BEIRUT (Enmaeya Features) - October 31, 2025

For women who have battled breast cancer and undergone a mastectomy, surgical scars can be a daily reminder of loss. In a quiet Beirut studio, tattoo artist Joa Antoun is offering a step toward healing: free, hyper-realistic 3D nipple and areola tattoos, along with artistic scar coverage.

“This isn’t just a tattoo, it’s an act of restoration,” Antoun told Enmaeya.

From Personal Fear to Public Mission

Antoun’s work began with a personal scare. Her mother was being tested for breast cancer, a moment that prompted Antoun to learn about the disease and its impact. Though her mother’s results were negative, the experience ignited a lasting determination.

“I started learning about breast cancer because I hadn’t known much about it before,” Antoun said. “I felt I should help my mother, and over time, this led me to help others. When I do this work, I feel like I’m giving something meaningful.”

This personal experience evolved into a professional mission, shifting her artistry from conventional tattooing to restorative work that carries deep emotional significance. Offering the service for free is especially important in Lebanon, where economic hardship and the high cost of imported tattoo supplies can limit access.

“The economic situation here isn’t easy, and tattoo supplies are mostly imported, which makes them expensive,” she said. “But I feel fortunate because I can still help. When I do this work, I feel I’m doing something valuable.”

The Fine Art of Closure

For many mastectomy survivors, the final step of reconstruction is the nipple and areola, a detail that often restores a sense of wholeness and femininity. Survivors typically wait six months to a year after surgery, chemotherapy, and reconstruction, with their doctor’s approval, before undergoing tattooing.

“This is the last step, after the doctor has done their work,” Antoun said. “The body has scars, and it’s not the same as before. We have to work carefully with the skin so that the ink settles properly.”

While Antoun has taken online courses, she emphasizes that core techniques are accessible with research and practice. She advises survivors not to delay the procedure:

“Most of the time, the process isn’t painful. But the longer you wait, two or three years after healing, the more likely you might feel some sensation. That’s why I recommend getting it done soon after healing; it’s easier and more comfortable.”

For clients choosing artistic designs, the collaboration is highly personal, transforming surgical scars into symbols of survival and triumph.

Changing Cultural Perceptions

Antoun’s work also challenges conservative societal views, particularly in the Middle East, where tattoos have historically carried stigma.

“From the beginning, I wanted to bring tattoos into a more elegant and meaningful space,” she said. “Working with breast cancer survivors changed how people see tattoos. It’s not just decoration, it’s a way to heal and reclaim your body.”

Even her family’s perspective shifted. “My mom used to dislike tattoos and would judge people who had them,” Antoun recalled. “When I started helping breast cancer survivors, she saw the reactions and said, ‘This is really beautiful!’ She completely changed her perspective.”

A client’s reaction captures the work’s impact: “Seeing someone look in the mirror for the first time after the tattoo… that moment alone makes me feel like my work truly matters,” Antoun said.

A Global Spark of Hope

Looking ahead, Antoun hopes to reach more women and inspire other artists to offer similar services.

“A friend of mine in France saw what I was doing and got inspired. She’s now offering areola tattoos for free,” she said. “In Europe, people aren’t used to this kind of volunteer work, so they’re surprised by her generosity.”

Antoun encourages fellow artists to contribute, even at reduced fees, while balancing the realities of professional work.

For survivors considering the procedure, her message is urgent:

“If you’ve finished treatment, what are you waiting for? At least come for a consultation. It can truly change your life,” she said.

She also reassures them about cost: “Don’t let the expense stop you. Even when other artists charge, their priority is often helping, not just the materials.”

Through her work, Joa Antoun is doing more than applying ink; she is restoring confidence, self-love, and a sense of wholeness, one final touch at a time.