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Accessing Insurance Benefits for Nipple Tattooing: What You Need to Know

Accessing Insurance Benefits for Nipple Tattooing: What You Need to Know – If you’ve undergone a mastectomy or breast reconstruction, you may be interested in nipple tattooing to restore the appearance of your breasts. However, you may be wondering if insurance covers this type of procedure. The good news is that nipple tattooing is provided for by The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). In this article, we’ll explore three options for using your insurance benefits to pay for nipple tattooing, so you can decide what’s right for you.

Can You Use Insurance to Pay for Nipple Tattooing?

The WHCRA requires that insurance providers cover all stages of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, including nipple and areola reconstruction. This means that nipple tattooing is a covered benefit for many women undergoing breast surgery. However, it’s important to note that not all insurance plans are created equal, and coverage can vary depending on your specific plan. In some instances it may ultimately be easier and quicker to pay out of pocket.

Take Action Today: Access your Insurance Benefits

Would you like to explore your options for accessing insurance benefits for nipple tattooing in Tucson, Arizona? Do not hesitate to take action today. Connect with Valerie Polson RN, BSN at Foreverfabulousaz.com or or by calling 520-425-4258. Valerie is a seasoned medical tattoo artist specializing in nipple and areola tattooing. It’s important to explore your options and maximize the benefits you’re entitled to. Nipple tattooing can be a powerful way to feel comfortable and confident in your body, easing your journey to healing and recovery.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

*As of January 1, 2024, we can help Areola clients apply for insurance reimbursement.
*We can help clients receive insurance benefits for medical tattooing.
*We can help clients receive insurance coverage approval for gender reassignment in Arizona.

• I am proud to be one of the two tattoo artists in the state of Arizona who can help clients work with their insurance company. We are now able to file to your insurance ON YOUR BEHALF. We will handle the insurance claim, just like a medical facility would.
• Please note, there is no guarantee of how much the insurance company will reimburse, but we will do our best to maximize your benefits.

Financial Assistance

We work closely with each client to find opportunities to lessen or resolve financial burdens. We have listed a few options below:

• We are a Medical Tattoo Professional Partner with AiRS – Alliance in Reconstructive Surgery. Learn more about their financial assistance here.
• Health Savings Accounts are sometimes an accepted form of payment.
• Thankfully, there are grants available via The United Breast Cancer Foundation to help offset the expenses of 3D Areola Tattooing. To learn more visit their website here.
• Additional grants opportunities are available with Sharsheret. Learn more about their financial assistance here.
• Upon your request, we can provide the information required for you to file with your insurance.

Insurance Coverage for Other Paramedical Procedures.

Procedures also potentially covered by insurance, but not limited to:

• Scar camouflaging related to cancer diagnoses on all areas of body
• Gender reassignment
• Scalp micro-pigmentation related to hair loss with cancer diagnoses
• Eyebrow restoration related to cancer diagnoses
• Lip restoration and tattooing related to cleft palate and cancer diagnoses

Permanent makeup is the art and application of custom color blended pigments inserted into the dermal layer of skin to create a dimensional eyebrow, soft subtle eyeliner or a sparkling lip colour.

Yes, it is totally safe if:

1. You have a technician that is licensed and well educated (certified)
2. The technician has a business license
3. The technician is current with their Blood Borne Pathogen (BBP) education which in most states is required to be taken yearly.
4. The technician follows all of OSHA and CDC guidelines for cross contamination.
5. The technician uses only single, sterile, one time use needles and machine parts as well as all products and they are properly disposed of after your procedure.
6. The technician uses products that are made in the USA and have been used by professionals for years with no complications.

Microblading is a cosmetic tattooing procedure that fills in thin eyebrow areas to make them look fuller. During microblading, color pigments are applied to the eyebrow area, to give the appearance of hairs. Valerie uses a microblade, which is a small tool with needles, to delicately apply pigment. The color effect will fade over time, so touch-ups may be necessary to maintain the desired look.

If the Permanent Makeup is applied correctly (inserted into the dermal layer of skin), the pigments used are of high quality and the client follows their aftercare exactly as prescribed by their technician, the procedure will last a long time. Mitigating circumstances however will dictate how long the procedure application will last. Influences such as your general health, chlorine, sun, tanning beds, medications, skin care products containing exfoliating agents, the use of a total sun block on the procedure area, and smoking can affect the longevity of the pigment color.

Plan to schedule at least 2-3 hours for your procedure. Procedures may take longer depending on the condition and hydration of your skin, your pain threshold, your anxiety level and if you are on any medication or homeopathics that would make you bleed. Anesthesia will be placed on the procedure area for approximately 15-20 minutes. The procedure area will be drawn on and the implantation of pigment takes place.

Pain is relative. I use the most effective topical anesthesia’s available. Using these anesthesia’s together make most people very comfortable during the procedure application.

There are several things to consider prior to your procedure, no caffeine, no alcohol and do not schedule your appointment around your menstrual cycle as all of these will make you more sensitive.

If you have had a traditional artistic tattoo or have had piercings you will find that permanent makeup is easier to tolerate than these procedures! Considering you will be numb unlike when you get a traditional tattoo or piercing!

On average, depending on procedure a patient will be swollen 1-3 days. Most patients are able to return to work after the swelling resolves if not sooner. Topical treatment will be used for 7-10 days after.

Yes, if you are under a physician’s care I want you to obtain a release written on their prescription note pad stating that it is safe for you to have a procedure performed. Your health care provider will know if you will heal without any complications, if you are prone to infections or have a compromised immune system.

Contraindications include but are not limited to: Blood thinners, heart medications, aspirin or products containing aspirin, medications for any disease like diabetes, lupus or any autoimmune disease. Also any vitamins or supplements that thin the blood would need to be stopped prior to your procedure but only with the consent of your health care provider.

Any type of antihistamine will slow down the release of histamine in the procedure area. This serves a three-fold purpose:

1. The antihistamine will dry up your tears making your eyeliner procedure easier for the technician.
2. The antihistamine will lessen the swelling effect on the procedure area making the insertion of pigment easier for the technician.
3. The antihistamine helps many people to relax and fall asleep during the procedure.

Always consult with your health care provider before taking any medication. If you take any medication do not drive to or from your procedure. Have someone drive you and pick you up.

Depending on how many times I had to go over an area to implant the pigment, your skin may show very little signs of trauma or may be swollen and red. If you have taken an antihistamine, your swelling will be less than if you have not taken any medication. You may notice swelling for 24-48 hours.

The area will appear darker at first because of the blood and lymph that has been brought to the surface during the permanent makeup application. The procedure area tissue will crust a bit and this tissue will slough off usually within 5-7 days leaving you with a softer color. The healing process depends on how healthy you are and how hydrated your skin is. The younger you are the faster you will heal and if you are older your skin will take longer to regenerate. All of this is explained in your paperwork at your consultation.

It is suggested that you have your makeup applied at least 8 weeks prior to a special function or wait until after your function is over (such as your wedding! You don’t want to be swollen or still in the healing process on your wedding day. Plan well ahead!).

Download Pre-Care Instructions

Download After-Care Instructions