About the Film
Full Circle reveals how mastectomy tattoos empower breast cancer survivors to see past their scars to finally find the confidence to start dating after cancer, fix bad reconstructive work, and simply feel like themselves again.
These tattoos change lives, and these three women shared their stories to show others that breast cancer doesn’t have to leave the last mark.
“Every time I looked in the mirror, the scars were all I could see.”
Why make this film?
Mastectomies leave women scarred in more ways than one.
Typical surgery involves removing nipples & areolae—and with
them, a profound sense of self.
“Women often describe themselves as feeling like a Barbie doll. They’re left with this blank slate on their chest.”
Doctors can only help so much, typically with more invasive surgeries or basic cosmetic tattoos that look like a pepperoni.
“To say women should be left like this, that they should be ok with this… that’s a bunch of crap.”
Fortunately, there’s a solution: traditional tattoo artists, whose artistry and expertise offer a unique way for women to take control of their own healing.
Some of these women restore themselves with realistic nipple & areola tattoos. Others redefine themselves by covering their scars with beautiful works of art. Whatever the design, these tattoos transform the women who get them—yet far too few are aware of this option.
“The scars were gone. I didn’t see them anymore; I saw how I could be beautiful again.”
Objectives of the Film
-
Raise awareness
Full Circle leverages the power of film to raise awareness about the transformative potential of mastectomy tattoos.
By showcasing the personal stories of breast cancer survivors and the skilled work of traditional tattoo artists, the documentary educates viewers on this empowering option. -
Inspire women
The art featured in Full Circle is more than just visually stunning—it's a source of inspiration and healing.
Each tattoo tells a story of resilience and transformation. By highlighting these powerful artworks, the film invites women to explore creative ways to reclaim their confidence and redefine their sense of self after breast cancer. -
Empower patients and providers
By partnering with healthcare providers as well as the organizations, businesses, institutions, and groups of all sizes who support women with breast cancer, we can offer new resources for patients to make informed decisions & equip medical professionals with the tools and resources needed to provide the highest quality of care.
Learn more about how we can partner.
Featuring
Shane Wallin
Shane is a twenty-year veteran of tattooing, incorporating a broad spectrum of influences and styles into his art. While he’s known for his bold, bright tattoos and portraiture, Shane’s custom tattoos are as diverse as his clientele. He founded and owns Garnet Tattoo in San Diego.
Jamie Jensen
At 33, Jamie had a mammogram after feeling pain in one of her breasts. It revealed nothing. Two years later she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer on her kids’ last day of school.
After having a double mastectomy & reconstructive surgery she experienced what many women have called “the driveby,” where any walk past a mirror brought her eyes straight to her scars, reminding her that she was now different.
Not wanting to opt for further risky, more invasive reconstructive surgeries she instead turned to tattoo artist Shane Wallin, whose realistic areola tattoos might bring her a sense of closure and allow her to feel like herself again.
Holly Feneht
Holly is the founder and owner of The Gilded Lily, the first clinic dedicated to paramedical body art in Santa Clarita. Her work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, BuzzFeed and more. She has the privilege of working with numerous local hospitals including UCLA, Cedars Sinai, Providence, and Henry Mayo Newhall memorial hospitals. Holly comes highly recommended by her clients because of her soft touch, her compassion, patience, and encouragement that shines through her work.
Brenda Rubio
While taking a shower one morning Brenda felt the tiniest lump in her breast. It was the size of a bb—far from the large ball she imagined—so at 34, she didn’t suspect cancer at all.
After learning she had invasive lobular and ductal carcinoma, Brenda underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Her treatment and recovery took a heavy toll not only on her physically, but also on her marriage, which ended when her husband left her and their children.
Dissatisfied with the results of her reconstruction, Brenda didn’t feel comfortable in her own skin and was hesitant to get back into the world & start dating again. She was shocked when she first saw a large, floral mastectomy tattoo & knew immediately that artwork like that could help her feel beautiful again.
Kristy Quinones
Kristy is a San Francisco-based tattoo artist most known for her vibrant floral work. She began working with breast cancer survivors through the non-profit P.Ink, and continues to be a part of their annual P.Ink Day, when tattoo artists close their doors for a day to donate tattoos to women who’ve had mastectomies and seek closure through coverage of their scars with beautiful artwork.
Dianna Walgamotte
After considering it for a long time, Dianna had breast reduction surgery. Not long after, a followup exam revealed that she had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)—something that wouldn’t have appeared had she had her reduction surgery earlier.
Fortunately it was caught early on and to treat it she underwent a surgery that involved removing the tissue behind her nipple. However, the same doctor that performed her nipple reconstruction also tattooed over it—in a single color—causing it to flatten out despite his assurances.
Ever since, she would hide herself around others, her hands rising to cover herself out of reflex in places like the gym. She knew she wasn’t her old self, but when she saw a floral mastectomy tattoo that covered a woman like a bra, she also saw a striking way that she could finally have a result she could love—and have a say in.
