NHS tattooist helping cancer patients
Physician Associate Abbey Pryer is making her mark as one of the few NHS employees to train as a tattooist.
Abbey, who enjoys painting in her spare time, is replacing canvas for skin when she tattoos replacement eyebrows and nipples on cancer patients at the North West London Breast Centre.
Abbey said: “I guess I’m what you’d call an ‘arty’ type so jumped at the chance to do the training. It is the final step in a patient’s treatment and helps them feel more confident about their body.”
Abbey’s training included the theory behind micropigmentation, the complexity of mapping out the shape and size of the nipple-areola as well as matching the correct colours (pigments) to the other side.
“I initially practiced on synthetic skin and finally, under the supervision of a qualified tattooist, on patients who signed up to take part. I’m glad to say they were delighted with the results."
Abbey’s first patient was Sara Sarto.
Sara, 36, said: “I was really happy with the reconstruction and didn’t think about nipple tattooing until Abbey contacted me and asked if it was something I would be interested in.
"I don’t have any tattoos, so we had a chat about it, and I decided to go for it. I’m keeping positive and trying to embrace my new normal. I think this will help me to move forward."