- More breast cancer survivors to be offered nipple tattoos following mastectomy and reconstruction
- Breast Unit nursing staff have received specialist training to increase clinic capacity
- Patients describe tattoos as “life-changing” treatment
More breast cancer survivors will be able to access “life-changing” care and treatment after Royal Bolton Hospital’s Breast Unit expanded its nipple tattoo service.
Nursing staff on the unit have received specialist training to carry out tattoos for women who have received a mastectomy and breast reconstruction as part of their breast cancer treatment.
The tattoos use pigments and shading to create a natural-looking nipple and areola, with nurses and consultants carrying out more than 70 tattoos every year in bi-monthly clinics.
Annette Trengove, Junior Sister in the Breast Unit who has completed her training so the unit can offer to even more women, said:
“We support women at every step during their breast cancer from their diagnosis and receiving a nipple tattoo brings a sense of completion to their journey.
“I’m so pleased to have received this training from our consultants on the unit. Experiencing breast cancer can be one of the most challenging times in someone’s life and it’s a privilege for me to able to create tattoos to help even more of our ladies feel more confident.”
Annette delivered her first tattoos earlier at the end of 2025 and one of her patients shared feedback about the difference it’s made in her life.
“The results are amazing. I feel and look like myself and couldn’t be happier with my treatment. You are supported the whole time, in a safe environment with lovely kind ladies who know and understand the journey you have gone through. Bolton are really supporting ladies who have undergone surgery with this amazing life-changing treatment.”
Consultants on the Breast Unit have been providing nipple tattoos since 2019 and decided to expand the service by training nursing staff.
Panos Pikoulas, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We’re proud to be able to support even more women after they have received mastectomy and had breast reconstruction. The tattoos have huge impact on improving wellbeing and body image and can often be the final step in breast reconstruction.
“Every lady who comes through our unit and has a mastectomy and breast reconstruction will be offered a tattoo, where it is clinically safe to do so, and are able to choose the colour and shading so that it’s tailored to their body. Our consultants and nurses are more than happy to answer any questions if you would like to find out more information.”
For more information about Bolton’s breast services, please visit Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s website.
