When Medical and Cosmetic Tattoo artist Niki Cirillo founded ProCosmediq, the dream behind it was to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. Staying true to her dream, Cirillo is the first person in Australia to bring an innovative new product and service to people that is changing lives. After completing extensive training in Italy, Cirillo can now create revolutionary silicone external nipple and areola prosthetics, in addition to her other in-demand skills as a Medical and Cosmetic Tattooist.
“People come from all over Australia to where I am based in Wollongong and Sydney just for a consultation. They come from Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and even northern Queensland because I’m the only artist in Australia with this life changing new product,” Ms Cirillo said.
“I custom make prosthetic nipples and areolas with silicone. My clients are breast cancer survivors however, this is also suitable for transgender or people with inverted nipples. It makes a huge difference to their lives to be able to see something on themselves that they never thought possible.
“Empowering people with choice is what I have always wanted to do. Going through something like breast cancer is traumatic and heart-breaking so if I can provide that little boost to their confidence, it’s my way of making this world a better place.
“When you think about it, there are so many prosthetics and complementary aids that we use in life, glass eyes, wigs, prosthetic limbs. Why not prosthetic nipples and areolas especially since the whole process is non-invasive.
“I am overwhelmed with the level of demand for this service and how much it is changing people’s lives.”
According to Cirillo, the process is very easy.
“I simply take a mould impression of the existing nipple and areola (either before or after surgery). Due to the uniqueness of this method, the intricate details of the existing nipple and areola are visible within the mould,” Ms Cirillo said.
“In the case of a bilateral mastectomy, the opportunity to select from a variety of donated nipple and areola moulds (that offer a range of shapes and sizes) is also available.
“The prosthetics provide a unique and personalised solution as well as an alternative for people who choose not to undergo yet another surgery. While the process may sound confronting, it is actually one of the most uplifting things I have done for many people.
“The prosthetics look so real and feel so natural. With my special adhesive, they can stay on the breast for up to a week and can even be worn swimming or at the gym. Once used, they simply need a clean so that they are ready to be used again. They really are the most extraordinary advancement in technology.”
Medical and Cosmetic Tattooing Services
As a micro-business owner, Cirillo is not just the face of the business but also the sole artist behind ProCosmediq. As a cosmetic tattooist, she performs eyeliner, eyebrow and lip tattoos. Under her medical tattooing services, she also conducts dry needling, scar camouflage, however she is especially renowned for her specialised 3D nipple and areola tattoos.
“A 3D nipple and areola tattoo is the 3D illusion of a protruding nipple combined with the shading and contouring technique of the areola to make them look incredibly realistic and natural from all different viewing angles,” she explained.
“Through my life adventures and experiences, I have also undergone one on one training with an artist based in Brazil for paramedical tattooing. But I specially trained in Italy to learn and master the art of creating nipple and areola prosthetics. What I offer my clients is artisan level personally crafted prosthetics. I don’t just send out a DIY kit that people can do by themselves, my service delivers real looking results which is what people need after having gone through so much trauma.”
Empowering cancer survivors
“I work alongside some of Australia’s most renowned breast, oncoplastic and plastic surgeons however, the majority of my clients come from word of mouth referrals,” Ms Cirillo explained.
“It’s been amazing watching my business grow to what it has become today, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me. I have incredible plans for ProCosmediq and I would love the opportunity to collaborate with another business or organisation to host a large-scale charity event.
“In my field of work, it’s not just about the artistry behind the tattooing. To me, I want to go further and touch a deeper level of holistic healing for the body.
“When I meet a client, it’s not just about what external modifications they would like, I also take into account the mental and social factors. Breast cancer is a harrowing disease. In Australia, it is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and around 55 Australians are diagnosed every day with the disease. This comes up to around 20,000 per year; and sadly, every day, eight Australians lose their battle to the disease.
“It’s important to me that when I meet clients who’ve gone through the trauma of breast cancer, that I fill them with hope and the power to see past the disease and not think about what they lost.
“The logo of ProCosmediq is a butterfly because I wanted it to symbolise metamorphosis and the ability of people to overcome their life’s hurdles. I want them to feel like they can transcend beauty and become a better version of themselves.”
https://www.procosmediq.com.au
