Funding for medical tattoo & prosthetics in NZ
Guidance on Te Whatu Ora / Ministry of Health support for medical tattoo and nipple–areola prosthetics for eligible clients affected by cancer, cancer treatment, or autoimmune conditions. 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, brow cosmetic tattoo, eyeliner tattoo, and scalp micropigmentation for medical hair loss associated with cancer treatment or autoimmune conditions. Dasha explains the applicable funding pathway in person at your consultation or procedure and helps with the 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 exploring brow cosmetic tattoo or eyeliner tattoo after hair loss caused by cancer treatment or autoimmune conditions
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), for eligible clients affected by cancer or autoimmune conditions who meet the applicable criteria, including New Zealand citizenship or ordinary residence, a medical certificate confirming the relevant medical reason, and an NHI number. A diagnosis alone does not establish eligibility; Health NZ assesses each claim.
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. Funding support may be available to eligible clients affected by cancer or autoimmune conditions where the applicable medical criteria are met. As an approved Te Whatu Ora medical tattoo provider, Dasha helps with the application and supporting documents. Eligibility and reimbursement are subject to Health NZ approval.
Scalp micropigmentation & other medical tattoo
Health NZ / Ministry of Health subsidy support may be available for brow cosmetic tattoo, eyeliner tattoo, and scalp micropigmentation for eligible clients with medical hair loss caused by cancer treatment or autoimmune conditions, including alopecia. Dasha discusses the relevant subsidy and how to apply directly with you during your consultation or procedure. Reimbursement depends on individual eligibility, claim approval, and available entitlement.
Scar camouflage is not subsidised.
How to start
- Book a consultation so we can assess suitability and talk through options.
- For a funding application, obtain a medical certificate from your GP or oncology team confirming the relevant reason: the cause of your hair loss, your mastectomy, or the autoimmune condition affecting you. For hair loss, it should also state whether the loss is permanent or temporary.
- You do not need to bring documents to your studio consultation. Dasha will explain what to do with your medical certificate and where to send it. If you do not yet have an NHI number, she will guide you on whom to contact to obtain one.
- Dasha will help you complete the application forms and prepare the invoices and supporting treatment documents needed to claim reimbursement. The amount reimbursed is subject to Health NZ eligibility, approval, and your remaining entitlement.
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.