What Are 3D Areola Tattoos?
3D areola tattoos are a form of restorative tattooing that recreates the appearance of a natural nipple and areola. Using soft shading and realistic detailing, we design custom areolas that reflect your vision—whether you're healing after breast cancer, top surgery, or gender affirming care. These tattoos are more than skin-deep. They’re a way to reclaim your body and your confidence, on your own terms.

What Can Areola Tattoos Do For You?
Whether you're navigating recovery from a mastectomy or affirming your gender identity, this service can help you feel more like yourself again. Areola tattoos can restore symmetry, bring closure, and make the mirror feel safer. For many of our clients, this is the final step in a long, emotional journey—and we’re honored to be part of it.

What to Expect at Your Appointment
We begin with a private consultation at our Raleigh, NC studio, where we talk through your story and goals. You’ll choose tones, size, and placement that feel right for you. The process usually takes about 2-3 hours, and numbing options are available to ensure your comfort. You’re welcome to bring a support person and you’ll never be rushed. We take our time to make sure you feel safe and supported.

What to Expect After Your Appointment
Right after your appointment, your skin might feel a little sensitive or appear slightly red, but that fades quickly. Initial healing takes around 7–10 days. We'll send you home with aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. We always include a complimentary touch-up within 12 weeks of your first session.

Cost
There’s no charge for this service.
Areola tattoos at Inkvictus Studios are 100% free for clients who have undergone top surgery, mastectomy, gender affirming care, or breast reconstruction. We do this because we believe you shouldn’t have to pay to feel whole again. It’s our way of giving back and making healing a little more accessible.

Please note: Due to the care and time we put into each session, we currently offer only one appointment per week for areola tattooing. Availability is limited, and we encourage you to reach out early if you're interested.

Who Can Book
Anyone who has experienced medical or gender-affirming chest surgery and wants realistic, restorative tattooing is welcome to reach out. All clients must book a consultation first to ensure we can meet your needs and safely move forward with the tattoo. This also gives us space to talk about your goals, healing process, and any questions you may have.

If you're not sure whether you qualify or want to talk more about the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out, here. There’s no pressure, we just want to be a safe space for you to ask questions and be heard.