LIVINGSTON, N.J., Sept. 29, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- According to the National Cancer Institute, one woman in eight has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. As survival rates have improved, so have reconstructive techniques that help women regain a sense of femininity after mastectomy. Areola restoration is a procedure in which the skin is repigmented through a permanent makeup process as part of breast reconstruction and/or augmentation. "Among all the procedures I offer, areola restoration is the most gratifying to me," says MaryAnn Velardi, a certified derma technician who performs the procedure in New York and New Jersey (www.PermanentCosmeticMakeup.com).
Ms. Velardi completes an areola restoration procedure in her office once her client has undergone breast reconstructive surgery. As she tells her clients to sit up, open their blue exam gowns and take a look in the mirror, her clients are often overcome with joy as they look at their new areolas.
MaryAnn Velardi owner of Natural Look Permanent Makeup, LLC and www.PermanentCosmeticMakeup.com, works closely with plastic surgeons including Dr. Richard Peck, MD, F.A.C.S. (West Orange, NJ) and Dr. Perry C. Ritota, MD (Hackensack, NJ) who specialize in breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy. Patients can have immediate or delayed reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, notes Dr. Peck. The process involves either a transflap, in which they use the fatty tissue from the belly, or breast implants. The raised parts of the areola and nipple are formed from the remaining scar tissue.
At this point, MaryAnn then takes the blank slate on the breast and uses her artistic abilities to create areolas and nipples. "I create the most realistic looking areolas by giving the illusion of depth by highlighting and shadowing with colors," explains Velardi. Any surrounding scars can then be permanently camouflaged by corrective permanent cosmetics. MaryAnn also offers restoration of eyebrows that the cancer patient lost through chemotherapy.
Areola restoration can be performed six months after breast reconstructive surgery and usually lasts about 4-8 years. It is a two-step process, including a touchup eight weeks after the first procedure. The fee is $400 per areola and is usually covered by insurance. "The restored areola has a natural appearance when healed," Velardi adds.
Breast cancer patients or their advocates can learn more about areola restoration by calling (973) 740-1998 or visiting www.PermanentCosmeticMakeup.com.
Before and after photos of an areola restoration and other procedures performed by Natural Look Permanent Makeup can be viewed at http://www.permanentcosmeticmakeup.com/beforeandafter.htm.