3D Areola Tattooing
At Rose and Thorn Tattoo Studio, we take immense pride in our specialised expertise in areola tattooing, catering to both breast cancer survivors and individuals on their gender affirmation journey across Australia. Our commitment to providing compassionate, personalised, and transformative areola tattooing services sets us apart as a trusted destination for those seeking to enhance their sense of self, confidence, and empowerment.
Areola Tattooing: The Facts
The Importance of Areolas: Areolas are an essential part of the breast's aesthetic and hold emotional significance for many individuals. They are not just a physical feature but can play a vital role in self-image, femininity, and gender affirmation. Areola tattooing aims to restore a natural and symmetrical appearance, helping individuals feel more connected to their bodies and boosting self-confidence.
The Procedure: Our skilled artist will meticulously craft tattoo pigments to match the client's desired colour and size, creating a remarkably realistic and three-dimensional effect. The process of an areola tattoo is similar to that of a standard tattoo and the results are permanent. The procedure requires Melinda to deposit ink into the skin and over the top of scarring with a tattoo machine through microscopic needles. The level of discomfort, is usually minimal however, the impact physically and emotionally is unique to the individual. We offer trauma-informed care and a safe, private space for this reason.
Whether the goal is to recreate a subtle, natural look or to celebrate vibrant diversity in areola design, Melinda can bring your vision to life.
To find out more about Areola Tattooing, read our FAQs Here
Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors
For breast cancer survivors, areola tattooing can be a pivotal step in the journey of physical and emotional healing. Our dedicated artists understand the unique needs and sensitivities of survivors, and we offer a supportive environment where each session is tailored to celebrate resilience and recovery. Our intricate artistry and attention to detail result in natural-looking areolas that restore a sense of wholeness and beauty, helping survivors regain a positive connection with their bodies.
At Rose and Thorn Tattoo Studio, we understand the significance of areola tattooing and its impact on physical and emotional well-being. Our artists possess the technical skill and artistic finesse required to create remarkably lifelike areolas that honor individual stories and experiences. We take pride in being a leading choice for those seeking compassionate care, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to delivering results that exceed expectations.
Post-Mastectomy 3D Areola Tattoos: Experience the transformative power of art
Areola-Nipple Complex Simulation is a common procedure for both men and women who have had breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
We use tattooing techniques and colour pigments to create the appearance of an areola.
For a unilateral mastectomy patient, this process helps the reconstructed breast to match the natural breast. For patients with bilateral breast reconstruction, both areolas are recreated. Areola complex simulation can be achieved with or without a nipple button created by the surgeon.
Areola Size & Colour Adjustment
The colour of an areola can be darkened, balanced, or
enhanced with tattooing. The process helps those who have discoloured or lightened areolas after breastfeeding or patients who have had areola graft surgery. Patients with skin discolouration disorders (e.g. Vitiligo) can also benefit from areola tattooing. This is also a fantastic option for individuals who have not had breast surgery but are self-conscious about their areola colour or size (too light or too small). They may choose this procedure to adjust their appearance.
The pigments we use are high quality, medical grade inks that create a permanent and realistic nipple and areola. Melinda will blend a series of colours together to create a nipple that suits
both your skin tone and your personal preference.
We Can Work Together to Create Your Ideal Aesthetic
The size, shape and colour of your nipple and areola tattoo is unique to the individual’s skin, history and personal preference. When booking an areola tattoo, you will meet with our expert artist, Melinda for a consultation. Here, she will run through the possible pigments, placement
and shapes and talk with you about your desired outcome.
Some clients, particularly those who have received gender affirming FTM or MTF top surgeries, have received a nipple transplant or construction from their surgeon, in these cases, often they require repigmentation or scar camouflage. Other clients, usually those who have received a
mastectomy, may have recreated nipples or no physical nipple on their breast or chest. We are able to create a 3D areola and nipple, with or without a nipple button that has been created by a surgeon.
A Safe Space and Holistic Support at Rose & Thorn
We understand that the journey to healing after trauma, medical procedures and the emotional battle with cancer is deeply personal and unique to each individual. Our approach to medical tattooing is rooted in trauma-informed care, a philosophy that recognises and responds to the widespread impact on your life as a result of your fight against breast cancer and the loss of your former breasts. We believe in fostering a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment where your emotional well-being is as important as the physical results.
