FAQ’S
What is a paramedical tattoo?
The term paramedical relates to specialty services and professions that supplement and support medical work but do not require a physician. However it does require a highly trained medical tattoo artist who utilizes special techniques to help camouflage the compromised tissue of the affected areas. Paramedical tattoos can be used to assist in the healing process when related to medical conditions, that include scarring from surgeries and skin grafts, hair loss related to Alopecia, 3D Areola tattoos after mastectomies, or radiation marker camouflage related to cancer treatments.
The are several treatments offered at Michelle Lee Ink. Schedule a complimentary virtual consultation today and see how I can help you smile again.
How painful are the tattoo procedures and do you use numbing?
Pain levels will vary from person to person and the type of procedure being performed, however I always do my best to keep pain levels to a minimum. On a scale of 1-10 most of my clients say they are between 1-3 if any pain is felt at all, and I aim to keep it below 5. I follow a two-step numbing procedure, starting with topical options like Bactine, Zensa, or Anesten. Once your tattoo has started, I then use a specifically formulated numbing agent that will keep you comfortable for the duration of your appointment. If you tend to have anxiety with procedures, your doctor may recommend you take your prescribed medication prior to your appointment. Continued communication between patient and artist during the procedure in regards to pain level will help us to keep you comfortable.
How many appointments will it take to complete my paramedical procedure?
Each case is unique and will vary from person to person. However, most paramedical cases will require multiple visits with healing time in between. That’s why I offer complimentary consultations to personalize a treatment plan and quote just for you.
What is a cosmetic tattoo?
The word cosmetic means “involving or relating to treatment intended to restore or improve a person’s appearance. Cosmetic tattoos offer an alternative to traditional makeup and helps to restore and improve the appearance without having to reapply on a daily basis. These tattoos typically last between 1-3 years, depending on what type of service chosen and are made to fade over time.
The cosmetic tattoos offered at Michelle Lee Ink, can be strictly for cosmetic purposes or used in conjunction with a paramedical procedure. These procedures include Lip blush tattoos, natural looking eyebrow tattoos, and eyelash enhancement tattoos.
Why isn’t permanent makeup done in one appointment?
PMU is a two step process done with a layering technique, which will always give the best results when built up conservatively. Everyone heals differently and this allows the body time to heal before the second appointment. During the healing process the tattooed area may go through changes, and this is why it is important for you to come back for your touch up, at which time we can perfect the healed area whether it be the eyebrow shape, lip color, or lash line. Your tattoo is not complete until this final step is performed!
What is 3D Areola/Nipple Tattoo
Areola tattoos are realistic tattoos that give the “illusion of protrusion” which is the 3D effect, created with custom pigments and a tattoo machine. It is the last step in the healing process of someone who has undergone any type of top surgery as in a mastectomy. These tattoos give a very natural, realistic appearance. 3D Areola tattoos are also known as Nipple tattoo, Areola restorative tattoo, Areola micropigmentation, Natural Areola tattoo, 4D Areola tattoo etc…Same outcome using variables in technique.
Is Areola/Nipple tattooing Safe?
Yes! Tattooing the areola and nipple is very safe. You will be given pretreatment and post care instructions to insure the best and healthiest result. Be sure you choose a licensed artist that utilizes proper safety, sterilization and hygiene practices. Michelle Lee Ink takes pride in using quality pigments and products for each and every procedure. You and your artist will carefully select your color pallet together for the most natural and realistic look. Areola micropigmentation done with a qualified experienced artist will give you the procedure needed to complete your individual desired outcome.
Can I get an MRI after having my tattoo?
Absolutely! As with any tattoo, just inform you nurse or radiologist that you have an areola tattoo.
What aftercare is required after my procedure?
During your complimentary consultation, we will discuss your procedure in depth from beginning to end including aftercare and what to expect long term. Please click here for a downloadable Aftercare sheet including guidelines on what not to do after your procedure.
Why Areola Tattooing?
Areola tattoos are a beautiful solution to create natural looking areolas and nipples with the illusion of protrusion. A 3D Areola tattoo offers breast cancer survivors a fresh start and is the finishing touch to breast reconstruction and a beautiful reminder of how strong they truly are.
Closes the circle of recovery and restores a sense of wholeness and self-esteem
No additional surgery is needed
Tattooing can camouflage scars on the breasts
Can correct faded or irregular areola pigmentation
Is a Consultation Required?
