Radiographer extends scope of practice to include nipple tattooing

As an experienced general and cardiac radiographer who specialised in breast imaging in 2021, Aodhain McFall is a member of the Belfast Breast Imaging Service Patient Informed Choice (PIC) team and is active in breast awareness endeavours across the Belfast community.

Aodhain is also make-up artist with over 20 years’ experience. A Paddy McGurgan academy alumni she extended her skill set to include semi-permanent make up (SPMU) in 2023.

With the support of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, imaging and breast surgical teams, Aodhain has been able to utilise her skills as a medical tattooist.

Alongside the surgical team Aodhain offers colour transfer and multitrepannic collagen actuation to clients who have had surgery to their areolar region. This process not only provides a fantastic cosmetic outcome but also encourages collagen and elastin production to improve the texture and appearance of scars.

This service has a profound impact, not only can these procedures restore the appearance of the nipple and areola but can promote a sense of wholeness, body confidence and emotional wellbeing.

“As a trust, we are extremely proud of Aodhain McFall and as a radiographer even more so. The opportunity to extend Aodhain’s scope of practice has enabled the transfer of skills between both professions for the benefit of the clients attending the breast service,” said a spokesperson for Belfast Breast Imaging Service.

Aodhain McFall says:

When I began my career as a diagnostic radiographer, I would never have expected to be in the position I am today. With a background in the makeup industry since the age of 16, I understood the importance of improving someone’s self-esteem and confidence. Although just a hobby, I realised the powerful effects that makeup has on a person’s self-worth.  Despite my love for this, my biggest passion was the ability to help others, be it through my work as a diagnostic radiographer or as a makeup artist. As a radiographer, I strived to be more involved in the patient journey and in 2022, I specialised in mammography. In my role within the Promoting Informed Choice team, I engage with local communities and deliver information sessions on breast cancer awareness. It was through this work that I recognised the needs of the service user.  Whilst simultaneously progressing into semi-permanent makeup and working as a mammographer, I pursued an opportunity to utilise both skill-sets. With the support of the trust, I trained in areolar pigmentation and MCA scar treatment. This service is a specialist skill, which requires artistic flare and medical expertise.

Working in a multidisciplinary (MDT) team enables collaborative working between mammographers, breast surgeons, breast care nurses and radiologists offering the possibility to share professional expertise and experiences. As a mammographer I work frequently in the symptomatic setting, meeting patients who are at the beginning of their breast cancer journey and those undergoing self-directed aftercare. Liaising with the MDT can determine the most appropriate diagnostic procedure to suit the patient and provides an opportunity to act as a patients advocate. It is through this inter-professional relationship that we compliment each other’s expertise and value opinions of all professionals. Such relationships have opened the door to many opportunities for career progression and improved skills mix allowing mammographers to be more involved with patients.

Fulfilling my passion in medical tattooing and doing so alongside my career in mammography has provided an opportunity to meet patients who are now on their way to improving their mental health and wellbeing. To be recognised as an integral part of this amazing service offered by the Belfast trust brings a great sense of achievement and job satisfaction.

Areolar tattooing can be life changing for patients, and can be the final stage in their journey through treatment. The effects are not only aesthetic but the mental and emotional impact can be overwhelming. It is fulfilling to know that what I am doing can leave a positive impact on a difficult journey.

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