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What to expect
Your areola tattoo appointment
During the appointment, expect the following:
-A detailed consultation and review of the process where any questions are answered and placement, nipple style, and colours are discussed.
-Depending on the tattoos you want done, your appointment may take around 1 – 3 hours.
-Colour swatches are prepared to match your skin tone and the desired appearance. We also stencil your desired areola and nipple and ensure you can visually see the outline on your chest or breast before tattooing.
-For unilateral mastectomy, the natural areola is matched as best as possible.
-For bilateral mastectomy, the areola’s placement, shape, and size are discussed and drawn. This is to visualise how it will complement the breast or chest and create balance and symmetry.
-Once the design preparation is complete, the process will start which will take around 50 minutes per nipple.
Areola Tattooing for Gender Affirmation: A Symbol of Transformation
Areola tattooing is a beautiful testament to the transformative power of art and self-expression. It's not merely about recreating a physical feature but about embracing the profound emotional and psychological aspects of the gender affirmation process.
At Rose and Thorn Tattoo Studio, we are honoured to play a role in your gender affirmation journey. Our skilled artist, Melinda, is dedicated to providing exceptional areola tattooing that supports your authenticity, empowerment, and self-discovery. Let us partner with you to create a visual representation of your gender identity that speaks to your inner strength and celebrates your true self.
How we can help you live as your authentic self.
Male-to-Female Areolas
A 30mm nipple is considered a more “feminine” appearance. We can adjust the shape and colour of an existing nipple to have a more feminine appearance
Female-to-Male Areolas
Most who wish to have a more AMAB appearing chest usually opt for considerably smaller areola (22 mm in diameter) and a considerably less projected nipple
Non-Binary Areolas
In general, a binary male’s nipple and areola is 22mm in diameter. Often, those who are non-binary seek a nipple that is between 25-26mm in diameter.
Non-Binary Appearance
We recognise that gender affirmation and chest/breast appearance is unique to the individual. The process of selecting the size and shape of a nipple for those who identify as Non-binary, can be overwhelming. We can provide general advice to help support you in your decision making. in general, a binary male’s nipple and areola is 22mm in diameter. A 30mm nipple is considered a more “feminine” appearance. Often, those who are non-binary seek a nipple that is between 25-26mm in diameter. Most who wish to have a more AMAB appearing chest usually opt for considerably smaller areola (22 mm in diameter) and a considerably less projected nipple
Below are some illustrations to help create a visual of how these may appear on the chest.
Size and Position Matters
Customisation and Empowerment
Areola tattooing goes beyond cosmetic enhancement. Our artist Melinda will work closely with you to understand your unique preferences and desired outcome. This collaboration allows you to actively participate in the design process, ensuring that the final result reflects your vision and embodies your gender identity.
Our studio is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for individuals seeking areola tattooing as part of their gender affirmation journey. We understand the significance of this process and approach each session with empathy, sensitivity, and a commitment to creating an environment where you can express your needs and preferences freely.
Reclaim Ownership of Your Body and Gender Identity
At Rose and Thorn we recognise that for individuals undergoing gender-affirming surgeries, such as chest reconstruction (mastectomy or top surgery), areola tattooing is a vital aspect of completing the transformation. The creation of natural-looking areolas and nipples that align with one's gender identity can be profoundly affirming and empowering.Gender-affirming areola tattooing provides an opportunity for you to reclaim ownership of your body and we are here to offer a process that provides you with control and choice in how you appear on the outside, so that it matches how you feel on the inside. The process with Melinda is incredibly safe and compassionate, Melinda wants you to be able to redefine your relationship with your chest area to foster a positive and affirming connection. Areola tattoos can serve as a visual representation of your gender journey, honouring the courage and self-discovery involved and we are honoured to be able to work collaboratively with you to help you throughout this process.
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At Rose and Thorn Tattoo Studio, we are honored to play a role in your gender affirmation journey. We are dedicated to providing exceptional areola tattooing that supports your authenticity, empowerment, and self-discovery. Let us partner with you to create a visual representation of your gender identity that speaks to your inner strength and celebrates your true self.