Areola Tattoo
Our Services
What is an Areola Tattoo?
An areola tattoo is a specialized form of cosmetic tattooing designed to recreate the natural appearance of the areola and nipple. Often performed after mastectomy, breast reconstruction, augmentation, or gender-affirming surgery, it’s a deeply personal treatment that restores balance, confidence, and a sense of wholeness.
Sometimes called paramedical tattooing, this art form uses advanced shading and color techniques to mimic the natural look of skin, giving the illusion of dimension and softness of a natural areola.
For many, areola tattooing is the final step in their healing journey, the part that makes them feel “whole” again.
Who Is a Candidate for Areola Tattooing?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Are a breast cancer survivor after mastectomy
- Are at least 6 months post-surgery and medically cleared.
- Have naturally uneven or faded areolas
You may not be a candidate if you have:
- Open wounds or unhealed surgical areas.
- Keloid scarring tendencies.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
Sun-sensitizing medications (e.g., Accutane, Retin-A).
If you’re unsure, we encourage you to book a private consultation to discuss your options.
Why Choose Us for Areola Tattooing?
At Cariangel’s Cosmetic and Medical Spa, you’re in the expert hands of Cariangel, a trusted areola tattoo practitioner and areola tattoo instructor with over 30 years of experience in cosmetic and medical tattooing.
From start to finish, you will be cared for in a calm and supportive environment. Cariangel will explain the process, help you choose the right look, and make sure you are comfortable the entire time.
Expertise You Can Trust – Cariangel is not only an experienced areola tattoo practitioner but also an AAM platinum certified instructor who trains other artists in this delicate and life-changing service.
Compassionate Care – Cariangel has worked with breast cancer survivors for many years. She understands the emotional side of recovery and creates a safe, supportive space for every client.
Natural Results – Every areola tattooing treatment is personalized. Pigments are carefully chosen to match your skin tone, creating a soft and realistic 3D effect.
Award-Winning Artist – Cariangel has received recognition such as the Woman of Distinction Award for her breast cancer work and Best of Westchester for her artistry.
How Does Areola Tattooing Work?
The procedure is completed in several steps to ensure comfort, safety, and natural-looking results:
- Consultation & Pigment Test – We discuss your history, preferences, and goals. A small test patch is sometimes applied.
- Tattooing Session – The areola and nipple are designed, color-matched, and tattooed using shading and highlighting to achieve a 3D effect.
- Follow-Up/Touch-Up – A secondary session is often recommended for best color retention and refinement.
Because reconstructed breasts generally lack full sensation, most clients report minimal discomfort. The procedure usually takes 2–3 hours per session, and healing takes about 7–10 days.
Areola Tattoo Healing Directions
1. A saniderm bandage will be placed on the tattooed area.
2. Remove Saniderm bandage in the morning and wash the area gently with an antibacterial soap and rinse the area well. Pat dry and wait 10 minutes for the air to completely dry the area.
Once dry, put on another Saniderm bandage on the tattooed area. Leave the bandage on for 4 days.
3. Remove Saniderm and wash the area gently with an antibacterial soap and rinse the area well. Pat dry, wait 10 minutes for the air to complete dry the area.
If the area is on the dry side, you can moisturize with Aquaphor, Lubriderm, A&D Ointment or any UNSCENTED moisturizer. Do not use any bacitracin or Neosporin unless directed by the doctor.
The saniderm bandage is meant to help the area heal naturally. It is water proof and breathable. If you experience any sever redness, skin area very hot to the touch or pain, please call the doctors office directly.
4. Do not touch, scratch, or pick at the tattooed area.
5. The skin may dry out and form a light crust. Let the crust fall off naturally so the color can heal properly.
6. Stay away from swimming, tanning beds, and sunbathing until the area is fully healed. Sunlight and chlorine can irritate the skin.
7. At first, the tattoo color may look very dark. As it heals and the crust comes off, the color will fade by about 40%.
8. Infections are rare, but watch closely. If the skin stays red and swollen, feels hot, is very painful, or if you get flu-like symptoms, contact us right away. Since feeling in this area may be less, make sure to look at it when changing pads instead of just relying on how it feels.
Areola Tattoo Price List
2D Areola Tattoo
2D Areola Bi-lateral Tattooing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $650.00
(Already has a reconstructed nipple)
(Includes 2 visits 8 weeks apart)
2D Areola Bilateral Tattooing Touch-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $650.00
2D Areola Uni-lateral Tattooing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350.00
(Already has a reconstructed nipple)
(Includes 2 visits 8 weeks apart)
2D Areola Uni-lateral Tattooing Touch-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00
3D Areola Tattoo
3D Areola Bi-lateral Tattooing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $800.00
(Already has a reconstructed nipple)
(Includes 2 visits 8 weeks apart)
3D Areola Bilateral Tattooing Touch-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $450.00
3D Areola Uni-lateral Tattooing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400.00
(Already has a reconstructed nipple)
(Includes 2 visits 8 weeks apart)
3D Areola Uni-lateral Tattooing Touch-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250.00
FAQs
Areola tattooing is a special type of tattoo that makes the nipple and areola (the darker skin around the nipple) look natural. It’s often done after breast surgery, but anyone can choose it for cosmetic reasons. Cariangel uses gentle colors and shading to make the tattoo look soft and real.
Yes. When done by a trained and licensed areola tattoo practitioner.
Most people feel little to no pain, especially if they’ve had breast surgery because there is often less feeling in that area. If there is sensitivity, Cariangel uses numbing cream to make you more comfortable.
It’s best to wait about 3 months after your last surgery. If you have scars, they should be fully healed, usually 6 months or more.
Most appointments take 2–3 hours. This includes talking about your goals, choosing the right color, numbing, and the tattoo itself.
Healing is usually quick. Most people are healed in about 7–10 days. The color softens over the next few weeks. The final look is usually ready in 4–6 weeks.
The tattoo is permanent, but the color may fade over time. Light colors fade faster than dark ones. You may need a touch-up every few years to keep it looking fresh.
Yes. Cariangel is known for creating very natural results. She uses special shading to make the areola look soft and 3D.
Yes. Areola tattooing can blend scars and make them less noticeable, as long as the scars are healed (at least 6 months old).
Some redness, swelling, or tenderness is normal for a few days. Rarely, an allergic reaction or uneven color may happen. Following aftercare instructions helps prevent problems.
Yes. Cariangel provides advanced training in 3D areola restoration for professionals interested in paramedical tattooing. Her program focuses on both technical skill and compassionate care, teaching artists how to achieve natural, realistic results that help breast survivors and patients feel whole again.