Client Testimonials
Your care is our commitment
Jane B “After a long and drawn out reconstruction procedure I could not wait to feel finished. I’d had micro pigmentation that had completely faded within weeks. In desperation I considered a High St tattoo but was really nervous about going into a tattoo parlour for the first time. Richard did everything possible to make me feel comfortable. He was discreet, professional and compassionate from the first meeting. The tattoo itself is great and finally I feel finished and able to move forward in my life.”
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Sam S “The actual procedure was very quick, about an hour from start to finish. Best of all Richard went out to the edge of the circular mastectomy scar and it makes the scarring a lot less obvious. He had to increase the areola slightly on the good size to match the skin island but it’s pretty effective and was not too painful. Now I can actually look at the reconstruction without seeing that horrible scar and this has been very healing for me.”
“I can thoroughly recommend Richard. His premises are spotless and he is very committed to getting you the best result possible. I did not feel shy or embarrassed as he is very matter of fact and helpful.”
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Molly J “Richard did a great job and made me feel comfortable in the studio. I still need more treatment to get the colour to match but the first treatment already has made a huge difference in which I am very happy. Thank you”
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Sharon S "Ten years ago I had a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery which left me with no colour to my left breast/nipple. I had been thinking of getting an areola tattooed on my breast for a few years but felt apprehensive. I was out with my daughter one day and she wanted to pop into adrenaline. Whilst we were there we asked if they did this type of tattooing. This is when I met Richard. I felt comfortable around him straight away and found him easy to talk to. We arranged a consultation for him to talk me through everything and see if it was what I wanted. Everything was explained very clearly and I was happy to book an appointment for the following week. The following week I arrived and Richard shut the shop for me, which made me feel more comfortable.
The tattoo took less than an hour during which I felt completely at ease, which is not what I expected. When the tattoo was finished I looked in the mirror and was genuinely amazed by the results. I finally feel confident about my body again and it will make an immense difference to my life. Richard is a true professional who cares about his work, as were all the other staff who were so conscientious and friendly. Thank you.”
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Kay and Terry “ All I can say is, THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. I went home on cloud nine last night because I was so happy with the result and I cannot stop looking at them today.
We are so glad we found you because you have done an amazing job. I was so nervous before we came because I was scared about the result and if i was making a big mistake that i would have to live with and going in I was nervous about going into a tattoo parlor but you are a great guy and such an expert at what you do.
Richard, I just cannot express my gratitude enough, it's been a tough year but we are finishing this process on a high thanks to you.”
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My girlfriend, I know since we are 10, had a breast cancer diagnose some years ago and had to amputate her breast. A reconstruct was not possible and her breasts and nipples amputed to save her life. She was very sad and only a few of you may imagine how much she suffered...But she never gave up and loved to look good.
But how to get a nice breat without restriction? She googled herself clever and found out that in America there is a guy called Vinnie Myers, who is tattooing 3D nipples that look amazingly real. But travelling to USA was too much of a circumstance and Vinnie Myers told her, that there is a guy called Richard Burley from Luton, UK who lernt the technic at his place.
There is even an easyjet destination to Luton. I said to my friend: "I do not let you go alone, as you do not know those people!"---o là là! In Luton we met a wonderful person called Richard Burley and he change the life of my BFF for ever by tattooing her. You should have seen her face, after she saw her nipples 3D, she had tears in her eyes.
Rich did such a great job! Then he asked me: "do you have also a tattoo?" well I was a bit ashamed, as I did my only tattoo 35 years ago in Switzerland, when it was even illegal to do things like this and a woman, can you imagine, in these days, woman had no right, but I made the tattoo in a very underground place in St. Gallen by Werner and those days only pirate, prisoners or aborigines had tattoos.
Richard asked about my past? oha! well, my old butterfly tattoo looked after 35 years very fade....I showed it to Richard! He said: "do you wanna restore it?"--Hmmmm?? I came to Luton, do company my friend because Richard looked very dangerous on the web side and not to tattoo..... But after being 2 days in Luton I loved Richard from the bottom of my heart and trusted him.
And: With 52 years to look like 29 years it means working out 5 times a week, having a brace in my mouth and doing whatever funny things to look young...and having a tattoo that looks 35 years old, that doesn't fit all together on my body.....So immediately I jumped under his needles and Richard did such a great job!
