What are 3D nipple tattoos?
Some surgeons do offer a post-op areola and nipple tattoo; however, their surgical expertise does not necessarily translate to an artistic touch as a realistic 3D nipple tattooing requires heavy consideration and artistic practice in pigment selection, blending, and shading techniques.
Will my insurance cover 3D nipple tattoos?
The 1998 federal mandate, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, requires group insurance plans to cover breast reconstruction costs, which includes medical tattooing. Contact your insurance company for specific details about your coverage. The initial payment is out of pocket and I will provide you with a superbill (a specialized receipt), which will document the performance of the procedure and the cost. The superbill can then be submitted for any potential reimbursements you may have access to. Some insurance companies will require pre-authorization, which you can initiate prior to treatment.
Who are your clients?
Breast cancer survivors make up the bulk of my clients for 3D nipple tattoos, but I also commonly get requests from clients who have had chest surgery due to gender reassignment surgery. Another common request is from clients who have had a breast lift, reduction, or augmentation done. I also have many clients (both male and female) who have undergone some kind of chest surgery and would like to camouflage their scars.
How many treatments do I need for a 3D nipple tattoo?
The first procedure takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, which includes reviewing your medical history, procedural information, photos, color selection, aftercare instructions and answering your questions. The entire process generally takes 2 to 3 sessions each scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart.
Do 3D nipple tattoos hurt?
No. 98% of the time there is no pain in the reconstructed breast. For the other 2%, a topical anesthetic will be applied so there is little to no pain.
What's the design process for 3D nipple tattoos?
All of my clients get a custom areola and nipple design. I do not use stencils so each one is unique. Once we’ve decided on a design, I will draw impermanently on the area so you can visually see and choose the color and size. Finally, I will add dimension with color and shading techniques, giving you a realistic areola and nipple.
Some clients want to be a little adventurous and request a heart-shaped or star-shaped areola, which I would be happy to do for you! If you have other design requests, let me know and we can discuss what will work best for you.
What happens after the 3D nipple tattoo session?
After the session, the area will be covered with a waterproof dressing for protection. There should be no down time with this procedure and you should be able to resume most of your normal activities right away with a few restrictions: No vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours and no swimming or soaking in a bath or jacuzzi for 14 days after the procedure.
What is the difference between microblading and microshading?
Microshading is less traumatic on the skin compared to the manual microblading technique and can be done in two ways. A machine and fine needles are used to create either a soft-shadow look, or a machine and a single needle is used to add soft shades that mimic hair lines. Both of these soft shading methods are suitable for almost all skin types and this technique will provide a smudgeproof and waterproof eyebrow for 1 – 3 years depending on a person’s skin type and lifestyle.
Microblading is only suitable for a small number of people. A hand tool is used to implant the pigment into fine, thin lines, which mimic natural eyebrow hair. The pigment tends to expand in the skin, fades quicker, and will typically require a re-pigment boosting session on an annual basis.
NOTE: There are a lot of good and bad results floating around on social media regarding microblading. While the process itself is safe, it is only a good idea for a small number of people. Only about 10% qualify as a good candidate for microblading. I highly recommend the microshading method as it is less traumatic for your skin.
What is eyelash enhancement?
Sometimes called eyeliner tattoos, eyelash enhancement creates the visual effect of full and lush lashes. Pigment is inserted in between the lashes, creating a permanent eyeliner.
Is cosmetic tattooing safe?
Yes, cosmetic tattooing (permanent makeup) is safe if your artist is strictly following the proper guidelines. I follow the same sanitation and sterilization procedures as nurses and doctors at hospitals, and also follow the guidelines issued by the State of Hawaii Department of Health and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
The risk of an allergic reaction or complication is very low since this industry is heavily regulated. All of my pigments are FDA-approved and EU-approved and meet the safety, testing, quality, and manufacturing requirements.
How long does a cosmetic tattooing session take?
Microblading and microshading take anywhere between 2.5 to 3 hours. For eyelash enhancements, single-lid enhancements takes 2.5 hours and double-lid enhancements take 3 hours.
How long does permanent makekup last?
Microshading: This procedure can last anywhere from 1 – 3 years depending on the individual’s skin type, lifestyle, and other variables.
Microblading: The pigment tends to expand in the skin and fades quicker compared to microshading. A boosting session for repigmentation is recommended to be done on an annual basis.
Eyelash Enhancement: A boosting session for repigmentation is recommended to be done on an annual basis.
What can I expect during my first cosmetic tattooing session?
After our consultation, I will take a pre-procedural photo (and a post-procedural photo) so that we can have a better idea about your face symmetry and document the outcome for any future procedures you may have. Every face is asymmetrical, but most people do not realize this until they have a closer inspection of their photos. It is important that we study your natural face lines and we work with your features as permanent makeup may highlight any asymmetries and/or imperfections.
The most important part of the session is sketching, drawing, and creating the right shape for your facial structure. I will work with you to create a mutually agreed upon and client-approved design, which will take about 30 minutes. Pre-numbing will take about 20 minutes and the tattooing will take about 1.5 hours.
How long does it take for a cosmetic tattoo to heal?
Permanent makeup generally takes about 25 – 30 days to heal. I will provide you with an aftercare guide customized for your permanent makeup treatment.
Does cosmetic tattooing hurt?
This differs with each individual because of different levels of sensitivity. Some people do not experience any pain while others require multiple anesthetic applications. Topical, effective and quick acting anesthetics are used before and during the procedure.
Can I get a tattoo if I'm pregnant or nursing?
No. Like traditional tattoos, there is a risk of infection and I do not perform any cosmetic tattoos during this special time as you nurture your baby.
How long do cosmetic tattoos last?
Your brow tattoos and eyeliner tattoos will fade over time depending on factors such as lifestyle, skin type, sun exposure, pigment selection etc. In general, a refresher appointment for microshading is recommended every 1 – 3 years. For microblading and eyelash enhancements, an annual touch up is recommended.
How old do I have to be?
According to the State of Hawaii’s Department of Health, you must be at least 18 years old or older in order to be tattooed. I will ask for a picture ID if I believe you are too young.
Is cosmetic tattooing different from standard tattooing?
Cosmetic tattooing is softer and meant to look natural with pigments that gently fade over time. Body tattooing uses long-lasting ink as it is a lifelong investment. Pigment fading allows the artist to make changes to color and the shape as a client’s natural coloration and facial features change over time.