Nipple Coloring in Izmir

Nipple Coloring in Izmir

What is Nipple Coloring?

Nipple coloring is a procedure to redraw or alter the existing color of the nipple and the surrounding dark ring (areola) using sterile microneedles and special medical pigments. This procedure is not a classic body tattoo. The techniques, devices, and chemical composition of the pigments used are specifically developed for sensitive breast tissue and medical aesthetic purposes.

The procedure is based on the principle of depositing pigments into the lower part of the epidermis layer of the skin (dermal-epidermal junction). The goal is not just to draw a circle; it is to create a realistic nipple image using light, shadow, and color transitions. Especially in patients who have had nipples removed after breast cancer, this procedure is seen as the “final point” of the treatment process and a complement to psychological healing.

How is Nipple Coloring Performed?

At İzmir Private Demiderm Polyclinic, the procedure is performed in a hygienic clinical environment by certified specialists. The process begins with determining the design that best suits the individual’s anatomical structure. During the application, a special instrument called a micropigmentation device is used. This device ensures the pigment is evenly distributed on the skin by precisely adjusting the needle depth and stroke speed. Different needle configurations (shading, lines, dots) are used during the procedure to simulate texture.

What is 3D Areola Pigmentation Technique?

3D (Three-Dimensional) technique is the most advanced level of nipple coloring. It is the art of adding depth to a flat surface, as if there were a protrusion and texture there. It is especially vital in applications performed on flat skin without a nipple after mastectomy.

Play of Light and Shadow: The specialist uses different color tones to create shadows around the areola and bright areas (highlights) in the center of the nipple.

Texture Effect: Small bumps on the areola called Montgomery glands are simulated using dotting techniques.

This technique creates the illusion (optical illusion) that the nipple is actually protruding when viewed from the front.

In Which Cases is Nipple Coloring Applied?

The application area is quite broad and includes both medical and cosmetic reasons:

• After Mastectomy: To complete the reconstruction in patients whose nipples have been removed due to breast cancer.
• Scars After Breast Aesthetics: To camouflage the white suture marks (scar tissue) remaining around the areola after breast reduction or lift (mastopexy) surgeries.
• Vitiligo: To restore the color in patients experiencing pigment loss (whitening) in the nipple.
• Color Fading: In individuals whose nipple color is structurally very light and who want to make it more prominent.
• Asymmetry: To balance the size or shape difference between the two nipples.
• Areola Enlargement: To make the nipple appear larger than it is. For those who want to show it.

Achieving an Aesthetic Appearance with Natural Toning

Naturalness is achieved through the right color selection and soft transitions. Areola color is not a single tone; it is a mixture of pink, brown, salmon, and beige tones. In the procedure, pigment mixtures are prepared that perfectly match the person’s skin tone (Fitzpatrick skin type) and, if any, the color of the other nipple. The edges are finished not as a sharp circle, but with slightly blurred and diffused transitions to achieve a natural look.

Nipple Coloring After Mastectomy

For women who have undergone breast cancer treatment, this procedure is much more than a “beauty” application; it is a feeling of “wholeness.” After breast tissue is surgically created, the absence of a nipple can constantly remind the person of their illness. With the 3D coloring procedure, the nipple and areola complex is recreated. This procedure allows the patient to feel complete again when they look in the mirror.It is a psychological rehabilitation tool that provides this.

Pigments Used in Nipple Pigmentation

The dyes used are different from the inks used in body tattoos.

Medical Grade: Pigments that are free of heavy metals, sterile, have undergone dermatological testing, and do not cause problems in situations such as MRI scans (balanced iron oxide ratio or organic) are preferred.

Color Change: While low-quality dyes may turn blue or green over time, medical pigments only fade over time, lightening to their original tone.

Pre-Application Preparation and Evaluation Process

At Izmir Private Demiderm Polyclinic, the process begins with a detailed preliminary consultation.

– In individuals who have undergone surgical procedures, complete tissue healing (usually at least 6-12 months after surgery) is awaited.

– The condition of the scar tissue is analyzed.

– The patient’s expectations are listened to, and color trials are performed.

– Alcohol and blood-thinning medications (with doctor’s approval) should be discontinued 24 hours before the procedure.

Procedure Stages: Design, Color Selection and Application

1. Measurement and Design: The location, size, and symmetry of the nipple are determined using special measuring tools and drawn with a pen. The procedure will not begin without approval.
2. Color Selection: A pigment mixture suitable for the skin undertone is prepared.
3. Anesthesia: Strong topical anesthetic creams are applied to the procedure area and left to sit.
4. Pigmentation: Coloring is done layer by layer using 3D techniques. The procedure takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.
5. Aftercare: The area is cleaned and a protective cream is applied.

Is Nipple Coloring a Painful Procedure?

In patients who have undergone mastectomy, tissue sensation is generally reduced, so almost no pain is felt during the procedure. In procedures performed for aesthetic purposes (on living tissue), thanks to the new generation anesthetic creams used, the sensation is reduced to a “slight stinging” or “vibration” level. It is a comfortable process.

What Does the First Appearance Look Like After Application?

