A BROMSGROVE tattoo artist is helping cancer survivors gain their confidence back with realistic 3D mastectomy tattoo art.
Kerry Irvine, who works at Modern Electric Tattoo Studio in Catshill, tattoos permanent 3D nipples or artwork on to women and men who have undergone single or double mastectomies following breast cancer treatment.
The 35-year-old, who has 13 years of experience and a degree in animation and illustration, has now been approached by Worcester plastic surgeon, Joanna Skillman, to provide the service to NHS patients.
Kerry will soon be tattooing people who have been referred from Spire South Bank Hospital in Worcester, Nuffield Hospital in Leamington Spa, Spire Clinic in Cheltenham and Meriden Hospital in Coventry, in a private room at the studio which is currently being renovated.
With a passion for the realism style, Kerry got into tattooing mastectomy tattoos after a lady approached her two years ago with the request.
The mum-of one said: “Kelly had total trust in me and was over the moon with the result.
“She then told other people she knew that had been affected by cancer and it has gone from there.
“The men and women who come to me have gone through so much trauma, they can be a bit nervous at first but I try to make it as comfortable as possible and do the best job I can.
“You can see a change in my clients and they suddenly have a sense of pride.
“It is amazing to see them look into the mirror and feel confident about themselves, it is quite emotional.”
Kerry, who lost her grandad and friend to breast cancer, is hoping to make people aware that 3D mastectomy tattoos are an option.
“Everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer and it feels great to be using tattoos to help.
“I have posted photos of the tattoos online but the nipples were so realistic social media kept taking them down which is frustrating because we want to get it out there that we offer this service.
“If someone is interested in getting it done, I would always suggest doing research beforehand.
“There are a lot of talented tattoo artists out there with portfolios to look at.
“I love doing the tattoos and after losing my grandad and friend, I like to think I am doing them proud.”
Visit modernelectrictattoo.co.uk for more information.
