More breast cancer survivors will now have access to specialist reconstructive care following the expansion of a nipple tattoo service within Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s Breast Unit, helping women regain confidence and complete their breast reconstruction journey after cancer treatment.
The service, which supports women who have undergone a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, has been expanded after nursing staff received specialist training to perform highly skilled nipple and areola tattoos. The procedure uses carefully matched pigments and shading techniques to create a realistic, natural-looking appearance.
The unit currently delivers more than 70 nipple tattoos every year through dedicated bi-monthly clinics, and the additional expertise among nursing staff will enable even more patients to benefit from the service.
For many women, nipple tattooing represents the final stage of breast reconstruction and can have a profound impact on wellbeing, body image and self-confidence.
Annette Trengove, Junior Sister in the Breast Unit, recently completed specialist training and has already begun providing the service to patients. She said:
“We support women at every step during their breast cancer from their diagnosis and receiving a nipple tattoo brings a sense of completion to their journey.
“I’m so pleased to have received this training from our consultants on the unit. Experiencing breast cancer can be one of the most challenging times in someone’s life and it’s a privilege for me to able to create tattoos to help even more of our ladies feel more confident.”
Following treatment, one patient described the positive impact the service has had on her recovery and confidence. She said:
“The results are amazing. I feel and look like myself and couldn’t be happier with my treatment. You are supported the whole time, in a safe environment with lovely kind ladies who know and understand the journey you have gone through. Bolton are really supporting ladies who have undergone surgery with this amazing life-changing treatment.”
Consultants within the Breast Unit have been providing nipple tattoo procedures since 2019. The decision to train nursing staff was made in response to growing demand and the recognised benefits the treatment offers to patients following breast cancer surgery.
Panos Pikoulas, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, said:
“We’re proud to be able to support even more women after they have received mastectomy and had breast reconstruction. The tattoos have huge impact on improving wellbeing and body image and can often be the final step in breast reconstruction.
“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, and are able to choose the colour and shading so that it’s tailored to their body. Our consultants and nurses are more than happy to answer any questions if you would like to find out more information.”
The enhanced service reflects the Breast Unit’s commitment to providing holistic care that extends beyond cancer treatment, ensuring patients receive ongoing support as they adapt physically and emotionally following surgery.
By expanding the programme, the unit aims to improve access to a procedure widely recognised for its role in restoring confidence and helping women feel like themselves again after breast cancer.
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