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    • Home
    • Permanent Makeup
      • Brows
      • Lip Liner & Colour
      • Eyeliner
      • Tattoo Removal
      • Pricing
    • Medical Tattooing
      • 3D Areola Tattooing
      • Scar Camouflage
      • Stretch Mark Revision
    • Esthetics
      • Facials
      • Chemical Peels
      • Brow/Lash Lifts & Tints
      • Microdermabrasion
      • Dermaplaning
      • Lash Extensions
      • Seasonal Facial
    • BOOK NOW
    • Training Academy
    • Our Team
    • Plasma Skin Tightening
    • Press
    • Testimonials

(513) 454-6911

HousleyInstitute
  • Home
  • Permanent Makeup
  • Medical Tattooing
  • Esthetics
  • BOOK NOW
  • Training Academy
  • Our Team
  • Plasma Skin Tightening
  • Press
  • Testimonials

"After my double mastectomy and reconstruction, I had 3D areola tattoos done. Better than life changing, they are life normalizing!When I look in the mirror I no longer see breast cancer, I just see me!  I highly recommend Housley Institute for Restorative Ink!"


-Linda W., Cincinnati

Schedule Now
Hello,

Welcome!

If you're considering areola restoration, there's a lot to take in and review before making your decision to find the right areola tattoo artist. So, take your time, look around, read our client reviews and check out our work.  Of course if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!  

3D Areola Gallery

Fully healed 3D areola tattoo on a reconstructed breast with zero nipple protrusion (flat surface).

    Watch Our Feature Story From Local 12!

    "What an amazing business to have here in Cincinnati.  [Shannon's] work is beautiful and realistic looking. Her studio is clean and sterile. She has changed the way I look at myself ... I feel somewhat normal again!"


    --Jan M., Liberty Township

    A name you can trust

    Cincinnati's Premier 3D Areola Tattoo Artist

     Shannon Housley is the owner and principal cosmetic and medical tattoo artist at the Housley Institute for Restorative Ink located in beautiful historic Sharonville, Ohio. 


    Shannon received her 100-hour 3D areola restoration certification from The University of  Penn Medicine in Philadelphia and trained under world-renowned artist Mandy Sauler.  She has received her advanced hyper-realistic nipple certification and was hand-selected out of hundreds of tattoo artists to be  a "Sauler Selective Artist."


    She is Cincinnati's only independent artist trained to create hyper-realistic 3D areolas and takes great enjoyment in providing her breast patients with beautiful, long-lasting results.

    Get THE LOOK OF PROTRUSION

    It's amazing how 3D areola tattooing gives the look of protrusion to a flat surface.

    Areola & nipple restoration

    3D Nipple Tattooing, Areola Tattooing, Unilateral Areola Tattooing

     We use micropigmentation to create the illusion of a natural, three-dimensional areola and nipple.  


    For women who have undergone mastectomies (whether it be a DIEP flap, latissimus flap, or implant reconstruction—with or without nipple reconstruction) this intricate intradermal pigmentation and nipple restoration helps you to recover physically and emotionally from the scars of breast cancer.


    This procedure can also help men and women who have  had a mastopexy or have irregularly shaped or have faded areolas.


    Transgender surgery patients often are impacted by areola areas that are now too small or misshapen post-surgery.  Areola tattooing can allow for a more natural appearance, significantly boosting self-confidence. 


    Micropigmentation and 3D areola restoration can be applied in multiple ways: 


    Unilateral: We mirror the color and shape of your existing areola and nipple area to create a “matching” areola and nipple on the reconstructed breast. 


    Bilateral: We select a color that either matches your previous areola color or we can create a “new and improved” shade if you always wanted a lighter or darker areola. Then, we select your ideal size and shape.

     

    3D Tattooing: If you have not undergone nipple reconstruction, our 3D tattooing will provide you with an extremely realistic areola and nipple. This 3D process can be performed either unilaterally or bilaterally.


    DETAILS

     Appointment length: 2 hours


    Healing time: 3 to 5 days


    Numbing Used? Yes, a pre-numb agent and a secondary anesthetic can be used if there is any discomfort


    Actual tattooing time: 30 to 40 minutes


    Lasts for: 8 to 10 years


    Colorboosts recommended: as needed


    Follow up appointment included with appointment? Yes 

    "Shannon has a beautiful heart and is an amazing artist! My reconstruction after a double mastectomy was 5 years in the making and she made it complete with areola tattooing. I am so pleased with the results and give her the highest recommendation!"


    -Melissa M., Loveland

    Benefits Of 3D Areola Tattoos

    Realistic Looking

    Areolas provide a focal point which helps your breast look more natural. 3D areola restoration can also detract or mask the scars from your mastectomy and reconstruction.

    Can Be Covered By Insurance / HSA Funds

    The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires insurance to cover post-mastectomy reconstruction, including areola/nipple tattooing.  Housley Institute is listed on the National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry and can issue a Letter of Medical Necessity with the appropriate recognized billing codes so that you may submit for reimbursement from your insurance.   


