Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about tattooing for those who have had a breast surgery. We are working hard to establish a list of questions we think, or through experience, that you would want to know. IF there is anything specific you did not find, please reach out to the studio for the answer, and to add it to our growing list. YOUR INPUT HELPS !

Boobs and Tattoos, owned under Metamorphosis Ink LLC

A: Is an approved Health Care Provider (HCP) with an NPI (National Provider Identifier) number.

B: Is a fully operational business with an EIN number

C: Owns the trademark (tm) to Boobs and Tattoos and is not available for re-use.

Q: Will my insurance cover medical 3D areola tattooing?

A: Coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. HMO typically works with in-network providers only, however Cigna approved a one-time in-network contract for the client because they did not have an in-network provider available. When this happens this one time acceptence is possible. This would be a question to ask your insurance agent when you contact them to confirm your eligibility and requirements.

There is a thing called " The Breast Cancer Act " which explains your rights as the patient when it comes to breast cancer and paramedical tattooing. You can read more about this here.

Q: Will my insurance cover scar coverup artwork tattooing?

A: Unfortunately no. Insurance companies do not consider artwork over scars paramedical tattooing, therefore does not qualify for reimbursement. If you are adding areolas to your artwork, then this would be considered areola tattooing and fall under their guidelines, but only that part of the tattoo would be reimbursable. Even peek a boo areolas would qualify.

Q: What is the procedure called?

A: The correct term varies based on what is being done in the outside world. Common ones used are : 3d areola tattooing, areola paramedical tattoo, 3d nipple tattoo, paramedical tattoo, breast tattooing, scar coverup tattoo, scar cover ups, cosmetic areolas, cosmetic tattoo, 3d paramedical tattoo.

B: When it comes to speaking with the insurance company, you want to make sure you use correct and specific terminology. Examples of these are : paramedical tattoo from a licensed health care provider, 3d medical tattoo from a licensed health care provider, paramedical tattoo areola reconstruction from a licenssed health care provider.

Q: Are you an in-network provider?

A: No, we are not an in-network provider for any insurance company but are working to put those contracts in place. However, some insurers may allow a one-time in-network application for this procedure if they cannot provide you with an in-network provider.

Q: Do you accept PPO insurance plans?

A: Yes, we qualify for PPO insurance plans and have had no issues with reimbursement for their areola and nipple tattoo.

Q: What documents do I need to file a claim?

A: You will need a prescription from your doctor (with ICD-10 and CPT codes) for your insurance company. These codes are also known as your diagnosis codes that will be on file with the doctor who originally diagnosed you. This is who you will contact.

B: Claim reimbursement form from your insurance company

C: Receipt of all payments

D: Insurance document from Metamorphosis Ink/Boobs and Tattoos

E: Possible one-time in-network application

Q: What documents do I need to provide Metamorphosis Ink LLC/Boobs and Tattoos ?

A: Copy of the prescription from your doctor. This contains the codes we will need to complete our paperwork.

B: Copy of your insurance card

C: In-network application if necessary

Q: When should I start the insurance claim process?

A: It is recommended to start the process as soon as you finish your consultation. This will give you necessary pricing estimates, dates for your tattoo sessions, and an estimated time of completion. This is information your insurance company may want so it is good to have it ahead of time.

Q: Are there any insurance processing fees?

A: No - Not if you scheduled your tattoo appointment with a deposit.

B: Yes - Yes there is a $30 fee if you have not scheduled an appointment and are just starting the paperwork process.

Q: Is approval for reimbursement guaranteed?

A: No, approval is not guaranteed. Each insurance company has its own policies and criteria.  How you speak to the insurance company can make a difference as noted above. Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with the terms before making your initial phone call.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: A majority of the time, there is no sensation on the breasts after surgery and implants, in particularly if your surgery was within the last year. This is due to the nerve damage from surgeries and a lack of time for them to fully heal. If you are receiving artwork and plan on going off the breast with the design, they yes, you will have full feeling.

B: It could potentially hurt worse than normal if radiation was received in the area to be tattooed.

Q: Can I use numbing cream?

A: Because these creams are topical, they work by absorbing into the surface of the skin. This can change the quality of the skin tissue, making it a soft like consistency, making it difficult to work with needles. If there is sensation and it is absolutely necessary to get you through the tattoo, we are not opposed to it, but will only use our products in house. You cannot arrive for your tattoo with any pre-numbing solutions having been used on the skin. This can be a denial and reschedule of your appointment.

Remember, you've been through much worse by now. You've got this. We've got you.

Q: How long does it take to heal?

A: Typically tattoos take 2 weeks on average to heal to a point you can stop aftercare treatment. It is suggested to continue with moisturizer just as part of skin health and keeping it fresh looking. Moisturizing regularly can also minimize the amount of skin sloffing we go through, also keeping it fresh looking.

B: Things that will make a tattoo take longer to heal are diabetes, radiated skin, taking immune compromising medications, have any reaction to products used during and after receiving your tattoo.

Q: Do I have to stay out of the water?

A: Yes. Tattoos are considered a skin abrasion and open wound. Taking a normal length shower is fine, but you want to avoid soaking it such as in taking a bath, going swimming in a pool, sitting in a hot tub, and NO OCEAN SWIMMING!!!

*Ocean water contains many harmful bacteria, some flesh eating that could greatly impact your health and the outcome of your new tattoo.

B: Length of time to avoid water is two (2) weeks.