Meet Lucy Thompson, not only a talented tattoo artist in her own right, but also the founder of the fantastic NIPPLE INNOVATION PROJECT (NIP).

Lucy travelled to Texas in 2017 to achieve a UK first and become the UK’s first A.R.T 3D nipple tattoo certified artist, meaning she could offer permanent, realistic 3D nipple tattoos that give the illusion of a nipple protrusion, following mastectomy surgery.  Through this she started tattooing, although she found that even through having a very realistic and competitive pricing structure something wasn’t right.  The psychological impact that Lucy recognised meant that she wanted to find a way to alleviate the financial burden that it could have on those that potentially couldn’t be in a position to afford the procedure and save them waiting for a sub-standard procedure from the NHS.  – and so the Nipple Innovation Project began.

NIP was founded to be able to provide breast cancer survivors the opportunity to receive 3D nipple tattoos that are miles above the industry standard. The tattoos themselves are also permanent so will stop any continuous trauma to already traumatised skin, as opposed to the NHS semi-permanent procedure, which needs regular top-ups.   NIP also provides a directory of artists throughout the UK who have been verified and are able to work within the parameters and achieve the highest standards set.

As a registered charity NIP also has an option to apply for financial assistance to help with the cost of the nipple tattoos, supporting and empowering breast cancer survivors, helping them to feel whole again without having to worry about the financial burden.

To find out more about Lucy and the fantastic NIP project, as well as view her beautiful mastectomy tattoos –   check out www.nippletattoos.co.uk @nippleinnovationproject  /  www.mastectomytattoosuk.com @yorkshiremastectomy / @lucy_nipple

Celebrating another mastectomy warrior!