Physician Referred:  We are proud to acknowledge our relationship with Dr. Daniel Thomas, plastic surgeon, in treating those effected by breast cancer in our community.  Michelle works closely with Dr. Thomas to complete the final stages of the breast reconstruction which includes tattooing the nipple-areola area and provide natural looking color of the areola post reconstruction.
 

Cosmetic Breast Surgery Including Implants and
Breast Lifts Resulting in Notable Scars

     For those individuals that have elected for breast surgery such as implants or breast lifts in which light or white scars remain after healing, cosmetic tattooing of the tones similar to the surrounding skin can be preformed to decrease the appearance of scars.  These treatments, done in phases 4 weeks between appointments, can be quite successful in diminishing these scars for women that are good candidates for camouflage tattooing techniques.  With a consultation at our office, we can quickly determine if cosmetic tattooing is right for you.

Nipple-Areola Reconstruction Following Breast
Reconstructive Surgery

   The nipple and areola are usually the last stage of breast reconstruction. Recreating the nipple and areola gives the reconstructed breast a more natural appearance and can help hide scars. For those individuals that elect to seek services for the final reconstructive process for the breast, areola/nipple repigmentation can restore the final cosmetic effect of a more natural looking breast.  Breasts that are void of a nipple tissue mound can be tattooed to closely resemble a projected 3-D like nipple and areola. Those with nipple reconstructions can be repigmented in the areola area accordingly.  

    Although the stated goal of breast reconstruction is to make patients appear natural in clothing, most patients also want to look as natural as possible in the nude. Regardless of the technique used to perform breast reconstruction, nipple reconstruction adds significantly to the illusion of a natural breast and is therefore well worth the effort. Modern techniques for nipple and areola reconstruction cause little or no pain and can be done in a professional office environment such as Le Beau Visage.  The gain in appearance is therefore achieved at relatively little cost or inconvenience.  

    Previous techniques used to reconstruct the nipple and areola often relied on grafts obtained from the dark-pigmented skin between the leg and external female genitals. These procedures were not only painful but also expensive because they usually had to be performed in the hospital, making reconstruction of the nipple less desirable. Today, that technique is seldom used. Instead, the nipple is usually reconstructed with local flaps while the patient is under local anesthesia, and areola reconstruction is accomplished with tattooing. Because this method is so simple and usually painless, most patients choose to undergo nipple reconstruction. 

    Nipple reconstruction usually takes place about eight to 12 weeks after breast reconstruction, and the tattooing is usually performed about six weeks after nipple reconstruction.