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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
No data are available on the safety of tattooing during breastfeeding. Theoretical concerns relate to transmission of pigments or infections to the infant during breastfeeding and in the United States, blood donation is not permitted for 12 months after a tattoo as a precaution. Opinion appears to favor not obtaining a new tattoo during breastfeeding.[1-3] Tattooing of the nipple-areola area is sometimes used as part of nipple reconstruction in plastic surgery.[2,4]
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
- 1.
- Farley CL, Van Hoover C, Rademeyer CA. Women and tattoos: Fashion, meaning, and implications for health. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2019;64:154–69. [PubMed: 30806488]
- 2.
- Kluger N, De Cuyper C. A practical guide about tattooing in patients with chronic skin disorders and other medical conditions. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19:167–80. [PubMed: 28993993]
- 3.
- Roche-Paull R. Body modifications and breastfeeding: What you need to know. J Hum Lact. 2015;31:552–3. [PubMed: 26185213]
- 4.
- Boccola MA, Savage J, Rozen WM, et al. Surgical correction and reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex: current review of techniques. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2010;26:589–600. [PubMed: 20721849]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Tattooing
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Body Modification, Non-Therapeutic
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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- A Survey on the Safety of and Patient Satisfaction After Nipple-Areola Tattooing.[Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021]A Survey on the Safety of and Patient Satisfaction After Nipple-Areola Tattooing.Tomita S, Mori K, Yamazaki H. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021 Jun; 45(3):968-974. Epub 2020 Oct 28.
- Tattoo-only nipple-areola complex reconstruction: Another option for plastic surgeons.[J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg....]Tattoo-only nipple-areola complex reconstruction: Another option for plastic surgeons.Cha HG, Kwon JG, Kim EK, Lee HJ. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2020 Apr; 73(4):696-702. Epub 2019 Nov 27.
- Intradermal tattoo as an adjunct to nipple-areola reconstruction.[Plast Reconstr Surg. 1989]Intradermal tattoo as an adjunct to nipple-areola reconstruction.Spear SL, Convit R, Little JW 3rd. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1989 May; 83(5):907-11.
- Review Nipple-areolar tattoo: Comprehensive review of history, theory, technique, and outcomes.[J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg....]Review Nipple-areolar tattoo: Comprehensive review of history, theory, technique, and outcomes.Kuruvilla AS, Gopman JM, Cham S, Henderson PW. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2022 Feb; 75(2):544-549. Epub 2021 Oct 7.
- Review Areola and Nipple Reconstruction in Breast Cancer and Other Conditions.[Curr Probl Dermatol. 2022]Review Areola and Nipple Reconstruction in Breast Cancer and Other Conditions.Bennoun I. Curr Probl Dermatol. 2022; 56:169-180. Epub 2023 Jun 1.
- Tattooing - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)Tattooing - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
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