WELCOME TO
SPECIALIST TATTOO AND TREATMENT STUDIO FOR PARAMEDICAL AREOLA TATTOOING, SCAR REVISION AND CUSTOM BLACK AND GREY
BASED IN WARRENPOINT
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CUSTOM BLACK AND GREY TATTOOING
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PARAMEDICAL TATTOOING
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COSMETIC AREOLA TATTOOING
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MCA SCAR REVISION
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BASED IN WARRENPOINT • CUSTOM BLACK AND GREY TATTOOING • PARAMEDICAL TATTOOING • COSMETIC AREOLA TATTOOING • MCA SCAR REVISION •
Alter is a specialised tattoo & treatment studio, focused on Paramedical & Cosmetic Areola Tattooing, Scar revision and Custom Black and Grey tattooing. Our high-quality paramedical tattoo services are tailored for individuals who have undergone breast surgery or are seeking aesthetic enhancement. We craft realistic, unique areola and nipple tattoos that help restore both confidence and natural beauty when a piece of you feels like it’s missing. Whether you're recovering from surgery or enhancing your appearance, we’re committed to providing you with gentle, personalised care in a safe and welcoming environment. With 14 years of experience in the professional tattoo industry, we create intricate custom black and grey tattoos designed to meet the unique needs of each client.
TREATMENTS
Paramedical and cosmetic Areola tattooing
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Our high quality restoration treatments create natural tattoos that give the illusion of a 3D nipple and areola - results that help patients who have experienced breast cancer and mastectomy feel like themselves again - weather you require bilateral or unilateral tattooing. This service is also available to enhance the breast and create a natural-looking areola and nipple complex, following breast reduction and uplift surgeries, gynecomastia surgery and post gender reassignment procedures. Areola tattooing can only begin more than 6 months after the last breast surgery/reconstruction.
• These services are provided entirely tailored to your unique situation and the colours, shapes and sizes will be discussed thoroughly before beginning the process. If the area to be treated with colour has significant scarring in it’s place, we can offer MCA treatment to reduce the appearance and texture of scar tissue, often resulting in in better colour retention and a smoother appearance (for more information on MCA, please see the next section of this page).
• Areola tattooing typically takes 2 sessions, and your first appointment may take between 2 and a half - 4 hours depending on whether you are receiving 1 or 2 Areola tattoos, or the difficulty in colour matching/ pigment retention. Please note you will not be under the needle this entire time, as we allow for preparation, conversation, drawing, breaks and aftercare. The second sitting is relatively quick, and should only take an hour or so, in order to sharpen up some details and perfect the pigment retention - this second appointment comes included in the cost and is not always required depending on how you have healed. The second sitting must take place more than 6 weeks after the first session and exists only to ensure your new Areola tattoos have healed impeccably.
• We can work with all types of reconstructed breast (DIEP flap, TRAM flap, Latissimus dorsi flap right through to implants). This treatment is unfortunately not available to anyone who suffers/has previously suffered from Keloid scarring.
• Radiation mark camouflage is offered free of charge as a complimentary service to those receiving Areola and Nipple tattooing from mastectomy following breast cancer treatments. These radiation markers will be treated and corrected to resemble a mole or freckle. The mark will not be gone following this treatment, however the pigment used during the process will heal to provide a natural look that complements your skin tone. The process is relatively quick, with minimal discomfort. Your tattoo artist will use colour theory to select an ink that will neutralise the colour of the radiation marker. This method will disguise the marker so that it resembles a freckle or mole after healing. It takes only seconds neutralise the colour of each radiation marker.
• Our paramedical areola tattooing services are fully accredited. Areola restoration and MCA are highly advanced techniques, and therefore specialised training is required for all practitioners which is ABT accredited.
• We use machines and power units capable of penetrating fragile and tough scar tissue whilst ensuring pigment is safely implanted into the layers of skin to create beautiful restorative artwork. We like to ensure we can give the best most natural, realistic and permanent results possible. Pigments used are EU reach compliant, are specially tested, safe and suitable to use on patients following mastectomy surgeries.
