DR. JULIE
Restorative Tattoo Artistry
3D Nipple-Areola Restoration | Scar Camouflage & Refinement
MEDICAL TATTOOING
Restorative tattooing offers a personalized approach to addressing visible changes in the skin following cancer treatment, surgery, or injury.
Our physical experiences, emotional well-being, and nervous system are deeply interconnected, particularly when navigating significant medical and life transitions.
My practice brings together specialized restorative tattoo artistry and a holistic approach to care, with attention to your individual goals.
For
Clients
3D Nipple-Areola Restoration
Following mastectomy or breast reconstruction, three-dimensional nipple-areola restoration uses specialized tattoo techniques to recreate the appearance of the nipple and surrounding areola. Through carefully selected pigments, color blending, highlights, and shading, the artistry creates the visual illusion of natural contours, texture, and projection, even on a flat surface of skin.
Services may also include areola symmetry restoration and color refresh treatments, depending on individual needs.
The significance of this work can extend beyond physical appearance. Published studies have reported greater satisfaction with nipple reconstruction following tattooing (Smallman et al., 2018), as well as improvements in body image and psychosocial well-being following nipple-areola micropigmentation (García-Marcos et al., 2026). For some, it may become a meaningful part of their personal experience following surgery.
Scar Refinement & Camouflage
Restorative tattoo artistry may help soften visible differences in post-surgical, reconstructive, and injury-related scars.
Each person's skin characteristics, medical history, and personal goals guide the treatment possibilities we explore together, with trauma-informed sensitivity throughout.
Complimentary consultations are available to discuss your goals, skin history, and what may be possible.
Explore Services & Schedule a Consultation →
For
Physicians & Oncology Teams
I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with physicians, oncology teams, and surgical practices in supporting patients who may benefit from restorative tattoo artistry.
My services include 3D nipple-areola tattooing, areola symmetry and refresh treatments, and scar refinement and camouflage.
Complimentary consultations provide an opportunity to discuss each patient's goals, treatment history, and skin considerations. When appropriate, medical clearance and communication with the treating healthcare team help guide treatment planning and timing.
Referrals and professional inquiries may be submitted through the secure form below.
THE ARTISTRY
Restorative tattoo artistry is the remarkable ability to create the illusion of something real through color, light, shadow, and the smallest details.
In three-dimensional nipple-areola restoration, carefully placed pigments can create the appearance of natural contours, texture, and projection on the surface of the skin. Scar camouflage calls upon that same understanding of color and visual perception to soften differences in appearance and create a more natural-looking transition.
Hyperrealism Nipple-Areola Complex (NAC) Study on Silicone by Julie R. Bartholomew, MD | Winter Park, FL
YOUR
ARTIST
Julie Robin Bartholomew, MD
I am a physician by education, award-winning inventor, Florida-licensed restorative tattoo artist, and trauma-informed mindfulness meditation educator.
My understanding of the human experience of illness began early.
I was 11 years old when my 16-year-old brother faced Hodgkin lymphoma. Throughout his life, my father also experienced several different cancers. Those experiences have stayed with me.
In 2026, my understanding became deeply personal in another way. After discovering a large mass involving an ovary, I spent months navigating appointments, testing, and the frightening possibility of an ovarian cancer diagnosis. The pathology was ultimately benign. The experience gave me an even deeper appreciation for the vulnerability of waiting for answers and the importance of being met with kindness and presence.
For 25 years, I worked as a beauty-industry executive and inventor, developing technologies in personalized color, formulation, robotics, and precision automated dispensing. Since 2021, I've also taught mindfulness meditation in settings ranging from rural school classrooms to community centers.
Today, through With Love, Dr. Julie, I offer personalized, trauma-informed restorative tattoo artistry. My approach reflects a holistic appreciation of each person's medical history, skin, and deeply personal lived experience, with sensitivity to their individual vision for this part of their restoration.
THE HEART OF MY WORK
Cancer, surgery, and medical treatment can profoundly change a person's relationship with their body. I care deeply about being present during that experience, listening to their story, understanding what matters to them, and supporting their own journey toward a renewed sense of embodiment.
There is something especially meaningful about accompanying someone as they find their way forward, honoring the person they have become through everything they have experienced.
THE STUDIO
Nestled in downtown Winter Park, Florida, my private studio offers a luxury spa-inspired setting for restorative tattoo artistry and relaxation.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Community education and wellness have become meaningful parts of my work.
I've had the opportunity to present educational lecture series for cancer survivors and offer monthly mindfulness meditation experiences in collaboration with Florida Blue's Lunch & Learn series in Winter Park.
I've also founded The Little Dot Project, a complimentary restorative tattoo initiative offering cancer survivors the opportunity to transform small, black radiation alignment tattoos into natural-looking freckles, when appropriate for their skin.
