Areola & Paramedical Tattoos
At Halcyon Cosmetic Solutions, we are passionate about providing the very best Areola and Paramedical Tattoo services possible, because we understand how important restorative tattoos are to physical and mental recovery after trauma or breast cancer. We are honoured to spend this time with you and thank you for your trust. While many of our clients come to us from Coquitlam, PoCo and Port Moody, because there are relatively few talented paramedical tattoo artists that also have medical backgrounds, clients visit us from many parts of Greater Vancouver, other Canadian provinces, and the USA.
Although we are highly skilled cosmetic tattoo technicians, we specialize in Areola and 3D Nipple Tattoos. All 3 of our paramedical tattooists are highly trained, experienced and exceptional artists who create realistic 3-dimensional breast tattoos. Additionally, they are all members in good standing of the Society of Permanent Makeup Professionals (SPCP) and have all voluntarily undergone examination to become Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (CPCP), the only designation in the world that ensures your artist meets the highest standards.
Our areola and nipple tattooing is completely customized. We work with you to select placement, shape and size as well as choose colours. You can bring pictures of your previous breasts, or even those that you like the look of. Our areola restoration tattoos are 3 dimensional, with strategic placement of colour and shadow; nipple reconstruction is not necessary.
Should you have excessive or ropey scarring, we also offer scar relaxation utilizing both microneedling, and scar reduction laser treatments with Laser Genesis where appropriate, to initiate collagen production and break down scar tissue to return some of your skin's natural softness and elasticity. Compromised breast tissue should be treated with care, so this may require more than one procedure for maximum effect.
In specific cases, we also offer scar repigmentation after a thorough consultation to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
Our Paramedical Tattoo Artists
Paramedical Tattooing FAQs
What is Paramedical Tattooing?
Paramedical tattooing is combining tattoo pigment and an expert artistic eye to successfully recreate 3 dimensional anatomical features (such as a nipple/areola complex), camouflage scar tissue or correct abnormal pigmentation that has been caused by injury or disease. When appropriately used, paramedical tattooing can contribute greatly to both your physical and emotional recovery.
TIP: The correction of abnormal pigmentation, as well as scar camoflage, are advanced techniques that are suitable only in very particular instances. It is imperative that the artist selected has a thorough understanding of the underlying medical issues as well as how they affect the healing of skin tissue. When done using the wrong pigments or techniques these procedures heal very poorly and can make the appearance worse. Please do your research when selecting your artist.
How Do I Know If A Paramedical Tattoo Right For Me?
If you are bothered by the discolouration of skin tissue or the lack of anatomical features after surgery, this type of tattooing may be appropriate for you. Paramedical tattooing is often not a quick fix. The successful and natural looking building of colour may take a few appointments so you must have patience and be willing to spend the time required to achieve a soft and natural look.
Should I Book A Consultation?
In almost all instances a consultation should be booked prior to a paramedical tattoo.
Does it Hurt?
In some instances the scar tissue or transplanted tissue has no viable nerve tissue and pain is not an issue. In others, even though tissue has been transplanted and feels numb to the touch, sensation may be felt elsewhere. For this reason we apply an effective pre-procedure anaesthetic, as well as reapply instant anaesthetic throughout, for all of our clients. Your comfort is very important to us.
How Long Will My Paramedical Tattoo Take to Heal?
The surface of your tattoo will appear healed in 10-14 days but remodeling of the skin tissue underneath the surface will take at least 6 weeks and sometimes even longer in compromised skin.
What Should I Expect After My Paramedical Tattoo Procedure?
Once your paramedical tattoo procedure is complete, we will apply an ointment to the area and cover it with a breathable bandage. We will give you all aftercare instructions and products required to take care of your tattoo at home. Your paramedical tattoo(s) will appear several shades darker than the expected healed colour for the first few days. There may be bruising as well as skin discolouration. After the first few days, you may see flaking or scabbing and the area may appear quite uneven. Be patient. Once flaking has stopped, the colour will soften and start to even out. Flaking should be complete after 7-14 days. You will usually return for your Follow Up appointment between 6 - 12 weeks.
How Long Does A Paramedical Tattoo Last?
The longevity of your paramedical tattoo will depend upon the procedure done, as well as the pigment and technique chosen. In most, but not all, instances a Follow Up appointment may be required every 3-5 years.
Can I Cover an Existing Paramedical Tattoo?
All clients with a pre-existing paramedical or camouflage tattoos should be seen for a consultation prior to booking this service.
Are there contraindications?
Yes. We will not do any paramedical tattoo procedure if you...
* are under the age of 18
* are pregnant or breastfeeding
* are currently undergoing chemotherapy or completed within the previous 6 months
* are currently undergoing radiation treatment or completed within the previous 6 months
* have completed breast reconstruction within the previous 6 months (implants or transplanted tissue must be given adequate time to settle)
* are a smoker
* are on acne medication or have been in the last year
* have keloid scarring
* have Vitiligo
* have uncontrolled diabetes
How Should I Prepare For My Appointment?
* No alcohol 24 hours prior to your treatment
*Contact us if you take blood thinners on a regular basis
* No exfoliating skin care products on the area the week before your treatment
* If you have recently completed radiation treatment, we require a note from your radiation oncologist confirming that your skin is healthy enough to undergo paramedical tattooing
* Pain tolerance is reduced just before, and during, menstruation. Keep this in mind when timing the booking of your appointment.
* If your paramedical procedure is anywhere on your face and you tend to get cold sores, please ensure you have a prescription antiviral on hand.
Do You Ever Refuse To Do a Treatment?
YES. We reserve the right to refuse treatment on anyone. For any reason.
What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
We accept cash, major credit cards and e-transfer and yes, GST will be added to all prices.