It was my own journey through breast cancer and reconstruction, which was done by Dr. Dinu Mistry, that led me to micropigmentation. Nearing the end of my reconstruction, I came to realize that there was no one certified in the Boise area offering mastectomy patients who have undergone reconstruction quality and realistic “3-D” areola micropigmentation. Of all the options available, micropigmentation offers the most realistic results, is the least invasive, non-surgical option, and has no down-time. I knew the survivors in the Treasure Valley area needed and deserved to have the best options available to them, and I knew that with over 20 years experience as an artist and designer, I could provde this service. Since then, I have become certified as an Areola Specialist with the American Academy of Micro Pigmentation and have provided this service to create life-like, three-dimensional areola(s) for over 500 mastectomy patients.

Being able to offer this service to breast cancer survivors and Dr. Mistry’s patients, in a private medical setting, and being able to bill insurance for our patients, is a huge part of why I’ve chosen to offer my services in a practitioner’s office. When I was at the end of my reconstruction journey, the last thing I wanted to do was deal with more insurance, or pay from already empty pockets for a service that, as a survivor, I believe should be covered by insurance and included as part of breast cancer reconstruction. Putting the onus on the patient to facilitate payment by insurance shouldn’t be, but often is, an obstacle to pursuing the last part of reconstruction.

Helping survivors finish their reconstruction without the stress of insurance hassles and being able to do this in a private medical setting is necessary and important to me. Helping patients feel beautiful and complete again, gives me more joy than I could ever express. Partnering with skilled plastic surgeons allows me to be a part of a highly talented and caring team, and allows their breast cancer patients to finish their reconstructive process beautifully and easily.

Micropigmentation is the deposition of pigment into the most superficial skin layer using an array of tiny needles. For breast cancer survivors who have undergone breast reconstruction, creating a realistic three-dimensional areola complex and nipple is nothing short of a miracle. Colors can be mixed to achieve the most natural look for you, while incorporating shading to create the illusion of nipple protrusion and a life-like texture. Other aesthetic issues can also be addressed to help visually achieve better symmetry, balance, and a consistent shape, size, and color.

Skin discoloration and irregularities caused by scarring can also be addressed through scar camouflage and scar revision therapy.

Permanent micro pigmentation can also be applied to correct cosmetic imperfections as well such as small, discolored, or too lightly colored areolas.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Oftentimes, more than one procedure is required to achieve the best results. Most clients can anticipate 2-3 appointments where the healed procedure can be evaluated for any necessary touch-ups. All permanent micro pigmentation procedures will fade over time and touch-ups/maintenance may be necessary. This time frame will vary based on the area pigmented, sun exposure, pigment color, as well as other factors.

DOES IT HURT?

While there may be some minor discomfort afterward, a local anesthetic will be applied to the area before the procedure which eliminates all sensation of pain. You will remain numb through the end of the procedure. If you feel anxiety about the procedure and the potential discomfort, you may discuss taking a medication prescribed by your physician prior to the procedure. The disclosure of these or any other medications you are taking is required prior to the procedure.

IS IT SAFE?

My clients’ safety, as well as my own, are the most important factors in all that I do. All instruments, tubes, needles, and supplies are single-use, individually wrapped, sterile, and disposable. All pigments and supplies used during your procedure are discarded afterward. I adhere strictly to the OSHA guidelines for sanitization and sterilization in a medical environment. I maintain current biohazard training and certification on blood-borne pathogens and infection control through Biologix Solutions.