Yes! Online consultations are required to assess and confirm that the skin is healed at the procedure area. In addition, we will discuss your medical history and answer any questions you may have. This comprehensive complimentary consultation allows me to personalize a treatment plan and quote based on your goals and the type of procedure needed. Get your free, no obligation online consultation here.
When Can I have my Areola and Nipple Tattoo done?
If there is direct scar involvement, meaning scars are located where the areola is to be placed, then usually 1 year post surgery, especially if a patient has had radiation therapy or a history of infections. This also ensures the scars are healed, breasts have settled and sutures dissolved, before we proceed. If there is no direct scar involvement it could be as little as 6 months post surgery. Depending on a medical clearance. Scheduling should be after complete healing from all and any surgery or invasive procedure. This procedure is the last step of your breast reconstruction and is the finishing touch.
Does Areola Tattooing hurt?
We do our best to make the areola tattooing process as painless as possible. Depending on your particular surgery, there may be some small amount of sensation, but it usually is minimal or mildly uncomfortable. In most cases, our clients do not feel any pain.
Who is Areola Tattooing for?
Breast tattoos aren’t just for breast cancer survivors who are ready to show off their courage with masterful mastectomy scar camouflage. Breast, areola, and nipple tattoos are for anyone seeking to improve their overall breast appearance and raise their self confidence.
This service might be right for you if you are, have, or had any of the following:
Breast Cancer Survivor
Post-mastectomy scars
Breast reconstruction
Gender affirming top surgery
Breast Augmentation
Male chest reconstruction
any breast, chest surgery that left you with uncomfortable scars, mis-shaped areolas or non at all.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure from start to finish which includes changing, mapping, pigment selection, numbing, unilateral vs. bilateral, tattooing process and aftercare can take up to 4 hours.
What should I wear to my appointment?
We recommend wearing a top that you can easily take on and off. To avoid transferring ink to your clothing, we will have you change into a paper shirt. At the end of the service, the tattooed area is covered with a medical, clear bandage. Wearing a bra is optional.
How long will it take for my tattoo to heal?
Healing times can vary. Typically, it takes 7-10 days. Slight scabbing or skin flaking will occur, this is normal. A small non stick, clear Tegaderm film will be applied and remain on for the first 3 days. After it is taken off gentle cleansing and a small amount of ointment will be used until all peeling, flaking is done around day 10.
Will there be any downtime following the procedure?
You should be able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. However, avoid swimming, sauna or jacuzzi for two weeks after the procedure as well as taking long hot steamy showers. Also, if working out within the two week time frame please use a small amount of the aftercare and/or a non stick bandage to prevent friction. Please ensure the area is clean after your workout.
How many sessions will it take to complete my areolas?
Typically the procedure takes 2 appointments sometimes 3. Even if scars are not visible, the breast tissue has been compromised. The skin may have been surgically altered, stretched, and replaced with skin from another area of the body etc… As a skilled artist we know that tattooing over scars is unpredictable.
After your initial procedure, we will schedule your second appointment for 4-6 weeks out. You will come back and we can assess the procedure area to see how much pigment was metabolized or how well the skin reacted and we can adjust accordingly. The pigments used are considered permanent body pigments. However, depending on the persons lifestyle they can fade over time. Therefor it is common to come back throughout the years for a refresh on your faded areolas. It is important to stay with the same artist to keep a cohesive look in color and style.
Will my Insurance pay for my Areola Tattoo or other Paramedical procedures?
The answer depends on your insurance company, what type of plan you have, if you have a deductible, and if your insurance company pays for an “out of network” provider.
Michelle Lee Ink is considered an Out of Network provider for this service. All payments for services are due at the time of the procedure. However, we can send a form completely filled out for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. (We can not guarantee they will reimburse you, that is between you and your insurance company)
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires insurance companies to cover post mastectomy reconstruction, including areola/nipple tattooing. Insurance companies may reimburse some of the cost of the procedure but this is not guaranteed and it is up to the patient to submit the claim post procedure.
This procedure can also be performed in your plastic surgeons office/hospital. We would be happy to connect with your surgeon, please send an email with their contact information.
In addition, as of 2024, any Scar Camouflage procedures that is the result of a medically necessary surgery may now be submitted to your insurance company as well. This can be discussed further during your consultation.