My butterfly looks freshed up with great colours and has even now a 3D effect! I was not the last time in Luton and my 4 kids, whenever they wanna make a tattoo I will send them to Richard! I can highly recommend Richard Burley, his fantastic work and the Adrenalin Tattoo Shop to all tattoo lovers all over the world!
Sylvia Lafranchi, Mrs Switzerland 1999, Bern
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Ladies, If you intend to do a 3D Areola Tattoo, Richard is the right person for this. His work is exemplary and I highly recommend him. He is not only very gifted in art and has a lot of experience, but is also very sensitive about breast cancer and the impact of a mastectomy.
I’m very impressed about the 3D Areola tattoo he did for me, it looks absolutely realistic and I have received lots of compliments. It’s hard to describe what big difference this means to me to have this tattoo. I’m just happy.
Richard, you are doing a great job in supporting women in this difficult situation. Many thanks for your motivation and dedication in this!
5th July, Gisela from Bern, Switzerland
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I underwent a preventative double mastectomy and reconstruction 14 years ago and although accepting of the results, was never really happy with the reconstructed nipples. Via the NHS, I have had 3 attempts at tattooing my nipples to try to make them look more realistic, but following each session, the colour has faded, leaving me with a faint orange shadow where my nipples are.
Recently I saw Richard's work on the Channel 4 programme "My Tattoo Addiction" and immediately thought "that's exactly what I need", so I contacted him to find out more. This initial conversation was brilliant, and very informative, with Richard answering all of my questions and concerns, so I took the plunge and booked an appointment.
As someone who doesn't have any tattoos (other than my NHS nipples) I approached the salon with some trepidation, not quite knowing what to expect. However any concerns were completely unfounded - here was a salon with an incredibly friendly and professional atmosphere, whose staff immediately put me at ease, and whose levels of hygiene and cleanliness were exemplary. Richard is a man with a particular gift, and obviously obtains enormous satisfaction from his work, and is very knowledgeable about the various mastectomy operations. He fully explained what was going to happen, making sure that I was completely happy with everything before he proceeded.
Once the tattooing was finished, the aftercare was thoroughly explained, and provided, and I am absolutely thrilled with the results. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Richard to anyone who is considering having this done.
Helen, Teesside
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Richard did a wonderful job on matching the lighter scar tissue around my areolas. I had tried micropigmentation and that hadn't really helped at all. This makes the scars barely noticeable. I feel so much better. In addition, Richard was very kind about making sure I felt comfortable and was at ease.
Thank you. M
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"Yesterday I set foot in a Tattoo studio for the first time. I had finally made an appointment to have the areola tattoos on my reconstructed breasts after a double mastectomy 4 years ago. All I can say is “Why did I wait so long??”.
It was all so easy and so discreet. I made initial contact a couple of weeks ago over the phone and I spoke to Nat who was really kind and understanding. I sent to her pictures of my “white as a sheet” reconstructed boobs and she called me back immediately to set up an appointment. Yesterday at 12 I stepped into the 3D Areola studio. I was nervous. I did not need to be! Everybody was so soft and kind to me.
The shop was closed to allow for total privacy. Richard did the tattooing and it was all over much quicker than I expected. I felt completely comfortable and the first thing I did when I left the shop (after giving Richard a big hug for the amazing job he did) was texting my BFF just with the words “What was I waiting for?”. A huge thank you to everybody. I feel so much better now, about myself and my looks! XXX"
Best to you all. Paola
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"After having breast cancer, a mastectomy and chemotherapy I was feeling very nervous about having a new nipple tattooed on my reconstructed breast. Marek at Adrenalin was brilliant. He was so careful about getting the colours absolutely right to match my real breast nipple and he is a great artist. It is amazing how good and realistic my areole nipple tattoo looks.
The woman who did my recent mammogram asked how the plastic surgeon had been able to save my real nipple! Even she was fooled by my areola tattoo. Thank you for doing a fantastic job and giving me confidence in my body again."
