Time to Read:
About 1 minute
This information explains how to care for yourself after your nipple and areola tattoo procedure. Your areola is the circle around your nipple.
1 to 3 days after your procedure
- Your physician assistant or nurse practitioner will place a Tegaderm™ plastic dressing on your tattoo right after your procedure. Leave this dressing on for 3 days.
- You can shower as usual with your dressing on. It’s waterproof.
- Fluid may build up underneath your dressing. This is normal.
- If your dressing starts to come off or if fluid is dripping from your dressing, put another Tegaderm dressing over the one you have on.
4 days after your procedure
- Take off the Tegaderm dressing. Gently clean the tattooed area in the shower with warm water and your normal shower soap. Do not rub the area to get it clean.
- If a crust or scab forms on the tattooed area, leave it alone. It will heal and come off on its own.
- After your shower, dry the tattooed area gently. Put non-scented white lotion or cream on the area until it absorbs (soaks in). Examples of non-scented white lotions and creams are Lubriderm®, Aveeno®, CeraVe®, and Eucerin®.
5 to 14 days after your procedure
- Keep putting non-scented white lotion or cream on the tattooed area at least once a day.
- You can put lotion or cream on the area more than once a day if it looks dry.
General care guidelines
- Do not go swimming or soak in a pool, bath, or hot tub until your tattoo has fully healed. This usually takes about 2 weeks.
- If a crust or scab forms on the tattooed area, do not peel it off. This can pull away the ink on your tattoo.
- Do not exercise (such as running, doing yoga, or cycling) for 1 week after your procedure or while there’s scabbing. If you’re in physical therapy, it’s OK to keep going after your procedure.
- Do not lift anything heavier than 20 pounds (9 kilograms) for 1 week after your procedure or while there’s scabbing.
- You can wear a bra at any time.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider if you have:
- A fever of 101° F (38.3° C) or higher.
- Pain at or around the tattooed area.
- Redness or warmth at or around the tattooed area that’s getting worse.
- Thick drainage at or around the tattooed area.
