Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about Kin+Sugi Medical Tattoo Academy, our course offerings, enrolment process, qualifications, and what to expect during your training journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking to expand your skills, this section is designed to give you clear, honest, and helpful information.
What is Medical / Paramedical Tattooing?
Medical tattooing, also known as paramedical tattooing, is a highly specialised field that uses pigment to restore the appearance of the skin following trauma, surgery, or medical conditions. This includes areola restoration after mastectomy, scar camouflage, stretch mark blending, and skin tone correction.
Who Can Become a Medical Tattoo Artist?
Anyone with a passion for helping others, a steady hand, and a commitment to learning can become a medical tattooist. Our courses are designed for:
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Tattoo artists looking to expand into medical work
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Beauty professionals wanting to upskill
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Nurses, dermal therapists, or cosmetic tattooists
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Total beginners with no tattooing experience
We provide all the foundational knowledge and support to help you succeed,
even if you're starting from scratch.
If you've not had any tattoo machine experience, that's completely fine. We cater all the content to complete beginners, so you won't feel out of your depth or left behind.
Do I Need a License Before Enrolling?
This depends on your location. Some states or countries require a tattoo license or registration before you begin practicing on clients. You do not need a license to enrol in our courses, but we provide guidance on how to get registered after your training,
based on your region.
Is this Training Suitable for Beginners?
Absolutely. We welcome students with no previous tattooing experience. Our training covers everything from hygiene and machine handling to pigment theory and trauma-informed client care.
Already have tattoo machine experience? Our Scar & Stretch Mark Camouflage course has a 2-day option ($7,999) for you. Complete beginners take the 3-day course ($8,999).
What is Covered in the Courses?
Each course is designed to be comprehensive and career-ready.
Topics include:
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3D areola tattooing & drawing skills
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Scar camouflage & pigment theory
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Skin tone matching & colour correction
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Trauma-informed care & client communication
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Consent, hygiene, safety & record keeping
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Business setup, branding, pricing & marketing
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Aftercare protocols & long-term results
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Working with surgeons and referrals
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Photography, documentation & client case studies
Each in-person course also comes with a 'Ready to Go' kit so that you can begin working immediately after you leave.
What Comes in the Kits?
Areola Tattoo Student Kit
1 x Large Kin+Sugi Academy Case
1 x Mast wireless tattoo machine
1 x Set of inks
1 x Student manual
1x Client Aftercare bag
1x Areola reference images booklet
A Copy of editable consent forms
A Copy of aftercare information
Variety of Needle Cartridges x40
Circle ruler, Straight Ruler, Callipers, White pencil , Skin marker, White string
1 x blank drawing booklet
5 x areola coloured pencils
An eraser & sharpener
Gloves, Face masks, Ink cups, Grip tape, Vaseline, Alcohol wipes
Ink mixer, Cotton tips
Free access to our online 3D Realistic Areola Drawing Course
Scar & stretch mark Student kit
1x Mast wireless tattoo machine
1 x Large Kin+Sugi Academy Case
1 x Student manual
Copy of editable consent forms
Copy of aftercare information
An aftercare bag
Various Needle Cartridges
White Body pencil
1x Set of camouflage inks
1x Set of Camouflage serums
Gloves, Face masks, Ink cups, Grip tape, Vaseline, Alcohol wipes
Ink mixer, Cotton tips
What is 3D Areola Tattooing?
3D areola tattooing is a specialised technique used to recreate the appearance of a natural nipple and areola on the breast using tattoo pigment. It is commonly performed after breast reconstruction surgery for breast cancer survivors or gender-affirming patients.
The result is a realistic, three-dimensional appearance that can look like a natural nipple and areola.
How Long are the Courses?
3D Areola Tattoo Course: 4 days in person, including free access to our online 3D Realistic Areola Drawing Course.
Scar & Stretch Mark Camouflage: 3 days for beginners, or 2 days if you have tattoo machine experience.
Online 3D Realistic Areola Drawing Course: coming in 2027.
Classes are small: a maximum of 5 students for Areola and 7 for Scar & Stretch Mark.
We structure training so you can revisit the material, build confidence, and begin practising safely and ethically, without being rushed.
Will I Get Hands On Practice?
Yes. Every in-person course includes live demonstrations and supervised, hands-on work on real models, with your trainers beside you and personalised feedback throughout. We source the models for you.
Do I Get Certified?
Yes. You'll receive a Kin+Sugi Certificate of Completion for each course. We're not a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), so this isn't a nationally accredited qualification. The infection control certificate (HLTINF005) isn't included and can be completed online. Insurance and registration requirements vary, and we'll guide you through what applies to you.
What Results Can I Expect For My Clients?
Our training is designed to help you create natural, realistic results, including 3D areola tattoos and softer-looking scars and stretch marks. Every client's skin is different, and we teach you how to assess each client and set honest expectations.
What Products & Equipment Will I Need?
We provide a full recommended supplier list for machines, needles, pigments, and hygiene products. You can start with a small, professional setup and build as you grow.
What Support Will I Have After The Training?
We offer:
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12 months of support in our student WhatsApp group with Melinda, Shelby and your classmates
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A student manual covering everything taught, including a supplier guide and price guide
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An invitation to a shadow day at Melinda's or Shelby's studio if you'd like a refresher
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Photos and videos of you at work during the course, for your own portfolio
Although we believe that as great trainers, we provide extensive knowledge and education, we also know that it is a lot of information to take in at once, and there will always be scenarios that you may not know how to handle - you’re never left to figure it out alone.
How Much Can a Medical Artist Earn?
This depends on your pricing, location, and how many clients you take, but here’s a rough idea:
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3D Areola Tattoo: $400 – $800 per session
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Scar Camouflage: $300 – $1,200 (based on area)
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Paramedical Package (multiple treatments): $1,000+
Will I Be Prepared to Work with Breast Cancer Clients?
Yes. Our training is specifically designed with trauma sensitivity, medical understanding, and emotional intelligence in mind. We teach you how to communicate, hold safe space, and adapt your technique for delicate skin types and vulnerable clients.
Can I use this in My Tattoo or Cosmetic Business?
Definitely. Many of our students expand their current offerings to include medical tattooing, attracting new clientele and deepening their impact.
Medical tattooing pairs well with:
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Cosmetic tattooing
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Skin therapy & dermal clinics
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Fine art & body tattoo studios
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Breast reconstruction teams & nurses
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Women’s health clinics & trauma-informed spaces
How Do I Secure My Place?
A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your place on a course. The rest of your course fee is due before your course starts. See our Terms & Conditions for full details.
Where and when are the 2027 courses?
GOLD COAST – 3D Areola 23–26 Feb · Scar & Stretch Mark 1–3 Mar
SYDNEY – 3D Areola 25–28 May · Scar & Stretch Mark 31 May – 2 Jun
CAIRNS – 3D Areola 20–23 Jul · Scar & Stretch Mark 26–28 Jul
PERTH – 3D Areola 17–20 Aug · Scar & Stretch Mark 23–25 Aug
TOOWOOMBA – Scar & Stretch Mark 8–10 Sep
AUCKLAND (NZ) – 3D Areola 19–22 Oct · Scar & Stretch Mark 25–27 Oct
MELBOURNE – 3D Areola 16–19 Nov · Scar & Stretch Mark 22–24 Nov
Scar & Stretch Mark dates are for the 3-day course. A 2-day option for students with tattoo machine experience is available; ask us.