Michelle Varga: My Journey in Medical Tattooing and Founding Varga Medical Art INC
My name is Michelle Varga, and I’ve dedicated my life to transforming the lives of those who bear scars—whether physical or emotional—through the healing art of medical tattooing. Although I began my career in healthcare, with an educational and clinical background in nursing, I ultimately chose a different path. However, my experience in healthcare has left an indelible mark on my approach to public service, shaping my commitment to ethical practices and trauma-informed care. This foundation has deeply influenced the work I do today through my nonprofit, Varga Medical Art INC, which specializes in medical tattooing for survivors of surgery, trauma, and illness.
One of my most rewarding specialties is tattooing 3D nipples for breast cancer survivors. This final step in breast reconstruction is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about restoring wholeness and confidence after a long and difficult battle. My passion for this work was enhanced by training under the renowned Stacie-Rae and the A.R.T. (Areola Restorative Tattoo) program, which has allowed me to master the techniques necessary to create lifelike 3D nipple tattoos for survivors. Every time I see a survivor look in the mirror and see their body restored, I’m reminded of my grandmother, who passed away from breast cancer. Her journey deeply inspired me to help others heal, and each nipple I tattoo feels like a tribute to her strength.
While my journey led me away from direct healthcare, the values I learned as a nurse—compassion, precision, and a commitment to ethical practices—are at the heart of everything I do. I’ve always believed that healing comes in many forms, and my path in medical tattooing has allowed me to offer healing in a profoundly personal way. Trauma-informed care is central to my approach, ensuring that each client feels safe, respected, and empowered throughout their tattooing journey.
Together with my husband, Eain Varga, who is also a talented artist, we have established V.I.P.A.R. (Varga Institute for Paramedical Art and Restoration). This educational institute is dedicated to training like-minded artists with a passion for paramedical tattooing, with a special focus on gender-affirming tattooing. We believe that the art of tattooing has the power to change lives, and through V.I.P.A.R., we are committed to sharing our knowledge and experience with others so they too can help individuals reclaim their bodies and identities. Gender-affirming tattooing is a profound and vital part of our work, helping individuals post-Phalloplasty or vaginoplasty surgeries align their bodies with their identities and feel complete.
But our work doesn’t stop there. We help people from all walks of life, providing tattooing for those who have undergone burn treatments, cleft lip repairs (by recreating the vermilion border to enhance the natural appearance of the lips), and people living with vitiligo who seek to restore pigmentation to their skin. We also work with individuals who have surgical scars, self-harm injuries, or any other scars that impact their confidence and well-being. For us, the sky is the limit when it comes to helping people heal and feel whole again.
My passion for this work extends beyond the technical skill—it’s about creating a safe space for people to reclaim their identity, their confidence, and their self-worth. Through Varga Medical Art INC, we ensure that these life-changing services are accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, so that no one is denied the chance to feel whole, beautiful, and empowered.
By establishing Varga Medical Art INC and V.I.P.A.R., we’re not only changing lives one tattoo at a time but also building a community of skilled, compassionate artists who are dedicated to ethical, trauma-informed care. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, and together, we’re making that a reality for people around the world.
With every 3D nipple tattoo I create, every scar I camouflage, and every gender-affirming service I provide, I am reminded of the incredible power of art to heal. I’m proud to continue this journey alongside my husband, Eain, and the incredible community of artists who share our vision. Together, we are turning tattoos into a force for empowerment and health, and the sky truly is the limit. "Our mission is more than skin deep-it's about changing lives, one tattoo at a time."
