Each journey through breast reconstruction is unique.

Some patients have unilateral (one side) mastectomy while others undergo bilateral mastectomies.  Some patients have immediate reconstruction (at the time of mastectomy) and others undergo delayed reconstruction.  Reconstruction can be done with implants or a patient’s own tissue.  The type of skin ((breast skin, abdominal skin (DIEP or TRAM), back skin (latissimus flap), buttock skin (SGAP) or thigh skin (PAP or TUG)) can take-up the pigment differently.  Radiated skin is delicate and can also take-up the pigment differently.   Nipple creations (either with C-V flaps or skate grafts) have more scar tissue and up take pigment differently. 

I have had the opportunity to tattoo all of these different patients and am happy to share their outcomes with you!

Bilateral Immediate DIEP Flaps

Tattoo on reconstructed nipple. Color will soften as the tattoos heal.

Bilateral TE/ Implant Reconstruction

Tattoo on flat skin. Color will soften as the tattoos heal.

Right TE/Silicone Implant Reconstruction

Tattoo on reconstructed nipple. Color will soften as the tattoos heal.

Bilateral TE/ Implant Reconstruction

Tattoo on flat skin. Color will soften as the tattoos heal.

Delayed DIEP With Nipple Creation

Tattoo on a reconstructed nipple. Color will soften as the tattoos heal.

Right TE/Silicone Implant Reconstruction

Tattoo on flat skin. Color softens as the tattoo heals.

Bilateral TE/Silicone Implant Reconstruction

Tattoo on reconstructed nipple.  Color softens as the tattoo heals.

Bilateral Delayed DIEP

Tattoo on flat skin. No nipple reconstruction. Color softens as the tattoo heals.

Left TE/Silicone Implant Reconstruction

Tattoo on reconstructed nipple. Color softens as the tattoo heals.

Bilateral TE/Silicone Implant Reconstruction

Tattoo on flat skin. No nipple reconstruction.

Bilateral TE/Silicone Implant Reconstruction

Tattoo on flat skin. No nipple reconstruction.

MS Free TRAM

Tattoo on flat skin. No nipple reconstruction.

Delayed DIEP With Nipple Creation

Tattoo on a reconstructed nipple.