Finishing step

Nipple & Areola Reconstruction

The finishing step — reconstructing the nipple and recreating the areola with 3D tattooing.

How does Nipple & Areola Reconstruction work?

Reconstructing the nipple — often by rearranging local skin into a small flap — and recreating the areola with 3D nipple-areolar tattooing, as the finishing step of breast reconstruction.

The path

1When it happens
2Nipple reconstruction
33D areola tattoo

When it happens

This is the finishing step, done after the reconstructed breast mound has healed.

Nipple reconstruction

The nipple is often reconstructed by rearranging nearby skin into a small local flap.

3D areola tattoo

The areola is recreated with 3D nipple-areolar tattooing to complete the result.

Recovery timeline

Procedure day
Early healing
Final result

A real result from Dr. Li

After complications from prior surgery elsewhere, this patient came to Dr. Li for definitive reconstruction: a left latissimus flap direct-to-implant, a right implant revision and exchange, and bilateral 3D nipple-areola tattooing to complete the result.

After prior left reconstruction complicated by capsular contracture following radiation, Dr. Li performed a left latissimus flap reconstruction with implant and a right mastopexy, finished with a 3D nipple-areola tattoo.

See more nipple & 3d areola tattooresults ›

Every plan is personal — Dr. Li will walk you through yours.

Request a consultation

Frequently asked questions

When is nipple reconstruction done?

As the finishing step, after the reconstructed breast has healed.

How is the areola recreated?

With 3D nipple-areolar tattooing, which adds realistic color and dimension.

Is it a major surgery?

Nipple reconstruction is typically a smaller procedure using nearby skin; the areola is then completed with tattooing.

Want the full picture?

Read the full Nipple & Areola Reconstruction guide ›

Meet your surgeon

Dr. Wai-Yee Li,
MD PhD FACS

A female board-certified plastic surgeon in Arcadia, Los Angeles, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery — with a focus on the best surgical outcomes, less pain and minimal scarring.

Meet Dr. Wai-Yee Li ›