Gay
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"Thank you so much. After one and a half years and three operations - double mastectomy and reconstruction resulting in the loss of one of my nipples, I now feel complete. I was a little apprehensive, having never been in a tattoo parlour before, but the minute I stepped in the door everyone was friendly and reassuring.
And the tattoo is amazing, Richard did an outstanding job, less than one week later and I now feel totally normal, I look in the mirror and it is hard to tell the difference. Worth every penny, thank you!!"
Rebecca
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"I had my 3D Areola tattoos done by Marek, he even replaced a mole for me that I lost during surgery, he also did me a beautiful pink ribbon on my back. From my first phone call enquiry Nat made me feel so comfortable that she made me cry, I was treated with dignity and respect though out.
When I arrived Nat made me a cup of tea and when I left the owner brought me a drink over the road in the pub. We chatted about how I'd come to need this tattoo done.
Basically I got breast cancer, had a double mastectomy, got reconstruction done at the same time, the tattoos have made my breast look so good that I wouldn't be afraid to go topless on the beach. Big shout out to some great talented people thanks"
Elaine xxxxxxxxx
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"Following a mastectomy and breast reconstruction a few years ago, I had an areola tattoo done a few times, using the micro-pigmentation method, which is not really intended to be permanent but is offered on the NHS at the time of the reconstruction. The problem with it is that it fades and needs to be re-done pretty much annually.
On my last routine visit to the hospital, it was suggested by the breast care nurse that I could opt for a permanent tattoo if I so wished, and she suggested 3D in Luton as they specialise in this type of work. It is not available on the NHS but the prices are very reasonable. I checked out the website and made an appointment. Everyone was really friendly from start to finish and I was made to feel completely at ease and relaxed.
On arrival, I was greeted by Nat, who made sure I was completely happy before, during and after the procedure - she was an absolute pleasure to meet, as was Marcin, who did the tattoo. He is obviously very skilled in this type of work as the 3D effect of the tattoo was created using different colours on different parts of the areola and nipple, producing a very effective result. Marcin is a lovely guy who seems to genuinely enjoy his work and making people happy. I am very happy to recommend 3D for an areola tattoo; they did a great job and I’m very pleased that I no longer have to have the tattoo done every year."
Ingrid, London
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"After having a double mastectomy due to aggressive cancer at the age of 36, I was lucky enough to undergo a diep reconstruction a couple of years ago. I did a lot of research into the areola tattoos and after liaising with Vinnie Myers in the states, he recommended me to Richard Burley and team at Adrenalin in Luton. I contacted Nat at Adrenalin who was incredibly friendly and informative.
I sent some photographs and we set a date. My husband and I traveled down from South Wales to Luton last Saturday and I am so glad that I did. Richard is a master of his trade, the results are really fantastic, they look real!!! I was put at ease and did not experience any pain however that is probably down to the type of reconstruction I have had as I don't have any feeling in that area.
The process took maybe a couple of hours, Richard and his team are all really friendly and respectful and I really was made to feel at ease. I am thrilled with the results and would like to thank Richard and his team at Adrenalin for the service they offer to us survivors, you are empowering women who have had breast cancer and you are doing a fantastic job. Thank you!!!"
Laura C
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"4 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After chemotherapy, mastectomy, reconstruction, radiotherapy, 18 rounds of Herceptin, 5 further operations, ongoing Tamoxifen and a faded semi-permanent tattoo I decided to look into permanent tattoos and found Richard at Adrenalin. After a discussion on the phone I decided that this was going to be the way forward for me and made an appointment.
Richard and his staff made me feel exceptionally welcome. He explained the tattoo process to me (I was a novice!!). We decided that, because the nipple on my (good side) had been damaged so much by 2 rounds of uplifting surgery, he would tattoo both breasts. Richard set about taking measurements and drawing lines on my breasts to ensure that the nipples were placed in the right place.
The whole process was virtually pain free and when I did suffer some discomfort on my (good side) Richard used some anesthetic spray. The nipples are still healing one week later but I am delighted with the results and Richard was keen to stress that if I wasn’t entirely happy I was welcome to return. I now feel that my breasts are as good as they can be after suffering from cancer - I can’t recommend Richard at Adrenalin more highly."
