4D MEDICAL AREOLA & NIPPLE TATTOOING
"AREOLA TATTOOING ART IS A WAY OF SURVIVAL"
Breast cancer affects 1 in 9 women, and around 2,800 men are diagnosed each year. In fact, it has touched the lives of 1 in 3 people, making it a deeply personal experience for many. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or yourself, the journey through treatment and recovery can be life-changing. For those who have undergone a mastectomy, breast reconstruction is an important step toward healing. However, one key detail is often missing - the nipple and areola, a defining characteristic of the breast. Without it, the focus often shifts to scars, making it difficult to feel fully restored.
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Recreating a natural appearance after breast reconstruction requires an expert eye for color, shading, and detail. Many reconstructive surgeons now turn to skilled artists like Deborah Crosby, who specializes in hyper-realistic areola tattooing. Using 3D tattoo techniques, shadows, and highlights, Deborah restores the natural look of the nipple with stunning depth and texture. Whether a client chooses to forgo additional surgery or undergoes a nipple graft, adding realistic color brings a sense of wholeness and confidence.
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Many plastic surgeons offer in-house tattooing through a nurse or aesthetician, but without proper tattoo training, results can often be disappointing. That’s why many specialists now refer patients to dedicated artists with years of experience in areola restoration. Areola tattooing is not just for breast cancer survivors—it also provides affirming, natural results for individuals transitioning or anyone seeking to enhance their appearance.
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THE PROCESS
When you come into see Deborah it doesn’t matter if you have old work that needs a colour boost, colour correction or you are a fresh canvas ready for colour. You and Deborah will decide the best options together. During the consultation we will discuss areola and what we can create. Deborah never uses only one colour but layers colour to create a realistic result. Reconstructed nipples or not, we will focus on shape, highlights and shadows. You may choose the addition of Montgomery bumps or not. If you have a pre-mastectomy photo, you may bring it to help recreate your original look, if you want. This is a time you can have it the way you want. If you want brown areolas, light pink areolas, smaller, larger, etc. Deborah will always asks questions to understand your desired look.
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DAY OF THE PROCEDURE
It’s important for you to be comfortable and relaxed. Wear a loose sports bra and a 2 piece outfit. Deborah will provide a disposable robe but you might be more comfortable with your comfy trousers on to keep you warm. Although there usually is no pain, she will provide a topical anaesthetic. she wants you to be comfortable. If you have a list of prescription medicines, please be ready to provide the list for your consent paperwork. Deborah will provide you with your post procedure care pack with some non-stick gauze pads to get started.
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AFTER YOUR NEW AREOLA DAY TREATMENT
You will have follow up and do a little perfecting, there is no charge for that. You will have to wait 6 to 8 weeks for the skin to recover from the original procedure.