A mastectomy for breast cancer can affect body image and self-confidence. After breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy, some people choose tattoos as a way to feel more comfortable with their bodies.

Mastectomy tattoos can help people reclaim their bodies as a form of healing, inspiration, and empowerment. Mastectomy tattoos can be part of the breast reconstruction process or a form of decorative or artistic body art after a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery.

Mastectomy tattoos aren’t for everyone, but they are a choice to consider if you’re having breast cancer surgery.

Read on to learn more about mastectomy tattoos to discuss with your doctor, healthcare team, or breast cancer surgeon.

Medical Mastectomy Tattoos

If the nipple isn’t preserved after breast cancer surgery, medical tattoos can be used to recreate the nipple and the areola — the pigmented or darker skin around the nipple. Your health insurance may cover the cost of a nipple tattoo. Organizations such as the Mastectomy Tattooing Alliance and P.ink Angel Fund provide financial support for mastectomy tattoos for those who qualify.

Nipple tattoos are usually done in one of two ways — as nipple reconstruction or as 3D nipples. Both methods use tattooing to create permanent imaging and pigment to resemble a natural nipple and, if only one nipple has been affected by surgery, to match your other nipple. If you’ve had a double mastectomy, you have some choice in the coloring of the tattoo.

Nipple Reconstruction Tattoos

Nipple reconstruction tattoos are done after nipple reconstruction surgery. If you choose to have nipple reconstruction surgery, it’s usually done at least three to four months after breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast tissue and skin are used to construct a raised nipple that looks as natural as possible. After the nipple reconstruction heals, the nipple and areola can be tattooed to look more natural.

3D Nipple Tattoos

3D nipple tattoos are sometimes done after breast reconstruction when nipple reconstruction hasn’t been done.

With 3D tattoos, an image of a nipple and areola is tattooed on the reconstructed breast. The tattoo has shading and details that look like a natural raised nipple and areola, although the tattoo itself isn’t actually 3D. Some people choose this option because it’s less invasive than nipple reconstruction surgery.

Artistic Mastectomy Tattoos

Artistic mastectomy tattoos are for people who’ve had mastectomies or breast-conserving surgery to adorn or mask their scars with artistic or decorative tattoo images. Artistic tattoos can be done after surgical scars have healed. Some people choose to get artistic tattoos on their reconstructed breasts or around the scars where their breast was removed.

Research has shown that after a mastectomy, less than 20 percent of women have breast reconstruction and instead choose to remain flat-chested — sometimes referred to as going flat. Artistic mastectomy tattoos have become popular among those who choose to live flat.

Why Some People Choose To Get a Mastectomy Tattoo

There are several reasons why some people choose to get a mastectomy tattoo. For many, it’s a way to embrace their postmastectomy body in a new and positive way. An artistic tattoo around a mastectomy scar can be a way to redefine beauty, restore confidence, and feel a new sense of identity.

Research has shown that women often feel alienated from their bodies after a mastectomy. A postmastectomy tattoo is a personal choice. Many people who get an artistic postmastectomy tattoo choose an image that carries special meaning.

There is limited research on why people choose to get an artistic tattoo after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction. But some studies have found that reasons include:

• Regaining identity
• Enhancing body image
• Beautification
• Increasing a sense of control
• Acknowledging what they have experienced with breast cancer
• Overcoming insecurities about sexuality or femininity
• A scar cover-up

Tattoo Inspiration and Ideas

An artistic or decorative tattoo on the breast or chest can be any type of design you choose. Some popular mastectomy tattoo ideas include:

• Floral images that symbolize growth and resilience
• Nature designs, such as trees, butterflies, or waves, that suggest peace and well-being
• Spiritual or personal symbols that reflect a higher purpose or courage
• Phrases or words that provide inspiration
• Abstract designs that show a unique sensibility

Some people choose a small tattoo design, while others choose designs that cover a large part of their chest. There’s no right or wrong approach. A mastectomy tattoo is a form of personal creativity and self-expression.

What To Expect With a Postmastectomy Tattoo

A tattoo is done with a handheld device that uses needles to make small punctures in the skin, injecting tiny droplets of ink into the skin. There may be some bleeding and pain.

If you are having a nipple and areola tattoo, talk with your doctor in detail about the tattoo process. This type of tattoo may be done by a trained physician assistant or nurse practitioner. They will discuss the procedure with you, including potential pain, and the look, color, and placement of the nipple tattoo.

Because nerve damage is common after a mastectomy, many people feel little to no pain during the procedure. Postmastectomy tattoos are typically done without anesthesia and take about two hours.

A decorative or artistic tattoo is typically done by a tattoo artist in a tattoo studio. Because it typically covers a larger area than a nipple tattoo, it may involve more pain. Talk with your doctor and a tattoo artist about what to expect.

Timing, Safety, and Finding the Right Tattoo Artist

Your doctor can recommend the safest way to proceed with a postmastectomy tattoo in order to avoid complications. It’s essential to know that a tattoo comes with some risks, such as infection and allergic reaction.

Timing for a Mastectomy Tattoo

Depending on your particular surgery and condition, nipple and areola tattoos can be done 3 to 6 months after breast reconstruction is completed, when the skin has healed. Your doctor may recommend waiting longer.

You generally have to wait at least one year after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction before getting a decorative tattoo. This allows time for scar tissue to fully heal. You also need to wait until you’ve completed breast cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy (chemo) or radiation therapy, which can affect the skin and raise your risk of infection.

It’s important to recover from treatment side effects and talk to your doctor before getting a decorative tattoo after breast cancer surgery.

How To Find the Right Decorative Tattoo Artist

Decorative tattoos are done outside of a medical facility. Start by talking to your healthcare team to make sure you’re ready for a breast or chest tattoo. Ask whether they have any recommendations for tattoo artists with experience in mastectomy tattoos.

When searching for a mastectomy tattoo artist, ask some key questions, including:

• Can I see your tattoo license and current health and safety certificate?
• What kind of experience do you have with postmastectomy tattoos?
• What kind of experience do you have tattooing around scars?
• Can you show me examples of mastectomy tattoos you’ve done?
• Can I have my tattoo done in a private space?
• Can I bring someone with me?

You should also ask how long the tattoo will take and what will be involved in the process. Be sure to discuss any medications you’re taking and if you have any allergies.

In addition, ask the tattoo artist if the ink they use has any trace of metal, which can heat up during MRI scans.

Caring for Your Tattoo

When you get a mastectomy tattoo, your tattoo artist will give you clear instructions on how to care for it as it heals. Your tattoo may be dressed in a covering that should be kept clean and dry, except when applying any creams recommended by your care team or tattoo artist. Follow all aftercare instructions carefully for proper healing.

Join the Conversation

On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

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