Restorative Tattooing Brings Confidence to Breast Cancer Survivors
After months, sometimes years, of treatment, surgeries and recovery, many breast cancer patients say one of the most meaningful parts of healing is recognizing themselves again.
Restorative tattooing can help make that possible.
Christina Siegel, RN, BSN, medical tattoo artist and founder of Living Story Tattoo, provides specialized nipple tattoos for OhioHealth patients who have undergone mastectomies and breast reconstruction.
“When the doctor rebuilds the breast, it's beautiful, but it's lacking the nipple,” Siegel said. “So I come along at the tail end and put the finishing touch on.”
Using shading and color, medical tattoo artists can create the illusion of a three-dimensional nipple and areola.
Siegel, affectionately known as “The Nipple Fairy,” typically meets with patients for a consultation before scheduling the tattoo appointment to discuss size, placement and color. Because reconstructed skin can be delicate, the process usually takes place over two visits, the initial tattoo and a follow-up appointment eight to 10 weeks later for touch-ups.
“I have to be very respectful of the skin,” Siegel said. “So it’s a two-step process.”
Siegel’s journey into restorative tattooing began in healthcare. A registered nurse since 1996, she spent years working in reconstructive surgery offices with breast cancer patients. During that time, she saw firsthand the impact of breast reconstruction and the limitations of traditional medical tattooing techniques. After specialized tattoo training, she has now spent more than a decade providing almost exclusively nipple tattooing through her business.
Amy Gleason first learned about restorative tattooing after undergoing treatment for breast cancer at OhioHealth. A routine physical and mammogram quickly turned into a long medical journey that included surgery and reconstruction.
“When the mastectomy happens, initially you look a little bit like you've been mauled and the scars are angry and red,” Gleason said. “But then as you go through the expansion process, all of a sudden you kind of feel like you look like a Barbie doll. “
But when she finally saw the completed tattoo for the first time, it was transformative.
“It was life changing,” Gleason said. “When I walk out of the shower and see myself in the mirror, it makes you feel less like a cancer patient and more like yourself again.”
Siegel says witnessing that moment never gets old.
“Its just an amazing privilege to be able to to put the tattoo on and have her just have this transformation right in front of my eyes,” she said.
Patients interested in restorative tattooing can begin with a consultation. OhioHealth providers can provide Christina Siegel’s contact information, or referrals can be made directly through her website.
“After everything you go through, you just want to be done being a patient,” Gleason said. “This made it feel complete.”
Visit Living Story Tattoo’s website or follow Christina on social media at @LivingStoryTattoo.
To learn more about Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care at OhioHealth, click here.
