In 2004, Sue Broom, Day Surgery Sister at The Royal Marsden Hospital, realised there was a need for a nipple tattooing service for breast cancer patients who have had a mastectomy and breast reconstructive surgery.
Sue received training from Paul Harris, Plastic and Reconstructive Consultant Surgeon at The Royal Marsden, enrolled on a tattoo course and worked closely with a cosmetic company. They were able to give her guidance on mixing and blending different colours together to get the right shade for each patient.
Sue can now use a number of different colours to get the right shade to match each individual patient’s requirements and colour of their skin.
So far, around 450 nipple tattoos have been carried out, with Sue performing the majority of them. She is currently training up three other nurses at The Royal Marsden.
Sue said: “This is an important service which nurses can provide and it is also important that nurses can expand their skills in this way.”
Technically, nipple tattooing is when the areola is tattooed around the reconstructed nipple. The tattooing is performed using a sterile technique.
Firstly, Sue ensures the colour matches the other nipple. She then makes small circular strokes with the tattoo needle to impregnate the skin with the colour. The colour is applied in stages. A total of three coats are applied until the right depth of colour is achieved.
The procedure takes around 30 minutes and it is relatively painless. The colour is semi-permanent and can be re-touched when it fades.
The tattooed nipple is then covered with a dressing for a week, and the patient is reviewed one week later. If good coverage of colour is not achieved, Sue repeats the procedure again.
Sue, who has 33 years experience as a nurse, has worked at The Royal Marsden for 17 years. She said: “It is a very challenging but rewarding role.”
“We get to know our patients very well and for many this is an important milestone for them that can signal the end of their cancer journey.
“Nipple tattooing isn’t for everyone, but for many women it is very important and can help them get their self esteem and sexuality back after what has often been a very difficult time for them.
“It can be very emotional but it is fantastic when you see how happy and confident they are with the end result.
“I had one patient who was so delighted, she decided to go sunbathing topless!”
Sue added: “We work very closely with the patient to ensure they get the colour and size of areola they want. It is up to the patient and the procedure is very much patient led.
“It is a great skill to have and I am delighted that I am now able to train up other nurses as it is a very satisfying part of the job.”