Areola & Paramedical Tattoos

Paramedical tattooing is combining tattoo pigment and an expert artistic eye to successfully recreate 3 dimensional anatomical features (such as a nipple/areola complex), camouflage scar tissue or correct abnormal pigmentation that has been caused by injury or disease. When appropriately used, paramedical tattooing can contribute greatly to both your physical and emotional recovery.

TIP: The correction of abnormal pigmentation, as well as scar camouflage, are advanced techniques that are suitable only in very particular instances. It is imperative that the artist selected has a thorough understanding of the underlying medical issues as well as how they affect the healing of skin tissue. When done using the wrong pigments or techniques these procedures heal very poorly and can make the appearance worse. Please do your research when selecting your artist.

1. You will begin with an assessment and consultation with Kelly Hallam, RTNM CPCP. Kelly has 20 years’ experience in healthcare and is a breast cancer and double mastectomy survivor herself. Please have your treatment history handy, including dates of surgeries or radiation, along with any current medications or treatments.
2. If you are a suitable candidate for the procedure your appointment will be made with our Paramedical Tattoo Artist for your first session. Areola and nipple tattoos are completely customized and we work with you to select placement, shape and size and colours. You can bring pictures of your previous breasts, or even those that you like the look of. Our areola restoration tattoos are 3 dimensional, with strategic placement of colour and shadow; nipple reconstruction is not necessary.
3. You will require a follow up visit 6-12 weeks after your initial session. This is to ensure the colour is healing well and add any finishing touches. Occasionally compromised skin will require additional treatments.

If you are bothered by the discolouration of skin tissue or the lack of anatomical features after surgery, this type of tattooing may be appropriate for you. Paramedical tattooing is often not a quick fix. The successful and natural looking building of colour may take a few appointments so you must have patience and be willing to spend the time required to achieve a soft and natural look.

In almost all instances a consultation should be booked prior to a paramedical tattoo.

In some instances the scar tissue or transplanted tissue has no viable nerve tissue and pain is not an issue. In others, even though tissue has been transplanted and feels numb to the touch, sensation may be felt elsewhere. For this reason we apply an effective pre-procedure anaesthetic, as well as reapply instant anaesthetic throughout, for all of our clients. Your comfort is very important to us.