Written by Alexandra Giamouzi & Elisabeth Maria Pouloutidou
Nipple tattoo, also known as areola tattoo, is a specialized tattoo technique that restores the appearance of the nipple and areola (the darker area surrounding the nipple) on the chest. It is especially useful for individuals who have undergone a mastectomy or other surgical procedures in the chest area, such as tumor removal, injuries, or gender-affirming surgeries.
The procedure involves applying special pigments to the skin to recreate the look of the nipple and areola, often using 3D techniques to give natural depth and realistic appearance. The skilled tattoo artist selects different tones that match the person’s skin tone for an even more natural result.
For many, nipple tattoo also holds emotional value, as it helps restore confidence and body image.
Abroad, nipple tattooing is widely used as part of post-mastectomy reconstruction. In many countries, its importance for both physical and psychological recovery is recognized, and several insurance companies cover the cost, especially for those who have undergone breast surgeries due to cancer.
For instance, in the United States, nipple tattoo is very common and offered by specialized professionals, often trained in medical settings. Medicare and many private insurance companies consider the tattoo medically necessary and fully cover the cost. In the United Kingdom, nipple tattoo is provided through the National Health Service (NHS), but is also available privately. When opting for a private artist, partial coverage may apply. A similar approach is followed in Canada, where the cost is covered by the public healthcare system. In Australia, where reimbursement depends on the individual’s insurance plan. In many European countries, such as France and Germany, it is considered part of medical reconstruction and is covered by public healthcare or private insurance.
In contrast, in Greece, nipple tattoo is gradually gaining acceptance as part of post-mastectomy recovery. Especially for women who have undergone surgery due to breast cancer, it is a good solution. However, it is unfortunately not widely practiced in Greece. The situation regarding insurance coverage is less developed compared to other countries, as the public healthcare system does not cover nipple tattoo. It is classified as cosmetic rather than therapeutic reconstruction. Some private insurance plans may cover part of the cost, recognizing the contribution of the procedure to the patient’s mental and physical well-being.
The price for a medical nipple tattoo at a reputable center is slightly expensive, and the procedure lasts about an hour and a half. It is usually performed by a plastic surgeon rather than a tattoo artist, reflecting the relatively limited specialization in this field within the country compared to abroad. For this reason, many people choose to seek specialized services outside of Greece for reliability and expertise.
Our research into local tattoo studios in Thessaloniki proved entirely discouraging results. According to the information we received from industry professionals, nipple tattoos are not performed in Thessaloniki—at least not with any specialization. There are, however, some centers in Athens that do offer nipple tattoo. Professionals stated that they avoid involvement in this field due to widespread exploitation, which takes advantage of the great need among patients. A tattoo artist told us that the cost of this type of tattoo is significantly higher than that of another tattoo of similar size and difficulty.
In conclusion, it is clear that nipple tattoo could greatly contribute to the emotional and psychological well-being of patients. However, there are no organized efforts in Greece to develop this practice, and current initiatives are more often exploitative than supportive. Therefore, our aim should be to take action so that this service is recognized and supported by the state.
