Areola breakdown/can I get it tattooed to improve its rippled and bumpy appearance? (photos)

Question

I had a breast reduction in June 2021 along with a tummy tuck. I had delayed healing due to blood clotting and getting a pulmonary embolism so was put on blood thinners. Most of my nipple on my left breast broke down and is horrible looking. I am happy overall with the result of my breast reduction and don’t mind the other scars but I am wondering would tattooing help the appearance of my left nipple? It’s rippled, bumpy and just leaving me depressed

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Tattoo of the areola skin can be done to help better match the appearance of the opposite breast.  You will want to get clearance from your surgeon before proceeding with the tattoo.  The pigmentation will not change the texture of the area, but will help with color match.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Newperson1994,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you might benefit from tattoos in order to hide scars. If you are considering a treatment, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

thanks for contacting us! yes a tattoo it is a good idea, make sure that person that will do it it is a professional.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your rocky recovery postoperatively. 
A physical exam would answer the question more accurately.  Two options.  Tattoo the areola which will look infinitely better or….revise the areola scar (make it more round) then tattoo it. 
Best wishes 
Dr Taranow

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, I note significant periareolar scarring of the left breast extending upward to involve the breast skin as well.
The periareolar segment may be improved with scar revision. Tattooing of the areola is an option. The breast skin segment above the areola is more difficult to treat, but may respond to laser therapy to depigment the scar (with variable results). 
Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation, examination, and discussion.
Best wishes...

Areola breakdown/can I get it tattooed to improve its rippled and bumpy appearance? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Areola revision

Answer: Areola revision

Answer: Unfavorable areola scarring after delayed healing following breast reduction

Answer: Unfavorable areola scarring after delayed healing following breast reduction

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Areola breakdown/can I get it tattooed to improve its rippled and bumpy appearance? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Areola revision

Answer: Areola revision

Answer: Unfavorable areola scarring after delayed healing following breast reduction

Answer: Unfavorable areola scarring after delayed healing following breast reduction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.