restorative tattooing
& scar camouflage
By Montana Inez
helping to heal, through tattooing
Restorative tattooing goes far beyond what the eye can see, that is for certain!
Comprised of advanced micropigmentation techniques, this type of tattoo brings head-scratching realistic recreations of the areola and nipple complex (NAC)
This service can be suited for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomies, trans or 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!
Montana works closely with some of Australia’s best breast and reconstructive surgeons.
Montana is Australia’s very first artist to complete the most intensive training available, to provide this special service.
Restorative tattoos at Inez Tattoo are made with permanent ink.
Pink Ribbon certified ink is used for these special tattoos.
click to enlarge photos | more info below
[ all images are of tattooed recreations of the nipple/areola complex on reconstructed skin, post surgery ]
pricing
Pricing for restorative tattooing is available by consultation,
each individual case is unique and is always treated as such.
For bookings & questions, please send us an email with your details and photos of the area(s) for more information and quotes.
frequently asked questions
How do I pick a colour? How many sessions do I need? Am I a good candidate?
When beginning your restorative tattoo journey, we will kick things off with an initial consultation where we will assess 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 mastectomy or top 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, but is 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.
These tattoos should never be semi-permanent.
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.
An in person or online consultation will help to determine when will be the best time for you.
Can I exercise after getting tattooed?
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).
These tattoos are permanent, healing is temporary. The better you heal them, the better they look - forever!
How do I wear a bra?
Avoid wearing a bra whenever possible while healing (14 days).
When needed, we advise the following. Create a protective barrier over the skin to prevent clothes sticking to the tattoo (done within the first 5 days).
Ensure dressing is removed/changed after 5 hours and skin is allowed to breathe when not wearing a bra.
On clean skin, apply a small piece of Glad Wrap (cling film) over your tattoo(s)
Tape down plastic to prevent movement if needed
Wear bra or tight clothing over top
tattoo care instructions
before your tattoo session
As a very first step, please consult with your doctors/specialists regarding your compatibility with receiving a tattoo, before committing to an appointment. Ensure you are not on any medications which may impact your healing or the application of a tattoo (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.
As a general guide, we recommend waiting a minimum of 6-12+ months after your final surgery or procedure to schedule your first tattoo session.
On the day of your tattoo appointment:
~ Get a good night of rest the evening before
~ AVOID CAFFEINE before your tattoo. Caffeine afterwards is fine.
~ Have a nutritious and filling meal before getting tattooed. Bring along a snack/drink if you like.
~ Get excited!
healing and caring for your new tattoo;
Aftercare will be provided to you in writing at each appointment, along with specialised tattoo healing balm.
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).
These tattoos are permanent, healing is temporary. The better you heal them, the better they look - forever!
~ WEARING A BRA :
Avoid wearing a bra whenever possible while healing (14 days).
When needed, we advise the following. Create a protective barrier over the skin to prevent clothes sticking to the tattoo (done within the first 5 days).
Ensure dressing is removed/changed after 5 hours and skin is allowed to breathe when not wearing a bra.
On clean skin, apply a small piece of Glad Wrap (cling film) over your tattoo(s)
Tape down plastic to prevent movement if needed
Wear bra or tight clothing over top