Immediately after the procedure, the colors appear 30-50% darker and more vibrant than the targeted tone. Slight redness and swelling in the area are normal. This dark appearance will lighten with the crusting and healing process (in about 1 week) and turn into a natural and soft tone. Therefore, one should not be deceived by the initial appearance.

Needle Coloring Aftercare Recommendations

Scabbing and Healing Process

The healing process varies from person to person, but generally it is as follows:

Days 1-4: The color is dark, slight scabbing begins.

Days 5-10: Day: The scabs fall off. The color underneath may appear very pale (“Ghosting” phase).

Weeks 3-4: The pigment emerges and the true color settles.

Complete tissue healing takes approximately 4-6 weeks. A touch-up is planned at the end of this period if necessary. How Long Does Nipple Coloring Last?

Micropigmentation is a semi-permanent procedure. The duration of permanence varies depending on skin type (oily/dry), age, metabolic rate, and the type of pigment used. On average, it lasts between 2 and 4 years. The color fades over time. Touch-ups can be done at certain intervals to maintain the vibrancy of the procedure.

Situations Requiring Touch-ups

Especially in procedures performed on scar tissue (surgical scars), the tissue pigment may not fully adhere in the first session, or an uneven appearance may occur. During the follow-up session (touch-up) 4-6 weeks after the initial procedure, any missing areas are completed, the color is reinforced, and the 3D effects are enhanced.

The Effect of Pigment Selection on Color Naturalness

Choosing the right pigment is 50% of the success of the procedure. Using only brown or pink creates an artificial look. Our experts, with their knowledge of “Coloristics” (Color Science), mix pigments to obtain personalized colors with warm or cool undertones that blend with the skin tone.

Correction of Nipple Asymmetry

A difference in size or height between two nipples can be visually disturbing. With coloring, the smaller areola can be enlarged to equalize it with the other, or shape irregularities (oval/irregular structure) can be corrected by giving it a circular form. This procedure is a non-surgical method of achieving symmetry.

Pigmentation Techniques Suitable for Different Skin Tones

Fair Skin Tones: A soft transition is achieved by choosing salmon, peach, and light brown tones.

MouthDark Skin Tones: Contrast is created using more pronounced shades of coffee, terracotta, and caramel.

Dark Skin Tones: The prominence is enhanced with deep chocolate and espresso tones. Methods for Addressing Nipple Tone Lightness or Darkness

In some individuals, the areola color is very close to the skin tone, making it indistinct; in this case, it is made more prominent with pigmentation. Conversely, lightening a very dark areola is difficult, but a softer appearance can be achieved with toning around it. In vitiligo patients, white areas are camouflaged by coloring them to match the surrounding tissue color. Safety and Side Effects of Nipple Coloring

When performed under sterile conditions with single-use needles, it is an extremely safe procedure. Possible side effects (redness, itching, mild swelling) are temporary. The risk of infection may occur if post-procedure care rules are not followed. At Izmir Private Demiderm Polyclinic, all procedures are performed in accordance with medical aseptic principles.

Can the Procedure Be Performed During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

The procedure is not performed during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and stress factors. During breastfeeding, the procedure is not performed as a precaution against the risk of the dye passing into breast milk (although very low) and the possibility of infection. It can be safely performed after breastfeeding ends and hormonal balance is restored (approximately 3-6 months later).

Correction of Previously Performed Procedures

Areola tattoos that have been incorrectly done, discolored, or misshapen can be corrected with “camouflage” or “color neutralization” techniques. Incorrect colors (orange/blue) are neutralized with contrasting colors to achieve a natural tone.

The Importance of Areola Pigmentation After Breast Aesthetics

In breast lift (mastopexy) surgeries, scars in the shape of a “lollipop” or “inverted T” usually remain around the areola. These scars whiten over time but do not completely disappear. With the coloring process, these white scars are covered with skin-colored or areola-colored pigments (Medical Camouflage), reducing their visibility by 80-90%.

Nipple Coloring Prices and Influencing Factors

Pricing varies depending on whether the procedure is unilateral or bilateral, the technique used (3D, camouflage, scar concealment), and the difficulty level of the procedure. Due to Ministry of Health regulations, providing price information on the website is not appropriate. For personalized planning and pricing, you can contact our clinic for a free preliminary consultation.

Things to Know Before Getting Nipple Coloring

This procedure is an art; the practitioner’s experience and aesthetic vision directly affect the result.

– Do not rush; wait for the tissue to heal.

– Expectations should be realistic; the procedure creates a 3D “image,” not a physical “protrusion.”

– Procedures performed in unhygienic places can lead to serious health problems.

Differences Between Permanent Makeup and Tattoos

Features	Medical Pigmentation (Nipple)	Classic Tattoo
Depth	More superficial (Sub-epidermis)	Deeper (Dermis)
Pigment	Natural pigments that fade over time	Permanent inks containing heavy metals
Appearance	Soft, natural, 3D effect	Sharp, clear and block color
Color Change	Only fades, does not change color	May turn blue/green over time
Permanence	2-4 Years	Lifetime