Why I am starting a 3D nipple and areola tattooing nonprofit for breast cancer survivors:

I am blessed to say the words “I’m a 22-year breast cancer survivor”. Over these decades, I have meandered through the windy path of my own personal cancer journey, seeking guidance from both my own experiences, and my professional work. This has helped me cultivate a more intimate relationship with the very non-linear path of cancer survivorship. I have certainly gained a deeper sensitivity for the many challenges others often face in navigating their own journeys. This ‘cancer dance’ begins with a diagnosis and a multitude of treatment decisions, and brings forth many uncertainties and lifestyle choices to be wrestled with, often alone. Continuing down this windy path, we peel away layers — to reveal a sense of becoming, a fighter, a survivor, a warrior.’

Breast cancer survivors find empowerment in 3D nipple and areola tattooing:

My current passion and long-term vision is to create an opportunity for universal access to 3D nipple and areola tattooing. The benefits of 3D nipple tattooing (also known as nipple /areola repigmentation) include restoration of a natural looking breast and the possible avoidance of additional surgeries, as well as emotional healing. 3D nipple tattooing offers survivors an opportunity for a greater sense of closure around the loss of their breast, and can play an important role in helping them feel “whole again” both sexually and emotionally.

When I was working for UCSF as the Avon Breast Care Program Manager at San Francisco General Hospital, I wrote a charitable care grant and we were able to provide tattoos to almost 50 underserved women. The emotional response and positive impacts of the tattooing on body image and self-esteem were quite powerful and illustrate the value of the procedure in the context of women’s lives.

It was such a transformative and empowering experience for them- as well as for me. So much that I am in the early stages of starting a nonprofit to bring this non-surgical option to any person who has undergone breast reconstruction and remains without a nipple and/or areola.

I believe this procedure should be available to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. The non-profit will ensure that patients who have lost their nipples after breast cancer and who require financial assistance, will be able to benefit from this opportunity.

THE PROCEDURE:

3D nipple tattooing is a non-surgical alternative to nipple reconstruction. This highly specialized procedure, which takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, restores the nipple and areola to a natural looking color and shape. Through its use of shading and pigmentation, it gives the illusion of protrusion.

Nipple and areolas are recreated with tattoo pigment, using traditional fine art techniques including color theory, and light and shadow. The resulting tattoos appear realistic and can fool the brain/eye into thinking it is an actual dimensional nipple.

Sasha Merritt of Dragonfly Ink is an incredibly talented and passionate artist whose skill as a seasoned body art tattoo practitioner is coupled with her stellar ability for rendering magnificent visual artistry.

Dragonfly Ink, owned and operated by Sasha, is located in downtown San Francisco in a beautiful private spa-like setting, providing a comfortable environment for clients. Sasha is by far one of the best tattoo artists in California doing this specialized kind of work.

SCHEDULING:

During the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sasha is offering her 3D nipple/areola tattooing for a discounted rate of more than 50%. Appointment slots are still available and I am assisting Sasha with filling the remaining appointments for anyone seeking this option.

Beginning November 1st Sasha’s rates will increase so this is a really wonderful opportunity.

If you know of anyone who might want to take advantage of the opportunity, kindly share this scheduling link. You may also message me directly and I can assist with scheduling or answer any questions about the process. Fern Orenstein/oredon@comcast.net.

Link: https://tinyurl.com/y9xaam2m

This link will take you directly to a list of available appointments. A deposit of $100 is required at the time of booking. At this time, October dates are on Fridays and Saturdays.

PRICING:

Update:** October appointments are now full, however due to the demand, Sasha is offering a discounted rate through the end of 2018.