Areola Revision Info and Aftercare
What is Micro-pigmentation? It is the implantation of small amounts of natural pigment (dye) via a needle into the surface layer of the skin to create permanent colour. It does not penetrate the skin as deeply as tattooing and the pigments and techniques are specially designed for the part of the body being treated. It can be used to give colour to the nipple and areola following nipple reconstruction. Even if a nipple reconstruction has not been performed, the areola colour can still be implanted into breast skin and special shading techniques are used to create the appearance of a nipple. The procedure does carry some risks.
The main risks are:
1.Not achieving an exact colour match with the existing areola and/or nipple Scarring Spreading of the dye outside the areola area Uneven pigment colour Fading of colour over time Allergy to the dye (rare)
2 Skin infection You will be involved in the decision of the colour match of your nipple/areola with the nurse before the procedure begins. Is there an alternative? The alternative is that you can choose not to have micropigmentation.
How many treatments are required to achieve the final result? Most patients require a minimum of two initial treatments with approximately one month between the first and second treatment. A degree of colour fading is quite common and further follow-up treatments may be required to maintain the chosen colour. What factors may affect the results? The outcome is partly determined by variations in skin type and can be affected by:- Medication Natural skin tones Skin characteristics (dryness, oiliness, sun damage, thickness, colour) The level of acidity of the skin Alcohol intake Smoking Individual healing ability Illness. Known allergies It is very unlikely that you would develop an allergic reaction to the pigments used in micro-pigmentation. If there is any reaction, it may not be safe to undergo the micro-pigmentatio
How long does the procedure take?
Your appointment can take up to two hours.Local anaesthetic cream is to be used, this will need to be applied to the area at least ½ hour before the procedure. You will complete a short assessment form about your general health before carrying out the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. The area to be coloured will be marked with a pen and the position checked with you, using a mirror. The length of time it takes to actually complete the micro-pigmentation procedure varies with each individual according to: The position, width and depth of the nipple-areola area The depth of colour to be matched (follow-up treatments are shorter than the initial procedure) Acceptance of the pigment according to your skin type. The pigment is applied using a pen-like device that works like a miniature sewing machine. The
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 should subside within one to seven days depending on how sensitive your skin is.
-You should be able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.
However, use of cosmetic skin products, excessive perspiration and exposure of the affected area to the sun should be avoided until the area is fully healed.
-In the first few days after the procedure, the pigmented area of skin will form a scab. This will last for 14-21 days, after which the scab will gradually break off as healing takes place. You will then notice slight fading of the pigment and softening of the colour. It is important that the healing process takes its natural course.
-Scarring can occur if the scabs are accidentally or deliberately removed. Skin Care Instructions (to be followed after the procedure)
The following instructions must be carefully followed for at least two weeks after the procedure to ensure a successful result:
-The dressing, which is applied immediately after the procedure, should remain in place for at least two days and should not be allowed to get wet. After two days, you can take a bath or shower.
-If the dressing does not get wet and is secure, it should remain in place. The dressing should only be removed if it becomes wet or is loose and easily removed.
-Do not touch or use soap on the affected area. If the dressing is removed, a clean dressing should be applied immediately after each bath/shower for protection. You will be supplied with spare dressings.
-Once the area has healed, yellow or white soft paraffin (Vaseline) can be lightly applied to the wound before bathing/showering. This protects the area by enabling the water to run off the damaged skin. If a crust appears on the nipple-areola, do not pick it or peel it off, as this would remove the pigment as well as the crust.
-Do not sunbathe, swim or use a sauna or jacuzzi during the two weeks following both the first and any follow-up procedures.
-A follow-up appointment will be arranged before you leave after the procedure.