We were inspired to take part in Wear It Pink Day as we treat post breast cancer patients by performing areola micropigmentation. At Finishing Touches, we teach NHS staff and specialists the technique in restoring nipple and areolas. To some patients, the treatment signifies the end of their breast cancer journey as the restoration of the nipple and areola hugely restores self-confidence and the feeling of self-worth that can sometimes get lost. We calculated on the day that altogether our trainers have treated OVER 20,000 areolas!

On the day our staff wore pink and our areola micropigmentation technician, Kelly Forshaw-Smith and her students wore pink caps to show their support while doing free areola micropigmentation treatments on post cancer patients. We set up the bunting, donation box and pink balloons that were sent to us by Breast Cancer Now, in our reception area and raised overall £73 - all contributed by staff and patients and the donation was matched by Finishing Touches. 

It was a heart-warming day as we taught students how to create nipples and areolas while we performed on post-breast cancer patients who told us about their breast cancer journey and what the treatment meant to them. One of our patients told us

“since losing my right nipple in Breast cancer surgery, I have had 4 treatments to reconstruct my missing nipple and to enhance my other, existing, one at Finishing Touches. Kelly [our trainer] is always so professional and has always made me feel complete confidence in the result. The students who work under her are extremely well supported and although they are the ones who work hands on, Kelly ensures that her high standards of artistry and medical needs are met.”

Our Head of Medical, Kelly has been adding the finishing touches to areola and nipple micropigmentation for over 15 years now and has had over 8000 areolas passing through her hands. She said 

“Areola treatments are wonderful to offer. It helps bring back symmetry and can also draw the eye away from any surgical scarring. It is sometimes the end of a long journey and I have the honour of being able to add the cherry on the top of the cake, so to speak. I get so excited when I hand over the mirror at the end of the procedure. To see a patient's face when they see their new areola and 3-D nipple is so rewarding. I truly have the best job in the world. I love to see the confidence that the treatment provides and I am lucky to be able to help the amazing breast cancer warriors I see daily.”

Kelly has had her patients do short videos with a word/words explaining the difference that areola micropigmentation makes to their recovery and mental well being after the treatment. She is also encouraging other technicians to do the same to show Facebook and Instagram how important the work is for some patients!

Discover more about Medical micropigmentation on our training page and follow Kelly @breasttatooo on Facebook and Instagram to see more areola micropigmentation work from Kelly and our students.