What is a nipple and areola tattoo?
Nipple reconstruction with a tattoo recreates the appearance of the nipple and areola: the coloured skin around the nipple. Carefully chosen colours and shading can create a natural-looking image. With 3D techniques, a tattoo can even give the impression of a projecting nipple. This depth is a visual effect; the tattoo itself does not create a raised nipple. Read more about this technique on the Erasmus MC website (in Dutch).
A choice that feels right for you
What a tattoo like this means to you is personal. It may feel good to see a familiar detail again when you look in the mirror. For someone else, it is a way to make their own choice about the appearance of a changed body. It is also fine to feel uncertain. Whether and when you take this step is up to you.
With Sonja, it begins by discussing your wishes. What do you hope the tattoo will do for you? What shape, colour and placement appeal to you? What questions do you have about getting it done? You do not need to know exactly what you want beforehand. An initial conversation gives you room to explore the possibilities and your expectations.
Recovery and the right time
The right time depends on your recovery. After surgery, the skin and any scars need enough time to heal and settle. Ask your treating doctor when tattooing is appropriate in your situation, especially if you are receiving or have received treatment that affects the skin. A general waiting period does not tell the whole story of your recovery. Maastricht UMC+ (in Dutch) also stresses the importance of sufficiently healed skin before medical tattooing.
What can you expect from the result?
Realistic expectations are part of the conversation. Every person’s skin is different, and an exact colour match is not always possible. The colour changes as the tattoo heals and may fade over time. Sometimes another session is needed to refresh the colour. You can discuss these expectations beforehand. Maastricht UMC+ explains this in more detail (in Dutch).
At Bunker, we want you to feel able to ask questions and say what feels comfortable for you. You decide how much of your story you want to share. You do not have to make a decision during an initial conversation.