Choosing a nipple prosthesis colour: what can a photo tell you?

Start with the reference you want to use

Decide what you want to compare: a remaining nipple and areola, a previous reference, or an appearance you have chosen. You do not need to describe that preference with a precise colour name. A useful first question is: ‘Which part of this reference would you use to choose the shade?’

Cambridge University Hospitals describes custom-made silicone stick-on nipples as one option in its patient information. This establishes that individually made products exist; it does not define the colour-selection process offered by every supplier. [CUH]

Separate the lighting from the camera settings

Canon explains that different light sources change the colour captured in a photograph and that camera white balance adjusts its rendering. The same reference can therefore appear different in two images. A comparison needs some information about how those images were made. [CANON]

If photographs are part of the supplier’s process, ask for their instructions before taking them. Useful questions include:

• What light should be used, and should mixed lighting or flash be avoided?
• Are there recommended camera settings or a reference card to include?
• Should the original file be sent without filters, skin retouching or colour edits?

Treat the screen as another step in the comparison

EIZO documents colour differences between individual monitors and changes in display brightness and colour over time. In practice, agreement about an image on two screens is not the same as inspecting the physical silicone piece together. This is a limitation of the comparison, not proof that a supplier’s work is inaccurate. [EIZO]

Ask whether the on-screen image is only an illustration, a shortlist of possible shades, or the actual approval reference. If it is an approval reference, ask how screen differences are taken into account. Simply making an image brighter does not establish that its colour matches the finished item.

Ask what a physical reference would show

A physical colour sample may be useful to discuss, but do not assume that every service supplies one. Ask whether samples, an in-person comparison or another reference method are available. If a sample is offered, clarify whether it represents the finished material, a single base shade or a wider colour range.

Also ask which area is being assessed: the central nipple, the surrounding areola or the outer edge. You can ask to see the whole piece and a closer view. These are questions for clarifying the offer, not a promise that any particular feature can be changed.

Record what shade approval means before ordering

Keep the reference and the supplier’s explanation together so that you can refer to the same version later. A colour name alone, such as ‘medium pink’, may not explain which sample or image you discussed. Before committing, ask:

• Which sample code, image or written description identifies the agreed shade?
• At what stage do I approve it, and can I ask questions before production?
• What differences should I expect between the reference and the finished piece?
• If the colour looks different on arrival, how is it assessed and what correction options, costs and deadlines apply?

Begin with a process question, without sending personal photos

You can make an initial enquiry by asking how colour selection works. Personal photographs are not needed just to ask that question. If images are requested later, first clarify why they are needed, which views are useful and how they will be shared. A supplier’s example photograph and your own reference serve different purposes; ask which one will guide the decision.

This guide explains comparison questions. It does not confirm EMLORI sample availability, a remote colour-matching method or a correction policy. Ask for the current procedure for the particular item you are considering.