Creating bespoke breasts for cancer survivors

By KATHERINE SAMPSON

October is Australia’s breast cancer awareness month, providing us time to focus on the impact of those affected by the deadly disease in our communities.

For some survivors, a mastectomy is what it takes to conquer evil and defeat breast cancer. What this involves is the complete removal of either one or both breasts, in some cases the areola and nipple, before it spreads to other parts of the body.

Nowadays we are tremendously lucky enough to have reconstructive surgery to recreate what is being lost. Moreover, it can be done at the same time as a mastectomy, through immediate reconstruction. One thing that sometimes cannot be saved are the nipples – which can be one of the most vital parts of a woman’s breast that helps her feel feminine again.

We spoke with June Warry, one of the few beauticians who specialises in the cosmetic tattooing of the areola. Helping return a woman’s breast to its former glory is what helps survivors feel whole again, June says.

“They really enjoy the reflection that they see back in the mirror.

“They enjoy seeing that colour there.

“They’ve done something for themselves, and I think that’s a huge thing to come away with,” June says.

“It’s life changing for a lot of clients and it gives themselves permission that they are worthy and if this makes them feel better, go for it!”

It is important to note that these cosmetic tattoos aren’t permanent, which can be good in the fact you can always adjust the look each time the procedure is done, and also that women with implants and have experienced a mastectomy have reduced sensation in the tissue, so it’s not necessarily as painful as a regular tattoo.

For June being able to help her clients and these women in such away, especially in the past ten weeks, she finds her business’ therapy is therapy for herself.

“The fact that what I create on clients is something that they can't share with anyone else that they're doing it purely for themselves, to boost their confidence, to give them colour and definition, and I guess life, back into their face and body.

“That's something that I really love to see when they sit up on the bed and they see their results because my results are instant.“

Quite often it's a teary moment between myself and the client; they've trusted within me to create a look for them that they're going to walk around proudly every day,” June told Style.J

une completes her work from her own clinic, Beauty Effects in Toowoomba City, and is the ‘go-to’ for Toowoomba’s Hope Horizons.

If you want to find out more about June and her therapy visit beautyeffects.com.

Changes to watch out for so you can catch breast cancer early - If you notice any it is important to go see your GP without hesitation, just to be safe!

• A new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast

• Change in the size or shape of your breast

• Change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion

• Nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing

• An unusual pain that doesn’t go away

• Change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling