General Tattoo FAQ

When is a good time to get areola/ nipple tattoo?

A minimum wait time of 12 months after a mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and any cancer-related treatments e.g. chemotherapy and radiation therapy is recommended to ensure the area is ready for tattooing to be done safely and effectively.

Depending on where the surgical incisions are, it is important to not further traumatise the skin and body by tattooing before surgical scars from mastectomy and breast reconstruction have settled, healed, and matured completely.

Breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can significantly weaken the immune system. Since the healing process of a tattoo places additional strain on your immune system, it is essential to allow your body to fully recover before undergoing an areola/nipple tattoo. To ensure safety, we recommend waiting at least 12 months after completing chemotherapy before proceeding with tattooing.

Radiotherapy not only compromises the immune system but also affects the skin's structure, leaving it thinner and more sensitive. To protect the skin and avoid further damage, it is crucial to allow ample time for complete healing before tattooing the area. I advise waiting a minimum of 12 months—or longer if the skin remains fragile—before getting an areola/ nipple tattoo.

For cosmetic surgery, to ensure safe and effective areola tattooing, it is generally advised to wait at least 12 months before undergoing areola tattoo. This allows surgical scars to fully heal, settle, and mature. For individuals with breast implants, a minimum recovery period of 6 months is required to allow the implants to heal and stabilize within the chest. However, if surgical incisions are located on or near the areola area to be tattooed, a longer wait time of at least 12 months is recommended to ensure the area has healed completely. In cases where surgical incisions are not located near the areola or the area to be tattooed, a shorter waiting period of 3–6 months may be sufficient. However, this can vary depending on the type of surgery, the extent of scarring, and individual healing factors. For personalized advice, we encourage you to contact me before booking an appointment.

For natural enhancements areola tattoo, if the skin around the areola is healthy, free from actively healing wounds, and without scar tissue, areola tattooing can generally be performed without a required waiting period. However, please note that tattooing is only permitted for individuals aged 18 or older in the state of Hawaii, unless you have a written parent/ guardian consent. Additionally, areola/ nipple tattooing cannot be performed on individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Will a tattoo affect my breast implants?

No. Tattoos are done in the top layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis), while implants are placed deeper in the body. Tattoo needles do not go as deep at all and will not interfere with the implants..

I am choosing between having a nipple reconstruction surgery and/or tattoo. What should I be aware of?

Great question! First of all, you can have a tattoo whether or not you choose to have a nipple reconstruction surgery. The biggest difference is that with a surgery done, it dictates where the tattoo goes. So make sure you like the placement and long term result of the work of your doctor and artist.

I chose to go flat, can I still get a nipple/ areola tattoo?

Absolutely. As long as the skin of the area is healed well enough, we can absolutely do that, or an artistic tattoo to disguise the scars tissues. Feel free to discuss your concerns and thoughts with me.

Does areola tattoo hurt?

Yes and No. Any kind of tattooing hurt. However, surgical procedures and other cancer treatments often destroy nerve endings in the area, resulting in less sensation during the tattoo procedure.

Can I use numbing cream?

It is important to NOT apply numbing cream on your own before your consultation and tattoo appointment. Numbing cream can change the tone and texture of your skin. It can affect colour-matching and the result significantly. If pain is a concern, talk to me to see what other solution there might be.

How long does a nipple/areola tattoo take?

It usually takes 1-3 hours, depending if it is a single or double. Every client’s needs are different. I will go through all the details and expectation with you during the consultation.

I had gender-affirming surgery, can I get nipple/areola tattoos too?

Absolutely. Discolouration and misplacement are common after gender-affirming surgeries with nipple graft. Usually it is recommended to wait for at least 12 months to perform areola adjustment tattoo. For top surgery without nipple graft, it is recommended to wait for at least 6 months before getting areola/ nipple tattoos for the best result. Location of the surgical incisions and scarring also play a role in determining how long you should wait to get an effective areola/ nipple tattoo. Those who had periareolar top surgery is recommended to wait for at least 12-18 months before getting areola tattoo. Please feel free to discuss your concerns with me to find a custom solution.

I had other kinds of surgery/ incident that affected my body. Can I get nipple/areola/ traditional tattoos?

In many cases, yes. For example, tattooing over burn tissue/ scar and other kind of surgical scars are possible. In general, it is recommended to wait for 1-2 years for scars tissue to heal and “mature” proper for the best tattoo result. Clients with other dermatology/ immune system issue may need a more in-depth consultation to see what is possible.

Why do areola/ nipple tattoo need two or more sessions?

Areola tattooing is typically completed over the course of two or more sessions, spaced at least 8 weeks apart. This gradual approach allows the pigment to settle naturally, ensuring a harmonious result while minimizing the risk of irritation or damage to the skin and any sensitive scar tissue. Tattooing over scarred or compromised skin requires special care, as overworking the area can lead to additional trauma.

During your follow-up session, there will be an opportunity to refine the tattoo by adjusting the color, shape, or detailing, based on your preferences. For those who have undergone gender-affirming surgery, nipple grafts may require multiple treatments, as the skin’s nature may need more time for the process to fully settle.

What is the aftercare procedure?

Once your areola tattoo is completed, the area will be covered with a sterile, breathable dressing to ensure proper healing. I will carefully walk you through your aftercare instructions, and you’ll be given an aftercare kit to take home before leaving the studio.

• You can resume your regular daily activities right after your session; however, you may find it beneficial to take a quiet, relaxing evening to rest and unwind.

• It's important to avoid swimming, intense exercise, direct sun exposure, hot tubs, saunas, and hot baths until the tattoo has fully healed, which typically takes 7-14 days.

• A slight tenderness in the tattooed area during the first few days is normal and part of the natural healing process.

• To help with comfort during healing, wearing loose, soft clothing over the area is recommended.

• The tattoo will generally heal within 7-14 days, though the skin will continue to settle for up to 4-6 weeks. This is why your follow-up appointment is scheduled 8-10 weeks after the initial session, ensuring ample time for the skin to rejuvenate and fully heal.