AREOLA RESTORATION · SURGEON-REFERRED
3D Areola Tattoo in Reno, NV
Thoughtful, personal care after mastectomy or reconstruction. A visual restoration designed around you.
3D from $950/side · blushing $500/side · one touch-up included
Who this is for
Areola tattooing can be a personal next step after mastectomy, breast reconstruction, or another breast procedure that changes the appearance of the nipple and areola. Some clients want a complete visual recreation; others want to improve an existing areola's color or balance. You do not need to arrive with the right terminology. Tell us what you see, what has changed, and what you would like to feel more comfortable with. We will explain the options without assuming that everybody wants the same result.
Our work is surgeon-referred, and we welcome direct inquiries too. A referral is not a promise that your skin is ready for treatment. We consider your healing history, current skin condition, and any guidance from your medical team. Tattooing is an appearance-focused service, not breast reconstruction or a medical treatment for cancer. If more healing or medical clearance is needed, waiting is part of caring for you—not a reason to rush into a procedure.
3D areola tattooing vs. areola blushing
A 3D areola tattoo uses pigment placement, highlights, and shadows to give the impression of depth on the skin. The artist plans the border, color variation, and visual nipple detail with you. The word '3D' describes the appearance of the tattoo; it does not mean a raised nipple is created. The effect is visual, and it can look different with lighting, viewing distance, and your skin's texture. We discuss those limits before you decide whether this approach feels right.
Areola blushing works with an existing areola. It can refresh faded-looking color or help you explore a softer color adjustment. It is not the same as creating an entire nipple-and-areola appearance after removal. Both services require thoughtful placement and color choices, but their starting point and purpose differ. During your consultation, we compare what each service can reasonably offer you, consider symmetry and personal preferences, and build a plan around your own anatomy rather than a standard stencil.
Your private consultation
Your first step is a $75 consultation with Tricia and Chaz at our Reno studio. Bring your questions and, if relevant, the guidance your surgeon has given you. We discuss the procedure you have had, how the area has healed, your priorities, and whether you are looking for 3D recreation or blushing. We can talk through one-sided and two-sided plans and explain how pricing applies. You have room to ask about placement, color, comfort, privacy, and what happens if your skin needs more time.
We want you to understand the plan before making a treatment decision. That includes what tattooing can change and what it cannot. Scar texture, sensitivity, and pigment retention can differ between areas, even on the same person. We do not promise an exact copy of somebody else's result. If your medical history raises a question outside our role, we ask you to speak with your surgical team. The consultation is a conversation, not pressure to proceed on the spot.
What to expect on treatment day
The appointment begins with another review of the treatment plan and the area's readiness. Together, we review the proposed position, size, outline, and color direction before tattooing starts. A single-sided plan may use the other side as a reference, while a two-sided plan can be designed around the balance you prefer. Your feedback matters at this stage. Tell us if something feels too large, too small, too sharp, or simply not like you. We take the time to discuss the design.
The artist then places pigment using tattoo techniques suited to the planned service. Comfort varies: reconstructed skin may have altered sensation, while other areas can be sensitive. We discuss comfort measures and any relevant restrictions before treatment rather than assuming numbness or promising a painless session. Before you leave, we explain the aftercare plan, what the fresh color may look like, and how to contact us during healing. We also discuss the review that will guide your included touch-up.
Healing, settled color, and your included touch-up
The color you see immediately after tattooing is not necessarily the settled color. Fresh pigment can look darker or stronger, and the surface may feel tender or show redness and flaking. Follow the written care instructions for your particular skin and procedure. Avoid picking at the area or treating it with products we have not discussed. Protect it from unnecessary friction and ask before returning to activities that could irritate healing skin. Contact us if you are unsure about what you are seeing.
Healing speed and pigment retention vary, especially where there is scar tissue or a history of reconstruction. We assess the healed appearance before deciding what refinement is appropriate. One touch-up is included with the areola service. That review can address color, balance, or areas of uneven retention after healing; its timing is discussed with you. It is not a guarantee that tattooing eliminates every difference in the skin. Worsening pain, spreading redness, fever, or other concerning symptoms should be assessed by a medical professional.
Clear pricing, one side at a time
3D areola tattooing starts at $950 per side. Areola blushing is $500 per side. One touch-up is included. The consultation is $75. Because these are per-side services, your treatment discussion will specify whether you want one side or both sides and which technique is proposed. We explain your individual quote before you book treatment. Do not use another service's starting price as an areola quote: the design, treatment area, and purpose are different.
You can start with a consultation even if you are still deciding how you want to move forward. Our address is 105 Mt Rose St, Suite G, Reno, NV 89509. We see clients Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM · by appointment only, and do not publish walk-in or weekend hours. Use the Book Consult button to choose an available appointment, or call 775-593-5762 if you would rather speak with us first. We will help you take the next step at a pace that respects your healing and your preferences.
FROM OUR RENO STUDIO
Meet the people who will care for you.
These are photos of our artists and studio, not areola before-and-after results. Ask during your private consultation about examples appropriate to your goals.
FIVE COMMON QUESTIONS
Areola tattoo FAQs
What is the difference between 3D areola tattooing and areola blushing?
3D areola tattooing uses color, shading, and highlights to create the visual appearance of an areola and nipple on healed skin. It does not create physical projection. Areola blushing refreshes or adjusts color in an existing areola. Your consultation helps establish which approach fits your anatomy, healing history, and goals.
How much does areola tattooing cost?
3D areola tattooing starts at $950 per side. Areola blushing is $500 per side. One touch-up is included. Consultations are $75. We discuss the number of sides, the proposed service, and your treatment plan before booking treatment, so you can understand your quote without guessing.
When can I book after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction?
Book once your surgical team has cleared the area for tattooing. The right timing depends on your surgery, scar stability, tissue condition, and any ongoing treatment. A calendar date alone is not enough to decide readiness. We may request your surgeon's guidance and will discuss whether you should wait before proceeding.
What should I expect during healing?
Fresh pigment can look darker than the healed result. Tenderness, redness, and light flaking can occur as the surface heals. Follow the written aftercare plan and avoid picking or friction. Contact us with questions, and seek medical advice for worsening pain, spreading redness, fever, or other signs of infection. Healing and pigment retention vary.
Is a touch-up included, and how do I book?
One touch-up is included with the areola service. We review the healed color and discuss its timing rather than scheduling it before your skin is ready. Book a $75 consultation using the booking button or call 775-593-5762. Our Reno studio sees clients Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM · by appointment only.
YOUR FIRST STEP
What happens at your consult
45 minutes with Tricia & Chaz
You explain what you want to change, share your treatment history, and ask the questions that matter to you.
A personal skin assessment
We look at your skin, the treatment area, and healing readiness. You learn which technique fits your goals and what it involves.
A plan and a clear price
We discuss the proposed treatment, session planning, healing and aftercare, then explain the price before you book treatment.
Consultation: $75 · Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM · by appointment only.
Begin with a conversation.
A $75 consultation. Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM · by appointment only. No pressure to decide before you are ready.