I would like to thank all of you who took the time to read and/or comment on my recent blog post. The positive responses were great inspiration to me and I thought it might help to post a few images of the work I’ve been doing lately — and open the opportunity for anyone who might have a question about the relatively new service of 3D nipple/areola tattooing. Please feel free to ask anything you would like and I’ll be happy to answer your questions or offer information on tattooing reconstructed or non-reconstructed breasts.
[Update: Editor's Note: For any questions regarding Vinnie's availability in Maryland or New Orleans, you can email him directly at vm@vinniemyers.com. For information on nipple reconstruction and tattoos, you can visit the Nipple reconstruction thread on the Discussion Boards. You can also learn more about what a visit to Vinnie entails on the Trip to see Vinnie thread.]
Here are some recent before and after photos of my 3D tattoo work:
Thanks, and I look forward to your thoughts, questions, and comments!
Vinnie Myers
Vinnie Myers grew up in suburban Baltimore. He served 6 years as a medic in the U.S. Army. In 1991, he opened Little Vinnie’s Tattoos in Westminster, Maryland. Within a year, he moved from an obscure location to a store front on Main Street and took on several additional tattoo artists and apprentices. He then traveled the world to continue learning, practicing, and perfecting his tattoo work. In 2002, a plastic surgeon in Baltimore asked if Vinnie could try creating nipple tattoos for breast reconstruction patients. Since then, Vinnie has been immersed in the art of 3D nipple tattooing for women diagnosed with breast cancer. He now works with Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans, Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, PA, Capital Area Plastic Surgery in Saratoga Springs, NY, and Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction in Charleston, SC, with more locations to be added soon. Vinnie also enjoys creating fish illustrations, which takes him to fishing tournaments in Hawaii and other parts of the U.S. To see Vinnie’s work, visit www.vinniemyers.com.
Thanks, and I look forward to your thoughts, questions, and comments!
Thank you for the info and amazing pictures. I still had questions as to whether or not tattooing alone was possible as I’m soon to face surgery. I’m not convinced due to sheer feeling of it. Also, I’m not yet certain if it’s one side or both. I will know next week.
I’m assuming this isn’t conventional tattooing?
I just want to say that your work is WONDERFUL!
Thank you for mastering this art form to help so many of us. When I told my PS that I didn’t want reconstructed nipples, I just wanted them tattooed beautifully, in 3D, he looked at my like I was crazy. But these pictures here prove my point! What a blessing you are!
I only hear wonderfful things about you and your work is beautiful. I am still in the TE stage and have been told that my skin is thin because of hematomas and seromas after my mastectomy that stretched the skin. will that prevent me from getting tattoos? Also, how much does it cost and do you know of anyone in the denver/ metro[actually anwhere in colorado] who does the kind of work you do, and how much does it cost?
thanks
CMartin… Yes it is conventional tattooing. If you mean by “sheer feeling of it” that it might hurt… well it may hurt a little. It will be far less than what a normal tattoo would be but very tolerable.
Tattooing alone can be done if you mean without nipple reconstruction. Sometimes the result is better without nipple recon. If you want the projection then tattooing can be done in conjunction with recon but if you do not need the projection 3-D tattooing can give you the illusion of projection without the additional surgery. I guess it is just what your particular wants are.
I look forward to everyones thoughts on the tattooing procedure… it is wonderful to offer this service and opens some doors to options that have not been available before…..
Amazing!
Great job! They look so good….beautiful work, Vinnie.
klwalt… I must agree that well done 3-D nipples look as good as reconstructed ones. Either way works and it is simply up to the wearer what they would like to look like. I hope some day I will be able to tattoo you some nice 3-D nipples! thank you for your kind words…
vicky3blum… I appreciate your kind comments on my art/work. It has been a pleasure to help out. I have seen many reconstructed breasts that had very tight skin but that only helps me in my work. One of the most important things to achieving a good tattooed result is getting the skin as tight as possible to help the needle penetrate the skin effectively. While I know you are not ready for tattooing yet I feel confident that you will be able to do the tattoos with good results. I have yet to see skin so tight that it could not be tattooed…
While I do not know anyone in your area that does this procedure you may be able to find someone… but do your homework and be sure to see photos of THEIR work. Beware of being shown images that were not done by the person showing them…. and if you need any help or advice once you have found someone please let me know.
