everyday living Scar-Covering Tattoos: P-ink.org, The Newest Coping Mechanism For Breast Cancer Survivors November 26, 2013 Written By: BreastImplants.org Published On November 26, 2013 A New Perspective On Reconstruction We’ve heard about a lot of breast reconstructive methods, from stem cell implants to implants that fight cancer and beyond. But nothing like this reconstructive method has ever been introduced. Post-mastectomy (or lumpectomy) tattoos create something beautiful of the area that was affected by breast cancer, a process that can also heal the patient emotionally. Please Read This: Breast Implant Scarring: Facts And Fiction But tattoo prices can range from $50 to hundreds or even thousands, depending on the detail of the tattoo, the level of experience of the artist, the city you are getting it in, and the size of the tattoo. That’s where P.INK comes in. P.INK is a nonprofit organization which helps connect breast cancer survivors with experienced tattoo artists who are willing to help. On this year’s P.INK Day, P.INK raised enough money to fund 10 breast cancer survivor’s scar-covering tattoos, and they hope to do even more next year. You may also like: Breast Reconstruction Along Came Molly It all began with Molly Ortwein, a breast cancer survivor who wanted to cover up her breast cancer scars with tattoos of the Pernambuco Blossom of Brazil, a rare but resilient flower. After researching her options online, she found there were not very many outlets for breast cancer survivors to get tattoos to cover up mastectomy scars. This inspired her to help start P.INK. Her video, which went viral on February 20th, made Molly and P.INK an Internet sensation. You Might Like This: Nipple Piercings Before And After Breast Augmentation Surgery Though Molly was the face of P.INK, there was another person helping to run the show behind the pink curtain. Noel Franus, Molly’s brother-in-law and the founder and overseer of P.INK, helped document Molly’s journey and turn it into a resource for other breast cancer survivors. The result was p-ink.org, a Pinterest page which is one of the leading resources for breast cancer survivors who want to get tattoos over their scars. The Facts Surgical options for a breast cancer patient vary based on the size, location, and spreading of the cancer. The two biggest surgical options are mastectomy and lumpectomy. Lumpectomies are used in the early stages of breast cancer to remove the part of the breast that is infected by cancer. It does not always remove all of the cancerous cells and is often accompanied by radiation therapy or additional surgery. However, it preserves most of the breast. A mastectomy is a more aggressive treatment for breast cancer. In many cases, more than half of the breast is removed, leaving the patient severely scarred. After a mastectomy, many patients decide to get reconstructive surgery. The tattoos that P.INK promotes help patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery and those who have not. You may also like: Undergoing A Mastectomy: A Patient Guide A Survivor’s Options Getting a tattoo is only one choice in a range of post-op options. Many patients choose to get a breast reconstruction, which often involves using saline or silicone implants to restore the breast to a more natural shape and size. This option may or may not be covered by your insurance plan. Talk to your doctor before a mastectomy or lumpectomy to see if you are eligible for reconstruction. Of course, reconstruction can always be paired with the initiatives that P.INK promotes. For more information on tattoos as a healing mechanism for cancer survivors, visit p-ink.org. Recommended Articles everyday living Illegal Industrial Silicone Breast Injections everyday living Breast Reductions And Breast Feeding everyday living Post Surgery: Pros And Cons Of Taking Antibiotics For Dental Work procedures Pig Skin Grafts For Reconstruction everyday living Pregnancy Precautions: Dos And Don'ts For Your Breast Augmentation Most Searched Questions What size is right for me? How much does breast augmentation cost? What should I ask my plastic surgeon? How do I find a plastic surgeon? Tags: everyday living Comments Learn More: A New Internal Bra Procedure Emerges In Israel Nipple Piercings Before And After Breast Augmentation Surgery The Sounds Your Implants Will Make Tattoos Do's And Don'ts Pig Skin Grafts For Reconstruction Exercises And Massage After Breast Augmentation