Restorative Tattooing After Mastectomy: Completing the Journey
Nipple Tattooing, Areola Restoration, and Scar Camouflage for Breast Cancer Survivors
At Learn Look Locate, we are proud to feature trusted voices who bring both skill and compassion to the breast cancer community. This educational resource explores the vital role of restorative tattooing after mastectomy—a powerful step that helps many women feel whole again after breast reconstruction.
Marnie Rustemeyer, CPCP, AAM, a leading restorative tattoo artist at NYBRA Plastic Surgery, brings over seven years of experience in nipple tattooing, areola restoration, scar camouflage, and paramedical tattooing. As an Expert Advisor for Learn Look Locate, Marnie offers the final, artistic touch that can profoundly impact a survivor’s confidence and healing.
Joining her is Dr. David Light, Medical Advisor for Learn Look Locate and a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction at NYBRA. Dr. Light underscores the importance of educating women about restorative tattooing as a vital part of the reconstruction process.
Together, their insights showcase how art and medicine intersect to empower survivors with dignity, beauty, and closure on their post-mastectomy journey.
Expert Insights from Marnie Rustemeyer, CPCP, AAM.
1. Why Tattooing Matters After Breast Surgery
Restorative tattooing adds the final touch to breast reconstruction, offering emotional healing, confidence, and a renewed sense of self for many breast cancer survivors
2. Tattoo Solutions for Non-Reconstructed Breasts
3. Timing Your Nipple Tattoo for Best Results
4. Why 3D Tattoos Are Changing Breast Reconstruction
5. Scar Solutions After Breast Surgery
6. Why Early Tattoo Discussion Helps Survivors
7. Why Microneedling Works for Breast Reconstruction
Microneedling stimulates collagen, flattens scars, and improves pigmentation. It’s especially helpful for abdominal scars and stretch marks post-DIEP flap procedures.
8. Cosmetic vs. Restorative Tattooing Explained
9. Tattoo Color Matching After Mastectomy
10. Is Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy Right for You?
11. Does Nipple Tattooing Hurt? What to Expect
About the Experts
Meet David Light, MD
Dr. David Light is a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery. As a partner at NYBRA Plastic Surgery and a Medical Advisor for Learn Look Locate, he performs over 300 primary and revision breast reconstructions annually. Dr. Light is renowned for his expertise in advanced microsurgical techniques, including DIEP, SIEA, PAP, TUG, and LAP flaps, as well as hybrid and stacked flap procedures. He is also a pioneer in sensory restoration techniques, such as Resensation, and was the first on Long Island to perform autologous lymph node transfers and lymphovenous bypasses. His commitment to patient education and shared decision-making ensures that individuals are empowered with comprehensive information to make informed choices about their reconstructive options.
Meet Marnie Rustemeyer, CPCP, AAM, CPCP, AAM
Marnie Rustemeyer, CPCP, AAM, is a certified restorative and cosmetic tattoo artist at NYBRA Plastic Surgery, specializing in paramedical tattooing, nipple-areola restoration, scar camouflage, and permanent makeup. A former Wall Street professional, Marnie became a thyroid cancer survivor and breast cancer previvor after undergoing bilateral risk-reducing mastectomies. Her personal journey ignited a passion for helping others feel whole again through restorative tattooing. As an Expert Advisor for Learn Look Locate, she is dedicated to educating and empowering breast cancer survivors about their options for post-mastectomy healing and confidence restoration.
