Restorative Tattooing

Restorative tattooing is a specialized technique that uses advanced 3D tattoo artistry to recreate natural-looking features and conceal scars, often following surgery or trauma. At Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery in Chicago, IL, our skilled providers use this innovative method to support patients on their healing journey. Through precise 3D nipple reconstruction and scar camouflage tattooing, they help restore the appearance of the skin, enhance self-confidence, and provide a sense of closure after procedures such as mastectomy or injury repair. Their compassionate, patient-focused approach ensures every tattoo is tailored to look natural and feel empowering.

At Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, your restorative tattooing experience begins with a personalized consultation to understand your goals and evaluate the area you’d like treated. Using specialized pigments and advanced techniques, the provider creates a 3D effect that mimics natural skin features, such as the appearance of a nipple and areola, or blending in with surrounding skin to camouflage scars. During the procedure, the provider carefully layers color and detail to achieve a realistic result tailored to each patient's skin tone and body. The treatment is performed in a clean, comfortable setting, typically taking one to two hours, depending on the area being treated. You can expect minimal discomfort and little downtime, with aftercare instructions provided to support proper healing and maintain the longevity of the tattoo.

Restorative tattooing offers you both aesthetic and emotional benefits, especially if you're healing after surgery or an injury. At Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, patients experience care that is both skilled and compassionate. Key benefits of the procedure include:

  • Natural-looking results: Creates realistic 3D effects for nipple reconstruction and seamless scar camouflage
  • Boosted confidence: Helps patients feel more at ease and positive about their appearance
  • Minimally invasive treatment: Requires little to no downtime, making recovery simple and manageable
  • Customized color matching: Ensures the tattoo blends beautifully with the patient's natural skin tone
  • Supportive care: Delivered by experienced professionals in a respectful and private medical environment
  • Long-lasting outcomes: Results can remain vibrant with proper care and occasional touch-ups if needed

This empowering procedure is a meaningful step toward restoring your sense of self and moving forward with confidence.

When my daughter broke her nose in a high school sports accident, she was referred to a local ENT for surgery immediately. I wanted to make sure a plastic surgeon performed the surgery and spent hours trying to find a surgeon who would treat her. I knew that this was a very time sensitive injury that needed to be treated ASAP. Barb on Dr. Moradian’s team scheduled a consult with him very quickly and patiently answered all of the (many) questions I had. I was absolutely amazed that Dr. Moradian was able to schedule surgery the day following our consult. My daughter’s prom was one week after her surgery and Dr. Moradian was determined that she would be able to go and look like herself. No one could tell, one week later, than she had surgery, and she had a wonderful time!Dr. Moradian and everyone on his team were friendly, caring and empathic. They made us feel confident and comfortable with the procedure. I was also impressed with the follow-up check-ins and responsiveness when we’ve had questions after the procedure. He’s been very responsive and helpful. I feel like we hit the jackpot and couldn’t have found a better surgeon! Thank you, Dr. Moradian, for everything!

K.J. Google

Dr. Fine, his team, and all the staff at NSPS are just the best! Having to go thru a crap situation (mastectomy) I trust his process and feel at ease at every appointment/procedure. I am so thankful to be going through this with them and highly recommend. I will actually miss going to NSPS when the reconstruction process is fully complete.

M.H. Google

I went to Dr. Schierle to address my gynecomastia - which had been a lifelong issue that suddenly gone from being a purely cosmetic flaw to a much bigger overall health issue for me over the course of a year or so. The first green flag for me was this office was the first plastic surgery practice that was willing to listen to my concerns and try billing my insurance for the surgery (coverage for the procedure was approved).Dr. Schierle himself made the entire process as positive as possible. I felt that he truly listened to me, asked thoughtful questions about my goals for the surgery, was frank and open about every aspect of my procedure and what I could realistically expect, and never once made me feel judged or uncomfortable.The team and office staff have been incredible to work with. I’ve always been able to reach someone if I had a question or concern during recovery. I never have a problem getting into the office when I’ve needed to.I knew that I had made the best decision in choosing a surgeon during my second post-surgery checkup, when Dr. Schierle recommended I hold off on any scar revision treatments for at least a year. To me, this just demonstrated further that he is actually invested in his patients’ success and not just out to milk people for as much money as he can.I’m really grateful to Dr. Schierle and his team for making what was an incredibly stressful and scary ordeal into a much more manageable process. Can’t recommend them enough.

N.H. Google

Dr Fine was realistic when discussing cosmetic results. He was straightforward and provided several options. He also was honest with what he thought was the best way to proceed and very clear on what not to expect.

J.M. Google

I will continually recommend and refer my friends and family to Northwestern Plastics. I underwent a breast augmentation yesterday and feel great! My pre-operative experience was nothing but detailed, understood, and all my concerns and questions were answered by Dr. Moradian and his amazing PA, Monika. I will speak highly of the faculty because you are always warmly greeted by the front desk and Kendall makes your logistical arrangements seamless!During the day of my procedure, I felt ZERO anxiety and the experience was very pleasant and passionate from all the nurses and the anesthesiologist. Prior to going into the OR, Dr. Moradian came into the room to greet me and mark me up - this was indicative of how passionate he was because he asked me if I had any last minute questions and concerns. Another small but impactful statement he said was “I’ve studied your aesthetic wants/inspirational pictures of what you would want and know exactly what to do”. This shows me compassion, the drive to make me feel heard, to how much thought and detail he has put into this artistry.Overall, I am extremely happy and when I am healed - I will update my pictures! I am excited for my recovery journey. They are perfect already.

S.T. Google

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Total Reviews

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Average Rating

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If you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, restorative tattooing can help you feel whole and confident again. The experienced providers at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery offer personalized care in a supportive, professional setting. Call our Chicago, IL office today to schedule your consultation and discover how restorative 3D tattooing can make a meaningful difference for you.

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*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.