the client, this is the time when you actually start to see the final result. People who heal quickly and younger clients can see their final colour by the 4-5 week mark, while more mature clients and slower healers may have to wait 6-7 weeks to see the colour fully bloom back. ​ A touch up will usually be required 6-8 weeks after the first procedure. Everyones skin responds  and heals differently to the tattoo process, depending on the desired results additional touch ups may be needed. ​ As the months go by the pigment will appear softer and lighter as it settles under the layers of skin. To protect against fading use a sunscreen, avoid sun beds and cut down on skincare products containing Vitamin C, Glycolic and other AHA's and exfoliants on the tattooed area. ​ Camouflage and Areola Tattoos are expected to last many years though depending on colour used, lifestyle, skin type and aftercare some fading may occur over many years and you may elect to have your colour refreshed. Do not do laser near the area (ipl) as some lasers may change the color of the ink. ​ Sun exposure and tanning beds can cause fading and discolouration to pigment. Once completely healed, always apply sunscreen (spf 30+ or greater) on the area if exposed.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Your Appointment
-Do not pick/tweeze/electrolysis within one week before. -Do not tan within the 2 weeks prior or have a sunburned face. -Do not have any facial treatments 2 weeks prior to treatment. -Do not wax or tint your eyebrows within 3 days prior to treatment. -Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate! Pigment implants better on well hydrated and moisturized skin. -There are many medications that can interfere with cosmetic and paramedical tattoo procedures. Any topical creams, serums, prescribed medications should be reviewed thoroughly with your artist and consulted with your doctor. -For Lip Blush a week before exfoliate the lips with a sugar scrub or toothbrush gently and apply a lip conditioner (vaseline or similar) everyday leading up tp your appointment. If you have ever experienced cold sores consult your doc for a antiviral to start a few days before and following your appointment. ​ To Avoid excessive bleeding and poor colour deposit: -Do not drink alcohol 24-48hrs before treatment. -Do not consume coffee before your treatment. -Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief as this thins the blood. -Do not take fish oil (omega3) Niacin, or vitamin E one week prior as they are natural blood thinners and may affect anesthetic efficacy and poor colour retention. You may resume taking your vitamins 72hrs after.                                                                     ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR WHEN STOPPING BLOOD THINNERS AND OTHER MEDICATIONS.
Things To Keep In Mind After Your Appointment
-Use a fresh pillowcase. -No facials, botox, fillers, chemical treatments, microdermabrasion, face waxing for 4 weeks. -Avoid hot sweaty exercise for 1 week. -Avoid sun exposure or tanning for 4 weeks after procedure. Wear a hat when outdoors. -Avoid Sleeping on your face for the first 10 days. -Avoid swimming in lakes, oceans, hot tubs, pools for the first 10 days. -Avoid topical makeup including sunscreen on the area until healed. After healed use spf 30 to avoid fading and colour changing. -Do not rub, pick or scratch. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away. Picking can cause scarring and loss of colour. -Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive on the tattoo.
Areola Restorative Tattoo Post Care
3D NIPPLE TATTOO (gauze + dressing) Â Â Â You will need gauze and your healing ointment at home in order to change the dressing every 6-8 hours for the first few days. It is best to use a non-adherent type of gauze dressing, gently wash the area with warm water and gentle cleanser, pat dry and apply a thin layer of ointment on the tattoo. For the first day, the tattoo will bleed or ooze a mixture of ink and blood. The color of the tattoo will appear to be quite dark. Do not panic, this is completely normal. You will need to care for the tattoo for several days. During this period, the ink and blood will scab off, and the true color of the tattoo will be revealed. Before showering and bathing in the first week apply a thin layer of vaseline over the area. It is important not to let the tattoo get dry. The tattoo will mature over the course of several weeks. If you find the color is too light, you can always have more pigment added. 3D NIPPLE TATTOO (Tegaderm bandage) Â Â If you have a Tegaderm bandage on, please leave it on for 7 days. Avoid water other than the shower. Your tattoo will be fully healed once you remove the bandage. Wash the area gently am and pm with warm water and a gentle cleanser, pat dry and apply aftercare ointment or scent free lotion for the next week after removing the Tegaderm patch.
