Jeongyoon Kim 김정윤 반영구 센터
010-4650-4912

Cheongdam · Medical Tattoo & Semi-permanent

Restoring confidence
beyond the scar

We fill what surgery leaves behind — areola and nipple after breast reconstruction, nails after trauma, scars after syndactyly separation — with medical tattooing. Eyebrow, lip, and eyeliner semi-permanent makeup follow the same principles.

Director Jeongyoon Kim, a fine-arts graduate, personally handles every step from consultation to procedure and touch-up.

Call 010-4650-4912 View areola cases
1:1 PrivateConsultation & procedure by the director
ReconstructionAreola · Nail · Scar
Sterile disposablesSingle-use needles & cartridges
Cheongdam Stn. Exit 83-min walk · By appointment
Director Jeongyoon Kim performing a procedure

Services

Reconstructive medical tattoo & semi-permanent makeup

Our work divides into two areas: reconstructive tattoos that restore areas changed by surgery or trauma, and semi-permanent makeup that refines facial features.

Areola reconstruction procedure
Reconstruction01

3D Areola & Nipple

After breast cancer surgery and reconstruction, we recreate color and dimension to match the other side.

Learn more →
Nail reconstruction case
Reconstruction02

Nail Reconstruction

We recreate the nail shape and lunula on fingers or toes where nails are missing or deformed after amputation or trauma.

Learn more →
Scar cover case
Reconstruction03

Syndactyly & Scar Cover

Shadow shading between toes after syndactyly separation and color matching of skin-graft scars.

Learn more →
Eyebrow semi-permanent case
Semi-permanent04

Eyebrow Microblading

Hair-stroke and powder brows matched to your facial bone structure, plus correction of reddened old tattoos.

Learn more →
Lip semi-permanent case
Semi-permanent05

Lip Blush

We neutralize dark or bluish lip tones with complementary pigments and add a healthy flush.

Learn more →
Eyeliner semi-permanent case
Semi-permanent06

Eyeliner Tattoo

Fill the gaps between lashes for a subtly defined look with no smudging.

Learn more →
Director Jeongyoon Kim focused on a procedure

About the Director

Bringing fine-art shading
to the skin

Flat color alone cannot make an areola or nail look real. The key to medical tattooing is the same principle painters use — dividing light from shadow to create the illusion of volume on a flat surface.

Director Jeongyoon Kim is herself a breast cancer survivor. Having stood in the same place, she understands not only the technique but also the emotions behind it.

  • Fine arts & design graduate
  • Former head of semi-permanent centers at dermatology & plastic surgery clinics
  • Current director, Jeongyoon Kim Semi-Permanent Center (Cheongdam)
  • Areola, nail, syndactyly reconstruction & academy training
About the Director

Before & After

Areola & nipple reconstruction cases

These images contain post-surgical photos and are hidden by default. Tap a photo to reveal it.

