В Болтоне расширили доступ к татуировке сосков для выживших после рака молочной железы

Life-changing nipple tattoo service expanded for breast cancer survivors in Bolton More breast cancer survivors are set to benefit from a specialist nipple tattoo service at Royal Bolton Hospital after the Breast Unit expanded the treatment by training nursing staff. The service is available to women who have undergone a mastectomy and breast reconstruction as part of their breast cancer treatment. Using carefully matched pigments and shading techniques, the tattoos create a natural-looking nipple and areola and are often the final stage of the reconstruction process. The unit currently carries out more than 70 nipple tattoos each year through bimonthly clinics. To increase capacity and ensure more patients can access the treatment, nursing staff have now received specialist training to deliver the service alongside consultants. Annette Trengove, a Junior Sister in the Breast Unit, recently completed her training and has already begun treating patients. She said: “We support women at every step during their breast cancer journey, and receiving a nipple tattoo brings a sense of completion to their journey.” “Experiencing breast cancer can be one of the most challenging times in someone’s life, and it’s a privilege for me to be able to create tattoos to help even more of our ladies feel more confident.” One patient described the treatment as “life-changing”, saying the results helped them feel like themselves again after surgery. “The results are amazing.” “I feel and look like myself and couldn’t be happier with my treatment,” “Bolton are really supporting ladies who have undergone surgery with this amazing life-changing treatment.” Consultants at Royal Bolton Hospital have been providing nipple tattoos since 2019 and decided to expand the service by training additional staff. Panos Pikoulas, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said the tattoos can have a significant impact on patients’ wellbeing and body image. He said: “Every lady who comes through our unit and has a mastectomy and breast reconstruction will be offered a tattoo, where it is clinically safe to do so.” “The tattoos have a huge impact on improving wellbeing and body image and can often be the final step in breast reconstruction.” Patients are able to choose the colour and shading of their tattoo to ensure the result is tailored to their individual appearance and preferences.