Abstract P2-13-11: Assessing the impact of post-surgery areola repigmentation and 3-dimensional nipple tattoo procedures on body image and quality of life among medically underserved breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Abstract Background: The benefits of 3D nipple tattooing include restoration of a natural looking breast as well as the avoidance of additional surgeries to create a breast that more closely resembles its pre-surgical appearance. 3D nipple tattooing forms part of completion of the physical reconstruction process, offers women opportunity for a greater sense of closure around the loss of their breast, and plays an important role in helping a woman feel "whole again" physically, sexually and emotionally. The project's aim was to evaluate the experience of 3D-nipple/areola tattooing for medically underserved women who have undergone breast reconstruction and remain without a nipple or areola. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 women who had undergone 3D-nipple/areola tattooing. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish, recorded, translated and transcribed into English for analysis. Two research team members coded all interview transcripts and the research team met monthly to discuss emergent themes. Results: Interview narratives addressed the often unexpected impact 3D nipple-tattooing had on body image, self-esteem, emotional well-being, intimacy, and inter-personal relationships. Women described their decision-making processes as weighing concern about the needle, the pain, and the uncertainty of the outcome with the opportunity for returning to a more 'normal' appearance. Women also discussed the impact of the experience on their survivorship and sexuality in positive ways. Conclusions: 3-D nipple and/or areola tattooing is an acceptable and meaningful reconstruction process for medically underserved public hospital patients. The decision to undergo 3-D nipple and /or areola tattooing can be complex and is impacted by a women's surgical history and outcomes. The emotional response and positive impacts of the tattooing on body image and self-esteem illustrate the value of the procedure in the context of women's lives. Citation Format: Burke NJ, Orenstein F, Napoles T, Chaumette S, Luce J. Assessing the impact of post-surgery areola repigmentation and 3-dimensional nipple tattoo procedures on body image and quality of life among medically underserved breast cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-11.