These are all OHIP-covered Procedures
performed in the hospital by a Doctor
Trompe l'oeil
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Translating literally from French as to deceive or trick the eye, trompe l'oeil describes works whose subjects are presented so realistically that they make viewers wonder whether they are actually real. The concept dates back to the ancient Greeks who developed illusionistic wall painting (depicting marble columns or open windows) to make interiors appear larger.
The art of restorative areola tattooing is to trick the eye into seeing a 3D image of the nipple-areola complex using shading and folds left in the skin after reconstructive surgery. Matching natural skin tones and shape also creates realism. This is a psychologically and physically restorative part of the breast cancer journey. |
Click on the photo link
Nipple Reconstruction
This is an "origami" procedure where the skin is lifted with its subcutaneous fat in the shape of a bird - the wings are wrapped around each other and it is hinged on its tail. The top is folded over to complete the cylinder and the two wing areas are then closed horizontally.
Good, healthy tissue is best for this procedure and it is less optimal in areas of significant radiation.
It can be done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic. Generally 3-6 months is required to wait until tattooing.
It is particularly effective in unilateral reconstruction for matching.
Good, healthy tissue is best for this procedure and it is less optimal in areas of significant radiation.
It can be done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic. Generally 3-6 months is required to wait until tattooing.
It is particularly effective in unilateral reconstruction for matching.
Nipple Areola Tattoooing
- Dr Ginty is a qualified Restorative Areola Tattooist working out of Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital outpatient department to ensure continuity of care of the breast cancer patients in Halton.
- Dr Ginty assists in breast reconstruction surgery understanding and participating in the different and complex results and reconstructive processes.
- Dr Ginty is qualified in psychotherapy and has 30 years experience as a Family Physician providing Survivorship counselling (with referral)
- She is herself a bilateral cancer survivor with reconstruction and carries a high risk BRCA mutation and has been a strong advocate for awareness of breast reconstruction options for the last 10 years counselling patient, organizing and emceeing Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day for previous 5 years in our region.
- She is a Regional Primary Care Lead for Ontario Health - Cancer Care Ontario with a Masters of Leadership OMA/Schulich so setting up this program of tattooing was in her system navigation.
- Any patient needing areola tattooing is welcome to attend with a physician consult.
- State of the art equipment, a setting that has easy access and Excellence of Care rating and high quality areola inks.
- Your visit and tattooing has NO COST to the patient as it is covered by OHIP. We believe in universal access and equity of care.
Click on picture to play City TV News video
By Faiza Amin and Meredith Bond for City TV news
Posted October 13, 2023 4:30 pm.
Areola tattooing can be an important part of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, and for the first time in Ontario, one hospital in Halton Region will be providing the service performed by a physician.
Dr. Alexandra Ginty, the Regional Primary Care Lead for Mississauga Halton Central West Regional Cancer Program, is a breast cancer survivor and an artist. She has undergone extensive training to gain a certification in this specialty and become the first physician in the region to be certified.
“I just knew if there was someone who could do this, it would be me. But it was really hard getting someone to teach me, to believe in me being a tattooist and take me on a journey that was 200 hours of training,” Dr. Ginty explained to CityNews. “It’s a really interesting journey because art therapy became the way that I psychologically healed from my cancer. And I got back into art again.”
Dr. Ginty explains that the procedure replicates a natural areola using pigment to simulate the physical dimension and depth of an areola, usually removed as a part of a mastectomy. “We can do a really good job of that with the tattooing, and sometimes I do completely 3D tattooing where it’s a complete illusion that there’s a nipple,” said Dr. Ginty. “It can look fantastic.” She said it’s an integral part of recovery for many mastectomy patients. “We just saw the need because there was beautiful reconstruction, but it was missing that last piece, missing the centerpiece,” said Dr. Ginty, explaining it’s often a psychological thing for patients. “They would just look at the scars and looking at the scars reminded them of where they’ve been.”
Having Dr. Ginty perform the procedure also makes it more financially accessible for patients as OHIP covers it. Otherwise, it can cost up to $1,000. “It’s the fact that this is part of your cancer journey. I want this to be the gold standard. Not an add-on. It is not an add-on. This is the gold standard that moves you through the cancer journey,” said Dr. Ginty. She has so far performed the procedure on 72 people.
“This is a huge confidence builder. Quality of life increases significantly with women I tattoo.” “When I look in the mirror, I’m back to who I was before. I don’t look at myself in the mirror anymore and say, Oh, here’s a cancer patient now and like, I am back to me,” said Heidi Corley, a breast cancer patient who recently underwent areola tattooing.
“Having the procedure done where she was treated also helped make the decision for her. “I know I’m in a safe environment. It’s a sterile environment. I know my health will always be the number one,” added Corley. She said it was wonderful to have Dr. Ginty, a breast cancer survivor. “While we were doing it, she made it such a wonderful process; we could also chat about our experiences and compare stories, and she gave me a little bit of guidance as to what to expect.” Sarah Garraway, Program Director of Cancer and Ambulatory Care at Halton Healthcare, said she didn’t need any convincing when Dr. Ginty gave her the idea. “We’re already seeing patients through the diagnostic phase, the treatment phase, and this is that last piece, that survivorship piece, where we help to restore control back to feeling good about themselves physically and psychologically.”
She added they would love to expand, but currently, Dr. Ginty is the only one able to perform the procedure. “She is a very busy family doctor as well as regional lead for primary care and for the Regional Cancer Program. So, as one person, I don’t know how much more capacity would be if it was up to her. She’d probably be doing it seven days a week. But it is a program that we would love to expand as the need is there.” October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities.
Posted October 13, 2023 4:30 pm.
Areola tattooing can be an important part of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, and for the first time in Ontario, one hospital in Halton Region will be providing the service performed by a physician.
