Emotional healing with unconventional breast tattoos: The role of temporary tattoos in the recovery process after breast carcinoma and mastectomy

The healing process after breast cancer treatment is predominantly focused toward the physical changes to the body that a patient has experienced. Breast reconstructions are considered standard of care after mastectomy, and the nipple and areolar complex is often reconstructed as well, using a combination of skin graft and tattoo. A patient who decided to forego nipple reconstruction and areolar tattooing and instead chooses to apply decorative temporary tattoos to her breast reconstruction is described. Compared with permanent tattoos, these unconventional tattoos allow the patient to change the design to fit her mood. Unconventional tattoos are an alternative and creative approach to the healing process, in which artistic and individual expression allows the patient to embrace the physical change she has undergone as a breast cancer survivor.