Q. What is/are the Areola(s)?
A. The areola is included in both the anatomy of men and women alike; it is the small, dark, circular area of skin that surrounds the nipple. The areola is a key factor in the aesthetic look of a breast to both men and women. Since a woman’s self-image can rely heavily on the look and shape of her breasts, a fading or missing areola can be a psychological barrier to her physical self-esteem. Breast cancer can force a woman to undergo a mastectomy; afterwards, a breast reconstruction surgery can be performed. It is possible that after the surgery, she will not feel 100% complete without an areola. A man can also have his self-esteem lowered by the appearance of his chest and pecks. Areola repigmentation can provide that necessary final addition after surgery. Many clients feel the repigmentation procedure has helped them through the final part of the recovery stage, now they can look and feel complete again

Q. What is nipple Reconstruction?
A. Nipple reconstruction is the making of the nipple projection on a reconstructed breast. This is normally done as one of the final stages in the breast reconstruction journey. The below are two options one may choose during their reconstruction.
• Prosthetic nipple.
• 3D Nipple tattooing


Q. The Areola Repigmentation Procedure
A. Areola repigmentation involves implanting hypoallergenic pigments (color) into the very top layers of your skin with a tattoo gun or pen. To begin, the technician will inspect your skin to make sure it is healthy enough for areola repigmentation. Next, he or she will clean the area with alcohol and/or spray it with an antiseptic solution. The technician will then transfer a stencil of the tattoo or draw the desired shape onto your skin. Some providers may use topical numbing cream or another type of anesthesia.
The tattoos are applied with a tattoo gun or pen. These devices have one to 14 needles attached to them to implant the colors. This "needle bar" moves up and down very quickly. The speed and power of the tattoo gun or pen is controlled by a foot switch or pedal. The technician uses a single needle (or micro-needle) to create a very delicate line. Then, a row of four to 36 needles is used for shading and for the denser areas of your nipple. In general, the areola repigmentation process takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on whether or not you are doing a bilateral vs. a unilateral procedure. 4- 6 weeks later you will be required to come back for a touch up procedure.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. The cost of areola re-pigmentation can vary, with prices ranging from $200 to $1200. These prices typically include the cost of all necessary touch ups.  Here at AAC Elite Studio the price range is $400 - $1000 evaluated on a case by case basis.

Q. Will my insurance cover it?
A. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of areola re-pigmentation, but typically only if it is considered reconstructive. Reconstructive areola re-pigmentation refers to any re-pigmentation needed after breast cancer surgery. As of October 21, 1998 insurance companies are required to cover the cost of all expenses incurred for a breast reconstruction. This includes the cost of an areola re-pigmentation. If the re-pigmentation is simply cosmetic (i.e. not due to breast reconstruction surgery) you would need to check with your insurance company to see if it is covered.