David Allen — Chicago
Client Information for Mastectomy Tattoos
Thank you for choosing me for such an important process. This page gathers the details I want you to have before your appointment.
You do not need to memorize everything. This page is here so you can return to it whenever you need.
My goal is to make something beautiful with you.
Every mastectomy, reconstruction, scar pattern, and body is different. We take time together and tailor something elegant and botanical to fit your body, your healing, and your comfort.
Post-mastectomy tattoos are close to my heart. I value being part of this process with you.
The Process
We will have a video consultation before your appointment. Based on that conversation, I’ll prepare several botanical options for us to look at together in person.
When you arrive, we’ll talk through coverage, scars, body shape, floral choices, and what you want the tattoo to feel like. The design is not forced onto you. It is fitted with you.
Design & Fitting
After you choose the imagery direction, we place the stencil on your body so you can see how it lives on you. This part usually takes around an hour.
The goal is to balance beauty, coverage, movement, and comfort. We can shift flowers, adjust leaves, and make changes before tattooing begins.
The Tattoo
Once you approve the placement and composition, we begin tattooing. The day can be long, but we take breaks whenever needed.
Occasionally, if I have medical or surgical concerns, I may ask for an operation report or request permission to communicate with your plastic surgeon. This is rare, but can be useful as a precaution.
Some Extras
How long after surgery do I have to wait?
At least six months after your last surgery. This waiting period matters. The skin and underlying tissue need time to heal before tattooing.
Why black and gray? Why botanical imagery?
Botanical work is organic, flexible, and especially effective for this part of the body. Flowers, leaves, and branches can guide the eye around scars or discoloration. Black and gray also tends to hold up beautifully over time and feels classic.
Will I need a touch-up?
Sometimes, but not always. I can always darken or strengthen a tattoo later, but if it starts too dark, there is not much we can do. Touch-ups are free when needed.
Where can I read more about David?
There are articles, videos, museum exhibitions, and other resources about this work. I’ve shown post-mastectomy tattoo work in museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago.
Design & Tattoo Walk-through
There’s a whole page of content for you to get a better understanding of what our day will be like!
Appointments
Scheduling
I set aside specific days for mastectomy tattoos. I’ll correspond with you to find what works, but because clients travel from all over the world, the available dates are often the best options I have.
I usually book in larger batches and schedule several months in advance. This helps everyone plan travel, lodging, and time away from work or family responsibilities.
Timing
Appointment Length
Appointments usually begin in the morning and can last anywhere from five to nine hours.
If you are traveling to Chicago, I recommend staying the night before and the night after your appointment. Even if the tattoo itself is manageable, your body and mind can feel tired afterward. Rest matters.
Food & Comfort
Snacks, Meals, and Breaks
You are welcome to bring snacks, drinks, and food. There is a mini-refrigerator at the studio, and we can also order food if needed.
We can pause at any point for a snack, a meal, or a reset.
Appointment Day
What should I wear?
Please be comfortable. You’ll be spending hours lying on your back. Some people bring blankets, slippers, something to squeeze, books, or extra clothing.
Can I bring family or friends?
Yes. I encourage it. The studio is cozy, but there is space, Wi-Fi, a small living room area, and a public restroom. This is your process, and you can plan it in the way that feels right.
Can I add birds, wording, or other imagery?
I usually only tattoo botanical imagery in this location. Because of future revisions, changes over time, and possible recurrence, botanical imagery is much easier to adjust or repair. More literal imagery can be harder to fix. I am always open to listening, because every person has a unique story.
Should I email more flower references beforehand?
You are welcome to know what flowers you are drawn to, and you can bring or show me floral imagery during the appointment. There is no need to send a large amount beforehand. Often, the scars, discoloration, or body shape will influence what works best.
Can you help with travel or Chicago information?
Yes. I have a studio information page with address, parking, and travel details.
Any other advice?
Eat a good meal the morning before your appointment. Avoid drinking much alcohol the night before. Plan to pause exercise and swimming for a couple of weeks while the tattoo heals.
Photography
Photos & Videos
You and whoever comes with you are welcome to take photographs and videos of any part of the process. It is your day.
I also ask to take before and after photos. If you allow it, I may take a few candid photos during the process. After the session, you’ll receive a link to the high-resolution photos.
I will not post any photos unless you give permission. Please communicate clearly if you would rather I not take photos.
Skin
Radiated Skin & Pain Management
Each tattoo is rendered with as much detail as the session permits. Radiated skin can sometimes be slower to tattoo because the skin may be more dense and may accept ink differently.
Occasionally, nerve endings have healed more than expected. If the pain becomes difficult, we will still finish the tattoo, but the final version may be rendered with less detail.
Touch-Ups
Touch-Ups
A second touch-up is free. If you can return to Chicago, a second pass usually takes around an hour and can strengthen the tattoo or add extra detail.
Sometimes I can accommodate extensions or additions, but that depends on scheduling and is charged hourly.
More Tattoos
Additional Tattoo Requests
At this time, I’m not able to take on unrelated tattoos. Thank you for understanding.
Studio Information
Address & Travel informaion
Healing begins with keeping things simple.
I’ll walk you through aftercare at your appointment, but the basics are gentle cleansing, clean hands, minimal product, and avoiding friction, soaking, swimming, and heavy sweating while the tattoo heals.
Your personalized instructions always come first.
View aftercare page ↗Healing Supplies
Tegaderm
If you are traveling and want a waterproof barrier, you can bring Tegaderm with you. I can apply it after we finish the tattoo.
Restore Balm
I often recommend Doctor Rogers RESTORE. A very thin layer for the first few days is enough unless we discuss something different.
Swimming
No swimming for about two weeks. Baths, pools, hot tubs, and open water can increase infection risk while the tattoo is healing.
Exercise
Plan to avoid heavy exercise, friction, and heavy sweating while the surface is healing.
Review what you need, when you need it.
These pages are here so you can come back to the process, studio details, and healing information at any time.
Design Process ↗ Studio Location ↗ Aftercare & Healing ↗ Return to Next Steps ↗
If anything is unclear, reply directly to our email thread.