In 2017, Linda learned that she had a CDH1 gene mutation. This diagnosis significantly increased her risk of stomach and breast cancer.
A year and a half later, she had healed from a bilateral mastectomy and surgery to remove her stomach. But looking at her body in the mirror, she says, was still an odd experience. Without areolas or nipples, her breasts looked completely different.
That was when she encountered Shannon Housley on Facebook.
Shannon was opening a medical tattooing practice, Housley Institute, in Cincinnati, and she was looking for women who would be interested in her specialty: 3D areola tattooing.
During the consultation process, Shannon made Linda feel comfortable and at ease. She explained the procedure thoroughly and worked with Linda to choose the shape, size, and overall look of the nipple and areola tattoo.
After a two-hour session and follow-up appointment to add finishing touches to the tattoo, Linda was thrilled with the results. Now she could pass by the mirror without thinking twice.