Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan KWK (1) (2), Chan CSA (1) (2),LAU WY (1) (2), Tsoi YKV(1) (2), Cheung YSS (1)(2), Tam YWY (1) (3）
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Surgery, (2) North District Hospital (3) Prince Of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
There are around 600 newly diagnosed breast cancer cases in NTEC in which around 30 of them would have been undergone reconstruction and around 250 cases would have mastectomy each year. All of them with no nipple reconstruction has been done. Survivors always voiced out the needs to restore their self-esteem by having a nipple back. However, OT session is limited and valuable. Visual Micropigmentation Mastery (VMM) i.e. 3D Nipple areolar tattooing service plays a significant role to satisfy the huge demand of the breast cancer survivors.
Objectives :
To satisfy the huge service demand in NTEC in a cost-effective way: restoring the self-esteem and confidence of the huge number of breast cancer survivors without occupying the valuable and limited OT sessions of NTEC.
Methodology :
To self-study an overseas online one-to-one 3D nipple areolar tattooing course with instant reply from a licensed and experienced VMM specialist over a year in COVID
1) To study the principles of VMM
2) To study the colouring theory of VMM
3) To study the selection of appropriate color
4) To practice hands-on skills practice on a 3D breast model with professional tattooing equipment
Result & Outcome :
A certificate as a VNM micro pigmentation specialist is gained after the course.
A nurse-led 3D nipple-tattooing service is proposed in the current breast care nurse clinic to create a 'real" "natural" nipple to the huge number of breast cancer survivors with multiple benefits.
1) To improve breast cancer survivors' quality of life by restoring their self esteem and image
2) To spare the valuable and limited OT sessions as well as surgeons and anesthetist to meet current KPI
3) To reduce the physical trauma to breast cancer survivors
4) To reduce the cost (sparing surgeons and anesthetist) in achieving the best outcome
