Medical Tattooing as a Complementary Cosmetic Intervention to Reduce Body-Image Distress and Mental Health Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose A review of the literature revealed a high incidence of body-image distress among breast cancer survivors who had surgery. This study examined medical tattooing as a complementary intervention to mitigate body-image distress and poor mental health outcomes among breast cancer survivors following surgery. Methods We examined 330 responses collected through a nationwide online survey, pursuing two main objectives. First, we investigated body-image distress, depression and anxiety symptoms, and perceived stress in survivors who underwent breast cancer surgery, comparing those with medical tattooing (n = 89) and those without (n = 226). Second, we assessed the influence of the participant's surgery type on body-image distress, depression and anxiety symptoms, and perceived stress. Additionally, we evaluated whether individual factors, such as appearance investment, satisfaction with decision, and cosmetic expectation discrepancy, predicted the participant’s body-image distress. Results Findings suggest that participants with medical tattoos reported significantly lower body-image distress, depression and anxiety symptoms, and perceived stress compared to those without medical tattoos. The participant’s surgery type did not significantly predict body-image distress, depression or anxiety symptoms, or perceived stress. However, participants who reported greater appearance investment endorsed higher body-image distress. Participants who reported higher satisfaction with their treatment decisions and lower cosmetic expectation discrepancy endorsed lower body-image distress. Conclusion Medical tattooing can be a valuable tool in improving body-image distress and mental health. Empirical studies supporting the mental health benefits of medical tattooing among survivors is crucial to standardize insurance coverage and promote its inclusion as a complementary intervention across insurance providers nationwide. This complementary intervention should be considered using a patient-centered approach that aligns with the patient’s values and preferences.