Medical tattooist shortlisted for top UK award

Mrs Fowler has reached the finals for her areola tattoos which she does for breast cancer patients after they have had a mastectomy.

‘I first started going to the conference with my sister who does a lot more of the cosmetic side of things and would always find myself drawn to the medical demonstrations, especially areola work,’ she said.

‘I do a lot of scar reduction and areola work. My work is not just about aesthetics, it’s about restoring identity, dignity and confidence.’

This treatment is something she does free of charge, and if anyone wishes to pay it would be donated to the Tata Foundation, which is where Mrs Fowler was trained.

‘I do it for the confidence it gives back to people who have had breast cancer, I know people who have gone through it,’ she said.

‘I didn’t want to make a profit on someone’s misfortune.

‘I remember my first client, she hadn’t looked at herself in a mirror for 36 years, and seeing the confidence it brought her, we both had a little cry together.’

The conference awards will take place at the Hilton in Heathrow on Saturday 5 April.

‘It’s one of the main awards in the UK,’ said Mrs Fowler.

‘Out of everyone who applies only 10 people make the finals.’