How nipple tattoos are helping women feel better in their bodies

Regaining Self-Confidence After Breast Cancer

A woman in a white t - shirt standing in front of a brick wall.

Breast cancer is by far the most common type of cancer among women. On average, approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. According to the World Health Organization, 2.3 million women across the globe were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 – and 685,000 lost their fight to the disease. But thanks to medical advances, the outlook for breast cancer patients  has improved immensely in recent years.   

A cancer diagnosis changes everything for the patient. And although the doctors usually reconstruct the breast after they have removed the tumor, they don’t typically reconstruct the nipple. But it’s not just patient’s appearance that is altered.
 

Many women find that their self-confidence suffers and no longer feel comfortable doing things like getting changed at the swimming pool or gym.  

In 2008, tattoo artist Andy Engel founded the company “medbwk by Andy Engel” to perform nipple reconstructions and help women feel comfortable in their own skin again. “We always aim to tattoo a lifelike, 3D nipple,” says Andy, explaining the concept. Bayer is supporting this initiative as part of Bepanthen’s “Completely Myself Again” tattoo aftercare campaign. In doing so, the company hopes to spread the word about this recovery option.  

In this video, women explain how their nipple tattoo has helped them heal emotionally. 

Digital

Once the nipple has been reconstructed, the wound needs to heal properly because, like any other tattoo, a nipple tattoo also goes under the skin. Aftercare and healing are key to ensuring the end result can be maintained for as long as possible after the nipple reconstruction. This is where Bepanthen® comes in. The wound and healing ointment calms, heals and protects the still-fresh 3D tattoo by forming a breathable film over the irritated area of skin. Its active ingredient dexpanthenol penetrates deep into the skin and supports the wound healing process. You can read more about nipple reconstructions here: https://www.bepanthen-bwk.de/ (available in German only)

Mandatory text

Women's Health at Bayer

Over the course of their lives, women have many different health needs. They can be questions about their menstrual cycle, birth control, pregnancy or menopause. But they can also be concerns about medical conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding and infections or even diseases such as breast cancer, endometriosis or myomas.

Bayer is a recognized leader in women’s healthcare. We have a long-standing commitment to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments and solutions. We also offer programs that address the individual health needs of women and support their health through various stages of their lives.

Discover more
skin graphic
Skin Care
Introducing You to Your Skin
As your body’s largest organ, your skin does some of your body’s most important work.
Read More
2 min read
For All collage image
People & Perspectives
Access to Better Health and Nutrition
Whether we’re talking about agriculture or healthcare, the largest obstacles around the globe–the ones that most affect our lives–often come down to access, inc
Read More
3 min read
A woman holding a red fan in her hand.
Better Health
With More Science and Less Silence, Menopause Enters a New Age
Though every woman will transition into menopause, no two experiences are the same. While some welcome this new chapter, many others feel uncomfortable and unprepared for the range of life-altering changes that can be debilitating and marginalizing. Through more conversation and medical innovation, the mystery of menopause is unraveling
Read More
6 min read
A black man is looking at himself in the mirror.
Skin Health
Worlds We Carry: The Microbiome Universe Right Under Your Nose
Scientists Holger Lenz, Ph.D., and Stefanie Tang, Ph.D., use skin microbes to manage common ailments.
Read More
4 min read
A woman laying in bed with a hot water bottle.
Better Health
When Normal Is Not Normal – Let’s Talk about Women’s Health
Often it is women who take care of other people and support them - whether in the family or at work. But what about their own health? Menstruation-related complaints, vaginal infection, chronic diseases like endometriosis, or oncologic diseases such as breast cancer – many health-related issues may occur throughout a woman’s life. Although a lot of information is available, many topics and issues in the area of women's health are still taboo, and a lack of information as well as uncertainty remains high –sometimes leading to severe issues being dismissed as “normal” or “simply part of being a woman”.
We talked to Cecilia Caetano, Gynecologist/Obstetrician and Director of Menopause Management at Bayer, about the importance of education and why women should proactively talk more about their symptoms and be mindful of their health.
Read More
10 min read
A woman holding two bowls of food in front of a refrigerator.
Women's Health
Pregnancy Myths and Nutrition Facts
With pregnancy comes an overwhelming amount of advice and information. And still, there are a couple of things that parents-to-be are not aware of, especially when it comes to nutrition. We’ve compiled scientific facts and asked an expert for advice. Here’s what you need to know to give your baby the best start in life...
Read More
5 min read
A man in a lab coat is holding a game controller.
Science at Home with Bayer
Be Kind to Your Mind: How to Boost Your Mental Health
Science at Home with Bayer: Be Kind to Your Mind: How to Boost Your Mental Health. Exploring signs of stress and ways to protect our mental health with experiments for kids and the Bayer04 eSports team.
Read More
10 min read
A person washing their hands with soap and water.
Hand Washing & Co.
So Important is Correct Hand Hygiene – Not Only in Times of COVID
Wearing a protective mask that covers our nose and mouth, maintaining social distancing and regularly washing our hands are protective measures that have been an integral part of our everyday lives for over half a year now.
Read More
4 min read
A woman in an orange sweater.
No Taboo
COVID-19 and your mental health – no room for taboos
Corona stress promotes mental illness. Bayer wants to strengthen the discourse on mental health support those most at-risk, like the chronically ill.
Read More
5 min read
A black and white photo of a woman with curly hair.
Familiy Planning
Access to Contraceptive Care Can Help Build Healthier Families
Learn about the journey some women must take to receive proper contraceptive care to ensure healthy futures for their families.
Read More
7 min read
A photo of a woman with freckles in a polka dot dress.
Finding Heart
Women and Cardiovascular Risk
Even during the pandemic, women need to watch their heart health
Read More
10 min read
A female doctor talking to a female patient.
Women's Health
5 Myths About Breast Cancer
With breast cancer being the most common cancer amongst women, there are also many myths flying around.
Read More
5 min read
3 min read