The Art Of Areola
The art of areola tattoo reconstruction is a specialised form of paramedical tattooing designed to restore the natural appearance of the nipple and areola complex, often after breast surgery such as mastectomy, breast reconstruction, or reduction. It's both a technical and artistic skill, blending aspects of medical knowledge, fine art, and emotional care.
Our
Story
Restoring Confidence Through Art,
Claire Steele proudly offers FREE Areola Reconstruction tattoos for patients following Breast Cancer mastectomy, and mastectomy including those affected by BRCA gene mutations and individuals undergoing gender affirming surgery.
With a deep passion for healing through art, Claire combines medical precision and creative expertise to help restore a sense of wholeness and confidence. Her work supports patients in reclaiming their bodies and moving forward with dignity and strength.
Claire is honoured to support both The Christie and Prevent Breast Cancer UK, aligning her mission with two leading forces in cancer research, prevention, and care.
Although Claire offers this service for free, Claire kindly asks for a donation of the patients choice towards either or both charities. The donation is taken by Claire at the end of your appointment. At the end of each year Claire sends the donation off.
Last year we raised £814.71
Her service is not just about tattoos—it’s about empowerment, recovery, and compassion.
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What It Involves:
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3D Realism: The goal is to create a hyper-realistic illusion of a nipple and areola using shading, colour gradients, and fine details like Montgomery glands (the little bumps around the areola), even when no physical nipple is present.
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Colour Matching: Tattoo artists carefully blend pigments to match the individual's skin tone and, if applicable, the other nipple.
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Customization: Size, shape, colour, and placement are all customized to suit the patient’s anatomy and preferences.
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The Process:
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Consultation: Discuss aesthetic goals, review scar tissue, and determine appropriate colour and shape.
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Designing: The artist sketches and maps the area to ensure symmetry and positioning.
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Tattooing: Using a fine tattoo machine, pigments are implanted into the skin in layers to create depth and texture.
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Healing and Touch-Ups: Healing takes a few weeks, and follow-up sessions may be needed to perfect the result.
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Emotional Impact:
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Beyond aesthetics, this procedure can have a profound emotional and psychological benefit. For many, it’s the final step in reclaiming their body after cancer or surgery, helping restore confidence, body image, and a sense of wholeness.
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BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION HERE
NHS Areola Tattoo:
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Offered as part of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.
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Typically a flat, single-tone tattoo.
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Focuses on basic colour restoration rather than realism.
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Limited in customization and artistic detail.
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Free through the NHS, but availability and results may vary.
3D Areola Medical Tattoo (Private):
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Advanced technique using multiple shades, highlights, and shadowing to create a realistic, 3D effect.
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Performed by specialists trained in medical micropigmentation.
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Offers personalized design, including natural areola shape, colour matching, and nipple illusion.
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Not typically available through the NHS.
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Long term aftercare
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