Again … thanks all for your thoughtful words
Any info on fees and such please PM me and I will address your questions…. V
Ladies, I have to add a comment here . . . Yes, it really is as amazing as the pictures look. Vinnie did my tattoos in December 2011, down in NOLA. I had some trepidation and some real panic, since on the first night they did not look anything like I expected them to. Well, very soon afterwards, as the real results became apparent, I was overjoyed! I would never have believed that I could look so good, that my reconstructed breasts could look so “realistic”. Well they are real, to me anyway, and to anyone who sees them. My reconstruction as a whole,(after a very long journey), and my nipples in particular, caused my Physician Assistant at my oncology office to exclaim “They are spectacular!” (Best said in her lovely Irish lilt!) She said I have the best reconstruction results she had ever seen. For me, the tattoos were the icing on the cake! I can’t say enough nice things about Vinnie or the techniques he has perfected! Thanks, Vinnie, for helping me feel so good about myself again!
Amy
(completely unsolicited comment, by the way, but I just can’t help myself about gushing and I want everyone to know that they can look very very good!)
I have to admit I sit here with my mouth hanging open, I did not know this was possible. I am in the expanding stage again, I had to stop for a year after radiation. I have opted for no nipple reconstruction because well…I figure after 40 years of trying to hide the “headlights” why would I rebuilt them. But I had been considering the tatoo so I didn’t have so much “blank canvass”. These are beautiful. I thought if nothing else, I might get little heart tatoos instead of nipples. The photos I have seen around here look NOTHING like this…just circles.
I’m in the Mid MO area, and I don’t know where to start looking for an artist that does these 3D tatoos. I’m thinking not in a downtown tatoo parlor. So do I look to the hospitals and the cancer centers, or research tatoo artists in my region?
Your work is amazing! I am set to get the recon done on June 25. I’m a little hesitant letting my plastic surgeons office do the tattooing though. Where are you located?
I sure do wish you were closer to my home. I am in the suburbs of Chicago and would like to have post BC surgery tattos. From the internet pics I have seen done by others, you rank way above them. I am trying to figure out if I can afford the tattos and the airfare to get to you.
I was very excited to see that you created nipples on an unreconstructed chest. That’s where I am at. I tried to have a nipple tattooed back in 2000, but the job was unsatisfactory. Yours look FAB.
I personally didn’t need this service as I had a lumpectomy, but heaven forbid if my future needs change, I know where I’m going. Thank you for pursuing this field specifically. I am very active in the BCO community and will definitely promote this service. Great job.
Thank G-d I don’t have the need for these tattos, but I had to say that you are a blessing to women who do!!! Your work is truly amazing, G-d Bless you!
Wonderful work, I am in awe!
I had a tatoo done by my plastic surgeon and while it looked good in the office it did not take. Not sure what they did wrong but they told me “it happens sometimes”. Won’t be going back there…….are you coming to Canada any time?
Vinnie does great work and he is very professional. I was extremely nervous about the whole procedure, as I am not a fan of tattoos in general. The one he did looks great by itself, but unfortunately, I do not see the 3D effect that I expected. Also, the color does not match my real breast. It is noticeably lighter.
Thank you all for your comments.
fragrantroses… I think the best place to start looking for artist that do this procedure is right here on BCO. There are several threads that have info on artists around the country. Many folks have shared their thoughts on this subject and offer opinions on tattooers/permanent makeup artists. There are, believe it or not, more and more people doing this type of tattooing. While I would not suggest stopping into every tattoo shop you see in your area, quite a few would be very qualified to do this. They might not look like it to the average person but many are very talented and educated artists. Either way do your homework on the people in your area … ask around and look at portfolios.. before making your final choice.
ccincin… I am in New Orleans and Maryland (central). You will need to be 12 weeks post op before getting tattooed. You might want to correspond with the artist you want to do the tattooing before setting up the appointment. Just to make sure you are ready (healed) to get the art done. There are techs and Docs that can do a decent job of this tattooing but others might specialize in it and do a better job. Some Docs are hesitant to send ladies/men to a tattoo shop to have it done because they do not know the physical setting the tattooing is done in but as I stated before, many tattoo parlors are state of the art facilities and are well versed in universal precautions and asepsis. They want to protect their clients and themselves from cross contamination and do everything required to do so. That is not to say ALL do but many reputable shops will.
mszw2… There are many very good tattooers in the Chicago area who could do this for you. While they might not have a ton of experience doing this exact procedure they are more than qualified to do excellent tattoos. It might be a little awkward trying to screen them out or visiting them with your request, I understand that, so it may not be fun or easy but it is possible.
