paramedical restorative tattooing
By Montana Inez
— beyond what the eye can see —
Comprised of advanced micro-pigmentation techniques, this type of tattoo brings head-scratchingly realistic recreations and restorations of the areola and nipple complex.
This service can be suited for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomies, trans & non-binary folks who have undergone top surgery, those who are lacking pigment or symmetry naturally or have undergone a breast surgery and have been left with scarring.
good-to-know info :
Surgeon recommended
by some of Australia’s best cosmetic and reconstructive surgeonsRestorative tattoos at Inez Tattoo are made with Pink Ribbon certified permanent ink.
No annual maintenance required.Australia’s first artist to complete the most intensive international in-person training available, to provide this special service.
CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS
— MORE INFO BELOW —
all images are of 3D tattoo recreations post surgery
pricing
Each restorative tattoo is bespoke, thoughtfully tailored to each unique circumstance and needs of the wearer.
To receive personalised information about pricing and appointments, please email us with the following:
- A brief overview of your circumstances and/or surgeries with rough dates.
- Clear photos of the area(s) - (these will only be viewed by your artist)
- Any questions you may have
Your artist will respond directly and confidentially.
frequently asked questions
How long after surgery do I need to wait before I can get tattooed?
As a general rule, a minimum of 6-12 months post final surgery/procedure is recommended for best results.
This part is super important, and sometimes requires more time.
Once all scarring in the area has fully matured (usually, this looks like the scarring colour changing from pink to a light or bright white), this is the best indication.
How do I pick a colour? How many sessions do I need? Am I a good candidate?
When beginning your restorative tattoo journey, we start with an initial consultation where we will discuss all of the above questions and many more, to determine the best game plan to suit your specific needs.
Every restorative tattoo is completely unique! To begin, send us an email
Will it hurt?
Believe it or not - most people doze off through their session!
Many clients who have undergone a chest surgery report a reduction of sensation in the area. Other clients may experience what is often rated as a 1-2 out of 10 level of temporary discomfort, though is always very manageable.
After the session, you can expect little to no discomfort and you must ensure to be gentle with the area even if it is not sore.
Are restorative/nipple tattoos permanent?
At Inez Tattoo - YES! Since we are restoring features on extremely delicate and often scarred tissue, the least amount of tattooing- the better. Restorative tattoos are also not typically subject to future colour adjustments or trends, unlike something like an eyebrow or lip colour.
Can I exercise after getting tattooed?
Allow your body proper time to rest and heal for a minimum of 10-14 days.
Day 1-10: No exercise recommended. Walking and weights are accepted (NO hot yoga/pilates)
Day 10-14+: You may slowly resume your usual program, but please be slow and gentle with the area until any peeling has stopped in its own time.
High intensity exercise like F45 classes, hot yoga/pilates, running or jogging, basically anything that causes friction, sweating and bouncing is NOT advised until your tattoo is healed (2 weeks minimum).
These tattoos are permanent, healing is temporary. The better you heal them, the better they will look
Can I wear a bra?
A temporary “second skin” dressing (such as Tegaderm) is applied right after your tattoo and worn for 7–10 days. This dressing protects the area and makes wearing a bra — and general aftercare — much easier.
If you’re unable to wear second skin dressings:
When possible, avoid bras or tight clothing during the 14-day healing period. When wearing a bra is necessary:
• Create a barrier between your skin and clothing to prevent rubbing or sticking.
• On clean skin, apply a tiny amount of balm to the tattooed area, then gently place a small piece of cling film (Glad Wrap) over the tattooed area.
• Secure it with medical tape to prevent movement.
• Wear your bra or clothing over the top.
• Be sure to remove or change the wrap after 5 hours to allow the skin to breathe.
before + after tattoo care
- BEFORE your tattoo session :
As a very first step, please consult with your doctors/specialists regarding your tattoo compatibility. Ensure you are not on any medications which may impact your healing or the application (eg but not limited too; blood thinning medications, steroids or ongoing treatments that may impact healing).
It is imperative to gain offical advice before proceeding with a restorative tattoo on a surgery site.
Generally speaking, we recommend waiting a minimum of 6-12 months after your final surgery or procedure in the area to schedule your first tattoo session.
ON THE DAY of your tattoo session:
- Being well rested will make for a better tattoo experience!
- Eat something good before getting tattooed. Bring along a snack if you like.
- AVOID CAFFEINE before your tattoo. (After is fine)
- AVOID ALCOHOL for 24hrs before your session.
- Get excited !
- AFTER your tattoo session :
Aftercare will be provided to you in writing at each appointment, along with specialised tattoo healing balm and dressings.
A temporary “second skin” dressing (such as Tegaderm) is applied right after your tattoo and worn for 7–10 days. This dressing protects the area and makes wearing a bra — and general aftercare — much easier.
For those who cannot wear a second skin dressing :
During the healing period :
Avoid touching, scratching, picking and rubbing the tattooed area
Use only the provided aftercare balm, extremely minimally, to hydrate the skin (applied with a cotton tip or clean fingers).
Avoid submerging the tattooed area under water (eg pools, hot tubs, hot baths) for 4 weeks.
Avoid high intensity activities that will cause excessive sweating or friction in this area until fully healed - 2 weeks.
Flaking and peeling of the tattooed area around day 5-14 is completely normal and expected. Please allow this skin to flake away in its own time and ensure it is left totally undisrupted.
A light amount of hydration from the provided aftercare balm 1-2 times max a day is recommended during this time.Keep healing and tattooed skin away from direct UV rays
Avoid lotion/perfume/fake tan on/around the tattooed area for 4 weeks.
EXERCISING:
Allow your body proper time to rest and heal for the first 10-14 days.
Day 1-10: No exercise recommended. Walking and weights are accepted (NO hot yoga/pilates)
Day 10-14+: You may slowly resume your usual programs, but please be slow and gentle with the area until the peeling has stopped.
High intensity exercise like F45 classes, hot yoga/pilates, running or jogging, basically anything that causes friction, sweating and bouncing is NOT advised until your tattoo is healed (2 weeks minimum).
WEARING A BRA :
A temporary “second skin” dressing (such as Tegaderm) is applied right after your tattoo and worn for 7–10 days. This dressing protects the area and makes wearing a bra — and general aftercare — much easier. The area is not impacted by a bra with a dressing in place.
If you’re unable to wear second skin dressings:
When possible, avoid bras or tight clothing during the 14-day healing period. When wearing a bra is necessary:
• Create a barrier between your skin and clothing to prevent rubbing or sticking.
• On clean skin, apply a tiny amount of balm to the tattooed area, then gently place a small piece of cling film (Glad Wrap) over the tattooed area.
• Secure it with medical tape to prevent movement.
• Wear your bra or clothing over the top.
• Be sure to remove or change the wrap after 5 hours to allow the skin to breathe.