As a breast cancer survivor, you have been through an incredibly difficult and emotional journey. One of the many challenges that you may face after breast surgery is the loss of your areolas and nipples – areas that are an important part of your breast’s appearance and femininity. Areola tattooing can help you to restore the natural appearance of your breasts and reclaim a sense of normalcy after a mastectomy.
However, you may have questions about the cost and insurance coverage of areola tattooing. It’s important to know that insurance policies are required by law to cover areola tattooing as a reconstructive procedure, however, they may require that it is performed by someone in their network.

What is areola/nipple tattooing?

Areola tattooing is a medical tattooing procedure that involves tattooing pigment onto the skin to recreate the appearance of areolas and nipples after breast surgery. Some plastic surgeons offer this service, but most do not.

Is areola/nipple tattooing covered by insurance and what are the requirements for coverage?

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) requires insurance companies to cover the complete reconstruction of your breast after surgery. This includes areola tattooing if you lack the appearance of an areola and nipple, or if you have only partial areola color. It is ultimately up to you to decide if you want areola tattooing. Your insurance may require you to see a provider in their network, pay your deductible, and cover some out-of-pocket costs. They may also require documentation from a healthcare provider explaining the medical necessity of the procedure.”

What if my plastic surgeon doesn’t offer areola/nipple tattooing – what are the insurance options and costs?

Not all plastic surgeons offer areola tattooing, or may not have a style that you like. It’s also possible that there may not be a doctor in your insurance network who provides this service. If this is the case, you may want to consider getting areola tattooing from a medical tattoo artist. The cost of areola tattooing can vary depending on the location and experience of the tattoo artist, as well as how complicated the procedure is. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $700 per breast for areola tattooing, although some tattoo artists may charge more or less.
About Face and Body is currently the only independent medical tattoo clinic in Florida to bill insurance directly for permanent 3D areola/nipple restorative tattoos. We will work with you and your insurance provider to ensure that you receive the coverage you are entitled to.
We are committed to providing high-quality care and we will do everything we can to help you get the treatment you need.
If your plastic surgeon does not offer 3D Areola Tattooing and you can’t find a medical tattoo artist who is a provider in your insurance network, contact About Face and Body, in Orlando Florida.
If you are a surgeon and want to learn more about our services, call 407-574-8383 and ask for the owner, Jennifer Williams.
To learn more about our services and insurance coverage for areola tattooing, visit our 3D areola page or call us at 407-574-8383. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about your care. Don’t let insurance concerns hold you back – contact us today and take the first step towards feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.