    Funds from your HSA are also a great way to cover the cost of areola restoration.

    No Downtime

    Unlike nipple reconstruction, the healing process with areola tattooing is very simple. There is no down time. Your nipple tattoo will heal for 3 days beneath a waterproof Tegaderm bandage. Then once you remove it, simply keep it clean and dry for 7 days while applying an unscented moisturizer. And your areola restoration results can last anywhere from 8-10 years... to a lifetime.

    WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO DO YOUR RESEARCH

    AVOID THE "PEPPERONI"

    Housley Institute performs a lot of corrective areola tattooing on patients who have received areola tattoos from physicians and surgeons offices at the time of reconstruction. 


    These tattoos typically are a "one color fits all" two-dimensional circle.  They are performed by a nurse or doctor who typically is untrained or unskilled in tattooing and the results usually resemble a slice of pepperoni—these tattoos are often ugly, can cause scaring, and will fade very quickly. 


    BEST ADVICE: We highly suggest researching an artist's 3D areola restoration work prior to scheduling your nipple tattoo. 


    Also,  the other issue is that some surgeons/physicians bill the initial areola tattoo to your insurance company at exorbitant rates, but they also bill your insurance for every repeated  application.  It's not unheard of for a physician or surgeon's office  to repeat the entire procedure 3... or even 4  times.  There's no need to do that when the tattoo is performed properly.


    The result? 

    If you choose a physician's or surgeon's office for your tattoo, you and your insurance company could be paying a lot of money for UGLY, flat "pepperoni" areolas.  It's why Housley Institute does so many corrective tattoos on people who were extremely dissatisfied from the two-dimensional areola tattoos.


    If  you've had previously unsatisfactory results from a physician or  surgeon's office, we can help! Please schedule a consultation and we can  discuss what corrective measures can be taken to improve and help you reach your desired look.

    frequently asked questions

    3D areola created with micropigmentation

    WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT MY AREOLA APPOINTMENT?

    The first step of your areola tattoo is the consultation. Once you complete the general medical history form and the tattoo consent form, we'll discuss your expectations and your reconstruction history. I'll take as much time as needed to answer all of your questions.


    Before photos are required. Your face will not be included, but photos of your areola restoration are mandatory for your record. Once we have before pictures completed, we move on to the design part, where we select the size, placement, and color of your nipple tattoo.


    The next step in the appointment is the actual tattooing. Each areola is completed in approximately 20 minutes. If you have any discomfort, I simply apply a topical anesthetic and you should be more comfortable after that.


    Following the tattooing phase, we'll take "after" photos and then I'll apply the Tegaderm bandage which you'll keep on for 3 days. I'll review all aftercare instructions with you and answer any remaining questions about healing. 

    WHAT DO I NEED TO DO PRIOR TO MY APPOINTMENT?

    •  Do not use recreational drugs or alcohol for 48 hrs prior to procedure.
    • Nicotine constricts your vascular system and will  impede healing.  We suggest that you abstain from smoking at least 2 weeks before and after your session.
    • You will be sent home in a Tegaderm bandage so your tattoo will be protected. You will be most comfortable if you wear a loose-fitting top. You are free to wear a bra if you are more comfortable in one than without. 
    • Do not take aspirin or NSAID at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Tylenol is OK, as it does not thin the blood.  However, DO NOT STOP regularly  prescribed blood thinning medications from your physician, (aspirin or  prescriptions).  The tattoo is a superficial procedure, not an invasive  surgery.
    • You must wait at least 6 weeks after ceasing chemotherapy. If it's any sooner than 6 weeks, you must have written consent from your physician prior to your appointment.
    • Skin must be completely free of tinted or self-tanning lotions. I'd suggest to stop using self-tanning lotions at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment.

    IS IT PAINFUL?

     While everyone's pain tolerance is different, most patients report little to no pain with areola restoration.   And depending on the type of breast reconstruction you  had, there usually is decreased sensation of the skin --especially with flap reconstructions. After your areola tattoo,  you might experience discomfort that is comparable  to a minor sunburn for a few days.  During the nipple tattoo, if you experience discomfort, we can apply a topical lidocaine anesthetic. 

    CAN I BRING SOMEONE TO MY APPOINTMENT?

     If you have a spouse or good friend who can lend encouragement and input on the shape, design, and color of your 3D areola tattoo, I highly suggest bringing a support person with you.  However, if you are more comfortable coming alone for your areola restoration, you can work directly with the artist to determine what is best for your nipple tattoo.  Please do not bring young children.

    HOW SOON SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY AREOLA TATTOO?