Contraindications For Cosmetic Tattoos
-Fever/Cold- Clients should be in good optimal health as the healing time will be impaired by a weekend immune system. -Auto-Immune Disorders - Doctors approval is required. -Sunburn - Must wait until healed. -Sensitivity/Allergy to Anaesthetic - topical anesthetic is generally used to numb the area during the procedure. Although it can be performed with out anesthetic. Consult with your Doctor about alternative pain relief. -Pregnant/Nursing - Unable to perform the treatment. -Cancer - Depending on various factors Doctor's approval may be required. -Diabetes - Must be controlled for a minimum of 1 year. Certain medications may interfere. Doctor's approval may be required. -Blood Disorders - Any blood disorder such as blood clotting, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, or even taking large doses of aspirin. Doctor's approval is required. -Liver Disease - Unable to perform the treatment. -Keloid Scarring - Unable to perform the treatment. -Herpes - Cannot perform the procedure during an active outbreak. Prescribed medication must be taken 3 days prior and following to reduce risk of an outbreak. Consult with your Doctor. -Skin Disease or Disorder - Doctor's approval may be required. -Acne - Area must be clear of breakouts. If taking prescribed topical or oral medication, Doctor's approval is required. -Moles - We cannot tattoo over moles. -Botox/Fillers - If receiving a tattoo in the area Must wait 2-4 weeks following injection date.
Scar Needling Aftercare and What To Expect
Microneedling is a quick and non-invasive cosmetic procedure with minimal side effects. However, it’s quite normal to experience the following: Day 1-3 A sunburn-like effect is normal. Your skin may feel tight, dry or sensitive to touch. Treat the skin gently by washing it with a gentle cleanser, cool water, and using only your hands to pat dry no earlier than 4 hours after treatment. Some redness may also be present and in some cases, patients may experience slight bruising that can last for 5-7 days and temporary swelling for 2-4 days. Day 2-7 Peeling may start 3-5 days after the treatment. You’ll notice skin dryness and flaking which is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. DO NOT pick, scratch, or scrub at treated skin! Important information: You must allow the old skin to flake off naturally and keep it moisturized at all times. Talk to your skin specialist about which products to use. Day 5-7 You may start your regular skin care products again, once your skin no longer feels irritated. Most of our patients have noticed continued skin improvement over the months following their last treatment. For best results: We recommend follow-up and repeat microneedling treatments every 4-6 weeks, with a series of 3-5 treatments depending on your personalized care plan. -Apply vaseline to the procedure area before showers/baths for the first week. -DO NOT PICK, RUB OR PEEL IT OFF. Flaking and dryness is normal. Avoid touching the area with fingers until healed. -No sun, sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pools, lakes, oceans etc for 2 weeks post procedure. -After the area has healed use an spf daily. -Vitamins A,C,E are essential for Collagen Synthesis. -In case of acne scars, your face should be cleaned with a gentle cleanser following the cosmetic procedure. Rejuvenation of skin may be seen as soon as 2 weeks and as long as 6-8 months after microneedling -Burn scars may take a little slower to respond and it may be 6 months - 1 year before you see the final results. -Cicaplast/Silicone    When using silicone a deep massage of the product is the most beneficial. Start the massaging of this product after the 5-7 day mark. Use in the Am and Pm until product is empty.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Typically, two sessions are required to achieve the desired results. However, some clients may need a follow-up session for touch-ups or adjustments, depending on scar tissue or if they are seeking specific color matching or additional definition.
What If I Have Scarring or Uneven Skin Texture?
Areola restorative tattoos can help mask and blend minor scarring, uneven pigmentation, or skin texture. However, it’s important to manage expectations, as deeply scarred tissue may affect how well the pigment holds, e may recommend doing some microneedling sessions before your Areola Restorative Tattoo. During your consultation, we will assess your skin to determine the best approach and customize the procedure to meet your needs.
Is The Treatment Safe After A Masectomy or Breast Surgery?
Yes, areola restorative tattooing is safe for most individuals after breast surgery, including mastectomy and breast reconstruction. However, it’s important to wait until the breast tissue has fully healed (approx 9mths-1yr) and to consult with your medical team before proceeding with the treatment. Healing time may vary, so we will work closely with you to determine the right time for the procedure.