A cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy had flowers tattooed on her reconstructed breasts to help her “reclaim” her body.
Allyson Lynch, 30, opted for the “beautiful” body art over fake nipples after the life-changing operation because she didn’t feel they served any purpose.
And the hairstylist and model, from Philadelphia, said when she sees the skin drawings she feels sexy – like she is wearing “permanent lingerie”.
“Every time I look in the mirror I feel pretty,” she told website mediadrumworld.com. “It helps get over the loss of my breasts, it was my way of taking back what cancer took away.”
Ms Lynch went for a consultation with doctors after she noticed an unusual lump on her breast and was told she had cancer.
“I had some very dark moments and it was more challenging than I could have ever imagined. I wanted to give up at points. I just cried, I cried every single day,” she told mediadrumworld.com.
“Until, there was a day that I realised I hadn't cried and I stopped asking 'Why me?' I found a strength I never thought I could possess. I learnt it was me because I could handle this, it was me because I am a strong wonder woman and you know what, I made it through hell once and I would do it again.”
She eventually underwent a double mastectomy and was given the all-clear from cancer. But she did not want to get fake nipples on her breasts after they were reconstructed.
“What seemed like the right choice for me was getting a beautiful tattoo. That made me feel like me, it's like permanent lingerie,” she said.
“Every time I look in the mirror I feel pretty. It helps get over the loss of my breasts, it was my way of taking back what cancer took away. I was reclaiming my body.”
She added: "I had tattoos before cancer was even a thought in my mind. I had always loved the beauty behind tattoos. So, when I knew I was having a mastectomy I didn't really see the point of getting fake nipples that serve no purpose.”
Ms Lynch hopes her actions will inspire other women who are fighting breast cancer. She said: “Sometimes it takes a tragedy to push you into the person you were always meant to be.”
