Nipple Tattoos

I had mine done way back in the dark ages of tatoo...  was a rookie doing it and I have very fair skin and it did not last very long as it faded and blotched out but I also do have some feeling there.  It's not ugly or anything horrific.  But, I would advise you to check with others and ask for contacts that have used any of the artists you are considering.  How long has that particular artist been doing this particular procedure, etc.  Also find out post care recommendations and follow them for best outcome.  Over the years, women that I have talked with about this have found that... the farther you are out from this diagnosis, the less important tatoos seem.  As a young woman we identify more with our body status.  As an older woman, not many see our breasts.  So, do what you are comfortable with and enjoy being a woman again.  I am married, coming up 52 years and was 39 and 45 years old for my 2 independent breast cancer events.  My husband does miss a nipple to play with.  BUT... he gets more pleasure out of the rest of my body and has no regrets that my nipple reconstruction wasn't a lasting success.  Good luck on this part of your recovery!  Enjoy LIFE!

@buttercup - thanks so much for this reply, super appreciate it

I had mine down 10 years ago after the reconstruction at KU.  It faded and I went back to KU to have it redone.  It did not go as well the second time.

I was 28 at Dx (2008) and could have had tattoos done around 2010 but as another commented it gets less important the further out you get from everything.
I did end up getting them though. I am actually pretty indifferent to the tattoos. I do think my husband appreciates them but in no way made a fuss to get them. To me, they aren’t my breasts anymore so it was weird to see them with the areola tattoo after so long of seeing them “bare”. 
I just decided to do them 3 years ago in 2022 after visiting a new plastic surgeon concerning some other reconstruction issues. I ended up not having anything else done except for the tattoos. My advice is, if you do want them, get them done by a tattoo artist not a nurse who learned how to do them specifically. (Not a knock on any nurse!)

I was actually leery of going to a tattoo parlor, it’s just not my scene, again no disrespect if it’s yours. I think I also waited so long to get them because I was anxious about getting them but when the new PS office had a tattoo artist who came there I felt it was meant to be. It was an easy process. I have very little feeling in the area so it wasn’t any big deal. He did a great job. I feel they are a little too dark, I’m pretty fair, but I do think he was allowing for fading. I’ve shown girlfriends who have had no BRCA experience and they were floored at how real they look. 
Personally I would not recommend the nipple reconstruction where they cut the skin and form a new one. I did that in 2010 and it didn’t last long. I’ve heard others have had success with it but just wasn’t worth it to me. 
good luck!  Take your time, it’ll all make sense when it’s supposed too!

The office I went to for the tattoos was Monarch Plastic Surgery in Leawood. I do not know if they still have the tattoo artist come in though. 
I also heard Whispering Danny at Exile Tattoo is very good. 

I’ve had nipple tattoos done twice. The first time was about 18 years ago on one side only and it was free because she was just learning the procedure. Over the years it faded though and it honestly wasn’t done very good.

My latest experience was just this year and I had them done on both sides since my latest BC experience took my other breast and a revision on the first side took my original tattoo. My plastic surgeon recommended Spot On Beauty. I was really nervous about it at first but I’m so glad I did it now. Kara at Spot On Beauty does 3D tattoos and she did an amazing job. Because of the surgeries I didn’t really have any feeling in the skin so there wasn’t much pain involved at all. She lets you choose your color and size. It was completed in one visit. Aftercare was pretty simple and I had one follow up appointment for touchups.

My husband and I both were shocked how real they actually looked afterwards. I know every person’s experience is different, but having them done helped me feel more back to normal. I would highly recommend Kara at Spot On Beauty if you decide to get them done.

I love this website!  It's so easy to use and I haven't seen a comment yet that didn't "fit"!  I just recently found out that the American Cancer Society had discontinued their Reach to Recovery program that existed for decades.  Covid forced a lot of changes for many.  They have gone to an online only support program, which is good for how they want it.  I miss this personal communications and if we want to exchange contact info we can.  I am trying to decide if I want to join their new program as a supporter.  I am a long way out, so don't really need support for myself.  But I do love the camaraderie that can be built on a platform as this one. While Breast cancer has certainly come out of the closet, there are work places for some women that don't feel the acceptability to build support there.  This kind of platform provides that!   Thank YOU, Julie R!

Following this thread to hear other's comments. I was not in a place to consider this when I was done with my treatments so I never did it. It's good to see other's opinions and I'm so happy for this BCC Platform that allows us to share with each other.