Hello jaynealis,
Thank you for posting. Many women ask about the removal of the tattoo markers after radiotherapy. As @sweetpea1 suggests, if you do not wish to have permanent markers, you should be given the option to have an alternative such as semi permanent markers.
In some hospitals there is a newer technique called surface guided radiation therapy (SGRT). This involves using 3D imaging to help position you. This doesn’t use tattoos or semi-permanent ink to mark the area. However, it’s not available in all hospitals. Your treatment team will let you know if this is an option for you.
Tattoo removal is not routinely available on the NHS and the results can vary. However if removal has been suggested to you as an option, your radiotherapy department should be able to help you with this. Otherwise, do speak with your breast care nurse.
The The Inkredible Foundation although not in the North East, is based in Leeds and may be of interest. Also the Mastectomy Tattooing Alliance has a list of tattoo artists who may be able to help you with tattoo removal. We have a speakers live event coming up. Athough it is around tattooing after surgery, there may something of interest for you there too.
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