• Areola restoration services we can only work 6+ months after reconstruction, and for radiation camouflage you must be certain that you no longer require your marker. In some cases, we will require confirmation from your Doctor, that you are able to be tattooed - your health is the priority and we wish to ensure everyone who receives treatment is feeling well enough to heal these services.
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If you are unsure if you are ready for Areola restoration, you can book a consultation where we’ll discuss in detail exactly what you’d like the end result to be, and what is achievable. Consultations take place privately in our brand new studio in Warrenpoint, County Down - giving you the opportunity to get comfortable with the environment, express what you wish to achieve, and discuss if you may require some MCA treatment to scars in advance of areola and nipple restoration to improve the likelihood of pigment retention. This consultation appointment will include looking at the areola shape, size, placement and colourings, we will sometimes ‘pre-draw’ the areola and nipple complex using temporary markers and match the pigment shades to your skin and/or existing Areola and nipple. This is to make sure the correct style and colours are chosen and the finished result is as natural as possible. We will also discuss preparing for your appointment and aftercare. A consultation means most details will be prepared before you come for your tattoo, and encourages a smooth tattoo appointment from start to finish, where we can focus on your comfort and our results.
Consultations are £20 to book, which is redeemable against the appointment if you choose to book in. Whether you choose to proceed with booking either MCA or go ahead with booking your Areola and Nipple tattoo, this fee will be deducted from the total of your treatment.
To get started - please fill out our Paramedical form and we will get back in touch with you to book your consultation https://form.jotform.com/250273032688356
MCA (Multitrepannic collagen actuation)
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• For the improvement of the appearance and texture of stretch marks and scars.
• The procedure, highly targeted to the area of scarring only - involves making small pinpricks within the scar. A fine needle is used to target the stretch mark or scar, which causes the skin’s natural defence mechanism to try and heal the new, mild trauma by stimulating the production of collagen, melanin and elastin. Immediately following the procedure, the area will be red - but the healing process will begin rapidly. The “collagen actuation” stimulates the melanocyte cells (which are responsible for pigmentation in the skin) which can restore the client’s natural pigmentation to the area, after healing takes place.
• In the past, scars and stretch marks were camouflaged by using micro-pigmentation techniques, where a similar colour of pigment is matched with the clients skin tone at the time of tattooing - however, due to the variability of ones skin tone throughout the seasons, and changes in ones body temperature having an impact on the tone of the skin at varying times, MCA has revolutionised scar appearance services as it does not introduce new foreign pigment to the skin. This approach is more targeted than using a ‘Dermal Roller’ as only the actual scar itself is treated, therefore resulting in less trauma and faster healing.
• MCA breaks through the scarred tissue, stimulating cell growth under and around the area. The scarring will begin to change throughout the healing period, which can have an impact on both the colour, texture and tightness of the scar, resulting in subtle restructuring of the skin. It may take multiple treatments to achieve the desired goal based on the severity of the skin damage. All aftercare and information on what to expect immediately following the treatment will be explained to you before the process begins, and the cleanliness of the area following (and during!) the treatment is of upmost importance to minimise the risk of infection.
• Camouflaging of scars from breast surgery, generally takes 2-3 sessions and depending on the size of the area to treat, usually taking 20 minutes - 90 minutes to complete. These treatments require 6 weeks healing between sessions and we will not perform more than 3 sessions on any given area. Please remember that for MCA and tattoo cover up’s, we can only treat scars older than 1 year old.
• All of our services are fully accredited, Areola restoration and MCA are highly advanced needling techniques, and therefore specialised training is required for all practitioners. 6 weeks must be left between sittings and scars must be over a year old to be treated. 6 weeks must also be left between the end of your MCA treatment and the beginning of a new tattoo (Areola or a decorative scar cover up tattoo). MCA is unfortunately not available to anyone who suffers/has previously suffered from Keloid scarring anywhere throughout the body.
