The Eye of a Restorative Tattoo Artist for Breast Cancer Patients

There are those who choose their profession based on their interest and background training. Eric Eye was inspired to expand his practice and professional skill as a tattooer after learning about restorative tattoos for breast cancer patients. This blog is dedicated to Eric Eye after I spent time with him in his Seattle studio on Capitol Hill. Eric is the eye of a restorative tattoo artist for breast cancer patients.

The streets of Capitol Hill are an eclectic collection of ethnic restaurants, music shops with vintage albums, coffee shops, parking meters lining the streets waiting to be fed, and above ground wires strung from telephone poles draped like spider webs across the streets. There are businesses sharing the same brick and mortar in a single block separated by walls and glass windows with entrances leading to long narrow hallways and locked corridors.

A Breast Cancer Patient’s First Visit to a Tattoo Parlor

This patient advocate has never stepped foot in a tattoo parlor. I was excited. Enter Eric Eye studios on Pike and 12^th Street in Capitol Hill, one of the many smaller neighborhoods of downtown Seattle. The double red doors with glass panes leading to the entry of his studio are welcoming. I spoke to Eric on the phone before visiting his studio expressing an interest in meeting him. Eric’s voice was quiet, kind, and approachable on the phone. After speaking to Eric, I wasn’t intimidated in the least by the medieval appearance of the signage over the door reading, “Dark Age Tattoo” as I entered into his studio.

Walking into Eric’s studio leads you to believe this gentleman is a serious artist. His drawings were accurately, meticulously placed on the high ceiling-ed walls of the studio. His tall frame stood at the desk with a warm, welcoming smile as we entered the tattoo studio. He reached out his hand in greeting and I admired the sleeve and tattoos adorning his arms and hands. This didn’t appear to be a place a breast cancer patient would frequent or be interested in visiting. I would like to tell you otherwise and why breast cancer patients should consider visiting Eric Eye Tattoo Studios.

Some breast cancer patients lose the nipple areola area of their breasts. It depends on the location of the tumor as well as the personal choice of the patient, often time for their own peace of mind. This is very much an identifying part of the breasts for women. When it is missing, many women feel an incomplete sense of having gone through breast reconstruction without the final touches of restoring the nipple and areola. One way this can be accomplished is through the services of a tattoo artist.

Eric does restorative tattoos for breast cancer patients. He was so inspired after he saw first-hand the work Vinnie Meyers was doing. He was fascinated the nipple and areola could be tattooed. His work began restoring what breast cancer took away. Eric’s background in tattooing was in realistic portraiture and he felt confident he could do this type of restorative work. He realized a new calling.

A Level of Knowledge and Care

I was impressed with the level of care and understanding he has of newly reconstructed breast tissue, scars and wound healing. Eric has worked with Seattle area plastic surgeons to learn about the medical aspects of breast reconstruction. I couldn’t help noticing how clean and hygienic his entire studio is. I think this is something many breast cancer patients might notice, too. Understanding the level of emotion his clients bring to the appointment comes from within his own personal concern for each patient he sees.

This day, meeting Eric Eye was an important connection for me. Providing resources for breast reconstruction patients is my passion. I want to provide the best. When I meet someone first hand who is providing these services, I am honored and humbled to share the resource.

I sat with Eric to do a couple of fun photos before we left. We agreed we would stay in contact and continue plans together to assist breast reconstruction patients. I entered as a stranger and left as a friend.

Disclaimer

References made to my surgical group, surgeon and healthcare team are made because they are aligned with my values and met my criterion after I did research of their practices and success rates. Any other healthcare provider that displays the same skill, compassion education and outreach to patients will be given consideration and recognition on this website.  The information contained on this website is not a substitute for or should be construed as medical advice. Please consult a licensed physician for medical advice.