Dr. Alexandra Ginty, the Regional Primary Care Lead for Mississauga Halton Central West Regional Cancer Program, is a breast cancer survivor and an artist. She has undergone extensive training to gain a certification in this specialty and become the first physician in the region to be certified.
“I just knew if there was someone who could do this, it would be me. But it was really hard getting someone to teach me, to believe in me being a tattooist and take me on a journey that was 200 hours of training,” Dr. Ginty explained to CityNews. “It’s a really interesting journey because art therapy became the way that I psychologically healed from my cancer. And I got back into art again.”
Dr. Ginty explains that the procedure replicates a natural areola using pigment to simulate the physical dimension and depth of an areola, usually removed as a part of a mastectomy. “We can do a really good job of that with the tattooing, and sometimes I do completely 3D tattooing where it’s a complete illusion that there’s a nipple,” said Dr. Ginty. “It can look fantastic.” She said it’s an integral part of recovery for many mastectomy patients. “We just saw the need because there was beautiful reconstruction, but it was missing that last piece, missing the centerpiece,” said Dr. Ginty, explaining it’s often a psychological thing for patients. “They would just look at the scars and looking at the scars reminded them of where they’ve been.”
Having Dr. Ginty perform the procedure also makes it more financially accessible for patients as OHIP covers it. Otherwise, it can cost up to $1,000. “It’s the fact that this is part of your cancer journey. I want this to be the gold standard. Not an add-on. It is not an add-on. This is the gold standard that moves you through the cancer journey,” said Dr. Ginty. She has so far performed the procedure on 72 people.
“This is a huge confidence builder. Quality of life increases significantly with women I tattoo.” “When I look in the mirror, I’m back to who I was before. I don’t look at myself in the mirror anymore and say, Oh, here’s a cancer patient now and like, I am back to me,” said Heidi Corley, a breast cancer patient who recently underwent areola tattooing.
“Having the procedure done where she was treated also helped make the decision for her. “I know I’m in a safe environment. It’s a sterile environment. I know my health will always be the number one,” added Corley. She said it was wonderful to have Dr. Ginty, a breast cancer survivor. “While we were doing it, she made it such a wonderful process; we could also chat about our experiences and compare stories, and she gave me a little bit of guidance as to what to expect.” Sarah Garraway, Program Director of Cancer and Ambulatory Care at Halton Healthcare, said she didn’t need any convincing when Dr. Ginty gave her the idea. “We’re already seeing patients through the diagnostic phase, the treatment phase, and this is that last piece, that survivorship piece, where we help to restore control back to feeling good about themselves physically and psychologically.”
She added they would love to expand, but currently, Dr. Ginty is the only one able to perform the procedure. “She is a very busy family doctor as well as regional lead for primary care and for the Regional Cancer Program. So, as one person, I don’t know how much more capacity would be if it was up to her. She’d probably be doing it seven days a week. But it is a program that we would love to expand as the need is there.” October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities.
This is an OHIP-covered procedure
Question? You can reach me by email [email protected] or phone 905-609-PINK
- Print off the referral sheet below and give it to your Doctor
- Have your Health Care Doctor fax the referral to Dr Ginty at 1-866-483-1786
- Dr Ginty will contact you. This is usually by email. It is much faster by email.
- You will be invited to self-book your appointment by choosing the treatment that you want and the time slot.
- Not sure if you are ready? No problem, book a consult only to orientate yourself and feel comfortable with the plan
Question? You can reach me by email [email protected] or phone 905-609-PINK
What is the contact process for booking?
Providers and patients can use this form or equivalent referral letter to fax to Dr Ginty
When the referral is received, the patient will be emailed a welcome email with a link to self-book their appointment along with an intake form
You can book a tattoo - unilateral or bilateral initial tattoo
You will book a follow up tattoo visit at 8 weeks for a touch-up and further follow up is individual
You will get reminders of your appointment and directions to Oakville Hospital Outpatient department
When the referral is received, the patient will be emailed a welcome email with a link to self-book their appointment along with an intake form
You can book a tattoo - unilateral or bilateral initial tattoo
You will book a follow up tattoo visit at 8 weeks for a touch-up and further follow up is individual
You will get reminders of your appointment and directions to Oakville Hospital Outpatient department
Is it free?
Yes, areola tattooing is covered under OHIP. You are required to have a referral from your Family Doctor or Oncology team and have a valid OHIP card. You do not have to have a history of breast cancer.
Examples include:
Bilateral or unilateral mastectomies
breast reduction surgery with nipple necrosis
nipple-sparing mastectomy with nipple necrosis
Top surgery in gender affirming surgery
Preventative non nipple-sparing mastectomies
Does nipple-areola tattooing hurt?
The needle is as fine as a hair moving at 50 times a second to move ink into the dermis of the skin
Patients who have had DIEP flap reconstruction do not have any feeling on the skin of the flap. These patients are quite comfortable having tattooing.
Those with latissimus dorsi flaps will have nerves intact and it will be individual as to the discomfort level.
Due to past trauma of surgical history, it is the goal of Dr Ginty to make people as comfortable as possible.
She has collaborated with the hospital pharmacy to produce an individual compounded anesthetic gel that is used for children who need stitches in the emergency room without needles. It is so successful at good pain relief that patients feel no more than a vibration.
Dr Ginty plays relaxing music and ensures comfort with a warm blanket in the welcoming room that displays a beautiful, sunny walk through the woods on the customized mural.
Your trust is important in making this final step comfortable and positive.
8 weeks later
Where do I go for tattooing?
It is held in the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in the med/surg outpatient department on the main floor.
Watch this video to show you how to get to the hospital and
Outpatient Clinic for Tattooing appointments
Outpatient Clinic for Tattooing appointments