Tattooing
is a generations old art form used for a variety of reasons. For example, people are tattooed as a right of passage, to
indicate tribal affiliation or history, as a badge of courage, to indicate achievement, or as adornment and decoration of
their bodies. Often tattoos are a combination of these reasons.
Tattooing
can be a powerful symbol of triumph and survival when done on or around scars. This
a particularly evident in tattoos on or around mastectomy scars. A woman
who has not had reconstructive after mastectomy, may choose to have body art designed for the scar. For many women, the experience of transforming her scar into beautiful art is an empowering and affirming
experience. Some choose to cover the scar completely, while others integrate
the scar into a design.
Sasha’s process is in depth and personal staring with a detailed
consultation on all aspects of the project. Design elements from style, color,
size and location along with personal symbols are discussed. Sasha then takes
all the information to design art unique to each client.
One client,
Jane, had a mastectomy years ago and
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| Jane shows off her tattoo |
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| A Lizard tattoo uses the scar as a spine |
decided
to get a stylized lizard integrating the scar as the spine of the lizard. She
has this to say about the experience and Sasha: “The entire process was wonderful.
Lizards have always had a special meaning for me and I wanted to use that symbol, with all its rich,
very personal and empowering energy.
In support of women who have survived breast cancer, Sasha is pleased to donate a percentage
for tattoo work done over/around mastectomy scars. Please call to set up a consultation
to see if tattoo art is right for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can tattooing do?
- Disguise scar with color, shape, design, and placement
- Create beautiful work of art from a painful experience
- Celebrate survival
- Reclaim body after illness
- Add feminity after mastectomy surgery
What are the limits of scar tattooing?
- It cannot change the texture of scar
- The tattoo will not erase the scar
- The skin may hold the ink differently: lines may be less defined, and color may need a second session.
- Still there is lots that can be done within these limits
How does it work?
- By using color, layout, and other design principles to create art that will disguise the scar. The elements of the tattoo design draw the eye from the scar, making any differences is texture less
obvious.
What are the risks?
- Sometimes irk reeds to be re-applied or lines may not keep shape as well as other skin. Both are easily remedied by
design and placement.
- Very rarely, a keliod maybe irritated.
What designs are best and those that don't work well?
- Experience suggests designs of organic origin work best for scar covering. Images with depth and variety of color give
the eye lots to keep it busy. Still, even simple line drawings can do the trick as seen in the photos of scar
covering.
- Generally, lettering, tribal, and celtic are less successful for complete covering as there is a fair amount of negative
space where the scar is visable.
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