T
attoos often symbolize a transformational experience, but some of Big Brain tattoo artist Lenny Renken’s most meaningful work is covered up in public. Renken provides the finishing touch for women who’ve had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery: tattoo work that creates a realistic-looking nipple.
“Women will come to me as the final process in the whole breast-cancer journey, usually about three months after the last surgery,” Renken said. “You can also do it years later.” “It’s not necessarily the most important part of the reconstruction after you just fought cancer, but it’s one of the most satisfying parts,” Big Brain Owner Joseph “Smitty” Smith said. Renken’s artistic ability makes a two-dimensional tattoo look like three-dimensional tissue over a series of sessions. By the last visit, Renken said, “You can see their confidence come back to them. It’s one of my favorite things I do.” Renken also specializes in using tattooing to improve the appearance of scar tissue for women who’ve had breast reduction surgery. He also works with transgender men after masculinizing chest surgery and transgender women following breast augmentation. BIG BRAIN DOWNTOWN 1123 JACKSON ST. | OMAHA, NE 68102 402.342.2885 BIG BRAIN WEST 16920 WRIGHT PLAZA, SUITE 162 OMAHA, NE 68130 402.905.4175 BIGBRAINOMAHA.COM
TATTOOING & PIERCING
LENNY RENKEN
Big Brain Productions || 11 || FA C E S
OF OMAHA 2021