Case A · Areola restoration after breast surgery 20 years ago before and after
Case A · Areola restoration after breast surgery 20 years agoThe reconstructed breast had completely lost its areola pigment over two decades, leaving one side visibly flat. Because the skin had thinned and lost elasticity over time, pigment depth and density had to be carefully calibrated. The opposite areola was precisely measured for size, shape and color; the center was given a deeper tone for dimension while the outer edge was softly gradient-blended into the surrounding skin. Highlights and shading on the nipple area added visual volume, and the final result balanced both sides to significantly reduce self-consciousness.
Case B · Faded color after nipple reconstruction before and after
Case B · Faded color after nipple reconstructionAfter breast reconstruction and surgical nipple restoration, the reconstructed nipple gradually lost nearly all its color over time. Although the surgical form remained, the absence of pigment left the nipple looking flat and undefined. Natural nipple coloring was recreated by concentrating deeper tones at the center and softly diffusing color toward the edges. The areola was also matched in size and tone to the opposite side. After the initial session and a stabilization period, fine color adjustments were made during the touch-up to complete the result.
Case C · Enhancing realism after nipple reconstruction before and after
Case C · Enhancing realism after nipple reconstructionAfter completing both breast reconstruction and nipple restoration surgery, the color and three-dimensionality were still insufficient, so tattooing was used to enhance realism. Light-and-shadow techniques were applied over the surgical nipple form, with highlights at the tip to visually emphasize projection. The areola features a natural gradient that fades from center to edge, and the texture of Montgomery glands was reproduced using fine dot work for added realism. Size, color and texture were meticulously matched to the opposite side.
Case D · Extremely light nipple pigment before and after
Case D · Extremely light nipple pigmentThe patient was born with very light nipple and areola pigmentation and had been told elsewhere that tattooing would be difficult. Lighter skin contains less melanin, making pigment absorption harder and post-procedure fading more likely. After analyzing the skin type and undertone, pigment concentration and depth were adjusted accordingly. A layered approach was used — a thin base layer in the first session, followed by increased density during the touch-up — achieving natural-looking color retention and bilateral symmetry even on very light skin.
Case E · Correcting asymmetry after autologous tissue reconstruction before and after
Case E · Correcting asymmetry after autologous tissue reconstructionFollowing DIEP flap breast reconstruction, differences in breast shape and nipple position between the two sides were visually corrected with tattooing. After autologous reconstruction, the transplanted skin often differs in color and texture, and the nipple position may be slightly offset. The areola was strategically designed to visually center the nipple, and the color difference between transplanted and native skin was naturally blended. Both areolae were matched in size and tone for balanced symmetry from the front.
Case F · Flap and skin-graft site before and after
Case F · Flap and skin-graft siteA complex case involving breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap and a back skin graft on the same area. The flap skin, grafted skin and native skin each had different colors and textures, creating visible boundary lines. Pigment concentration and depth were varied across each skin type. Graft boundaries were softened with gradient blending, and the areola and nipple were matched to the opposite side in color and size. Achieving uniform color across different skin types required a staged approach to produce seamless, natural-looking results.
Case G · Thinned skin from tissue expander before and after
Case G · Thinned skin from tissue expanderThe skin had become excessively stretched and thinned from a tissue expander used during breast reconstruction. Thinned skin requires extremely precise depth control — too deep causes pigment migration, too shallow prevents retention. Skin thickness was assessed by palpation, and a finer needle was used at a shallower depth than standard procedures to prevent color spread. Density was adjusted across multiple layers for even pigment distribution. After the first session and a full healing period, final color was refined during the touch-up.
Case H · Volume enhancement after nipple reconstruction before and after
Case H · Volume enhancement after nipple reconstructionThe surgically reconstructed nipple had form but lacked color, making it appear flat. Light-and-shadow techniques were applied over the existing shape to create visual depth. Darker tones were concentrated at the center and lightened outward to emphasize projection. The areola was recreated in the same tone and size as the opposite side. The transition between nipple and areola was carefully blended so the overall result looks as natural as the original.
Case J · After first session · Before touch-up before and after
Case J · After first session · Before touch-upThis shows the appearance after the first areola tattoo session, with all scabs fully healed over roughly 4–6 weeks. The first session focuses on establishing the overall shape and base color, and it is normal for about 40–50% of the pigment to shed with the scabs. As shown, the first session already produces a visible areola outline and base tone, though some areas may appear lighter or patchy. The subsequent touch-up addresses these areas, adding density and detail to complete the final result.
Case K · Scar cover after inverted-nipple surgery before and after
Case K · Scar cover after inverted-nipple surgeryIncision scars and discoloration remaining after severe inverted-nipple correction surgery were covered with tattooing. The surgery involves incisions around the nipple, which can leave noticeable scars that differ in color from surrounding skin. Since scar tissue absorbs pigment differently, separate pigment concentrations and techniques were applied over the scar. The scar line was blended to match the surrounding skin tone, then areola pigment was evenly layered over it so the scar dissolves naturally within the areola. Photo shows the pre-touch-up state.
Case M · Areola and nipple reconstruction before and after
Case M · Areola and nipple reconstructionAreola and nipple color and dimension were recreated with permanent makeup after breast reconstruction. With no existing areola pigment on the reconstructed breast, the opposite areola served as the reference for precise size, shape and tone measurements. A 3D effect was applied to the nipple using contrast and shading to create a raised appearance. The areola features a gradient that naturally fades from center to edge. Multiple layers of skin-tone-matched pigment were built up for depth, and the result was refined through the first session and touch-up to harmonize with the opposite side.
Case N · Near-total pigment loss after nipple reconstruction before and after
Case N · Near-total pigment loss after nipple reconstructionAlthough nipple reconstruction surgery had created the form, nearly all pigment had faded from the reconstructed tissue, leaving the nipple barely visible. Tissue shrinkage and pigment loss over time after reconstruction is common, so tattooing was used to add color and volume. Natural pigment was applied over the existing nipple form while emphasizing surrounding shadows for a three-dimensional appearance. The areola was also matched in size and color to the opposite side, creating a seamless connection between surgical reconstruction and tattoo enhancement.
Case O · Realistic finish after hospital nipple reconstruction before and after
Case O · Realistic finish after hospital nipple reconstructionAfter completing both breast reconstruction and nipple restoration at a university hospital, tattooing was added for a more lifelike finish. Surgery alone achieves form and projection but cannot fully replicate the natural coloring and fine texture of a nipple. Multi-layer pigment techniques were applied over the surgical result to recreate natural color distribution, including subtle color transitions at the areola border. Montgomery gland texture and fine nipple surface detail were rendered with dot work for high realism. This case demonstrates the most natural result achievable when surgical restoration and tattoo enhancement are combined.
Case P · Areola restoration 20 years post-surgery before and after
Case P · Areola restoration 20 years post-surgeryThe areola had completely faded after breast surgery performed 20 years ago. While the surgical site had long since stabilized, reduced skin elasticity and tissue changes required a different approach than standard areola procedures. After carefully assessing skin thickness and elasticity, pigment concentration and depth were adjusted, and the tone was designed to match the current color of the opposite areola. The key was matching the naturally aged color of the opposite side, with center-to-edge tonal variation creating a three-dimensional areola reconstruction.
Case Q · Full process: first session through touch-up before and after
Case Q · Full process: first session through touch-upThis case shows the complete process from the first areola tattoo session through the finished touch-up after breast surgery. The first session establishes the overall shape and base tone, followed by a 4–6 week stabilization period for pigment settling. During this time, about 40–50% of color naturally sheds through scabbing, and the touch-up increases density where needed and adds detail based on the remaining color. The touch-up refines areas of uneven retention, fine-tunes nipple shading and areola border gradients. Comparing the first session and touch-up results illustrates the full areola tattoo settling process.
Case R · Scar cover after periareolar augmentation before and after
Case R · Scar cover after periareolar augmentationA breast augmentation (implant) performed through an incision at the lower areola border left a visible surgical scar. The scar running along the areola-skin boundary made the areola outline appear irregular. After analyzing the scar tissue color and texture, areola pigment was applied over the scar to restore a natural circular border. Since scar tissue can absorb pigment unevenly, multiple staged sessions were used to build uniform density, carefully matching the surrounding areola color and tone. After treatment, the scar blended seamlessly into the areola, making the surgical mark virtually invisible.
Case S · Scar cover after periareolar mastopexy before and after
Case S · Scar cover after periareolar mastopexyAfter a breast lift (mastopexy) performed with periareolar incisions, the scars had widened and stretched over time, distorting the areola border. Mastopexy scars run circumferentially around the areola, which can make the areola itself appear misshapen. The scar area's color and texture were analyzed, and the design focused on re-establishing a natural circular areola boundary. Areola color was extended over the stretched areas to create a refined, properly sized shape, with gradient blending at the edges for a soft finish. After treatment, the scarring and distortion were naturally concealed, restoring an appearance close to the pre-surgery areola.
Case T · Areola size correction before and after
Case T · Areola size correctionThe areolae differed in size and color between sides, or one was congenitally small and pale, creating noticeable asymmetry. While some size and color difference between areolae is common, significant disparity can become a cosmetic concern. Both areolae were precisely measured for current size, color and shape, and the treatment was designed to enlarge or add color to match the reference side. Pigment was naturally extended beyond the existing areola to achieve the desired size, with a gradient edge to avoid a sharp boundary. After treatment, both areolae were uniformly matched in size and color, significantly improving symmetry.
Case U · Restoration of a previous areola tattoo before and after
Case U · Restoration of a previous areola tattooAfter breast cancer surgery, an areola tattoo performed at another provider had left uneven, patchy pigment and an unnatural shape. The existing tattoo had areas of clumped and faded pigment creating a blotchy appearance, and the areola border was irregular and lacked naturalness. The existing pigment distribution and tone were analyzed; over-saturated areas were toned down with neutralization techniques before uniform color was layered across the entire area. The areola border was redesigned into a clean circle, and shading was added to the nipple for three-dimensionality. The previous work's unevenness was fully corrected, achieving a natural result as if performed from scratch.

