Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 Canadian women. It is no secret that this can be devastating, not only to survivors, but their family and friends as well. Many of these women will have a mastectomy to remove the cancer, but it leaves a huge scar. This can be hard on them not only physically, but mentally as well. Today, we will talk to Connie Westgate about how she helps these women heal through ink with breast cancer scar tattoo coverups.
Helping Survivors Feel Confident and Feminine
Connie is the owner of Heart & Dagger Tattoo in Edmonton, Alberta. After losing her own father to cancer in 2001, she wanted to dedicate her life to helping cancer survivors. In 2015, she got the chance to help a friend of a friend cover up a mastectomy scar. The process went so well that she decided to add the service to her business when she opened her own shop. Connie says, “I can’t get my dad back, but I can tell cancer where to go by helping others move on and fully live their lives.”
“A few weeks after I tattooed my clientele, I received an email from her husband thanking me for giving his wife back. She was feeling like she was pre-cancer,” Connie says about the experience. Scars, especially in an intimate area, can have a large impact on mental health. The anticipation and design process gives them a sense of control and boosts their spirits.
They are no longer a patient, but a willing participant in control of their own future. When asked about the difference she sees post tattoo, Connie had this to say, “I have covered scars from tummy tucks as well and the reaction is similar - beautiful tattoo equals confidence restored. The embarrassment they once felt no longer exists.”
Preparing for Post Surgery Tattoo
No matter what kind of scar the client wants to cover up, there are a few factors to remember before getting a tattoo. For instance, the area should be completely healed, with no redness, otherwise you are risking infection. This can take anywhere from 1-2 years, which gives you plenty of time to design your tattoo.
A mastectomy, (as well as other types of surgeries), can affect nerve endings and the client may have little to no sensitivity in certain areas (otherwise known as dead zones). Connie recollects, “I was right in my clients arm pit which usually is awful to get tattooed and she did not blink.”
When it comes time to prepare for breast cancer scar tattoo coverups, Connie recommends working closely with your tattoo artist to draw up exactly what you want. This process can start months in advance and be finalized close to the date of the tattoo. Depending on the size, the tattoo may be broken up into multiple sessions.
Tips from a Tattoo Artist:
Getting a tattoo can come with anxiety. Connie suggests reducing anxiety by being prepared and following these tips:
- Get a good night’s rest the day before
- Be well hydrated
- Eat a good meal
- Bring water and snacks
- Don’t use lotion on the area the day of the tattoo
- Bring distractions (headphones, music, book on tape)
- Feel free to bring a support person
Aftercare
Proper aftercare for breast cancer scar tattoo cover ups is particularly important to minimize the risk of infection. Clients should be prepared to do nothing but eat and rest after the tattoo. You will be given written instructions when you leave and are encouraged to follow up once you are healed. When asked what she recommends, Connie answered, “Please avoid hot tubs, and soaking the tattoo in water etc., until you are fully healed which will take 4-6 weeks. Once you are healed, I recommend a touch up session just to ensure the scar area healed out evenly. With the skin being previously traumatized there’s the possibility of uneven healing depending on how the scarred area responds to the tattoo process.”
Breast Cancer Scar Tattoo Coverups with Connie Westgate
Connie loves helping people heal through ink. This artform is a great way to express emotion and personality. It brings confidence back to the client and makes her feel great for helping those who have emotional and physical scars. She has recently added breast cancer scar tattoo coverups to her website. She also does cover-ups for other types of scars. Reach out to her for more information about these services.
If you or anyone you know could benefit from her services, please contact Connie at her shop, Heart & Dagger Tattoo.
Location: 10715-124 street, Edmonton, Alberta
Phone: 780-934-8415
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.heartdaggertattoo.com/
You can also find her on social media. @conniewestgatetattoos, @heartdaggertattoo on Instagram. She is also on Facebook and TikTok.
Connie loves what she does. “I feel am not only helping a women recover fully from their cancer journeys; I am healing my own wound that losing my father to this awful disease caused. Giving back and telling cancer where to go - what’s not to like?”
This story was written for the Think Pink advertising feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
