As many of you will know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Like me, you’ve probably sported a pink ribbon at one point or another, but what does it all mean?
As I have mentioned before, my journey into permanent cosmetics started over 20 years ago, when one of my best friends developed breast cancer. It was a pivotal moment where I realised just how much I could help other people struggling with the after-effects of their treatment, which is often harsh and invasive. I flew to America to undertake specialist permanent cosmetics training and was soon on my way to beginning my business, the main aim being to give the ‘gift of confidence’ to my clients.
Breast cancer is a group of cancer cells which begin mutating within the cells of the breast tissue. It is the second leading cause of death among women, but it also affects men, with around 2190 cases diagnosed each year.
It is difficult to know what causes breast cancer. Research is ongoing, but experts can tell us that that there are numerous risk factors. Some risks we can control (such as smoking or poor diet), but others we cannot. Sometimes, changes in our gene code (mutations) can affect the risk of developing the disease.
Over my many years in this industry I have met hundreds of women who have endured partial or total mastectomies in need of areola reconstruction. I have become firm friends with fantastic people along the way, who are doing positive charity work that really makes a difference to people’s lives.
As a BUPA-registered medical tattooist, I have worked closely with some amazing foundations in the past and have been so privileged to offer life-changing treatments to many inspirational people.
The Katie Piper Foundation
While recovering from serious acid-attack burns, TV presenter Katie Piper founded a charity to help others with burns, scars and facial disfigurement.
During Katie’s long road to recovery, I stepped in to expertly recreate her lips, brows and eye definition. Now, I regularly provide medical tattooing treatments to other burns survivors on behalf of Katie’s charity in four clinics countrywide.
www.katiepiperfoundation.org.uk
The Alex Lewis Trust
In 2013 Alex contracted a Strep A infection. The infection quickly escalated into toxic shock syndrome, septicaemia and necrotising fasciitis which ravaged his body and face. Doctors were left with no choice but to amputate Alex’s limbs and cut away the gangrenous parts of his lips to save his life.
Once I heard Alex’s story, I knew I had to help him.
I worked on pigment alignment and a 3D lip simulation treatment for Alex to restore his lips once again – something which has helped to restore his confidence, too.
I’ve since made it my mission to help to raise money for the Alex Lewis Trust – a fund set up to facilitate as full and independent a life as possible for Alex.
There are numerous reasons why women (and some men) need medical tattoo treatments for the breast area. Examples include the diffusion of scars, areola re-sizing and symmetry correction, nipple colour enhancement and full areola reconstruction following surgical procedures. Whatever your reason, me and my Elite team have extensive knowledge in this area of work and liaise closely with a select group of surgeons to ensure the best outcome for you. My medical work on the breast area is also recognised by some medical insurance companies, who may fund part of your treatment with me or the Elite team.
Please don’t hesitate to call my lovely customer service team on 01977 655 106 for an informal chat about your individual needs, with sensitivity and in the strictest confidence. They will listen and advise with no obligation to book.
I want you to feel safe in the knowledge that medical tattoo work is the primary reason I do what I do. I am passionate about giving back to the community and making a real difference in people’s lives. I feel privileged to have the chance to make individuals feel confident in their own skin again.
Karen x