Funding for medical tattoo & prosthetics in NZ
Guidance on Te Whatu Ora / Ministry of Health support for medical tattoo and nipple–areola prosthetics after breast cancer or reconstructive surgery. Individual eligibility is assessed case by case — we do not guarantee funding outcomes.
Dasha is an approved Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) provider for medical tattoo services. Eligible clients may access publicly funded treatment for 3D nipple & areola restoration, scalp micropigmentation (medical hair loss), and related cancer-support tattoo care — we’ll guide you through referral and paperwork.
We also support clients referred through Cancer Society and oncology pathways where funding or assistance applies. Eligibility depends on your referral and current Health NZ rules.
Who this is for
This page is for people seeking medical restorative options after mastectomy, breast reconstruction, medical hair loss, or related treatment — including areola and nipple restoration (tattoo or prosthesis) and scalp micropigmentation. It is not a substitute for advice from your surgical or oncology team.
- Post-mastectomy or reconstruction clients exploring the final stage of breast restoration
- Anyone considering custom silicone nipple & areola prosthetics
- Clients exploring scalp micropigmentation (SMP) for medical hair loss
- Clients asking whether scar camouflage, brows after chemo, or related cancer-support tattoo care might be covered
Nipple & areola prosthetics — Breast Prosthesis Subsidy
Custom silicone nipple and areola prosthetics may be supported through the Ministry of Health Breast Prosthesis Subsidy (up to NZ$613.33 per breast every 4 years), when you meet the usual criteria: New Zealand citizen or resident, a medical certificate, and your NHI number.
We can help you understand the paperwork for your order. Subsidy details and amounts can change — confirm current rules with your funder or GP.
3D areola / nipple tattoo
3D areola and nipple tattooing recreates natural colour and the appearance of dimension on reconstructed or healed skin. As an approved Te Whatu Ora medical tattoo provider, we help eligible clients with referral and paperwork for publicly funded pathways where they apply — we cannot guarantee that every client will qualify.
Scalp micropigmentation & other medical tattoo
Scalp micropigmentation for medical hair loss may be accessible through publicly funded or assisted pathways for eligible clients. Scar camouflage and brows after chemotherapy are often private-pay; some insurance, employer, Cancer Society, or oncology pathways may contribute where funding or assistance applies.
How to start
- Book a consultation so we can assess suitability and talk through options.
- Bring any referral, GP letter, or surgical notes you already have (helpful, not always mandatory for a first chat).
- Have your NHI ready if you are exploring subsidy or publicly funded pathways.
- We’ll outline next steps for prosthetics paperwork or Te Whatu Ora–related documents where they apply.
Official links
- Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand
- Breast Cancer Foundation NZ — Breast Cancer Services Directory
- Health NZ — Breast prosthesis subsidy (verify current subsidy details on the official page)
Book a consultation
Ready to talk through options? Book online via Fresha, or contact the clinic if you need help with funding paperwork.
Christchurch clinic · Online booking via Fresha
Information on this page is general guidance only. Funding rules, subsidy amounts, and eligibility criteria are set by Te Whatu Ora / the Ministry of Health and may change. We do not guarantee individual eligibility or funding outcomes.