A Tasmanian beauty therapist is helping breast cancer survivors reclaim their confidence by offering free paramedical breast tattoos. For the past six years, Rachel Bellinger from Launceston has been providing these specialized procedures, using ink to create the appearance of areolae and nipples after breast reconstruction surgery.
A Life-Changing Tattoo
Many breast cancer survivors find that the final step in feeling whole again comes in the form of a small but life-changing tattoo. Bellinger, already experienced in cosmetic tattooing for eyebrows and lips, was inspired after watching a video of an American doctor performing breast reconstruction surgery and tattooing areolae and nipples on patients. Seeing the patient's reaction—"She sat up, looked in the mirror and said, 'I feel complete'"—sparked Bellinger's determination to help.
Training and Dedication
Bellinger completed a course to gain the skills needed for 3D tattoos, including training in oncology, wound healing, and color selection. After a year of preparation, she began offering the service free of charge to breast cancer survivors. She started by reaching out to clients she knew and, through word of mouth and contacting surgeons, has since helped close to 100 women.
The Tattooing Process
Before tattooing, Bellinger consults with each client to ensure their surgery scars have fully healed, which can take about six months. She uses body ink, different from cosmetic tattoo ink, to ensure the nipple tattoos are permanent. During the process, she adds details like Montgomery glands and uses shading to create a realistic, three-dimensional effect. Each tattoo can take up to an hour, and most women feel no pain due to lack of sensation in the reconstructed breast.
Beyond Nipple Tattoos
Bellinger has also tattooed eyebrows for people with alopecia and created a 3D belly button tattoo for a client who had surgery on their stomach. She emphasizes that every woman has a different reason for choosing the tattoos: "Some like to wear their scars because they're proud of what they've been through and they're out the other end. For some, the tattoos make them feel like a complete woman again."
Cost and Impact
While 3D tattoos can cost up to $1,500, Bellinger feels compelled to offer the service for free to help women. Her work has made a profound impact, restoring confidence and a sense of wholeness for many survivors.
