Simple Application. Instant Restoration.
There is no right way to move through life after breast cancer, prophylactic surgery, reconstruction, or flat closure.
For some, restoration means choosing permanent nipple tattooing. For others, it means embracing flat closure. Some people are still deciding what comes next. And some simply want the opportunity to see themselves differently again.
The Perky Nipple™ was created to provide another option along that journey.
These temporary restorative nipple tattoos offer a non-permanent way to explore restoration, confidence, and self-expression on your own terms. Whether you're preparing for permanent nipple tattooing, navigating reconstruction, attending a special event, heading to the beach, or simply curious about what nipples might look like after surgery, The Perky Nipple™ allows you to experiment without commitment.
There’s nothing cookie-cutter about restoration.
Why Would Someone Use Temporary Nipple Tattoos?
Some of the most common reasons people choose temporary nipple tattoos include:
Exploring Your Options:
Not everyone is ready to commit to permanent nipple tattooing immediately after surgery. Temporary nipple tattoos allow you to visualize what a nipple may look like before making a long-term decision.
Waiting for Permanent Tattooing
Many plastic surgeons recommend waiting several months after reconstruction before nipple tattooing.
Temporary tattoos can help bridge that gap while you heal.
Confidence for Special Moments
Vacations.
Swimming.
Photoshoots.
Weddings.
Date nights.
Sometimes a small detail can make a big difference in how you feel showing up in those moments.
Flat Closure & Personal Expression
Not everyone chooses breast reconstruction.
Some individuals with flat closure enjoy temporary tattoos as a way to personalize their body and celebrate their journey in a way that feels meaningful to them.
Unilateral Reconstruction
For those who have undergone surgery on one breast, temporary tattoos can be used to help create symmetry while exploring future restorative options.
Find Your Perfect Size
Choosing the right size is one of the most important parts of creating a natural look.
SMALL: Best for smaller breast mounds or those preferring a subtle appearance.
MEDIUM: Best for a large percentage of reconstruction patients, especially if you have had implant-based reconstruction, or your surgeon reduced the size of your skin island at the time of revision surgery.
LARGE: Best for larger breast mounds or those wanting a more prominent appearance.
Helpful Tips
If possible, compare against old photos.
Strategic sizing and placement can cover scarring, so measure your scar pattern/skin island to see what fits.
When in doubt, ask a Perky Nurse.
Click the link below and we can help you navigate choosing the right size for you.
The photo to the right shows our Soft Brown Perky Nipple in size Medium, placed with a DIEP flap skin island scar pattern.
Choose Your Shade
Finding the Right Match
Just like makeup, clothing, or permanent tattoo pigments, temporary nipple tattoos can appear differently from person to person.
The shade you see on the packaging or website may not look exactly the same once applied to your skin—and that's completely normal.
Your unique skin tone, undertones, lighting, scar tissue, and reconstruction type can all influence how the final result appears.
Because of this, selecting a shade is often less about finding a perfect match and more about finding the tone that feels most natural and comfortable to you.
Need Help Choosing?
If you're unsure which shade may work best for you, we're happy to help.
Reach out to us with a photo (if you're comfortable sharing one), and our team can provide guidance based on our experience working with breast cancer survivors and previvors.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Skin Tone Matters
Temporary tattoos are semi-translucent, meaning your natural skin tone will influence the final appearance.
A shade that appears lighter on one person may appear darker on another.
Likewise, warmer skin tones may pull more golden, while cooler skin tones may emphasize pinker undertones.
Scar Tissue Can Affect Appearance
Reconstructed breasts and mastectomy scars often heal with variations in texture and pigmentation.
As a result, temporary tattoos may appear slightly different across scar tissue compared to surrounding skin.
This is completely normal and is something we frequently see with both temporary and permanent nipple tattooing.
Lighting Changes Everything
The same tattoo may appear different:
☀️ In natural sunlight
💡 Under indoor lighting
📸 In photos
👙 At the beach or pool
Because lighting can dramatically affect how colors are perceived, we recommend viewing your tattoo in several different environments before deciding whether you'd like a lighter or darker option in the future.
Between Two Shades?
If you're unsure which shade to choose, consider:
Your natural skin tone
Any remaining areola pigmentation (for unilateral applications)
Old photos before surgery
Whether you prefer a softer or more defined appearance
Many people find that either option can work beautifully, and there is no single "correct" choice.
Remember: There Is No Perfect Shade
One of the most important things we've learned through years of restorative tattooing is that no two people are exactly alike.
How To Apply The Perky Nipple
Step-by-Step Instructions
Clean and dry skin. Avoid lotions, oils, sunscreen, or powders.
Confirm proper placement. Verify Left/Right labels if using a bilateral set.
Remove protective film.
Place tattoo face down.
Press firmly with a wet cloth for 30-60 seconds.
Carefully remove backing paper.
Allow to dry completely before dressing.
How To Make Your Perky Nipple Last Longer
Apply to clean, dry skin.
Avoid lotions before application.
Apply a translucent setting powder, if available, to prevent adhesive stickiness.
Allow several hours before swimming.
Pat dry after showers.
Avoid scrubbing.
Minimize friction from clothing when possible.
Expected Wear Time
Most users experience several days of wear depending on activity level, skin type, and aftercare. Longevity may vary based on heat exposure, excessive sweating, and level of friction to temporary tattoos.
Easy Removal
Apply baby oil, coconut oil, or makeup remover.
Let sit for 30-60 seconds.
Gently rub in circular motions.
Wash skin with soap and water.
Removal Tips
Oil works better than soap alone.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Repeat if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Several days depending on skin type and activity.
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Yes, but avoiding harsh soaps and scrubbing the temporary tattoos can help them last longer without peeling.
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Yes, but at your own discretion. The chlorine can cause the temporary tattoos to fade or peel prematurely.
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Yes, but at your own discretion. Excessive sweating may cause fading or premature peeling.
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Most people tolerate them well. If irritation occurs, remove immediately.
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Yes, but make sure your wounds are fully healed before applying any type of temporary tattoo.
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Absolutely. Some people use them to determine if permanent tattooing is sometheng thy want, and others use them instead of doing any type of permanent tattooing.
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No, it is not advisable to trim the tattoos. Using the size guide available, try to select what would fit best so you do not feel the need to trim anything.
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Yes, they come in pairs and are labeled Left and Right.
Help Shape The Future of The Perky Nipple
Your Experience Matters
The Perky Nipple was created with survivors and previvors in mind, and we're committed to making it the best experience possible.
Whether you've worn your temporary nipple tattoos for a few hours, a few days, or you're still rocking them, we'd love to hear about your experience.
Your feedback helps us improve:
Color options
Sizing selections
Application experience
Longevity and wear time
Packaging and instructions
Future product offerings
Most importantly, your insights help us better support future survivors exploring restoration options.
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