Breast cancer survivors using temporary nipple tattoos to reclaim their bodies
Breast cancer survivors using temporary nipple tattoos to reclaim their bodies
24th June, 2019
Women battling breast cancer are offered a range of options when it comes to support during their treatment, but many are left struggling with body image on their own after their battle is over.
With thousands of women undergoing lifesaving mastectomies every year, their journey to reconnecting with their bodies after losing one or both of their breasts is a difficult one.
It was that struggle to find body confidence after breast cancer that tattoo artist Aleisha Gannon hopes to change with something a little bit out of the box; temporary nipple tattoos.
With thousands of women undergoing lifesaving mastectomies every year, their journey to reconnecting with their bodies after losing one or both of their breasts is a difficult one.
It was that struggle to find body confidence after breast cancer that tattoo artist Aleisha Gannon hopes to change with something a little bit out of the box; temporary nipple tattoos.
"There is a need for that emotional connection at the end of the treatment process to help women feel whole again," she told 9Honey.
She has spent the last years volunteering her tattooing services to women who have undergone breast cancer treatment and founded Pink Lotus Breast Restoration to continue that work, reaching out to more and more survivors.
As a tattoo artist, Aleisha has tattooed realistic nipples onto many breast cancer survivors who have lost their nipples due to mastectomies, but she wanted to come up with an option for women who couldn't get tattooed.
"Not everyone can get tattooed because of low immune systems or perhaps they just they just aren’t ready for something so permanent," she explained.
Studies have shown that many women suffer a major drop in self-esteem and confidence after breast cancer surgeries, and can often feel disconnected from their reconstructed breasts, something Natalie* struggled with.
"I was mid-way through reconstruction, so I had breasts but without nipples they didn’t feel as though they were actually breasts," she told 9Honey.
"Adding nipples made me feel as though I had breasts again after two years without any. I actually burst into tears after looking at my new nipples in the mirror."
Natalie later underwent a nipple reconstruction and no longer needed the temporary tattoos, however not every woman who undergoes a mastectomy can have reconstructive surgery, and many are left without nipples.
To reconnect with their bodies, many of these women choose to have their breasts permanently tattooed, some opting for realistic nipples while others go for a more artistic option.
Rachael* underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction and knew that even though her body looked 'normal' after her surgeries, something just didn't feel right.
"I actually love my reconstruction," Rachael* told 9Honey. "I think I've come out of this with a better figure than before!"
But the scars that covered Rachael's chest served as a constant reminder of what she had been through.
"I knew I wanted them covered with beautiful artistic tattoos from the beginning," she explained.
Despite initially being intimidated by the idea of baring her scars to a tattoo artist, Rachael worked eventually built up her confidence and went to Aleshia in the hopes of covering up the reminders of her battle with breast cancer.
Now her body is covered in delicate, artistic tattoos that hide her scars while still looking feminine, giving Rachael a whole new view of her body.
"From the moment I walked into that studio, I have never once felt intimidated or embarrassed," she said.
"This has been the spark that has set fire to all that I want to forget, to erase that ridiculously awful experience."
Despite choosing to have her scars tattooed over, Rachael has yet to have her nipple tattooed, instead using temporary nipple tattoos when she wants her breast to appear to have a nipple; like while getting tattooed.
"Temporary nipples can be a way of not feeling vulnerable," Aleisha explained.
"I want to help make [breast cancer survivors] feel special, confident and comfortable with their bodies again."
*Surnames withheld for privacy reasons.