When someone looks at scarring on their body, they can be transported back to how it got there and the pain they went through.
In serious cases, it can have a massive impact on their life and affect their confidence and self-esteem.
But a specialist medical tattooist in Littleport is helping those with scars look at their bodies from a different, more empowering, perspective.
Cindy Muhidin, who owns the All Sacred Tattoo Parlour, works with clients who have experienced a life event or episode that has changed their appearance.
They may have battled cancer, have previously self-harmed or feel self-conscious of their surgical scarring or stretch marks.
While many tattooists can offer a similar service to hers, Cindy can relate to her clients as she has gone through her own health battles and dedicates whatever time is needed for their artwork.
Her vast work portfolio ranges from realistic-looking nipples and areola on breast cancer survivors to colourful artwork to cover large areas of scarring.
Whatever her client has been through, they all leave the studio feeling proud of themselves and their bodies.
Cindy said: “I’ve had clients come back to me and say their tattoo has transformed their lives. It represents the remarkable journey they have been on.
“You can see they’re more confident, they’re empowered and incredibly proud of themselves.
“For me, it’s very rewarding and humbling, especially considering the physical and emotional pain they have been through.”
She added: “Life had been particularly unkind to one of my clients; she had been through so much and had also battled breast cancer.
“After she had a sunflower tattooed across her body and covering her breast, she said afterwards: ‘Cindy, I never used to look at myself in a mirror. Now I can't stop looking at myself in the mirror! I feel beautiful again.’
“Another was so embarrassed with her self-harm scars she wore long sleeved shirts throughout the year, even during the summer.
“Since I covered an arm with a [tattoo] sleeve, she has had the confidence to wear strappy tops and simply be her beautiful self.”
Cindy realised she could use her expertise to help others after she almost died when a cosmetic procedure became infected.
Her own scar from the surgery is covered with a floral illustration and it gave her the confidence to wear a bikini again on holiday.
She said: “After that awful experience I realised I could help others who suffer with their body image and low self-esteem through my work.
“Rather than change our bodies, I now feel it’s important to celebrate them, how they change throughout our lives and what they're capable of doing.”
The requests that come to Cindy are varied. Some are subtle and realistic; others are bold and beautiful.
When it comes to areola tattooing, Cindy says she can work with all skin tones. Something other tattooists claim isn’t possible.
There are six other tattooists based at her almost all-female studio in Littleport, each with their own unique style and specialisms.
As well as decorative tattoos, they also offer services that can help those with the skin condition vitiligo or hair loss such as alopecia.
Cindy posts much of her work on social media, and her clients travel from across the country because of her unique style and expertise.
She is also building a strong following among the trans community, who admire her colourful and dramatic designs.
It is possible for Cindy to be with clients for hours, even days, for larger or more intricate projects. In this time, she really gets to know them.
“While we're at work, many talk to me about what they’ve been through. I think it helps with their healing.
“And as some people’s skin will be more sensitive than others, we take as many breaks as we need to. It can be a different experience for each person.
“The end result, and seeing the change in all my clients afterwards, is so rewarding. They’re all remarkable, and strong, people.”
- Between now and May, Cindy is offering a 50pc discount to mastectomy patients who wish to have either an areola tattoo or decorative tattoo. Contact All Sacred Tattoo Parlour, in Littleport, for more information.
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