Precare:

-Avoid Blood thinners (as long as it is safe to do so) for a minimum of 48 hours prior to the appointment (this includes fish oil supplements etc).
-Apply numbing agent to the area 1 hour prior as per instructions that will be provided.
-Ensure you are not taking any antibiotics or prescribed acne medication.
-Ensure you have obtained a doctors clearance for specific medications including anti-rejection medication.

Aftercare:

-When you get home remove the cling wrap or liner. Gently wash with antibacterial soap and warm water using clean fingers. Do not scrub.
-Lightly Pat dry with a clean towel and apply a small pea size amount of supplied aftercare cream. (We recommend Aussie inked aftercare cream as it is made from natural ingredients, vegan friendly and not tested on animals. Bepanthen First aid Antiseptic cream is also fine.)
- Use a breast pad or thin panty liner inside your bra to avoid your new nipple tattoo from getting stuck on your bra or clothing. Ensure your nipple tattoo is not getting stuck to the pad throughout the day.
-Wash and apply aftercare cream 2-3 times a day. Use a fresh liner every day.
-Repeat these steps for approximately 7-10 days.
-It is important to let your tattoo air out for several hours each day.
- You can use a second skin for a few hours a day if you are participating in activities such as Hydrotherapy where you would want to keep the area dry and away from any potential bacteria. Please ask your artist for these instructions.
-Some flaking or scabbing is to be expected, please avoid itching or picking at the scabs.
-When all the scabbing has gone you may switch from the aftercare area to a mild moisturising lotion or cocoa butter (avoid any harsh chemicals or fragrances)

If you are not sure if you are ready to commit to a permanent nipple tattoo, you can trial the thought with a temporary nipple tattoo from Pink Lotus Australia, from the comfort of your own home. Click HERE to go to Pink Lotus Australia’s website to purchase temporary nipple tattoos’. This can also be a great way to decide on a desired design, size and colour.

It is recommended to wait 3-6 months post surgery before getting a nipple tattoo.

If a scar is bright red, it means it is too early to tattoo.

Certain medications can alter your ability to get a nipple tattoo.
It is recommended that you do not get a nipple tattoo when on antibiotics.
It is recommended to wait 6-12 months after taking prescribed acne medication before being able to get a nipple tattoo.

If you have had an organ transplant or are on anti-rejection it is not in your best interest to get a nipple tattoo. You must have a clearance from your doctor for this procedure.

If you are unsure if you are ready for a nipple tattoo, it is recommended to get confirmation from your surgeon.

This comes down to personal preference however my recommendation for best results is to avoid a nipple reconstruction. By doing this you will avoid having to have another surgery and added scars. This also means that there is a flat blank canvas for the 3D nipple tattoo which allows the artist freedom to achieve optimum results.

For more information BreastCancer.Org have a very informative article reviewing both options. Click HERE to read.

BREAST CHECK

Performing a breast self-examination is an important practice for early detection of breast cancer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to self-check your breasts:

Step 1: Preparation

• Find a comfortable space, such as a bathroom or bedroom, with good lighting.

• Stand in front of a mirror and remove your clothing from the waist up.

• Ensure your hands are clean and dry before starting the examination.

Step 2: Visual Examination

• Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror. Observe their size, shape, and symmetry.

• Note any changes in skin texture, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness.

• Look for any visible lumps or swelling in or around the breasts.

• Pay attention to the nipples for any changes in shape, size, or discharge.

Step 3: Raise Your Arms

• Keep looking at the mirror and raise both arms above your head.

• Observe if there are any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.

Step 4: Manual Examination

• Lie down on your back on a comfortable surface, such as a bed.

• Place a pillow under your right shoulder and raise your right arm behind your head.

• Use the pads of your left hand fingers (palm down) to examine your right breast.

• Apply light to medium pressure and use a circular motion to feel the entire breast, including the area under the armpit (axillary region).

• Start from the outer edge and gradually move toward the nipple.

• Take note of any lumps, thickening, or changes in texture.

Step 5: Nipple Examination

• Gently squeeze the nipple between your thumb and index finger.

• Look for any discharge, such as clear fluid, blood, or pus.

• Note any changes in nipple shape, such as inversion or flattening.

Step 6: Repeat on the Other Side

• Repeat the same steps on your left breast, using your right hand to examine.

Step 7: Stand or Sit Examination

• Stand or sit up straight and repeat the manual examination using the same circular motion technique.

• Check both breasts for any remaining lumps or changes.

Step 8: Seek Professional Guidance

• If you notice any changes, lumps, or concerns during the self-examination, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

• Regularly schedule clinical breast examinations and mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Remember, self-checking your breasts should be a regular practice, ideally once a month. It's important to familiarise yourself with your breast's normal look and feel so that you can recognise any changes promptly. Early detection plays a crucial role in successful breast cancer treatment.

Unfortunately there is no Medicare funding for permanent nipple tattooing. Pink Lotus Australia Foundation is a charity that raises money to subsidise nipple tattoos. As it is a charity the subsidy relies purely on donations.

If you would like to contribute to an amazing cause you can donate HERE.

Another way to donate is to organise a fundraiser, this can also be done to fund the entirety of your own nipple tattoo.
Some ideas include; charity walk/run, Bake sales, community garage sale, fundraising dinner/morning tea etc.

Everyone may have a different opinion on this question. Some people may have hyper sensitivity or no feeling at all post surgery. If you do have sensitivity or are unsure, I recommend my clients to numb the area an hour prior to your appointment. Emla or nummit can be purchased from the chemist. This numbing cream contains 5% Lidocaine and Prilocaine and must be used topically and not on open skin.

A compounded numbing gel will also be used throughout the tattoo session to ensure a comfortable appointment.

Nipple tattooing requires a minimum of 2 sessions and some people may require a further 1 or 2 sessions to completely perfect the tattoo.

A follow up session is required 6 weeks post the initial tattoo appointment. This is to deepen colour and add detail within the tattoo.

Sometimes scarring/skin condition can alter how the tattoo heals therefore multiple sessions may be required to build up the desired colour outcome.