Newer surgical techniques do try to preserve the natural nipple whenever possible. However, a nipple-sparing mastectomy isn’t an option for every woman, and nipple reconstruction may be recommended in those cases. Nipples can be reconstructed with the help of a skin graft, then tattooed a darker shade to match the same coloration as your natural breast. You can also choose to have nipple tattoos rather than three-dimensional nipples, and this can be performed after healing from your reconstruction. Some women even visit a skilled tattoo artist for this purpose.