The trip to see me from Chicago to either Md. or NOLA is not too expensive. The tattooing should be covered by Insurance ( required by law!) If you are having problems with finances please contact me via email for more info on helping. I want to help as many folks as I can so I can work with you on things…
AnnieAppleseed… I wanted the kind folks at BCO to post the unreconstructed pics for this very reason. Quite a few ladies/men have decided to do the tattoos without recon. The procedure has the same effect on the viewer with or without recon. Still looks complete. It is not uncommon to do this and the results are very good. And, if done correctly, recon is still an option even after doing the tattoos.
marlegal…Thanks for your comments… I hope I never need to meet you…lol. Spread the word… it all helps!
BarbRonks… I do not have plans to visit Canada any time soon. It is not uncommon to see the tattoos fade over time when done at the Docs office. The majority of medical tattooing is done with a vegetable based dye… which is absorbed very quickly by the body. The actual technique used is also different as is the equipment. Many practitioners do not know the fundamentals of tattooing which is very important to the longevity of the tattoo. Myself and many other tattooers/cosmetic tattooers spend our entire careers doing tattoos that are meant to last a lifetime. It is what we do… the mission is to try to get our tattoo clients to come back for ANOTHER tattoo… not to get the one we have already done FIXED. While this is not to say we get them all right the first go round but we can get them close.
One of the issues with this nip tattooing procedure is that the colors used are very close to the skin tone of the wearer. This light tone are the hardest to get to stay and be visible for long periods. This is where the problem lies. If I get the pigments in the skin correctly but it is just too light in color it will look like it has faded when it is simply too light…. thus it will need to be darkened. Either way it is better to have them too light than too dark. We can always go back and darken the tattoo… but it is next to impossible to lighten it. Always stay to the light side rather than the dark… as YODA once said… “stay away from the dark side”… LOL…
Again…thanks to all of you for your kind words. I really enjoy commenting on this subject as it is my life’s work and I feel that it is very close to my heart. I realize it is not always the easiest subject to talk about when it is about having your “breasts reconstructed”. But… by the time you are speaking to me the battle is nearly over and the final touches are about to be performed. It should be a time of celebration and relief…
I was not prepared for the feeling I get when I look into the eyes of the women I tattoo when they see their completed, renewed breast for the first time… It is something I could NEVER explain in writing… it can only be felt… and it is wonderful!!!! Vinnie
Vinne, Your work is amazing. I had a mastectomy on my left side about 2 years ago. I had an implant put in, and was thinking about getting a tattoo for that side. My skin was radiated on that side. Is tattooing safe for radiated skin? My PS was going to learn how to do the tattoo’s, but I didn’t want someone inexperienced learning on me. Do you ever work in San Diego? Thanks for all the hope to give to women like me who feel kind of freaky with just one nipple.
How do you train for this type of work? Do you need any medical experience?
margiebits… Tattooing can be done on radiated skin. Sometimes the color is a bit different than on non-radiated skin making bilateral tattoos difficult to keep the color the same. Unilateral tattooing can also be tricky as it is hard to determine what the color will be in the end based on the fact that the skin color is different after rads. Non-the-less it can be done and look good in the end. I would not recommend letting someone practice on you as the results are permanent! Make sure you see someone qualified in the art of tattooing. I do not think I will be in SD anytime soon but feel free to email me on where I will be in the future… vm@vinniemyers.com
Also… Having medical experience helps in that the knowledge of universal precautions and asepsis is critical in the safety of all. But… tattooing experience is best … as it help understand the fundamentals of the art.
Thanks…. all…. Vinnie
Hi Vinnie I just saw this! Made my day!!
Keep up the good work LOL
Michele
Vinnie, if you are the person who does them for PRMA in San Antonio, I’ll be meeting you soon! I have my stage 2 surgery in July and tattooing to follow. Your work is beautiful. I look forward to my turn!
I had reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins in 2010. Dr. Rad was my plastic surgeon. I have not had any nipple reconstruction and would consider the tattooing. Is there a way that insurance will cover this – since they have paid for all of the other reconstruction procedures?
I had reconstruction after my mastectomy with a nipple. I personally don’t like the nipple. It looks great, but I don’t like the way the nipple shows through all the time. I have to buy stick on covers to hide it with some clothes. I would have rather had the 3D tattooing done. Is there anyway to have my nipple taken off after 18 years and have the 3D tattooing done?
That’s awesome work. It makes all the difference when they look real. Thank you Vinnie for perfecting it.
Wow I love your work Vinnie!!
