ARTIST + SURVIVOR

It was my own journey through breast cancer and reconstruction, which was done by Dr. Dinu Mistry, that led me to micro pigmentation. 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 micro pigmentation. Of all the options available, micro pigmentation 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 areolas for over 500 mastectomy patients.

Being able to offer this service to breast cancer survivors in a private medical setting 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, while allowing their breast cancer patients to finish their reconstructive process beautifully and easily.

Micro pigmentation 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 two 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 and pigment color, as well as other factors.

DOES IT HURT?

While there may be some minor discomfort afterward, a topical 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 and all other medications is required.

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.