Post Mastectomy and Restorative Tattooing
Restorative and cosmetic tattooing for positive results that change lives.
“My goal is to provide clients with the best possible esthetic outcome to increase confidence and enhance their quality of life.
About Marnie Rustemeyer
Marnie Rustemeyer is a master restorative tattoo artist, educator and patient advocate specializing in realistic 3D nipple and areola tattooing, scar improvement and restorative work on surgically altered, radiated and compromised skin. She is the founder of Medi Ink, LLC and serves patients through respected plastic surgery practices and breast centers across New York, New Jersey and Virginia and West Virginia.
For several years, Marnie has worked alongside the reconstructive surgeons at NYBRA Plastic Surgery in Great Neck, New York. During her clinical days at NYBRA, she often treats five to six breast-reconstruction patients in a single day. This high-volume experience has given her an uncommon depth of knowledge working with mastectomy scars, DIEP flap reconstruction, implant reconstruction, nipple reconstruction, radiation-damaged tissue and previous tattoo work requiring correction.
Marnie is Board Certified through the American Academy of Micropigmentation and holds the Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional credential. She originally trained with internationally recognized medical tattoo artist and educator Mandy Sauler and continues to work with her today. Most recently, Marnie was invited to join Mandy on an Operation Smile mission to Egypt supporting children affected by cleft conditions—an experience that further deepened her commitment to using restorative tattooing in service of others.
Her connection to breast reconstruction is also deeply personal. After learning that she carries a BRCA2 genetic mutation, Marnie chose to undergo a preventative double mastectomy with reconstruction. Although grateful for the opportunity to reduce her cancer risk, she was unprepared for the emotional impact of seeing her changed body. That experience ultimately inspired her to leave a successful 20-year career in finance and dedicate her life to helping others navigate the final, often overlooked stage of reconstruction.
Since founding Medi Ink in 2018, Marnie has spent nearly a decade working with breast cancer survivors, previvors and individuals healing from surgery, trauma and other medical conditions. Her approach combines advanced technical skill with an understanding of scar behavior, skin integrity, color theory and the emotional vulnerability that can accompany restorative procedures. Every treatment is individually designed around the patient’s anatomy, skin tone, surgical history and personal preferences.
Marnie is also the founder of Restored After Breast Cancer, a nonprofit organization created to expand awareness of and access to restorative services following breast cancer. Her work has been featured by Lifetime Television, SurvivorNet and professional industry publications.
For Marnie, restorative tattooing is about far more than replacing what was lost. It is about restoring choice, confidence and a sense of wholeness—helping each patient feel more at home in their body again.
Contact marnie@mediinkllc.com to request an appointment and as about options for insurance coverage.
Scroll down to view the gallery of Marnie’s work. For more images of Marnie’s work, follow her Instagram page @marnie.rustemeyer.tattoos

Mastectomy Tattoo Consultation
Medical Micro-pigmentation (tattooing) is successful for:
- Breast Reconstruction: 3D nipple and areola tattooing for both female and male mastectomy patients.
- Discolorations: Hypo-pigmentation (areas of the skin that are light). Areas of dark skin cannot be lightened.
- Alopecia: Hair simulation for scalp and eyebrows.
- Scar Camouflage: Surgical scars including face lift, open heart surgery, trauma scars, skin grafts, etc.

3D Nipple/Areola Tattoo – Unilateral Mastectomy with areola regimentation
Contact us for more information, special rates and to schedule a consultation
by email at marnie@mediinkllc.com.
In The Press
Frequently Asked Questions
● The Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation and contamination while it is going through the most important part of its healing. It will also protect your clothes, sheets and loved ones from coming in contact with the excess ink, blood and fluid that are the normal by-products of a healing tattoo.
● You can perform all your usual activities (including exercise) while the tattoo is covered with Tegaderm. Be sure not to bump or rub your new tattoo excessively or do anything that will scrape or peel the covering off.
● Showering will not affect Tegaderm; it is reasonably waterproof. You can shower normally while healing. However, do not bathe or swim until your tattoo is fully healed.
● After 3-4 days, remove the Tegaderm by carefully peeling it off your skin. Do not quickly tear it off, as this can cause skin irritation. The easiest way to soften the adhesive is to stand in a hot shower for several minutes and remove the covering in the shower.
● After removing the covering, rinse the tattoo thoroughly with warm water and wash, then rinse several times using antibacterial soap and warm water. Gently work any excess material off the surface of your skin using the palm of your hand while doing so do not use any wash-cloths, sponges or brushes.
● After patting your tattoo with a clean towel, the skin should be shiny and dry. For the next 7-10 days, apply a thin layer of lotion (use an unscented, colorless lotion (Jergens, Lubriderm, Aquaphor) when it feels tight, dry, or itchy. Otherwise, let it air out and heal naturally. You might notice a few layers of flaky skin peeling, this is completely normal.
- $100 consultation and to hold your appointment. This will be credited towards your total procedure cost.
- Price’s range according to procedure and a personalized quote will be provided at consultation.
Scar Revision/Skin Needling
- $100 consultation and to hold your appointment. This will be credited towards your total procedure cost.
- $450 minimum per treatment (may take multiple treatments).
Scar Camouflage
- $100 consultation and to hold your appointment. This will be credited towards your total procedure cost.
- $450 minimum per treatment (may take multiple treatments)
2025 Pricing: Personalized price quote provided at consultation.
Prices Include: Customized design initial procedure, finishing procedure, and final checkup. Additional procedures might be needed. Additional fees may apply. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Contact me for information about applying for a grant through the AiRS Foundation for Breast Reconstruction Alliance.
Powderfill – INITIAL SESSION $800
2nd SESSION (within 4–6 WEEKS) Complimentary (If you choose to book your touch up after 10 weeks, there will be a minimum charge and additional touch up appointments will be charged depending on the time frame of your last appointment).
ANY ADDITIONAL TOUCHUP AFTER COMPLIMENTARY SESSION $450
Combo-Powderfill + hair strokes $950
Annual touch up (8-12 months) $450
Eyeliner $750 (upper lash enhancement)
$850 (upper and lower lash enhancement)
Beauty Mark and Tiny Heart Tattoos $250
IF YOU ARE PAST 12 MONTHS FROM YOUR INITIAL APPOINTMENT, YOU WILL HAVE TO SCHEDULE A FULL SERVICE AT FULL PRICE
2025 Pricing: Personalized price quote provided at consultation.
Prices Include: Customized design initial procedure, finishing procedure, and final checkup. Additional procedures might be needed. Additional fees may apply. Prices are subject to change without notice.
You will be given a comprehensive after care sheet to take home following your procedure.
It is important to recognize the characteristics of the skin for the most realistic outcome. With the right blend of colors, we can create realistic looking 3D nipples and areolae and will make your scars less noticeable. Scar camouflage pigments are selected to closely match the surrounding skin and then carefully tattooed to blend with it. The result is a natural skin like appearance.

- Taking before pictures will help you to remember your areola size and shape.
- Consider that the skin on your new breasts might not be the same, especially if you have had radiation or Flap procedures and may affect how your skin holds pigmentation.
- Schedule your appointment. Four to six months following surgery is usually the minimum wait time to ensure you are properly healed prior to your procedure.
We do require that you get clearance from your doctor before prior to treatment.
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