Areola Restoration for Breast Cancer Patients After Mastectomy
Areola Restoration for Breast Cancer Patients After Mastectomy
September 29, 2006 -
As part of a breast augmentation or breast reconstruction procedure, breast cancer patients are now undergoing areola restoration in which permanent makeup is used to re-pigment the skin to create natural looking breasts.
A plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructing breasts after a mastectomy works closely with a permanent makeup artist to help patients achieve the best results.
After undergoing a mastectomy, a breast cancer patient can opt to have immediate or delayed breast augmentation surgery. The procedure may either involve a transflap in which fat tissue from the stomach is used to form new breasts, or breast implants. The raised part of the nipple and areola are created from scar tissue left behind after the mastectomy.
Once the plastic surgeon creates the new breast, the permanent makeup artist utilizes her artistic skills to create natural looking nipples and areolas. “I create the most realistic looking areolas by giving the illusion of depth by highlighting and shadowing with colors,” says MaryAnn Velardi, owner of Natural Look Permanent Makeup, LLC.
Furthermore, surrounding scars can also be permanently concealed with corrective permanent makeup. Areola restoration is typically performed six months after breast augmentation surgery and the results last anywhere from four to eight years.
The procedure includes two steps in which a touchup is required eight weeks after the first procedure. “The restored areola has a natural appearance when healed,” Velardi adds.
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