Tattoo artist visits Milwaukee to help breast cancer survivors with unique technique

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- A local hair salon is partnering with a tattoo artist this week to help bring some closure to survivors of breast cancer.

D'Matrixx Salon on Forest Home Avenue in Milwaukee brought in a cosmetic-medical tattoo artist who provides areola tattoos to breast cancer survivors.

The tattoos help cover scars from painful surgeries and give a more natural look. "It's really a benefit for them because it's something that they can feel better about themselves. It's a very hard time for them in the process of healing cancer," said Irene Fregosa, salon owner.

LuLu Padilla is the artist behind the work. She specializes in cosmetic-medical tattoos and donates her time to help cancer survivors, using a unique technique to create areola tattoos. Padilla says it's a way to bring closure to those who have endured the painful journey of fighting the disease.

"They are finally able to look at the mirror to look at themselves and it's very touching," said Padilla. Olga Alvarado received her tattoos this week after a four-year breast cancer journey.

"I am very grateful for this gift," she said. Olga says it's been a long road to recovery and after she made the tough decision to get reconstructive surgery, she was left with scars on her chest. Getting her areola tattoos this week is the final step in her recovery.

"It kind of seals the whole thing and it's amazing how you feel when you look at yourself again and say hey this is me again," said Alvarado.

Fregosa says she plans to partner with Padilla again to bring her back to Milwaukee soon to help more survivors.

She encourages anyone interested to reach out to the salon for more information.