5 Things No One Tells You About Nipple Tattoos After Breast Cancer
You hear about breast reconstruction. You hear about survival. But what you don’t hear? The real, raw, and sometimes weird stuff about nipple tattoos after breast cancer. We’re here to spill it.
Because trust us — there’s a lot no one tells you.
1. The ones offered at your doctor’s office are NOT it.
Many doctors offer nipple tattoos in their office—and at first glance, it sounds super convenient. But here’s the truth:
These are often done by medical staff with little to no artistic training
They often use outdated machines
They typically have a limited selection of pigments which can heal in unnatural tones that don’t match your complexion
The result, lackluster nipple tattoos with patchy color that disappears within 6 months. Or worse—harsh tones that leave you feeling disappointed.Plastic surgeons are incredible at what they do when it comes to breast reconstruction—but nipple tattooing is an art all its own. It takes practice, precision, and a deep understanding of color, skin tone, and the canvas.
What should feel like a powerful final step in your healing ends up looking—and feeling—like an afterthought.
The photos above show what happens when nipple tattoos are done by untrained medical staff. It's crazy to think that medical providers get to bill thousands of dollars for nipple tattooing and give you results like this.
✨ Pro tip: Find a restorative tattoo artist trained in 3D realism (like us). You’ve been through enough. You deserve more than a default option.
If you’ve already had a nipple tattoo at your doctor’s office and you’re unhappy with your tattoos, there are ways to correct and enhance your results. Click the link below to schedule a complimentary consultation with Perky so we can chat through your options.
2. You might feel emotional — in a good way.
It’s not “just a tattoo.”
This moment often marks the end of a long, hard road. Many women cry (happy tears) when they see their new nipple tattoos for the first time. It’s a reclaiming moment. A full-circle moment. A finally-it-feels-like-me-again moment.
3. Insurance can cover it — but you’ll have to ask hard.
One thing your insurance should never say — your nipple tattoos are not covered because it’s a cosmetic service. Under the WHCRA (Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act), nipple tattooing should be covered after mastectomy. But… it’s not always easy.
You may need:
A doctor’s referral
Prior-authorization
To advocate (loudly) for it
Some artists, like Perky, offer documentation and guidance to help you get reimbursed — but it’s never a guarantee.
4. Aftercare is a thing — and it’s not hard, but it’s important.
Your body just received a beautiful piece of restorative art and how you care for it in the first few weeks makes all the difference.
Proper aftercare:
Protects your results: helps preserve the color, shape, and detail of the tattoo so it heals true to the artist’s work.
Prevents infection: the skin is still an open wound during healing. Clean, careful aftercare minimizes your risk of infection and complications.
Supports long-term fading resistance: following healing instructions reduces early pigment loss and blotchiness, helping your tattoo stay crisp and even longer.
Reduces the need for extra touch-ups: tattoos that heal well usually need fewer adjustments—saving you time, cost, and extra sessions.
Typically, you can expect a healing period of about 7–14 days.Here are general aftercare instructions to follow during this healing window:
Keep it clean.
After 24 hours, you can gently wash the tattoo site with your hand and a mild, soapy water, unless otherwise instructed by your tattoo artist.
Avoid picking or scratching.
Flaking or light scabbing is normal. Let it fall off naturally to protect pigment retention.Apply ointment as recommended.
Use the topical ointment that is recommended by your tattoo artist.No soaking.
Avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs, or any activity that submerges the area in water.Keep clothing soft and breathable.
Wear loose-fitting bras or tops to reduce friction while healing.Avoid sun exposure.
Freshly tattooed skin is sensitive—UV rays can fade pigment quickly.
Ultimately, your tattoo artist should give you clear aftercare instructions and it’s best to follow what they recommend.
If you have concerns during aftercare or want something assessed, never hesitate to reach out to your tattoo artist. A check-in at the start of an issue can help prevent a complication.
5. The results can be stunningly real.
We call it the illusion of protrusion for a reason. A 3D nipple tattoo is a specialized form of tattooing that recreates the realistic appearance of a nipple areola complex using advanced shading, color theory, and skin tone matching. It’s often the final step in breast reconstruction—but don’t let the “tattoo” part fool you. This isn’t basic body art; it’s precision work that requires an artistic eye and serious skill. And the results can be life changing.
Yes, you can even get heart nipple tattoos, or nothing at all — it’s your body.
Fully-healed 3D Nipple Tattoos — in heart shapes.
💬 The (Perky) Point?
If nipple tattooing is part of how you want to feel whole again, it should be done your way. And if no one told you all this before? Now you know.
And you deserve every damn bit of it.