Vinnie, As I’ve made my appt for the final stages in reconcstruction, I’m wondering how the artist will tattoo my nipple, cause it’s more like a skin tag, has no consistancy to it. Not very appealing either. It’s just flabby. So, can you tell me what you think? I’m in Colorado, or I would come see you about it in a heart beat. My mastectomy was on my left side only. Right side was lifted, and now that side sticks out like it’s freezing everywhere I go. Not so symetric to me. Thank you for you time, your hard working and for just caring. It means a lot to all of us!
Kitten (yes that’s my real name)
Forgot to say how much I love your work, a true caring artist.
This is AWESOME! I’m currently trying to decide rather or not to do reconstructive surgery after having my double mastectomy. I’ve seen some pretty cool tattoo’s covering the whole area without doing reconstructive. Although I’m sure that is very expensive, I would for sure consider that! I just feel so worn out with having breast cancer & everything I have been through thus far. If I could avoid another surgery, I would be so happy. If I do decide to have the reconstructive, I hope my dr does as good a job as you have. I’m not sure if my dr even does the tattll’ing…Thanks on behalf of all Breast Cancer Survivors!! ~Nicole~
Your work looks amazing to me. I am cleared for nipple reconstruction now but just can’t decide if I want to do another surgery. I am thinking your 3D tattoos may be the path for me. How far out in advance would I need to schedule an appointment? Thanks!
Sorry for the delay in responding, I will try to be better in replying to your questions…
LMichele… Thanks for your kind words… it is a pleasure to be able to help…
TheresaCC… I am not that person unfortunately, but I wish you the best with your tattoos… if you have any questions please PM me or comment back on this blog…
BCS-LancasterPA… If you get the tattooing at my office in MD I can give you a receipt for the service and you will need to submit it to your INS co. They should reimburse but they will most likely drag it out and try not to pay… if the tattooing is done in NOLA then they will submit it to INS. …
CMcCrae… YES you can have them adjusted or removed… and then do 3-D tattooing. Please email me or PM me for more info… vm@vinniemyers.com
Jkilgore524… I am still working on the perfecting part of it… I am getting better with more experience but I have not perfected it yet… maybe… one day…
Sunshineandlollipops… THX!…
K_Lockwood… please email me or PM me and we can talk about what can be done in the way of tattooing or revision… or call my office and we can speak at length about your situation… 410-876-4638… vm@vinniemyers.com
niknak643… I have done many large tattoos covering the reconstructed and non-recon breasts. Either way you would like it it can be done… yes the large tattoos are a bit expensive and take many hours… plus it does not always feel very good but its fun to wear them when the are complete. The nipple tatts don’t hurt nearly as much if at all… I know it has been a long process but when you see me it is the final step and you can know it is all over! Kind of a nice thought….. good luck…
bludaizy… you will need at least 12 weeks from your last surgery… sometimes more depending on where the scars are… many women these days are opting for just the tattoos and no nip recon. Just depends on the look you want… contact me if you want to talk further about it… vm@vinniemyers.com…
Thanks all for making this blog work… please feel free to ask about anything related to tattooing and what might be on your mind… I look forward to it…. Vinnie
YOU HAVE A GIFT!!!! I am a “get your ducks in order” kind of person…so…can I get more details from you JUST INCASE?
Thanks
Gramms
I’m so excited. You are the artist that was recommended for me to use. I am looking forward to meeting you. I will be having nipple reconstruction though. But I would like to have my areolas tattooed.
I live in northeast Ohio and thought I read something somewhere that you also went to facility in PA. Called and found out that no longer true and that closest to me would be Maryland. I am going to try to make this work and make the drive. Your work looks incredible. Had my double mastectomy in May of this year and am now ready to get the tattooing done. I hope to be making an appt soon. I am so excited to find someone who does the 3 D. thanks for your dedication!
I have been reading through your blog very interesting. Oh photo’s on your site are amazing! Why do you say you have to wait 12 weeks after the last surgery but the PS says 6-8 weeks. I am scheduled for stage II of DIEP flap recon along with nipp’s but obviously since I’m writing here I am having second throughts on the nipps part but 12 weeks pushes me into next year and then its under the new year of insurance meaning start over with deductibles and out of pocket payments…I’d have to cover the expense. Can you provide an idea of pricing for 3D nipp’s. Thanks so much
I am not a breast cancer survivor. However, I had a bad breast reduction and ended up having my nippld cut off because my skin died and turned black. I had to had a skin grapg done because my vien was so close to the surface due to the skin dying. I have dealth with my breast being really badly scarred, 2 different sizes and only 1 nipple that has an unnatural skin color for nipples. It has been 12 years since my surgery and still can’t look at my chest. My birthday is coming up and my hisband has asked me what I wanted. I run(volunteer) my local Relay For Life which raises money for the American Cancer Society. I try to keep up on services offered to survivors. I came across you and the beautiful art work you offer these women that have bedn so much. I know I have not been through what cancer survivors have been through. Would you be willing to help me?
