Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

As the final step in breast reconstruction, you may choose nipple and areola reconstruction or 3D tattooing. Surgery or tattoos can recreate the nipple and surrounding area to give your breast a more natural appearance.

You can decide if you want to have nipple and areola reconstruction or not. At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, your care team will help you figure out if and when nipple reconstruction is right for you.

Request a consultation to find out more about your options for nipple reconstruction after mastectomy.

Learn more about deciding what breast reconstruction options are right for you.

When you can have nipple reconstruction surgery

Usually, you’ll have nipple reconstruction a few months after your main breast reconstruction surgery. This waiting period gives your breast time to heal and settle into its final shape after any swelling has gone down.

Depending on your health, comfort and type of reconstruction surgery, you may be able to have nipple and areola reconstruction done:

• In your surgeon’s office, using local anesthesia
• As a short outpatient procedure
• At the same time as minor touch-up or symmetry surgery

How nipple reconstruction works

There are several ways to recreate the nipple and areola area, including surgery, tattooing or a combination of both. Your care team will help you choose the best method based on your goals and comfort level.

• Surgical reconstruction: In nipple reconstruction surgery, surgeons lift and shape small flaps of skin on the breast to create a raised nipple.
• Skin graft reconstruction: A small piece of skin from a different part of the body is used to create the areola and possible nipple.
• Areola creation: Once the area has healed, medical 3D areola tattooing can add natural color and shading to match your skin tone.
• 3D nipple tattooing: This non-surgical option uses light and shading to create the illusion of a nipple and areola.

These simple, outpatient procedures are generally quick with fast recovery times. They may help you feel more complete after reconstruction.

What to expect during recovery

Recovery after nipple or areola reconstruction usually doesn’t take long:

• Mild swelling, redness or tenderness is normal for a few days.
• You’ll want to keep the area clean and dry and avoid tight clothing, pressure or friction on the area until your surgeon says it’s OK.
• Tattoo colors may fade slightly over time. You can have them refreshed later, if needed.
• Most people return to regular activities within a few days.

Your surgeon will give you detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up visit to check your healing. 

Learn more about recovery and aftercare from breast reconstruction surgery.

Deciding if nipple and areola reconstruction is right for you

Choosing nipple and areola reconstruction is a personal decision. You may want to complete this final step or you may be comfortable without it. You may choose to wait, skip it or consider tattooing later.

Your decision might depend on:

• How your reconstructed breast looks and feels
• Your comfort with additional procedures
• Your emotional readiness or body image goals

Keep in mind that a reconstructed nipple won’t function like a natural nipple. It will not have feeling or react to temperature or touch. Whatever you decide, your Banner MD Anderson team will explain your timing and technique options and support you.

Learn more about deciding what breast reconstruction option is right for you.

Risks and side effects of nipple and areola reconstruction

Risks from nipple and areola reconstruction may include:

• Nipple flattening or pulling inward
• Loss of sensation in the breast
• Changes in the appearance or sensation of the scar
• Necrosis (tissue breakdown)

Side effects are usually mild. You may have bleeding, pain, swelling, infection or fatigue. To avoid complications, follow your care team’s instructions and contact them if you notice any issues.

Why choose Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center

At Banner MD Anderson, our reconstructive surgeons and medical tattoo specialists use advanced techniques to achieve realistic, natural results. Whether you choose surgical nipple reconstruction, 3D tattooing, both or neither, we’ll guide you through every option with care that focuses on your comfort, confidence and long-term healing.  

Request an appointment