restorative tattooing
& scar camouflage
By Montana Inez
healing, through tattooing.
Restorative tattooing goes far beyond what the eye can see, that is for certain!
Comprised of advanced micropigmentation techniques, this procedure brings about hyper-realistic recreations of the areola and nipple complex (NAC). This service can be suited for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomies, transgender and/or non-binary people who have undergone top surgery, those who are lacking pigment or symmetry naturally or have undergone a breast surgery and have been left with scarring.
Montana tattoos with a Pink Ribbon certified permanent ink set which has been developed specifically for this special work, to create all of her restorative tattoos. Like all of our services, restorative tattooing is always customised for each client and their individual needs to ensure results that look as natural as possible are achieved.
Montana is also Australia’s first A.R.T member & artist!
(A.R.T = Areola Restorative Tattooing - a global collective of artist dedicated to higher learning and knowledge),
she has undergone an intensive mentorship in Canada to learn the art of combining highly advanced, specialised tattoo artistry in her work, with heart-centered therapeutic intention for those who really need it.
(click to enlarge images)
⬇️ more information below ⬇️
all images are of tattooed recreations of the nipple/areola complex on reconstructed skin post surgery.
pricing
Pricing for restorative tattooing is available by consultation only.
For consultations, bookings and enquiries, please send us an email with your details.
frequently asked questions
How do I pick a colour? How many sessions do I need? Am I a good candidate?
When beginning your restorative tattoo journey, we will kick things off with an initial consultation where we will assess all of the above questions and many more, to determine the best game plan to suit your specific needs.
Every restorative tattoo is completely unique to the wearer and no two are the same!
To get started, send us an email
Will it hurt?
Believe it or not - most people snooze throughout their tattoo!
Many clients who have undergone a mastectomy or top surgery report a reduction of sensation in the area due to tissue removal/nerve damage.
For those who have sensitivity, we may use a topical anaesthetic cream before or during your session, though this is rarely requested or necessary. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure.
After the session, you can expect little to no discomfort and you must ensure to be gentle with the area even if it is not sore.
Are restorative/nipple tattoos permanent?
At Inez Tattoo - YES! Since we are restoring features on extremely delicate and often scarred tissue, the least amount of tattooing- the better. Restorative tattoos are also not typically subject to future colour adjustments or trends, unlike something like an eyebrow or lip colour.
These tattoos should never be semi-permanent.
How long after surgery do I need to wait before I can get tattooed?
As a general rule, a minimum of 6-12 months post final surgery is recommended, generally speaking, the longer between these events the better it is for the skin.
However this can be entirely dependent on healing rates and the exact location of the tattoo/scars.
Allowing your body ample time to heal after surgery and to rest, before assigning a new healing task its way is always strongly encouraged.
In short, there is no ‘one answer fits all’ to this question as it will vary person to person depending on many different factors. An in person or virtual consultation will help to determine when will be the best time to plan for your first tattoo session.
Can I exercise after getting tattooed?
It is advised to allow your body proper time to rest and heal for the first 10-14 days.
Day 1-10: No exercise recommended. Walking and weights are accepted (NO hot yoga/pilates)
Day 10-14+: You may slowly resume your usual programs, but please be slow and gentle with the area until the peeling has stopped.
High intensity exercise like F45 classes, hot yoga/pilates, running or jogging, basically anything that causes friction, sweating and bouncing is NOT advised until your tattoo is healed (2 weeks minimum).
These tattoos are permanent, healing is temporary. The better you heal them, the better they look - forever!
How do I wear a bra?
When a bra or tight clothing while healing is needed, we advise the following steps. This will create a protective barrier over the skin and prevent your clothes from sticking to your tattoo and can be done for the first 1-5 days. Ensure you change the plastic and gently clean the skin every 5-6 hours maximum.
PLEASE ensure you also allow your healing skin time to breathe and air out when not bound in clothing, to allow proper healing and prevent infection.
On clean skin, apply a thin layer of aftercare balm with cotton tips or sanitised fingers
Apply a small piece of Glad Wrap (cling film) over your tattoo(s), sticking it to the balm
Wear your bra or tight clothing over top
tattoo care instructions
before your tattoo session
As a very first step, please consult with your doctors/specialists regarding your body’s compatibility with receiving a tattoo, before committing to an appointment. Ensure you are not on any medications which may impact your healing or the application of a tattoo (eg but not limited too; blood thinning medications, steroids or ongoing treatments that may impact healing).
It is imperative to gain offical advice before proceeding with a restorative tattoo on a surgery site.
As a general guide, we recommend waiting a minimum of 6-12+ months after your final surgery or procedure to schedule your first tattoo session.
On the day of your tattoo appointment:
~ Get a good night of rest the evening before
~ AVOID CAFFEINE before your tattoo. Caffeine afterwards is fine. This ensures bleeding is zero-minimal and helps with needing to stay still and relaxed for a few hours.
~ Have a nutritious and filling meal before getting tattooed. This is really important! Bring along a small snack/drink if you like.
~ Get excited!
healing and caring for your new tattoo;
Aftercare will be provided to you in writing at each appointment, along with specialised tattoo healing balm.
During the healing period (2 - 6 weeks):
Avoid touching, scratching, picking and rubbing the tattooed area - always !
Use only the provided aftercare balm to hydrate the skin (applied with a cotton tip or clean fingers).
Wearing a BRA - See more info below:
Avoid submerging the tattooed area under water (eg pools, hot tubs, hot baths) for 3-4 weeks.
Avoid high intensity activities that will cause excessive sweating or friction in this area until fully healed (3 weeks min).
Flaking and peeling of the tattooed area around day 5-14 is completely normal and expected. Please allow this skin to flake away in its own time and ensure it is left totally undisrupted (no picking!)
A light amount of hydration from the provided aftercare balm 1-2 times a day is recommended during this time.Keep healing and tattooed skin away from direct UV rays
Avoid applying lotion/perfume/fake tan to or around the tattooed area for 4 weeks.
~ EXERCISING:
It is advised to allow your body proper time to rest and heal for the first 10-14 days.
Day 1-10: No exercise recommended. Walking and weights are accepted (NO hot yoga/pilates)
Day 10-14+: You may slowly resume your usual programs, but please be slow and gentle with the area until the peeling has stopped.
High intensity exercise like F45 classes, hot yoga/pilates, running or jogging, basically anything that causes friction, sweating and bouncing is NOT advised until your tattoo is healed (2 weeks minimum).
These tattoos are permanent, healing is temporary. The better you heal them, the better they look - forever!
~ WEARING A BRA :
When a bra or tight clothing while healing is needed, we advise the following steps. This will create a protective barrier over the skin and prevent your clothes from sticking to your tattoo and can be done for the first 1-5 days. Ensure you change the plastic and gently clean the skin every 5-6 hours maximum.
PLEASE ensure you also allow your healing skin time to breathe and air out when not bound in clothing, to allow proper healing and prevent infection.
On clean skin, apply a thin layer of aftercare balm with cotton tips or sanitised fingers
Apply a small piece of Glad Wrap (cling film) over your tattoo(s), sticking it to the balm
Wear your bra or tight clothing over top