Bradford-based Nipple Innovation Project takes a step forward | Bradford Telegraph and Argus
It was founded by Lucy Thompson, who travelled to Texas back in 2017 to learn the art of permanent nipple tattooing.
The cause is one close to her heart.
One of Lucy’s first clients was her auntie, who underwent a breast re-construction, nipple graft and tattoo in hospital.
The tattoo faded over the years, prompting Lucy to find a way to help her auntie and other women facing the same dilemma.
She travelled 5,000 miles to undergo specialist training with her mentor, Stacie Rae, at The House of A.R.T (Areola Restorative Tattooing) in San Antonio, Texas – and hasn’t looked back.
The impact is clear to see, with women praising Lucy for helping them “feel like a woman again” after gruelling cancer journeys.
Lucy said: “We aim to provide funding for permanent and realistic 3D nipple an decorative Tattoos following mastectomy surgery, in order to aid physical and emotional healing – free of charge to all survivors funded through fundraisers and donations.
“We believe everyone in the UK should have access to this permanent healing service so we’re currently building a team of compassionate and experienced paramedical practitioners throughout the UK and Ireland with six on our map so far.
“We’re looking to educate and raise awareness in the difference of what we, specially trained paramedical artists do, also to let others know there is now an advanced alternative realistic and permanent option to the basic semi-permanent option that’s often the only available choice in a hospital.”
She added: “It’s a very niche subject but also one that deserves awareness raising because it genuinely helps save lives.
“So many people don’t even know this is an option. We’re really trying to educate and raise awareness.
“We’re trying to offer an alternative to the NHS and alleviate some of the pressure by training up specialists to offer this as a permanent solution.
“We feel nurses and surgeons already have a lot to commit to and handle – especially now – so maybe leaving tattooing to a specialist is the way to go forward.
“We have done Freedom of Information requests and know that these procedures can cost the NHS £856 for bilateral semi-permanent tattoos that can fade away after as little as three months.
“Or alternatively we charge £350 for bilateral permanent and realistic tattoos that never fade away. N.I.P is trying to raise funds to be able to offer this treatment for free for everyone and alleviate some if not a lot of pressure off the NHS.”
The charity is now also looking for professional artists to join the team so the services can be offered throughout the UK, making it easier for post-mastectomy patients to have access to the treatment.
“I am currently the furthest person north in England,” she said.
“I’m more than open to travelling up north to Newcastle, Scotland and beyond to hold guest spots but its not a long-term fix so were very keen to hear from people who would be interested in learning more about what we do and what we can achieve together.”
Among those joining Lucy on the committee are Charlotte Peters, Lucy Fraser and Tracie Wake – one of the first people to benefit from the service after Lucy finished her training in Texas.
Visit www.nippletattoos.co.uk