"I got to know 3D Areola 2 years ago, but only this year in April I found the time to fly to Luton and see Richard and his team. I was quite excited and thanks god, my friend joined me - she was a great support. Once you enter the shop you get a warm welcome and all explanations/information are very detailed.
Also I had a small Problem with my scar, Marcin found a great solution and I was so relieved and happy. He explained step by step was he was doing and this gave me a feeling of comfort. Marcin is very professional and absolutely great in his job - again I cannot thank you enough. I would recommend Richard and his team any time."
Have a nice Weekend.
Connie
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"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2010 and subsequently had a mastectomy of my right breast. Owing to the position of my cancer, my surgeon Giles was unable to save my nipple. I had a reconstruction about 6 months later, during which a silicone implant was inserted underneath my pectoral muscle and a new nipple was made. The shape of my new breast was great but I had a lot of scarring.
I had two rounds of micro-pigmentation to simulate an areola but both faded. I was going to get another round done when Giles recommended Adrenalin Tattoos, saying the result was “sooo much better”. I duly contacted Richard and he couldn’t have been more helpful. After an exchange of emails detailing my medical history and wishes, I made an appointment. I’d also decided that I wanted a decorative tattoo on my breast as a symbol of all I’d overcome and sent over photos of artwork I liked. I was all set.
I confess to being a little apprehensive. I’d never even been in a tattoo parlour before or indeed even considered having a tattoo; I am a total chicken when it comes to pain. Once there I was warmly welcomed by Natalie and introduced to Marcin who would be doing my tattoo, as Richard had passed away suddenly only a few days before. I had decided to have the tattoo done during normal business hours; lots of rounds of hospital treatment make you lose your inhibitions pretty fast. And it was great to be part of the buzz, albeit from behind curtains.
After a lovely cup of tea and a chat during which he put me totally at ease, Marcin set to work. He went to great efforts to ensure that the simulated areola would match my natural left breast in terms of shape and position. We then had a chat about the decorative tattoo. He took the artwork I had sent over and adapted it by drawing free hand on my breast, following the contours and also covering most of the ugly scarring. Then we were set for tattooing.
As I have little sensation on my reconstructed breast, I decided to forego numbing cream. The tattoo process was a little painful but totally bearable and before I knew it, Marcin had finished the decorative tattoo. When he showed me the result in the mirror I almost cried it is so pretty. I just had to show it to the girls. He then set to work on the areola and spent a great deal of time matching the various tones and shades of my left areola and making sure that the position of my nipples would line up. He had to “move” the position of the nipple slightly by shading. Again the tattooing process was only slightly uncomfortable. All in all the whole process took just over two hours.
Once finished Marcin was at pains to explain to me how the colour would change during healing and to come back after 6 weeks or so if the colour requires adjusting. It’s only a few days on and already I am absolutely delighted with the result. I can see how it will look. The decorative tattoo is fabulous and with my new areola in place, I might even be persuaded to topless sun bathing, something unthinkable since losing my breast.
The team at Adrenalin are warm, caring and super talented. The whole experience was very life affirming for me, for which I am really, really grateful, especially as they had all just suffered a great loss in Richard’s passing. The one thing that was so important to me after the diagnosis and all the surgeries was a return to normality, something I now feel I can finally do. I can’t recommend them highly enough; and I may well have caught the tattoo bug! "
Andrea
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Nat,
I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you both for making me feel so welcome and at ease in your studio, I really felt like a bunny caught in the headlights when I arrived for my consultation, but you both put me at ease straight away with your confidence and knowledge of the procedure along with positive stories and good humour.
I was very nervous when I arrived for the tattoo and worried that the pain would be too much, but I can honestly say that once the tattooing started and I realised I couldn't feel a think I started to relax. I had total confidence in Marcin's talents and ability and never once worried about what the end result would look like. His colour matching techniques and eye for detail are amazing.
I know it is early days, but three days on I am overwhelmed with how pleased I am with the areola tattoo. Marcin's work has restored my body confidence and made me feel feminine again, I cannot thank him enough.
I am more than happy to speak to anyone who would like to discuss the procedure and promote your talents, I feel this is the final part of my cancer journey and you have made me feel like a woman again. Cancer took my confidence, my body, my hair and my future (for a time) and you have given that back to me with the tattoo.