Saffron and Berry, a laser treatment service in Crookes, has begun offering free radiotherapy tattoo removal for those who have undergone cancer treatment.
Lucy Akhavan-Hazaveh, owner of the business, launched her clinic last year and currently offers laser hair removal, facials and other treatments. Inspired by another Yorkshire laser removal service, she has now decided to offer free tattoo removal for those with a radiotherapy dot tattoo.
These small tattoos are typically given to patients undergoing radiotherapy for cancer, helping doctors align them correctly with the machinery.
For Lucy, providing this service is a way to honour her late mother.
“I lost my mum to cancer when I was 22,” she said. “So I thought it would be nice to help people who are going through that kind of horrible thing.
“If I could have any impact on the healing process for a family, then I would feel so satisfied.”
Normally, this treatment would cost £45 per session. Lucy reassures that it’s a safe and fairly quick process, usually taking just four or five sessions to completely remove the dot.
Saffron and Berry uses a Lynton Laser to remove tattoos. Originally developed in conjunction with the University of Manchester to help children recover from traumatic scarring, it is now used by the NHS for similar treatments.
This isn’t the first time Saffron and Berry has supported people affected by cancer – last year, the clinic held a giveaway for a facial in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Now, Lucy wants to offer something more permanent.
She said: “I know a lot of people wear their dot with pride as a celebration of the fact that they’ve recovered and survived, but I also know that for some, it’s a constant reminder and they would like to get rid of it.”
To learn more about the procedure or book a session, visit their website or email saffronandberry@gmail.com.
