The Procedure

This is a non-invasive procedure carried out by a qualified practitioner.  Most women do not have any sensation in the area to be treated because of the previous reconstruction procedure and will, therefore, not require an anaesthetic. If you do have some sensation in the area to be treated, your nurse will provide you with a topical anaesthetic cream to numb the area. Please advise the nurse well in advance of the procedure as the cream needs to be applied 30 minutes before treatment begins.

The pigment is applied using a hand-held pen-like device, which basically works like a miniature sewing machine: the needles move up and down really fast, depositing the coloured just below the surface. The practitioner holds the machine with a steady hand while guiding it along the skin. The pigments are built up using dots, lines and/or a circular motion.

Allergy Test

You will be offered a skin patch test prior to the procedure.

It is advisable to have the test if you have a history of allergy to metals or cosmetics. The purpose of this test is to detect allergies or other reactions to the topical anaesthetic and pigments used during the procedure. A full 24 hours is required after the skin test to observe for allergy occurrence.

How long will it take?

The micropigmentation procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on individual requirements. Completion time varies according to:

• The position, width and depth of the nipple – areola area,
• The depth of colour to be matched
• Acceptance of the pigment to skin type

Most patients require 2 – 3 initial treatments.  If the pigment fades further follow up treatment may be needed every year to achieve and maintain the desired outcome.

100% success cannot always be guaranteed.  The result of pigment implantation is partially determined by variations in skin type and can be affected by:

• Medication
• Natural skin overtones
• Skin characteristics (dryness, oiliness, sun damage, thickness, colour)
• PH balance of the skin (acidity)
• Alcohol intake
• Smoking
• Individual healing ability
• Illness

If you have a heart condition, epilepsy, haemophilia or other clotting disorder, or if you have had hepatitis over the past 12 months, you must inform your practitioner prior to the procedure.

What should you expect after the Procedure?

You will experience slight swelling and redness following the procedure and the skin may feel ‘tight’. These symptoms will subside within 1 – 7 days depending on how sensitive your skin is.

You should be able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure: however, use of cosmetics, excessive perspiration and exposure of the affected area to the sun should be avoided until the area is fully healed.
Iif you swim or the area is in contact with chlorine or salt water during the healing phase the pigment is at risk of bleaching.
Over the initial few days the pigmented area of skin will form a scab. This will last for 14 – 21 as healing takes place.  You will then notice slight fading of the pigment and softening of the colour.
Do not pick the scab or exfoliate it as this can cause scarring.  It is important that the healing process takes its natural course.

Skin Care Instructions

The following instructions must be carefully followed for at least two weeks post procedure to ensure successful results:

• Before showering or bathing, apply a light coating of Vaseline to the areola to protect the area from water.
• To prevent infection, do not touch the pigmented area with your fingers until it is completely healed. Use cotton buds to apply ointments.
• Cover the areola with a protective dressing during the day, uncover the area while sleeping.
• Do not sleep on your stomach to protect the tissue and promotes healing.
• If a crust appears on the areola, do not pick or peel it off, as this would remove the pigment as well as the crust.
• Do not use soap, sunbathe, swim, sauna or jacuzzi during the two weeks following both the initial and follow up procedures.
• Avoid use of perfumed or chemically based products, exfoliating agents and sun creams during the healing phase.
• If you experience prolonged soreness, swelling or redness, contact your micropigmentation practitioner.

Risks

A trained and experienced practitioner will perform the procedure, the main ‘risks related to colour and irritation such as:

• Not achieving an exact colour match
• Fading of colour over time
• Scaring (if the needle is inserted too deeply into the skin)
• Pigment migration or spreading
• Uneven pigment colour
• Slight skin irritation
• Allergic reaction to the pigments (a skin test in a concealed area may be advisable, to see how the skin responds)

Contact Details

Sinead Murtagh, Breast Care Nurse – Areola Micropigmentation Practitioner

Address:          Mater Private Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin 7
Tel:                  01 885 8832 (bleep 8833)
Email:              smurtagh@materprivate.ie