• Consultations are recommended to ensure client suitability (if a consultation is not possible due to your location, we can discuss your particular case in detail via email, where we can examine photographs of your scarring to ensure they are suitable for MCA treatment. If suitable, an appointment can be booked here on our website.
Small area : £100
Medium area: £150
Large area: £200
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Consultations are recommended to ensure client suitability (if a consultation is not possible due to your location, we can discuss your particular case in detail via e-mail, where we can examine photographs of your scarring to ensure they are suitable for MCA treatment. If suitable, an appointment can be booked here on our website or in person after a quick chat about your hopes and an examination of the area of scaring to check suitability.
Please e-mail us at altertreatmentstudio@gmail.com to arrange a consultation
Radiation Mark Camouflage
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• These radiation markers will be treated and corrected to resemble a mole or freckle. The mark will not be gone following this treatment, however the pigment used during the process will heal to provide a natural look that complements your skin tone. The process is relatively quick, with minimal discomfort. Your tattoo artist will use colour theory to select an ink that will neutralise the colour of the radiation marker. This method will disguise the marker so that it resembles a freckle or mole. It'll take only seconds neutralise the colour of each radiation marker.
• In conjunction with Areola tattooing - this is a complimentary service provided to all clients who wish to have it (you don’t need to add this service to your appointment online, just let us know before you are getting your areola tattoos and we will arrange to have the correct pigments in stock for you on the day) For radiation marker camouflage, 25% - 40% of the pigment will fade off during the first 5 – 10 days of healing. Area may appear to be healed, but it will not fully heal for up to 6 weeks.
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Schedule this appointment by e-mailing us at altertreatmentstudio@gmail.com and we will carefully discuss your desired outcome and determine what’s achievable based on your needs
Decorative & Ornamental Scar Cover Up Tattooing
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• Ornamental and decorative tattoos have been used for many years to either cover existing scars, or simply distract from their appearance - either by being placed directly on top of the affected area (if possible), or carefully and strategically placed along side it to draw the eye from the area of scaring. This is usually to cover up any scars the client may have from previous mastectomy surgeries, reconstructions or from passed injuries sustained. Scar cover up tattoos can be a significant symbol of empowerment and a welcome distraction from a reminder of a difficult time in the clients life.
• The scar cover up tattoos we provide are custom in nature and require a consultation to discuss the suitability of the skin and importantly, the design we can provide to flow with the body and dress the area.
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Consultations are available so we can discuss your specific scarring or mastectomy tattoo requirements, and come up with a bespoke design that will not only empower the client, but dress and compliment the shape of the body. All bodies are unique, and we will ensure your artwork is tailored to enhance your natural shape and dress the area of the body it is to be placed. Mastectomy Tattoos are a great way to reclaim your body following mastectomy surgery and reconstruction. Scar cover up tattoos aren't just available to breast cancer survivors, but to anyone with a scar from their past that they would rather forget. Scars can be left from an injury, an accident or surgery and can be both a constant reminder of the past or an unwanted topic of discussion. These tattoos are custom designed to your requirements and your specific scar. Sadly, not all scars are candidates to be covered; but the best thing to do is let us see it in person to assess what can be achieved
Please fill out our Custom Black and Grey tattoo form to arrange a consultation - be sure to include that it is over a scar in the description section - our form is listed below
Classic Black & Grey Tattooing
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• Our high quality, classic black and grey tattooing is 100% custom. Our main area of expertise being fine lines, solid contrast and soft black and grey shading made to last. Due to the custom nature of this work, it must be discussed with the artist prior to booking and take place in our private, appointment only studio - where only the best tattoo equipment and drawing techniques are utilised. We have 14 years hands on experience in the professional tattoo industry, within some of the industry’s leading tattoo studios and working alongside some of the most respected tattoo artists in the industry. We have had clients travel from as far as New York to Dubai to get their work done with us, and can easily accommodate custom designs for clients who live at distance with our booking form or by email.
