What is a 3D Nipple?

When Nipple Sparing Mastectomy (“NSM”) isn’t an option or breast reconstruction takes place at a time after mastectomy (“delayed reconstruction”), the newly reconstructed breast may be completed with a recreation of the nipple as the finishing touch.

“3D” Nipple Tattooing is a method that may be used to create an image of a nipple on the skin with dimensional shading within the pigment of the tattoo ink. This technique adds visual realism to the coloration used to restore the nipple pigment.

When is it used? 

3D Nipple Tattooing is used when the nipple is lost to mastectomy as a part of the treatment plan. Most women are candidates for nipple preservation with Nipple Sparing Mastectomy but for those who have had mastectomy in the past or require resection of the nipple with their mastectomy design, 3D Nipple pigment may be used to recreate an image of a natural nipple on the breast skin following breast reconstruction.

3D Nipple image application is appropriate for women who wish to have a finishing touch applied to their breast reconstruction but prefer not to have a physical reality within the nipple color. If your physician has added the skin button to mimic nipple depth, you are also welcome for this procedure.  

Cancer absent cases

In some cases, naturally, pigments can fade over time in the areola. Now we are able to color correct those areas and repair the fading and missing areas

What are the benefits? 

There are a number of benefits of 3D Nipple pigment application. Application of color to the well-shaped breast reconstruction restores realism to the overall result. Nipple restoration also provides a focal point with the breast mound that reduces the appearance of scar lines in the reconstructed breast. This added benefit can provide the perfect finishing touch to the sophisticated techniques in modern surgery and close the circle of recovery and restoration of wholeness for the women we care for.