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Healing Through Art: Megan's Journey with Mastectomy Tattoos that Look Natural

uniqueshadeink

Updated: Jan 31

The transformational power of 3D nipple and areola tattoo work for former cancer patients who want a realistic look post-mastectomy.


Hey there. I'm Ashley, the founder of Monterey MedInk. I was recently featured, along with my client Megan, on local station KSBW Action News 8. Megan and I talked about how my 3D areola tattoo (a type of post-mastectomy tattoo) helped with her breast cancer and mastectomy healing journey. I also got a chance to share why I do this for so many women across California—from Monterey to San Jose to LA.


Megan and Ashley chatting about areola tattoos at Monterey Med Ink
Click the image to watch the video via KSBW.

Below is my story of meeting Megan and her time with me at my studio.


I first met Megan a year ago—years after her mastectomy and breast cancer diagnosis. She walked into my studio with a mixture of courage and vulnerability, looking for a way to reclaim her body and her sense of self. When we started talking, I knew this would be more than just a tattoo—it was about healing and transformation.


Megan shared her story with me—how she had battled breast cancer with unwavering strength and how the mastectomy, though life-saving, had left her feeling disconnected from her own body. She wanted something beautiful to replace the scars, symbolizing her journey and resilience.


We began the process by discussing the possibility of a 3D nipple and areola restoration tattoo. Megan wanted something that would look natural and help her feel whole again. The goal was to create a long-lasting, realistic appearance, having been to another artist who attempted the tattoo three times prior without the results she was looking for.


The first session was filled with optimism, and as I carefully applied the ink, we discussed her experiences, fears, and hopes. I focused and spent the next few hours painstakingly making this one of my “best” tattoos ever. I wanted to make sure that after Megan’s experiences, she was really happy with the results.


After several weeks of healing, we looked at the results in my studio. I can remember Megan’s face—it lit up, and she was beaming with the biggest smile. She could see for the first time how my work would enable her to reclaim her body back from the years she battled cancer.


In the recent news story, Megan said: “From forgetting what I looked like, being super uncomfortable in my own skin, and then getting reconstruction and really feeling empowered that there was hope that I can look the way I did, that breast cancer wasn't going to take that away from me.”


Megan’s journey like many others I've been able to help is why I started Monterey Med Ink. It’s about more than just ink on the skin—it’s about helping people heal, find beauty in their scars, and reclaim their sense of self. Every client we work with has a unique story, and being part of their journey is an honor I cherish deeply. I do this in memory of my mother and hope to help more clients in Monterey and beyond with their healing journey.


If you or someone you know wants to transform their scars into something beautiful, we’re here to help. At Monterey Med Ink, we believe in the healing power of art and the strength of the human spirit.


Thank you for reading Megan’s story. It’s a testament to the resilience and beauty that lies within us all. Special thanks to KSBW Actions News 8, particularly the amazing reporter Brooke Kinebrew, for sharing this story during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.



You can watch the entire KSBW news story here. Learn more about 3D Nipple and Areola Tattoos.  Take the first step towards your own journey of healing and transformation.

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