• The most straightforward way to book your tattoo is to submit the short booking form to ensure suitability and provide the basic outlay of your idea, once all of the important details of the tattoo are with us and we can ensure that we are within the style speciality you require - we will get you booked in to the next available date that suits you to begin. This is an excellent option for speeding up the tattoo process from idea to application, and is best for anyone who already has a good idea of what they want, or lives at a distance from the studio.
We cannot accept any tattoo bookings without a deposit secured against the appointment, deposits will be deducted from the cost of the tattoo
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Consultations booked online will be subject to a £20 fee - this amount will be added to whatever deposit is paid upon booking your tattoo with us in person (i.e, if your pay a £50 deposit to secure your tattoo date, we will provide you with a £70 deposit voucher to be deducted from your tattoo)
If you know you want something in this style of black and grey, but aren’t sure exactly what (or you’re just open to ideas) - and you’re ready to be tattooed at the earliest availability; feel free to book a consultation where you have more flexibility and freedom to discuss your idea with your artist under their guidance and get feedback in real time. Consultations are excellent if you want expert advice on the best way to execute your idea and tattoo - but we only recommend booking one if you’re still open to guidance and advice from your tattoo artist.
You can fill out a BOOKING FORM to let us know your unique situation, and we will get back in contact as soon as possible to arrange to see you.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
Not sure which combination or individual treatment is right for you? That’s fine! It can be beneficial to start as you mean to go on and take advice before undertaking any of the above treatments. Book a consultation with us to discuss your unique circumstances and get advice on what might be the best course of action for your particular case - all treatments from then on can be booked in person with your provider, you can either book a consultation online or fill out our booking form and we’ll get back in touch to arrange one
FAQs
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We want you to be as comfortable as possible during the treatment. If you still have sensation following your surgery, please notify us in advance of the appointment, and we will endeavour to provide information on topical naming agents that are available. We continually check how you’re feeling throughout the process and your comfort is of the upmost importance. Clients usually describe the discomfort as no more than 3 out of 10, however; everyone is different.
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Restorative areola tattooists must be fully accredited and have been through an intensive certified training course, theoretical and practical - after already coming from a background in classic tattooing or qualified micro-pigmentation; our accreditation is recognised by special treatments licensing, ABT and health insurance (depending on the clients coverage plan)
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Absolutely. Typically the area around your treatment may be slightly red for 36 hours and we apply a sterile dressing, which you wear under your clothes for up to 5 days.
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Yes - for all our areola treatments complimentary tune-up and the immediate aftercare products are included, along with an extra dressing and detailed aftercare information. Tattoo aftercare will be advised on, and can be purchased in the studio.
All of these tattoo services are almost identical traditional tattoo care, but if you've never had a tattoo before here's what you could expect. No picking or scratching. It is important that if there are any protective scabs that they stay on during the healing process as instructed by your practitioner.
Use a thin layer of the recommended ointment only, 2-3 times per day for the first 5 days. Wash the area with anti-bacterial soap for the next 2 weeks. No other products or cosmetics on the area for the first 2 weeks. No sauna’s, steam rooms and baths, hot yoga, or anything that causes excessive sweating for at least 10 days. No swimming in chlorinated pools or beach for 2 weeks. No direct sun or sun tanning beds for 4 weeks. Area may appear to be healed, but it will not fully heal for up to 6 weeks.
GIFT VOUCHERS
Gift vouchers are available to either download, by email, or to pick up in studio at various amounts - while the gift of tattoos are a wonderful present, we like to stress to customers that tattooing is a very personal choice and you should be confident the recipient is ready and excited to undertake any of the tattoo services listed. We should also be mindful that with custom tattooing, outside of Paramedical tattooing - our speciality is in our displayed portfolio style of black and grey and has a very specific aesthetic; and that before buying the voucher you’re quite sure that the person on the receiving end wants this type of work, as vouchers are non-refundable.
E-Gift voucher: Available to buy online and instantly send to your loved one by text or e-mail as a surprise! This can even be added to Apple wallets and tapped for a faster check out when they come for their appointment, or saved on their device and shown to us when they’re redeeming the voucher. Perfect for last minute gifts or for someone who is already booked in, who you want to surprise with a last minute discount!
