Your First 3D Nipple Tattoo Appointment: What to Expect.
If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably wondering: What really happens at a 3D nipple tattoo appointment after breast cancer? We’ve got you.
At Perky, we know that this step — choosing to complete your breast reconstruction with realistic 3D nipple tattoos — can feel exciting, nerve-wracking, and empowering all at once. You’ve already been through so much. We’re here to help you cross the finish line with compassion, precision, and a little bit of tattoo magic.✨
Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect during your first nipple tattoo appointment.
1. Getting Comfortable and Feeling Seen
Your appointment starts with you — your comfort, your story, and your voice.
You’ll be in a private, clean, calming space with one of our registered nurses who specialize in post-mastectomy nipple tattoos. We revisit your consultation notes, check in on any emotional concerns, and answer all your last-minute questions.
💬 If you’re feeling nervous, that’s completely normal. We honor that this moment carries weight — and we’re here to hold space for it. We won’t start until you’re absolutely ready.
2. Pre-Drawing & Measuring: Getting It Just Right
Next, we begin pre-drawing and measuring. This is where the art (and science) begins.
We use specialty tools to measure your chest and draw precise guide marks. This ensures that your new nipples are placed symmetrically, naturally, and in a way that feels right for your body — whether you’re having one side tattooed or both.
🎯 If you still have a natural nipple on one side, we’ll carefully measure and map the other side to mirror it — matching size, shape, and placement as closely as possible.
Most of our clients are surprised by how detailed this part can be — but trust us, symmetry matters. Proper nipple placement can completely balance the look of your chest and make a huge difference in how you feel. We take our time with pre-drawing because getting it right the first time is everything.
There are artists out there who skip this step and just start tattooing without any measuring or pre-drawing — and unfortunately, that can lead to asymmetry that’s tough (and sometimes impossible) to correct. You deserve better.
🪞You’ll be looking in the mirror with us every step of the way. You get to say, “Yep — that’s it,” before we move forward.
💡Nip Tip: You can bring someone with you! If you have a partner, friend, or support person you’d like in the room, they’re welcome to join.
3. Color Matching: Finding Your Perfect Shades
Next up: color theory meets confidence boost.
We custom-blend pigments based on your skin tone, undertones, and desired aesthetic. We also swatch the colors right on your skin so you can see how they’ll likely look once things have fully healed.
We work with a wide range of pigments — everything from soft, cool pinks to warm pink-browns, golden tans, rich browns, and everything in between. Whether your skin tone leans cool, warm, or somewhere in the middle, we custom blend colors to suit you. Because your nipple tattoo should look like it’s always belonged there — not like it came out of a one-size-fits-all ink bottle.
🎯If you have one natural nipple, our goal is to create a tattoo that mirrors it as closely as possible — from the color tones and undertones of your areola to the shading and texture of your nipple bud. Every detail matters, and we’re here to make sure both sides feel like you.
If both nipples were removed during your mastectomy, you have full freedom to choose what feels right for you. We’ll guide you through color options that complement your skin tone beautifully — whether you want something soft and subtle or a bit more bold. It’s your body, your story, and your call. You’re welcome to bring a reference photo — either from pre-mastectomy or something from our gallery — and we can recreate the aspects you like from it.
We typically use multiple pigments to create realistic, 3D dimension:
A base shade for the areola
A contrasting color to define the nipple bud
Highlights for that natural pop
It’s not just one color — it’s an intentional layering process to create depth, shadow, and realism.
4. The Tattoo Session: Precision + Comfort
Once you approve your placement and colors, it’s tattoo time.
The actual tattooing takes about 45 minutes per side — depending on the areola size and how well your skin takes — and most people are surprised at how gentle it feels. Because the nerves to your chest have been affected by surgery, most of our clients have limited sensation and describe feeling pressure and vibration, but not sharp pain.
If you do have sensation to your breasts, we have a topical number we can apply that works incredibly well to keep you comfortable throughout the session.
You’re welcome to chat, listen to music, or just relax. We have actually had several ladies fall asleep on us.
Pro Tip: One of our clients was feeling nervous about getting her first tattoo and brought a lavender sleep mask to help her feel comfortable. It worked really well for her.
5. Aftercare & Healing
When we’re done, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know for aftercare. You’ll go home with:
Aftercare instructions (written out, so no need to remember it all!)
Extra dressings to change at home
A plan for what’s next
Healing usually takes about 7 to 14 days, and discomfort is minimal. The tattoo will appear darker and red on day one — that’s totally normal. The final result will soften as your skin heals.
Before you leave, we’ll book your follow-up session (usually 6 weeks later). That gives your skin time to settle and allows us to fine-tune or add any finishing touches if needed.
✈️ Traveling from out of town? We’ve got flexible options and will help you plan a schedule that works.
You’re Not Just Getting a Tattoo. You’re Reclaiming Something.
At Perky, we know this moment is about more than skin. It’s about wholeness. Closure. Empowerment.
You’ve already fought hard — and now, you get to choose how your body looks and feels moving forward. Whether you're ready to schedule or just learning more, we’re here for you.
💌 Have questions? Reach out or book a virtual consult.
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🎥 Prefer to see it in action? Click the link to watch our full step-by-step video on what to expect at your first nipple tattoo appointment.
You deserve to feel at home in your body again.
Let’s help you do it — the Perky way. 💗
