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After a mastectomy, surgery or breast reconstruction, women may feel unhappy about their scars or new body shape. For some women, getting a tattoo gives them the chance to create something beautiful, and can help them move forward after breast cancer.
These eight women felt they reclaimed their bodies with their tattoos, and found inspiration in their mastectomy tattoo designs.
'I came up with the idea of a tattoo after seeing internet pictures but it took me some time to decide on a design. An Iris, my grandmother's name... It has elevated my self-esteem more than I could ever have predicted. Now, when I look down, I see a beautiful piece of art rather than a scar.' - Kerry A
Credit: Julia, tattoo artist at King of Hearts, London
'Maureen and her tattoo have had quite the journey... after battling breast cancer and having a double mastectomy and reconstruction, she came to me wanting a small tattoo, not too colourful to cover the scars.' - Julia, tattoo artist
'My tattoo... represents my struggle with an aggressive disease and how I have been able to overcome this, growing and changing to reclaim the beauty in my life.
'I wanted to almost recreate the feeling I used to get when I wore beautiful lace underwear. Many women will be able to relate to that feeling, it gives a boost of confidence – it’s like a hidden secret, an inner smile.' - Sue
Credit: Holly Feneht, tattoo artist at Gilded Lily, USA
'Having tattoos done can be a way for women to reclaim part of their body that they have lost and felt disconnected from. It's a way to move forward with the rest of their lives on a daily basis without a reminder of scars and what they went through. It's an expression that life is beautiful.' - Holly, tattoo artist
Credit: Lisa Walker, tattoo artist at Inkabella Tattoo Studio, Wales
Credit: David Allen, tattoo artist at Pioneer, USA
'I didn’t like looking at myself in the mirror. I didn’t like undressing in front of my husband, or having a shower or looking at myself.... My tattoo makes me feel so good. I’m now 76 and I think that’s wonderful, I think I’m so lucky to have it.' - Liz
'The tattoo was something me and my tattoo artist came up with but the hands on the clock say 22 April and that was the date of my diagnosis. It has made me feel better.' - Kerry W
Find more mastectomy tattoo inspiration on our Pinterest board.
When Kimi was diagnosed with breast cancer, she immediately reacted with acceptance. Her attitude of ‘kicking cancer’s butt’ has already got her through a mastectomy, and she is confident it will help her in chemotherapy.
When Moke was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, she was committed to keeping her positive attitude – even when she faced complications in treatment.
Even though Clare and two of her sisters had already experienced breast cancer, they were unable to help when another sister needed chemotherapy.