• Reference Number: HEY120/2026
• Departments: Breast Services
• Last Updated: 20 February 2026

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your procedure. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

What is Micropigmentation / Medical Tattooing?

Areola micropigmentation is a medical tattooing procedure designed to recreate the appearance of the nipple-areola complex following breast reconstruction surgery. The aim is to achieve a realistic-looking three-dimensional areola, though it may not match the opposite side exactly.

The procedure uses a tattoo pen device with disposable sterile needle cartridges and compliant tattoo pigments.

Can there be any complications or risks?

As with any medical procedure, areola micropigmentation carries some risks and potential complications. These may include:

• Allergic reaction to the pigment or topical anaesthetic
• Infection, particularly if aftercare instructions are not followed
• Colour mismatch – the pigment will not match the opposite areola exactly
• Fading of the pigment over time
• Pigment migration – colour may spread beyond the intended area
• Uneven pigmentation – areas may appear lighter or darker than others
• Scarring, although this is uncommon
• Fading due to chlorine exposure, particularly with frequent swimming or Sun exposure

All potential risks and complications will be fully discussed with you by a member of your healthcare team. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to ask.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

• Read all the information provided about the procedure, risks, and aftercare.
• Discuss the procedure with your partner or family if you want their support.
• Avoid any skin treatments (chemical peels, laser treatments or tanning etc.) on the breast area for at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
• Do not apply any lotions, creams, or deodorants directly on the area(s) to be tattooed.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the chest area.
• Arrive on time for your appointment to allow enough time for topical anaesthetic to take effect.
• Avoid alcohol, and ibuprofen (unless on prescription) 24 hrs before your appointment as this can increase sensitivity and bleeding.
• Inform your practitioner of any allergies, medications, or medical conditions beforehand.
• Plan for your time – the whole visit will last 1.5 to 2 hours.

What will happen?

Upon Arrival

• The Practitioner will call you into a clinic room where the micropigmentation will take place.

Before the Procedure

• The procedure will be fully explained, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.
• Medical photographs will be taken before and after the procedure. These will be stored digitally in your clinical records to help track progress.
• The practitioner will review any contraindications with you before you sign the consent form.
• Topical anaesthetic cream will be applied to the area(s) to be tattooed and will take around 45 minutes to numb the skin. Most patients feel little or no sensation during the procedure, just a slight vibration or buzzing.

During the Procedure

• Your practitioner will collaborate with you to match the pigment colour to your existing nipple/areola or help you choose an appropriate shade if both sides are being tattooed. The exact pigments used will be recorded for future reference.
• The practitioner will carefully measure and map out the position of the nipple/areola to be tattooed. You will have a chance to look in the mirror and approve the size, shape, and position before tattooing begins.
• Each nipple/areola tattoo takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
• All equipment used is sterile, and disposable needles are used for every procedure.
• After tattooing, a small dressing or protective film will be applied. Depending on the type of dressing used, you may need to remove it either the same evening or the next morning.

What happens afterwards?

You will be able to drive yourself home and resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, please avoid the following until the treated area has fully healed (usually 7 to 10 days):

• Use of perfumed lotions or exfoliants directly on the area tattooed.
• Excessive sweating
• Swimming
• Saunas, Jacuzzis, hot tubs, baths
• Direct sun exposure

Care Instructions for the First Week

• Dressing: Remove the dressing with clean hands either that same evening or the next morning (your practitioner will advise you).
• Cleaning: Gently clean the area while showering, you will see a small amount of blood, pigment and lymph fluid coming away, this is normal. Keep your back to the showerhead to avoid direct water pressure on the treated area for the first day or two. Gently clean the area with antibacterial soap and rinse well, pat dry with a clean towel or a clean piece of disposable kitchen roll. Follow any additional instructions from your practitioner about using dressings or protective films.
• Moisturising: Once you are no longer wearing a protective film or dressing you may apply a small amount of none perfumed moisturiser with clean hands. This can be applied little and often if necessary. Always ensure the area is dry before applying products.
• Scabs: With good aftercare you should not scab but if you do, do not pick at them. Let them come away naturally.
• Peeling: Some mild skin peeling may occur—this is normal.
• Swelling and Redness: You may notice slight swelling, redness, or tightness in the area. These symptoms usually improve after 24-48 hrs.

Watch for any signs of infection such as increased redness, especially if it spreads beyond the tattooed skin, swelling that worsens, pain that increases, warmth or heat coming from the area, pus or unusual discharge, fever or chills, generally feeling unwell – flu like symptoms, persistent itching if irritation that is getting worse rather than better.

Follow-up appointment

You will be offered a follow-up appointment 4 to 6 weeks after your initial procedure. This allows enough time for the skin to fully heal and for the pigments to settle properly.

Areola Micro-pigmentation (medical tattooing) is a process, due to scarring etc. it is completely normal for some areas to require additional tattooing to improve the colour, shape, and overall appearance. You may need more then two visits to achieve desired results.

Over time, the pigments will soften in the skin, and you may need a further top-up appointment.

Following these instructions carefully will help ensure the best healing and colour retention of your areola micropigmentation.

If you have any concerns

If you experience any problems or have questions, please contact:

• Plastic Surgery Department: Tel: 01482 623085
• Breast Care Department: Tel: 01482 622679

General Advice and Consent

Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.

Consent to treatment

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.

The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:

• you must be able to give your consent
• you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
• you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person

Information about you

We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.

We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.