Group F: Breast Areola
Context and sensitivity
Areola repigmentation often follows breast surgery, including reconstruction, reduction or mastectomy. Clients may be navigating significant emotional and medical history. Consent, privacy and trauma-informed communication are central. Understand that this work may require medical clearance from the treating surgeon.
Anatomy and assessment
Know the areola, nipple and surrounding skin, and how scarring, grafts and radiation affect pigment retention. Assess symmetry, scar tissue and skin condition. A frequent trap is assuming both sides will behave the same; scarred or grafted tissue often holds pigment differently.
Colour matching and technique
Match the contralateral areola where present, accounting for undertone and healed shift. Understand layering, blending edges, and the need for caution over scar tissue. Depth control prevents migration on delicate or reconstructed skin.
Safety and aftercare
Know contraindications and precautions, including active infection, recent surgery, and compromised healing. Aftercare includes protecting the area and monitoring for complications.
Worked rule of thumb
If one side is scarred or grafted, plan separate assessment and expect different retention. Match to the natural side where possible, but prioritise tissue safety over perfect symmetry in one session.