Post Mastectomy and Restorative Tattooing

Restorative and cosmetic tattooing for positive results that change lives.

“My goal is to provide clients with the best possible esthetic outcome to increase confidence and enhance their quality of life.

About

In August 2013, Marnie had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries, which inspired her to help others through medical tattooing. She works diligently to provide beautiful, detailed tattoos for her clients and works with all skin types and conditions, from scarring and necrosis to eczema. Marnie is a member of the Society for Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, the American Academy of Micropigmentation, and a Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional. Marnie’s services include 3D areola restorative tattooing, scar camouflage, collagen induction therapy (micro-needling), and cosmetic services including brows, lips and eyeliner. Patients are referred by several physicians in the tri-state area who travel to her private office suite at NYBRA Plastic Surgery in Great Neck, New York. Marnie also travels to West Virginia to serve clients in her hometown community.

In addition to teaching restorative tattooing, Marnie has completed over 10,000 hours of procedures and is considered a Master in her field.

Contact marnie@mediinkllc.com to request an appointment and as about options for insurance coverage.

 

Scroll down to view the gallery of Marnie’s work.  For more images of Marnie’s work, follow her Instagram page @marnie_rustemeyer

Mastectomy Tattoo Consultation

 

Medical Micro-pigmentation (tattooing) is successful for:

  • Breast Reconstruction:  3D nipple and areola tattooing for both female and male mastectomy patients.
  • Discolorations:  Hypo-pigmentation (areas of the skin that are light).  Areas of dark skin cannot be lightened.
  • Alopecia:  Hair simulation for scalp and eyebrows.
  • Scar Camouflage:  Surgical scars including face lift, open heart surgery, trauma scars, skin grafts, etc.
3D Nipple/Areola Tattoo - Unilateral Mastectomy with areola repigmentation

3D Nipple/Areola Tattoo – Unilateral Mastectomy with areola regimentation

Contact us for more information, special rates and to schedule a consultation
by email at marnie@mediinkllc.com.

In The Press

Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

The pigments we use are manufactured in the United States and are organic, vegan and cruelty-free. They are the highest quality available, resulting in excellent color retention and beautiful results.
During your consultation, we will work with you to determine the best size for your new breast and color to match your skin tone.  Once the color and size are agreed upon, we will create dimension with color and shading, giving you a realistic nipple and areola.  The initial session will last 1.5-2 hours and will serve as the basis for the foundation of your new tattoo. In the second session, we will add details and dimension and touch up any areas where needed.  The second session of your 3D nipple and areola procedure is very important and we request you stay as committed to completing the process as we are.
Most of the initial fading will happen in the first two weeks.  This is because the reconstructed tissue has been compromised and we might be working with scar tissue, stretch marks and necrosis which does not hold pigment like “normal” skin. We will schedule a follow up in 8 weeks to see if a touch up is necessary.  If taken care of properly, your new 3D nipple and areola tattoo should last a lifetime.
98% of the time, there is no pain in the reconstructed breast.  If you do experience pain, we will apply a topical anesthetic to make you more comfortable.
This is something that can be camouflaged depending on the type of scar.  This process works best for hypo-pigmented scars that are lighter in color than the surrounding skin. We often tattoo or micro needle port scars, stretch marks and surgical scars.  We can also do tiny hearts, beauty marks, eyebrows and eyeliner!
You may pluck or shave the hair at least 48 hours prior to your tattoo procedure or receive laser hair removal.  However, leaving the hair untouched will not affect the tattooing.
The day of the 3D nipple areola tattoo procedure, you will want to wear a comfortable bra and bring any photos of your breasts prior to surgery if you have them. Keep in mind that the shape and size of your breast has changed and we will consider those factors in creating your new tattoo.
The area will be covered with a Tegaderm dressing and you will be given specific aftercare instructions.
Post Mastectomy

  • $100 consultation and to hold your appointment. This will be credited towards your total procedure cost.
  • Price’s range according to procedure and a personalized quote will be provided at consultation.

Scar Revision/Skin Needling 

  • ​​$100 consultation and to hold your appointment. This will be credited towards your total procedure cost.
  • $350 minimum per treatment (may take multiple treatments).

Scar Camouflage

  • ​​$100 consultation and to hold your appointment. This will be credited towards your total procedure cost.
  • $350 minimum per treatment (may take multiple treatments)

2022 Pricing: Personalized price quote provided at consultation.

Prices Include: Customized design initial procedure, finishing procedure, and final checkup. Additional procedures might be needed. Additional fees may apply. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Contact me for information about applying for a grant through the AiRS Foundation for Breast Reconstruction Alliance.

Price:

Powderfill – INITIAL SESSION                                                   $800

2nd SESSION (within 4–6 WEEKS)                            Complimentary (If you choose to book your touch up after 10 weeks, there will be a minimum charge and additional touch up appointments will be charged depending on the time frame of your last appointment).

ANY ADDITIONAL TOUCHUP AFTER COMPLIMENTARY SESSION $350

Combo-Powderfill + hair strokes                                        $950

Annual touch up (8-12 months)                                           $350

Eyeliner                                 $750 (upper lash enhancement)

                             $850 (upper and lower lash enhancement)

Beauty Mark and Tiny Heart Tattoos                           $250

IF YOU ARE PAST 12 MONTHS FROM YOUR INITIAL APPOINTMENT, YOU WILL HAVE TO SCHEDULE A FULL SERVICE AT FULL PRICE

2022 Pricing: Personalized price quote provided at consultation.

Prices Include: Customized design initial procedure, finishing procedure, and final checkup. Additional procedures might be needed. Additional fees may apply. Prices are subject to change without notice.

There is no downtime following the 3D nipple and areola tattoo procedure, however, we do advise against rigorous exercise for the first 24 hours and no soaking in bathtubs, swimming pools or jacuzzi’s for at least 7 days after.

You will be given a comprehensive after care sheet to take home following your procedure.

Creating your 3D nipple and areola tattoo is a 2 step process.  In the first session, we will establish the nipple/areola complex, or NAC. In the second session, we will add details, dimension and touch up any areas that need to be reinforced.  To get the best results for your new mastectomy tattoos, you need to commit to both visits.
No, the needle only goes into the dermis, which is just 3 layers into the skin (Illustration below).

It is important to recognize the characteristics of the skin for the most realistic outcome.  With the right blend of colors, we can create realistic looking 3D nipples and areolae and will make your scars less noticeable. Scar camouflage pigments are selected to closely match the surrounding skin and then carefully tattooed to blend with it.  The result is a natural skin like appearance.

Illustration of Procedure

There are several things you can do prior to your mastectomy to help better prepare you for your 3D nipple and areola tattooing procedure.

  1. Taking before pictures will help you to remember your areola size and shape.
  2. Consider that the skin on your new breasts might not be the same, especially if you have had radiation or Flap procedures and may affect how your skin holds pigmentation.
  3. Schedule your appointment. Four to six months following surgery is usually the minimum wait time to ensure you are properly healed prior to your procedure.

We do require that you get clearance from your doctor before prior to treatment.

Our Certifications

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Schedule An Appointment

Apply for a Grant

I’m proud to announce I am now working with the AiRS Foundation Alliance for Breast Reconstruction. The AiRS mission is to provide women with access to breast reconstruction options post mastectomy to help restore self esteem and make them feel whole again. If you are a breast cancer survivor located in West Virginia or New York and in need of financial assistance to help pay for your tattoos, click the link to fill out a grant application or contact me directly and I will guide you through the process.