Over the years, I have consulted with many women to discuss areola tattoos. Most have found themselves at the end of a series of surgeries lacking the sense of being complete or whole. Not feeling like themselves. Let me just say this… losing your areolas and nipples, and even your eyebrows after surgery can be difficult too!
Women come to find out how much of a difference they make.
Much progress has been made in coordinating medical teams for breast cancer treatment. What’s becoming more and more the rule, instead of the exception is the inclusion of the areola/nipple tattoo in their treatment plan. Patients are being informed of the option of areola/nipple tattoo along with other procedures like nipple grafting to restore a natural appearance.
Permanent Makeup for the areola/nipple is the finishing touches giving men and women their identity rather than settling for naked breast mounds.
I’ve developed relationships with a handful of physicians who refer their patients to me regularly for areola tattoo because they believe it’s the final phase for complete breast reconstruction post-mastectomy. Their patients are pleased that doctors treat them with an attitude of a “whole-body” that often time takes them beyond the scope of the services they provide.
As a trained specialist, patients and/or groups can schedule free, no-obligation consultations, whereas they can learn about my experience as an “out-of-network provider.”
Post-mastectomy areola/nipple tattoo (re-pigmentation), is a procedure deemed medically necessary per the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act. Because men and women may not be familiar with their rights, I give them a basic introduction. They can gain further information from their insurance carriers and the policy details.
The Women’s Health and Cancer Right Act
The Women’s Health and Cancer Right’s Act (WHCRA) contains essential protections for breast cancer women who choose to have breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. It was signed into law on October 21, 1998. The US Department of Labor and Health and Human Services has oversight of this law.
WHCRA:
- Applies to group health plans for plan years starting on or after October 1, 1998
- Applies to group health plans, health insurance companies, and HMOs, if the plans or coverage provide medical and surgical benefits for a mastectomy
Under WHCRA, mastectomy benefits must include coverage for:
- Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed
- Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical or balanced appearance
- The prostheses (or breast implant)
- Any physical complications at all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedema
I hope that by educating breast cancer survivors, physicians, and the public, more patients will have the information to make the best decision for them. That the insurance companies will find ways to work with certified and trained practitioners and accept patient claims for reimbursement processing them without all of the pink tape that clogs and prolongs the process.