The Classic: A sleek, reloadable gift card – perfect for those who know exactly what they want, it acts as a debit card in our studio and can be reloaded online by the client for those who wish to save up for their next visit for custom black and grey or areola tattooing. Available in custom amounts from £100 upwards
The Deluxe: Our premium slide box presentation – an unforgettable gift experience from the moment they open it. Perfect for anyone who is already booked for a large appointment, and a great way to present a gift voucher as the ‘whole present’ - no need to dress it up! Available exclusively for gift vouchers over £250 for custom black and grey or Areola tattooing
Treat your loved ones to something truly meaningful this year. Buy e-gifts here, or arrange to visit us in-studio to pick up your physical voucher!
PMU Professionals / Cosmetic Specialists Chair Rental
Our space is fully private, health and safety compliant, and available for certified practitioners seeking a flexible work schedule, or those operating location-based clinics outside their home country or town; (In permanent make-up and cosmetic/aesthetic services. Aestheticians are welcome to enquire - but eligibility depends on RQIA demands. This studio falls under district council regulation and is not RQIA regulated) Sharps, clinical waste and treatment hand washing facilities are available to the appropriate professionals. Feel free to contact us directly via email to discuss further. Please note, to ensure professionalism and client care, all practitioners must provide proof of certification/ accreditation, a link to their website or social media handle, a copy of public liability insurance, and a photographic ID for rent a chair with us. Professionals must also have their own Disclaimer and Aftercare forms that display your operating name and details. The layout is designed for those who prefer to work independently, making it ideal for practitioners with their own established or growing client base who require the occasional space to operate outside of their normal work environment. Please enquire by e-mail to altertreatmentstudio@gmail.com before booking for the first time.
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Studio Highlights:
• Fully health and safety compliant
• Private treatment area
• Consultation area
• Office/Reception and waiting area
• Clinical waste disposal
• Sharps disposal
• Examination lamp
• Photography area
• Heating
• WIFI
• Isolated treatment area sink (Hot water)
• Adjustable client bed
• All surfaces wipeable in treatment area
• Step-free access
• Equipment storage and medical stainless steel trolley
• Charging ports
• Food & drink free treatment area
• Tea and Coffee facilities
• No under 18’s
• Cleaner
• Town centre location with public transport links
• Fully renovated
• Ring/Chime doorbell for appointment only access (no remote access)
• Turnkey lockable door from the inside to ensure no walk in’s during treatments
Please email altertreatmentstudio@gmail.com to book, once you have made your first booking with us and rented a chair - future bookings can be made automatically through our website as and when you need it, with no further details required - just as if you were booking a treatment in the studio.
The treatment area is sanitised between each treatment day and serviced by a cleaner, however we ask practitioners to take the necessary professional health and safety precautions before, between and after their own clients. The clients treated by any given practitioner are the full responsibility of the self employed treatment provider booked on that day, and all usual aftercare and treatment/follow up advice must be given by said practitioner by their own channels of communication (phone, email, social media etc) this includes disclaimer forms to be provided by the practitioner and to the standard required by the district council. Please respect the sterility of this space, its equipment and facilities. We ask that all practitioners leave the treatment studio in the manner it was found, failure to do so will result in no further bookings to the space being taken.
MEDICAL CONTRAINDICATIONS
It is important that your physician be able to provide adequate counselling regarding the possibility of getting tattooed and under which conditions, especially for clients who have undergone radiation, chemotherapy and are post surgery. Even though an exhaustive list of medical contraindications for tattooing is impossible to address, the main issues include chronic skin disorders, pigmented lesions of the skin, (congenital) heart disease, immunosuppressive diseases and treatments, blood clotting disorders, and pregnancy/breastfeeding. No history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring can be accommodated. If you are 12 weeks pre/post chemo or radiotherapy, you are unable to book a medical tattoo treatment unless you have written medical consent - for your safety, as your practitioner has the full picture on you and your health. Consultations are fine, but please contact your oncologist team first before booking with your paramedical tattoo practitioner.