Who Is Susana Arnedo?
Susana Arnedo is a woman who faced breast cancer, underwent a radical mastectomy, and later had breast reconstruction. After two years of hiding her body, she found a moment that changed how she saw herself.
A Moment in the Mirror
While standing in front of a mirror at the Hospital General de València, Susana read a phrase that stuck with her: “You are looking at the most important woman in the world.” Seeing her own eyes and smile, she remembered the first time she smiled again after cancer treatment. That reflection reminded her of the day she regained her nipple through micropigmentation, and it made her feel like herself again.
The Micropigmentation Service at Hospital General de València
The hospital’s micropigmentation unit began six years ago as the first of its kind in the Valencian Community. It started with one day a week and now runs Monday to Friday in its own dedicated space.
How It Started
María Rovira, known as “Mery” to many patients, is a surgical nurse who also tattoos. She combined her two passions and became the first tattoo artist working in a public Valencian hospital. Over the years, the service has expanded to other hospitals in Valencia, Ribera, and Alicante.
What the Procedure Involves
Micropigmentation is similar to a tattoo but places pigment deeper in the skin for longer‑lasting results. The artist creates a 3‑D effect by adding shadows, highlights, and texture so the nipple‑areola looks realistic, even though the skin stays flat. The goal is to mimic a natural nipple as closely as possible.
Why the Nipple‑Areola Tattoo Matters
Psychological Impact
Studies show that having a nipple and areola helps women feel whole after breast cancer surgery. For Susana, the tattoo was the final step that let her stop hiding her body and start feeling confident again.
Beyond Breast Cancer
The unit also helps people with other conditions, such as cleft lip, vitiligo, scars, burns, alopecia, and even gender‑affirming surgeries. One recent patient was a man who suffered acid burns to his face; he is receiving micropigmentation for his eyebrow, ear, and hairline.
Susana’s Journey and the Bond with María Rovira
First Visit and Building Trust
Susana learned about the unit from a TV segment, asked her primary‑care doctor for a referral, and met María during an introductory appointment. María explained the process, showed photos of possible results, and created a trusting relationship that went beyond a typical nurse‑patient interaction.
The Day of the Procedure
Although Susana was nervous about pain—especially in a sensitive area—she went ahead with the session. The micropigmentation took about half an hour, and she left with a newly recreated nipple. A follow‑up check occurs after one month, and then patients usually return only every two years to assess whether a touch‑up is needed.
Looking Ahead
Follow‑up Care
After the initial healing period, the pigment stays stable for years. Patients are advised to protect the area from excessive sun and to report any changes during their routine check‑ups.
Encouraging Others
Susana now shares her story openly, especially around World Breast Cancer Day (October 19). She tells anyone who doubts the procedure to give it a try, because seeing herself whole again made a huge difference in her life.
Conclusion
Susana Arnedo’s experience shows how a simple tattoo can restore confidence and help women reclaim their sense of self after breast cancer. Thanks to the skill and empathy of professionals like María Rovira, micropigmentation has become a valuable step in the healing journey for many.
Source
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es