     You should schedule your nipple tattoo only once you are completely healed from any surgery or  invasive procedure. You should not have any additional revisions scheduled and you must receive approval for areola tattooing from your surgeon.  You must be fully healed with no scabbing remaining. You should not schedule an areola tattoo sooner than a minimum of 12 weeks post-op.  Regardless of the number of weeks you wait post-op (12, 16, 20+ weeks etc.), it is imperative that ALL incisions must be fully healed--without any scabbing and residual swelling must be gone. 


    While you may be excited to put the finishing touches on your reconstruction, we highly recommend waiting 3 months (ideal for implant reconstruction) or 5 months (for flap reconstruction) to allow healing to occur and the scars to fully close and settle slightly.  Your tattoo is the finishing touch and you want your breast to be fully healed so that you have excellent results. Please don't rush it if you are still healing.  

    HOW LONG WILL MY APPOINTMENT TAKE?

    Your session will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours total. The bulk of the appointment is spent on the consultation, design, and color selection. The actual tattooing process is typically only 20 minutes per areola.

    Have additional questions? We're happy to answer them!

    Areola Restoration Prices & Scheduling

    What Others Are Saying

     I just had my 3D areola tattoos done by Shannon Housley this week and  unveiled them today for the first time. They are beyond amazing. I never  dreamed they would look so real and perfect. Shannon does amazing work  and is very compassionate and caring. She made me feel very comfortable  and relaxed, and took extra time to make sure everything was just  right.The environment is very clean and relaxing and I would highly  recommend her to everyone. She has given me the final touch to make me  feel whole again after my recent Breast Cancer journey. 💕She’s truly an angel.  -- Stephanie S.



    Shannon Housley tattooing 3D areolas after breast cancer

    The most common thing we hear from our patients is:

    "It looks SO real! Why did I wait so long to do this!?"

    tattoo after mastopexy

    Mastopexy Scars

    With this patient, we were able to help camouflage the scar from her mastopexy.  We matched the color of her natural areola and blended it into the surrounding scar tissue.  While the scar is contracted immediately following the areola tattoo procedure (as shown in the picture), it will heal much softer--giving the appearance of a rounder areola and drawing the eye away from the surgical scar. 

    Shannon Housley tattooing 3D areolas after breast cancer

    3D Tattoo — Before and After

    Once the color is determined and the areola area is outlined, we begin the areola tattoo by adding base pigment to the areola. With an artistic eye, we start building depth into the nipple area. The result is a very realistic appearance--even on this patient who did not undergo nipple/areola reconstruction and had no nipple protrusion.

    Sauler Selective Artist

    Shannon Housley was hand-selected by Mandy Sauler as a "Sauler Selective Artist." Shannon will partner with Mandy Sauler to provide 3D areola tattooing and serve patients outside the Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey areas. 

    Areola Tattoo: The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998

     The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998, a federal mandate, mandated coverage of reconstructive surgery following mastectomy for all health plans that provide medical and surgical benefits. This includes, but is not limited to:

    • Reconstructive breast surgery -- defined as surgical procedures that are designed to restore the normal appearance of the breast after surgery, accidental injury, or trauma. Breast reconstruction surgery may be based on the treatment a patient receives or the extent of surgery performed.  The reconstructive surgery may be performed in a single stage or several stages/phases and either during and/or after the initial surgical procedure. 
    • Insertion of prosthetic implants; Extensive flap reconstruction (e.g., transverse rectus abdominus ocutaneous/TRAM flap, latissimus dorsi flap)
    • Revision of a previously reconstructed breast
    • Surgery for symmetry of the contralateral (opposite) breast, and/or
    • Nipple tattooing and areola restoration 

    Have Questions?

    If you're considering 3D areola restoration, download our 3D Areola Tattooing brochure today and review the pre- and post-procedure aftercare. You'll learn which options are best for you and get answers to the most frequently asked questions.

    Housley Institute 3D Areola Brochure (pdf)Download
    Pre & Post Procedure Instructions (pdf)Download
    Tegaderm Aftercare (pdf)Download

    breast and plastic Surgeons

    We proudly treat patients of:

    Dr. Bihn Nguyen, MD, Tri-Health Cincinnati, OH 

    Dr. Dianne Runk, MD, Cincinnati Breast Surgeons  Cincinnati, OH 

    Dr. Ryan Gobble, MD, FACS, UC Health  Cincinnati, OH 

    Dr. Lydia Hernandez, MD, FACS, Cincinnati Breast Surgeons  Cincinnati, OH 

    Nickolay Markov, MD,  Kettering Cancer Care Dayton, OH

    Dr. William Tobler Jr., MD, Tri-Health  Cincinnati, OH 

    Dr. Neilendu Kundu MD, Mercy Health Cincinnati, OH 

    Dr. Evan Moore MD, Lexington, KY

    Dr. Jason Cacioppo, MD, Indianapolis, IN

    Dr. Allison Lied , MD, Cincinnati, OH /Edgewood, KY

    Support Groups

    Pink Ribbon Girls  "No one travels this road alone"

    Cancer Support Community

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