※ Results vary depending on skin condition, scar tissue, and lifestyle. Redness, swelling, scabbing, or itching may occur after the procedure, and some color loss requiring a touch-up is normal. Expected outcomes and precautions are fully explained during the pre-procedure consultation.

More areola cases

Why Jeongyoon Kim Center

Reconstructive tattooing means understanding post-surgical skin

Depth matched to scar tissue

Post-surgical skin can be thin or tough. We adjust needle depth and speed to the tissue so pigment settles evenly.

Color matched to the other side

We layer multiple pigments to match the healthy side's color and size, choosing formulas that won't shift red or blue over time.

Hygiene & privacy

Needles and cartridges are single-use. Every session takes place in a private room, 1:1 from consultation to procedure.

Directions

3 minutes from Cheongdam Station Exit 8

서울 강남구 삼성로 709 명보빌딩 (청담동 47-2)
7호선 청담역 8번 출구 도보 약 3분

Mon · Tue · Wed · Fri10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thu (evening)10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun · HolidaysClosed

All procedures are by appointment only. Please call before visiting.

Directions
Jeongyoon Kim Center treatment room

Consultation

It starts with a phone call

If you're wondering whether the procedure is right for you, send us a photo. We'll give you an answer before you visit.

  1. Phone / KakaoTalk consultationSend one frontal and one close-up photo of the area. We'll let you know whether the procedure is possible and how many sessions to expect.
  2. In-person consultation & designWe examine the skin in person and set the size, position, and color based on the other side.
  3. Procedure & recoveryThe director performs the procedure herself. We provide aftercare instructions and complete the result with a touch-up 6–8 weeks later.
Call 010-4650-4912

Book a Consultation

Start with a phone call

Tell us about your surgery, the area of concern, and the result you're hoping for. We'll let you know whether the procedure is right for you, along with scheduling and pricing. All sessions are by appointment only.

Call 010-4650-4912 KakaoTalk coming soon
Call us KakaoTalk coming soon