3D Areola Tattoo

The Choice is Yours

You've been through it.

From diagnosis to...

...crash-course learning about what it all means to grueling treatments. You’re doing your best to keep your fears (and everyone else's) at bay while you navigate this challenging new territory: breast cancer. You know you're not alone - 1 in 8 women are drafted into this unwanted club - a fact of little comfort. I joined in June of 2022. Successful treatment has me at the 2-year mark with no evidence of disease. Yay!? Such a strange and unbelievable headspace.

I recently had the opportunity to pivot my career, and I knew one thing for sure: I wanted to give back to the community that held me up when I needed it and extend a hand to lift up other people dealing with the breast cancer beast. When these thoughts intersected with my strong desire to return to my creative roots, Sunlit Ink Arts was born. I began by completing training and becoming certified in cosmetic tattoo. This led to master training and certification in paramedical and cosmetic tattoo which covered vascular/nerve/muscular systems as well as the biology of the skin. Importantly, it covered working with skin that's been impacted by chemo, among other things. Of course the aesthetic component of creating beautiful tattoos was part of the acumen, and drawing from my degree in Art and a lifetime of creative pursuits has felt like coming home.

Your experience through chemotherapy, mastectomy, reconstruction, and chemoprevention lies beyond words. Often, areola tattoo is an important step in claiming your new normal. It's not your average tattoo! My goal is to inform and empower you to make the right choice for YOU.

When it comes to areola tattoos, many people don't know where to begin. With the popularity of traditional tattoos, studios can be found in most areas. That said, areola tattoos aren't exactly common fare in this environment. With this post, I hope to provide information and clarity around this sensitive topic.

There are two different approaches to areola tattoos: traditional, and paramedical/cosmetic. Understanding the pros and cons of each will help you toward the right choice for you, so let me break it down…

TRADITIONAL

Traditional tattoo artists use permanent tattoo ink, which is comprised of molecules large enough that the body can’t metabolize them or break them down completely. This approach renders a permanent tattoo that will not require touchups after it’s complete. The colors are rich and bold, talented artists are abundant, and touch ups are not needed. The characteristics of this approach, while ideal for body art, are less desirable for face and potentially for anatomical tattoos (like areola.) While permanent, traditional tattoos do age and change over time. The body can’t completely break down this ink, but it does – over time – metabolize it to some degree. We've all seen traditional tattoos that have been in the skin for many years that have blurred and changed color. The aging process can take many years, so the longevity of traditional tattoos is noteworthy.

Paramedical

Paramedical/cosmetic artists use cosmetic tattoo ink, which is comprised of smaller molecules that the body gradually breaks down. In other words, they gently fade. You might be thinking "what's the point?" of a tattoo that isn't permanent? Importantly, cosmetic inks fade by design. They impart a beautiful, natural and softer aesthetic that is designed to fade gently. Your paramedical/cosmetic tattoo artist will remedy this with a touchup, which is typically a faster process than the original tattoo and accordingly less expensive. Plus, you decide when it’s needed. Because many areolas do not see much sunlight, they typically have good staying power and it’s not unusual for someone to go 3 to 5 years or even longer before needing a touchup. This approach ensures that your areola tattoo stays true to color with a very natural look. A talented paramedical/cosmetic artist will render 3D areola tattoos that are difficult to distinguish from actual areolas – a fitting finish to the reconstruction in which you’ve invested so much.

Choosing the Right Approach

Certification: Make sure your tattoo artist has DPOR Master Certification or is licensed for areola tattooing in your state. Only certified professionals are qualified to perform this specialized procedure.
Aesthetic Preference: Decide if you prefer the bold, long-lasting results of traditional tattoos or the natural, softer look of paramedical 3D areola tattoos that may require periodic touch-ups.
Artist Selection: When viewing the work of potential tattoos artists regardless of technique, be wary of filtered pictures. You need to see what their real work looks like! My personal commitment to my clients and community is a #nofilter policy for any pictures in my portfolio, and I stand behind that.

Once you’ve chosen your artist, expect them to spend time with you up front to discuss what you are looking for with regard to aesthetic (color, shape, texture, saturation, placement, etc) and what to expect with aftercare, healing, and touch up. Most importantly, listen to your gut. Nerves are to be expected, but if you have nagging doubts about an artist or their studio/environment, put on the brakes and give yourself time to either get past them or find another solution.

As a paramedical/cosmetic tattoo artist, I do not discourage traditional tattoos. In fact, I personally have several! There's no right or wrong approach, but your awareness of the pros and cons of both traditional and paramedical/cosmetic tattoo should help you toward YOUR unique solution.

P.S. Pick me! ;)

With love,

- Jan owner | Sunlit Ink Arts

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse