Three-dimensional nipple-areola tattooing: a new technique with superior results.

Traditional coloring techniques for nipple-areola tattooing ignore the artistic principles of light and shadow to create depth on a two-dimensional surface. The method presented in this article is essentially the inverse of traditional technique and results in a more realistic and three-dimensional reconstruction that can appear better than surgical methods. The application of three-dimensional techniques or "realism" in tattoo artistry has significant potential to improve the aesthetic outcomes of reconstructive surgery.