Frequently Asked Questions
- Metamorphosis Ink
- Nov 10, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: May 26
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 !
If you just need to know what paperwork you will need, click here
Boobs and Tattoos, owned under Metamorphosis Ink LLC is
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 pigmentation?
A: Coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. HMO typically works with in-network providers only, however a one-time in-network contract may be available. 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 pay for 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.
This is something our studio is a big advocate for and continues to make advances in the direction of changing insurance policy and how the money can be used for areola reconstruction after breast cancer. In that policy, you are allowed 3d areolas because that will restore your mental health, but if you are left disfigured, perhaps you'd rather have artwork instead. It should be your choice in what makes you feel beautiful. Mental health is finding a way to bridge the gap between the tattoo and medical community, offering breast cancer survivors the restoration and artist of their choice.
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, permanent makeup, areola reconstruction, paramedical breast reconstruction, realistic tattooing...
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 : "I will be scheduling my _______"
paramedical 3d areola reconstruction from a licensed health care provider.
medical 3d areola from a licensed health care provider.
3d 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. However, a GAP Exception may be issued (a one-time in-network approval), if they cannot provide you with an in-network provider of equal quality and detail. Since most insurance companies do not have artists signed as in-network, they must approve the GAP Exception (because of the Breast Care Act). That artist or studio must have an NPI# aka Health Care Provider Number in order to qualify.
As we continue to advance in our mission of changing policy, we want to make it easier for artists to qualify for their own NPI#. This will broaden the options and artists for everyone.
Q: Do you accept PPO insurance plans?
A: Yes, since PPO plans are out-of-network approved, we qualify have had no issues with reimbursement for their areola and nipple pigmentation/tattooing. You may still want start early approval process.
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 given by the doctor who originally diagnosed you. This is who you will contact.
B: Claim reimbursement form from your insurance company if necessary
C: Receipt of all payments
D: Insurance documentation letter from Metamorphosis Ink/Boobs and Tattoos
E: Possible one-time in-network application (GAP Exception)
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.
Please note, Metamorphosis Ink/Boobs and Tattoos, does not file with the insurance company. It is the clients responsibility for any/all communication, unless otherwise necessary to speak to us. You are responsible for all paperwork filing and insurance handling.
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. Refer to question above about what will be needed to begin this process.
Q: How much does it cost?
Pricing varies depending on if you are receiving artwork or areolas, and how much needs to be done. Areolas cost between $350-1200 with a lot of variance in there. Is it a single/double? Are there scars or radiation burn to deal with? Did you have nipple/skin sparring? Is any discoloration evident on the surface?
This is an out-of-pocket expense to you until insurance reimburses.
Depending on your situation, if it is impossible to fund your reconstruction, we suggest to contact local breast cancer non-profits, to see if they assist with funding. Some do, some don't. Fundraisers can also be fun with games and parties if you are struggling. Decorate bras, make foam boobs, etc. you can get creative with boobs!!!
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 particular 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 somr or full feeling.
B: It could potentially hurt worse than normal if radiation was received in the area to be tattooed, and you have sensation there now.
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, and 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 result in a reschedule of your appointment and forfeit of deposit.
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, keeping it fresher looking over time.
B: If you have no allergies to adhesions, we use a product called Recovery Derm which is a waterproof, 5 day bandage in which you proceed life as normal. You remove it in 5 days then spend the next week moisturizing. This bandage allows us to skip the peeling process a normal tattoo would go through, assuring ink stays through all layers of skin.
C: 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, and really sensitive skin in general.
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, life, and the outcome of your new tattoo. It has happened in a case off the coast of Texas
B: Length of time to avoid water is two (2) weeks even if you are wearing a water proof bandage for several days. The bandage though waterproof, the edges will start to lift and detach after being submerged in water for a period of time.
Q: What are approved moisturizers?
A. Moisturizers do matter and the brand too. The ONLY approved tattoo aftercare products we use are Aquaphor, Eucerin non-scented lotion, Tattoo Goo, and After Inked. These are products we know work that does not cause irritation in the tattoo and keep it moisturized enough to keep you comfortable, unless you have an allergy to one of their ingredients. If you take it upon yourself to use anything other than those listed, we cannot guarantee the outcome. Please don't play nurse. Listen to your artist.
Q: Can I wear a bra and are there any clothing restrictions?
A. Areola Reconstruction : For two weeks after receiving your fresh tattoo, you will want to keep any forms of tight clothing from rubbing against it. Fabric is like sandpaper to skin abrasions even in the slightest form. It is important that a non-stick barrior is put in-between. For areolas, non-stick bandages are perfect for the bra.
B. Chest Artwork : It is suggested that you stay out of a bra for two weeks if possible to avoid any rubbing areas that could create scabbing, take longer to heal, and wear light spots in the ink. We recommend you wear larger clothing so it remains loose and free to move around lightly on the body. If you must wear a bra or something restrictive, the non-stick bandage/surface will be required to avoid any damage. Speak with your artist if you have any further questions about larger pieces and what to use.
C. Waistbelt Stomach Designs: If you are recieving a tattoo to cover your stomach scar from either tummy tuck, c-section, a flap procedure, or any other type of scar there, you will want to follow the same restrictions as above. Use a non-stick bandage in-between your skin and the fabric of underwear and pants. The absolute worst thing to do is wear tight fitted, elastic, or denim pants. Every step you take it will move. Comando in a sun dress are great for these. No elastic, tie string pants are great also.
Q: Will I need a touch up? Do they fade?:
Given that tattoos are being worn on a living body that continually sheds skin, and is exposed to the elements (some less than others), the answer is yes. Tattoos do have a natural fading over time, regardless of where on the body. How quickly is partly up to you and your body, and partly the quality of your artist and the products they use. This is where I grieve in cosmetic artists are not trained as an actual tattoo artists. Their products, description, education and intention are not the same.
For longevity, you want a tattoo artist using an intradermal method of tattooing vs. cosmetic semi-permanent micropigmentation process. BIG DIFFERENCE HERE!!!!!! j
Intra-dermal tattooing : penetrates deeper than micro-pigmentation process with the description of be permanent requiring fewer touch ups.
Micro-pigmentation application: only penetrates the top few layers of the epidermis layer (those that shed), being described as a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure.
So depending on which route you go, your touch up(s) could vary on how many and how often. Obviously the intra-dermal process is the way to go, requiring less and staying longer. Since mastectomies leave scars in different areas, and was possibly radiated, you will need at least one touch up at some point in the future, after the initial 2 sitting reconstruction. I require two in the beginning to make sure everything is set, even, and any/all scar lines have been blended. This is normal and discussed in the consultation, so a touch up would then be in 5-10 years.
You are recieving flesh tones on flesh tones, which does give the fade faster without an outline to hold its structure as in normal tattoos, which is why it is also important to use permanent inks and the intra-dermal process vs. micro-pigmentation.
