The Nipple Innovation Project: Celebrating NHS Partnership
At The Nipple Innovation Project (NIP), our mission has always been to help breast cancer survivors heal in the most complete way possible—physically and emotionally. We’re excited to celebrate a significant step forward as the NHS begins offering permanent 3D nipple tattoos to breast cancer survivors as part of their post-mastectomy care. This ground breaking move highlights the growing recognition of how vital it is to support survivors beyond surgery, acknowledging the emotional healing that realistic nipple tattoos can bring.
A Step Forward for Post-Mastectomy Care
Until now, many breast cancer patients have had to pay for permanent nipple tattoos privately, often facing steep costs. Now, thanks to the NHS covering the cost of the service, more survivors will have access to these life-changing tattoos without the financial burden. This service is an essential part of helping people feel complete after their mastectomy surgeries, allowing them to regain a sense of wholeness that cancer can take away. It’s a major advancement in post-mastectomy care that focuses on emotional recovery, not just physical health.
Since 2018, NiP has been dedicated to this cause, providing free 3D nipple tattoos to breast cancer survivors across the UK. We’re proud to be the UK’s first mastectomy tattoo charity, and we work with a growing directory of specially trained medical tattoo artists nationwide to ensure that these services are accessible to as many people as possible. Our goal has always been to make sure that survivors, no matter where they live, can receive the treatment they need to feel whole again.
At NIP, we know that healing after breast cancer is about so much more than just the physical scars. Survivors often face emotional challenges as they adjust to their new bodies after surgery, and the absence of nipples can be a painful reminder of their battle. This is where permanent 3D nipple tattoos can make a real difference. They’re not just about aesthetics —they’re about helping survivors reconnect with their bodies and feel confident & whole again.
The mental health benefits of this service are undeniable. Many survivors describe the moment they look in the mirror and see their body whole again as a powerful step in their healing process. It helps them reclaim their identity and move past the constant reminders of cancer. By providing permanent, realistic nipple tattoos, we’re helping survivors take that final step in their journey to emotional recovery.
A Milestone Partnership with the NHS
One of our proudest achievements at NIP has been our partnership with the NHS. Bradford teaching hospitals trust. As the first charity to collaborate with an NHS trust to offer free medical tattoo services, we’ve been able to extend the reach of this vital care to even more people. This partnership marks a major milestone in our mission to make sure that every breast cancer survivor has access to permanent nipple tattoos, without worrying about the cost or availability of services.
Our goal is to continue building partnerships with NHS trusts across the country. We believe that every breast cancer patient deserves to feel whole again, and by working with the NHS, we can ensure that no one is left without access to the care they need. Together, we’re changing the future of post-mastectomy care, and we’re excited to see more trusts recognize the importance of medical tattooing in the recovery process.
Support Our Mission
At The Nipple Innovation Project, we’re committed to supporting breast cancer survivors in every way possible. This recent development with the NHS is a huge step forward, but our work doesn’t stop here. We’ll continue advocating for survivors, expanding our network of artists, and ensuring that more people across the UK have access to this life-changing service.
If you’d like to support our mission, whether through volunteering, raising awareness, donating or contributing to our cause, we invite you to get involved. Together, we can continue making a difference, helping survivors feel confident and complete after their battle with breast cancer.
For more information on how you can support The Nipple Innovation Project or find a medical tattoo artist near you, visit our website. Let’s keep pushing forward and making a lasting impact—one nipple tattoo at a time.
