Most breast cancer survivors in Singapore have undergone breast removal surgery, or more commonly known as mastectomy. Even if it is one of the main treatments for breast cancer, many women experience a negative impact on their body image after their operation. The results of the procedure make them feel incomplete. They become more conscious and have lower self-esteem, thus affecting their social life.
As a result, there’s a large number of Singaporean breast cancer survivors who choose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery to restore the look of their breasts. With that said, the operation restores only the shape of the breasts, not the nipples and areola. However, there are procedures in Singapore like nipple and areola micropigmentation that can do the restoration process.
Nipple & Areola Micropigmentation in Singapore
Nipple & Areola Micropigmentation in Singapore uses pigments to recreate the color and shape of the nipple-areola complex. The permanent makeup (PMU) artist will customize the color of pigments to meet the client’s needs. For women who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction, the color will closely match that of the existing nipple. On the other hand, for those who had bilateral breast reconstruction, the color will be based on photos pre-mastectomy.
Then, the pigment is introduced to the breast skin through an electronic pen, with a sterile and disposable needle. You may feel a bit of discomfort during the process; to ease the pain, the artist will apply a numbing cream. A dressing is then covered to the area once done.
After the procedure, the color will be 20% to 30% darker, though it will gradually fade after a few days. It takes around 6 weeks for the pigment color to set in. Your artist may ask you to come back for follow-up sessions to achieve the desired results.
However, the micropigmentation process cannot be done immediately after breast reconstruction, as your scars need to heal first. You should wait for at least 3 months for your scars to heal from the operation, though some even take a year. When your doctor permits you to move on with the micropigmentation process, you can start consulting with an artist. Here, you need to discuss your medical history and future surgeries and treatments to avoid any complications. Still, the wait is worth it as micropigmentation results last for 2 to 3 years.
Preparation for Nipple & Areola Micropigmentation in Singapore
There are many studios that offer nipple and areola micropigmentation in Singapore. However, to assure safe and excellent results, it is essential to find the right artist and studio.
For your research, you may opt to visit studios personally. It is a great way to make sure that the artist has the proper licenses to operate and the studio uses hygienic and sterile equipment. Credible studios also have a portfolio of their past work that you can ask to see. Also, talk to the staff and see if you are comfortable to have your procedure in their clinic. Once you find an artist and studio you are comfortable with, you may schedule a consultation to talk about the micropigmentation process, including your goals and expectations for your procedure.
On the day of your procedure, make sure to take a shower beforehand. Also, do not apply lotions, creams or any products on the breast area as it may affect the tattooing process. Finally, wear a bra or a tight camisole to hold the dressing in place after the procedure.
Aftercare for Nipple & Areola Micropigmentation in Singapore
The healing process usually takes up to 10 days. Extra caution will be necessary, especially after the procedure, to not affect the final results. The dressing may be removed after 24 hours. Initially, you will experience redness or swelling on the breast, but it usually subsides within a week. Do not shower for 2 days after the treatment, but apply the prescribed ointment with a clean dressing for the next 2-3 days.
After 2 days, you may be permitted to take a shower to keep the tattooed area clean. However, long hot showers, swimming, and hot tub baths are not allowed as you need to avoid water on the pigmented area. Before bathing, apply a light coat of petroleum jelly on your nipples. Shower gels are not prohibited, although, do not rub or scrub the nipple area. After showering, pat the area dry with a clean towel. Also, do not use lotions or creams other than the ointment recommended.
Scabs will also appear due to bleeding. Avoid touching or picking them with your fingers to prevent infections or color from fading. Scabs will fall off naturally within 7-10 days.
Finally, the pigmented area should be protected from direct contact to sunlight. Avoid activities that may cause extreme perspiration or that would get the pigmented area dirty.
Pigments for Nipple & Areola Micropigmentation in Singapore
For breast cancer survivors in Singapore, all aspects of micropigmentation should be safe, and this includes pigments. When consulting your artist, make sure to talk about the pigments to be used for the procedure. A popular pigment brand in Singapore is Swiss Color.
Swiss Color is a global company that offers an array of high-quality pigments. The company invested in years of research and development to come up with their pigments that are safe and free of heavy metals. Swiss Color introduces a wide array of pigments, in different shades, for various semi-permanent makeup procedures to achieve your desired, natural-looking results.
Swiss Color also trains semi-permanent makeup artists to master the principles of semi-permanent makeup and micropigmentation. Look for certified Swiss Color Artists in Singapore to get the best results for you.
To learn more about Swiss Color, you can visit our website.