Vinnie, I just wanted to thank you for the very real looking nipple tattoos. Just had them done yesterday. Your work is just incredible. I would recommend you to anybody and actually already have. If anyone reading this blog has any concerns, rest assured you will look great once he is done!!
I am soo looking forward to your next visit to NOLA. I am on the waiting list for December & am praying I get the call. It’s been 12 1/2 years & I can’t wait to feel “whole” again !!! The pictures are amazing !!! Wish I could have made it next week, but hopefully Dec
Do you know of anyone in Alberta, Canada that can do the same thing?
This is amazing! I was thinking maybe nipples aren’t really necessary, and then I saw these pictures. Is there anyone in Washington State you may recommend or shall I just buy a plane ticket to come see you? You certainly have/are a gift!
Great job! You must be the one my GW docs plan to send me too… I look forward to it, now that I’ve seen your work. Will see you in about 10 months, have to wait until after radiation…
Not long ago, I went to my plastic surgeon to get my tatts, after having read about Vinnie. The first question I asked was “Do you do 3D tattos?” ( I had tried to get in touch with him earlier to ask this question, but he had not called me back.) So I’m sitting there in my gown, asking this question. When he responded, “No,” I said that I believed I was going to cancel this procedure because I wanted 3D. He was very supportive of my decision, and asked me to come back and show them to him afterwards, because he had been asking to be sent to training.
I got home and called Vinnie’s NO location, and they had JUST had a cancellation and Vinnie could do my 3D tatts the very next week.
Here’s my experience: First, they look FABULOUS. I forget sometimes that they’re not “real,” because they look SO real. Vinnie is a great guy, and works very hard to give you the size and color that you want. He also, however, will give you his opinion if he thinks you’re choosing something that you’ll ultimately be unhappy with. He did this with me, and I’m SO glad that he suggested the change that he did.
Bad news: Although it of course hurts less than a “regular” tattoo, I still have some sensitivity in my skin, and at times, it really hurt. I took a Lortab beforehand (totally on my own and he didn’t know), and am glad I did. But, again, I would do it again in a second!!!
So, if you don’t have nipples, do whatever you have to do to get to Vinnie. NO ONE else !!! He’s a master, and I love him!!!!
And Vinnie, if you’re reading, THANK YOU!!!! You’re the greatest!!!
Jennie O.
Tattoo Dec13
I just had a bilateral mastectomy and I have a long road. I have decided that I do not want nipple reconstruction. I have been researching the 3D tattooing and I am so glad I found your article. It is amazing. This has given me soemthing to look forward to. How do I get in touch with you? Do you travel to provide this service for? I am in MO.
Vinnie is awesome I may be seeing him soon
6 years later i just had my 3rd reconstruction
by a wonderful plastic surgeon here in Boca raton Florida
the first was a botch by an idiot
the 2nd was a please help me so I had a redone at cleveland clinic weston was happy but never felt comforable
after finding out I was living with an inplant way too big for me I now had my 3rd rev, and will tatoo areola after my nipple is finished
vinnie is awesome
Dear Vinnie, you come highly recommended by Dr. Spittler and Pat Sobel in Annapolis. I hope to see you in July or August after reconstruction is complete.
Feeling whole is important to a happy, healthy life.
S.
Do you know of any person in Missouri that does this 3D nipple/areola tattooing. I work for a plastic surgeon and we have a patient that cannot have the nipple/areola reconstruction surgery and is requesting a 3D nipple/areola tattoing. Thanks for any help appreciated.
Looks great. What if a person wants something besides areolas and nipples tattooed? Butterflies? Daisies? Is that possible?
Hello,
Am considering 3-D tattoo for right side; finding conflicting ‘opinions’ regarding Areolocation; Northwestern in Chgo views it as a bit ‘gimmicky’ and not necessary( they charge less though price not the concern). How important is it for someone who could drive to Chgo in an hour? If you were closer, no question I would be honored to see you. Thanks, Mary