The Christie Charity
We use tattoos to create the image of an areola and nipple for patients who have had breast reconstruction and also to camouflage some scars. The tattoos are applied with a small electric machine which holds needles that make tiny holes in the surface of the skin to allow the semi-permanent dye to create shading. These needles are used once only.
Before treatment
Please let us know before your treatment starts if you have any known allergies, for instance, to metals such as nickel, or to local anaesthetic or alcohol. Also, let us know if you are going on holiday within 6 weeks of your appointment or if you are unwell. Please phone the surgical secretaries on 0161 918 7455 to arrange another appointment.
Agreeing to treatment
We will explain the procedure to you and ask for your written consent to proceed. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
On the day
Before we begin treatment, we will do a colour match of the area to be tattooed.
The nurse will then mix the colour from specialist pigments. It can take some time to get the exact shade. We will also discuss the size and position of the tattoo with you and you can view this in a mirror before the tattooing begins.
What the nurse will do
- Outline the area to be tattooed.
- Apply the colour-matched pigment to the tattoo area.
- Fix the pigment using needles (sterile disposable needles).
- Clean the area and put on a dressing.
Aftercare
Having a tattoo can sometimes be painful and sore for a few days afterwards.
- Do not worry if the colour looks dark and more intense than intended. This is quite normal.
- You can take the dressing off and shower after 24 hours. We advise you to shower with your back towards the water jets to avoid water directly hitting the treated area. Use gauze to blot dry the treated area.
- You may apply gauze over the tattoo for protection in your bra until any oozing stops.
- You may have temporary swelling around the tattoo for the first day or 2, this is normal.
- Crusting can appear on the tattoo area, and it is important not to pick at it.
- When the area is healed, usually between 7 to 10 days afterwards, you can use a moisturiser on the area.
- The tattoo should not be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 3 months to prevent sunburn or pigment changes.
- We recommend that you do not go swimming, use a jacuzzi or hot tub until the area is fully healed.
- Avoid high intensity exercise or use of a sauna that would make you sweat after treatment.
- Some people may have a reaction to one of the pigments used for tattooing, resulting in swelling or itching. If there is any redness, heat or pain, please contact your GP.
Important information
Giving blood
NHS Blood and Transplant advise you have to wait for 4 months after having a tattoo before you can give blood.
MRI scan
It is important to let the radiologists know that you have medical tattooing before you have an MRI scan. You may also experience a tingling sensation in the tattooed area during the scan.
Laser
Laser hair removal can sometimes turn the area of the tattoo black and therefore should be avoided after treatment.
Further tattooing
You may need additional tattoo sessions before you get the right colour or effect. If the colour fades, you may also need further touch-ups.
Contacts
If you have any concerns, please contact us on:
During the day
- Breast reconstruction specialist nurse – 0161 918 2196
- Sarcoma specialist nurse – 0161 918 2196
- Surgical secretaries – 0161 918 7455
- Plastic surgery dressing clinic nurses – 0161 918 7586 or 7587
After 5pm and at weekends
Call ward 3 on 0161 918 7597 or The Christie Hotline on 0161 446 3658 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).