This interview on the DiepCJourney podcast is with three nationally known medical tattoo artist. It will also be available on the DiepCFoundation educational YouTube channel for viewing.
Our conversation today is on medical tattooing with three of the leading medical tattoo artists in the United States.
I begin with the President and founder of AMT, The Alliance of Medical Tattooing, Ms. Nicole Rizzuto, a licensed tattoo artist and I speak to her about her vision and why she created AMT.
Next is Christina Siegel who is a registered nurse and licensed tattoo artist and is the vice-president of AMT.
Last and certainly not least, is the medical tattoo artist in our beautiful city of Seattle, WA., Mr. Eric Eye. Eric and I are both advisory board members of AMT.
As a two-time cancer survivor who had successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy, I wanted "body art," a story, a strong reminder of who I am, what I do, and a symbolic message to celebrate my own personal Journey through breast cancer. When I describe this as body art, it is much more that that because I went to a medical tattoo artist.
I chose Eric Eye because of his artistic background, credentials and someone who works with breast cancer patients. Going to a tattoo artist is an emotional process that is transformative, having a profound impact on breast cancer survivors.
In a recent cross-sectional study, the researchers examined the relationship between medical tattooing as a complementary cosmetic intervention and body-image distress and mental health outcomes among breast cancer survivors following surgery.
The findings show medical tattooing may be a valuable tool in improving body-image distress and mental health for those who wish to pursue it. The study also states more research is needed.
We discuss the services medical tattoo artists provide, safe practices and what patients should be asking for, the planning and shared decision-making conversations with your medical tattoo artist, and how each of them finds balance in this work of passionate care for breast cancer patients.
Please view their work on their websites and social media channels, especially Instagram.
Connect with these medical tattoo artists on the following platforms:
Nicole Rizzuto:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nmrtattoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmr_medical_tattoo/
Christina Siegel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingstorytattoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingstorytattoo/
Eric Eye:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064024771215
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric_eye_restorative/
Alliance of Medical Tattooing: https://www.instagram.com/alliance_medical_tattooing/
