Paramedical Tattooing
Paramedical tattooing is the use of specialised tattoo techniques to restore colour, definition and symmetry following surgery or injury. Rather than being cosmetic decoration, it is designed to complement reconstructive treatment and help achieve the most natural possible final result.
Introduction
Within our practice, paramedical tattooing has been introduced to support women completing their breast reconstruction journey. We are proud to offer specialised nipple-areola tattooing following breast cancer treatment and breast reconstruction, together with selected scar camouflage tattooing where appropriate.
This service is performed by Elissa, our Patient Liaison Officer, who has undertaken specialised training in infection control, paramedical tattooing and nipple-areola tattooing.
We provide tattooing for many of our own breast reconstruction patients and are also happy to welcome patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery elsewhere.
THE PROCEDURE
There are two procedures under this category
Nipple-Areola Tattooing
Nipple-areola tattooing is designed for women who have lost one or both nipples and areolas as part of their breast cancer treatment or reconstruction.
For some women, tattooing alone is used to create a realistic three-dimensional appearance on a flat reconstructed breast using colour, shading and highlighting techniques. Although there is no physical projection, the result can create the illusion of a natural nipple.
For women seeking a more complete reconstruction, a small nipple can first be reconstructed surgically before tattooing is performed to restore the colour and appearance of the nipple and areola. Tattooing may also be used to improve the colour, size or symmetry of existing nipples and areolae.
Tattooing is generally performed once all reconstructive surgery has been completed. This is usually at least three months after surgery, allowing scars to mature and the breasts to settle into their final shape before colour and position are finalised.
A topical numbing agent is applied before treatment to maximise comfort. Tattooing may be performed on one or both breasts, depending on your individual reconstruction.
Scar Camouflage Tattooing
Selected scars may also benefit from scar camouflage tattooing, where carefully matched pigments are used to reduce the visual contrast between a scar and the surrounding skin.
THE PROCESS
For patients undergoing breast reconstruction with our practice, nipple-areola tattooing is offered as the final stage of reconstruction once healing is complete. Whether to proceed with tattooing is a personal decision, and not every patient chooses to have this final step.
Patients who have undergone surgery elsewhere are welcome to contact the clinic directly to arrange an initial consultation with Elissa. During this appointment, you will discuss your goals, review the treatment process and have the opportunity to view before and after photographs of previous patients.
If you are interested in surgical nipple reconstruction before tattooing, a consultation with Dr Andrew Raymond can be arranged following receipt of a GP referral. Surgical nipple reconstruction can often be performed in the clinic under local anaesthetic before tattooing is undertaken following healing.
Following your initial tattooing session, a review appointment is included. It is common for some pigment to soften or fade during healing, and a second "perfecting" session is commonly performed several weeks to a few months later to refine colour, symmetry and overall appearance.
THE RECOVERY
Most patients experience only mild redness and tenderness following treatment, which usually settles over the first few days.
Treatment Risks
Paramedical tattooing is generally a very safe procedure. Potential risks include:
Pricing
As a guide:
- Single nipple-areola tattoo – $700
- Bilateral nipple-areola tattooing – $1,200
These fees include your review appointment and planned perfecting session.
Scar camouflage tattooing varies according to the size and complexity of the scar and is individually quoted following consultation.
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