After conducting research with patients, our survey found that 81% of breast cancer survivors who received micropigmentation tattoos were very dissatisfied with their results. 51% of this group suffered adverse mental health effects (including depression and suicidal thoughts) due to the poor quality of their areola tattoo. The majority of comments were based on how sad they felt after the tattoos faded, and upset at further scarring left over from being tattooed.

We are looking to do more studies in this area, and keen to collaborate with surgeons who would be interested in completing clinical studies alongside our artists to measure the psychological importance of this work.

Our survey has proven that the long term solution NiP provides acts as a visual aid to emotional healing for breast cancer survivors.

Safety is prioritised over everything. Our approved artists have proven experience in tattooing permanent body art, have acquired the knowledge and expertise in being able to read delicate scar tissue, and know when the skin has had enough.

As you will be aware, scar tissue reacts completely differently to healthy, uncompromised skin. Its essential this service must be carried out by an experienced practitioner so as not to cause further damage to the area. This is why NiP artists are selected for their technical understanding and not just artistic ability.

We use permanent pharmaceutical grade pigments in accordance with the REACH regulations.

This enables us to offer tattoos with greater longevity, and reduces the trauma endured by scar tissue, by requiring fewer sessions to complete the work and eliminating the need for ongoing 'top-ups'.

Cancer takes a lot away from people, so for the patient being able to have a choice and some say in the final stages of their journey is a great way to regain self esteem and body autonomy.

NiP offers these treatments to patients free of charge. This is much more cost-effective than repeated tattoo visits and helps the patient move forward knowing they don't have to return to hospital for more procedures, and constantly revisit memories of their cancer.

Our artists work from a safe, private space and can take bookings from their clinics or travel to offer this service at your hospital.

Please contact us for more information on how working with NiP can further enhance the treatment you can offer your patients.

On September 28th, TEDxNHS 2024: Forward will bring together some of the most inspiring voices in healthcare at the Royal Institution in London. We are incredibly proud that Lucy Thompson, founder of The Nipple Innovation Project (NiP), will be part of this transformative day.

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.

BBC Article
By Julia Bryson & Elizabeth Baines
Breast cancer patients in Bradford are to be offered nipple tattoos following surgery, thanks to a partnership between a local charity and the NHS.