Richard Bartlett, M.D.
One Brookline Place
Suite 620
Brookline, Massachusetts
02445
Phone: 617-735-1800
Fax: 617-735-1810
Contact our cosmetic and reconstructive surgery center near Boston to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bartlett.
Reconstructive surgery is an important part of Dr. Bartlett’s Boston area plastic surgery practice. Dr. Bartlett feels that this critical work should be performed by all plastic surgeons to serve the public and repay the debt that we owe for the privilege of being plastic surgeons. Dr. Bartlett’s experience in cleft lip and palate repair, the treatment of congenital nevi, (including giant nevi), severe congenital breast deformities and skin cancer has made him one of the most sought after surgeons in Boston. His dedication and attention to detail is complemented by his gentle bedside manner and sensitive approach to patients of all ages seeking reconstructive surgery.
Cleft lip and palate is a congenital deformity that affects approximately one in 800 live births. Deformities can range from a barely noticeable notch in the lip to a complete bilateral (both sides) cleft lip and palate. The first step in the treatment of those with cleft lip/palate is a complete physical exam and careful history to determine if the child has any other health issues. Equally important is nutritional and feeding advice, particularly for children with a cleft palate since they often have difficulty sucking and may become malnourished if proper bottle and feeding techniques are not used. Cleft lip reconstructive surgery is usually performed at approximately three to five months of age. Cleft palate repairs are performed between nine and twelve months of age. Patients are followed annually in the cleft lip and palate clinic. Speech therapy services and careful audiology (hearing) monitoring are also important. Many patients require secondary reconstructive surgery at various ages throughout childhood and into teenage years depending on their individual circumstances.
For more information on cleft lip and palate repair, visit the Cleft Palate Foundation website.
Congenital nevi, frequently called “moles,” are very common and, in the vast majority of cases, are not a problem. However, certain patients are affected by “atypical nevi” or “giant nevi” which carry an increased incidence of developing malignant melanoma. Such nevi can be small and “mole–like” or can cover large areas, (an entire back or limb or half of a scalp). Patients affected by such lesions should be closely followed by their primary care doctor and/or dermatologist. These physicians often recommend removal of nevi which have changed or are at risk for the development of skin cancers later in life. Occasionally, the patient or their family requests removal to improve appearance and improve self esteem. Because of the size of such lesions and the fact that they are often on sensitive areas such as the face, a plastic surgeon is usually consulted.
Dr. Bartlett has one of the largest series of treated nevi in the country. He carefully evaluates each patient who presents with atypical nevi and clearly explains their treatment options. Often this process takes more than one visit. For smaller nevi the critical issue is usually performing the surgery to minimize scarring. Larger nevi often require special reconstructive surgery techniques to restore the appearance of the skin, including skin grafts or tissue expansion. In every case the goal is to remove harmful or unsightly nevi while achieving a result that patients will be happy with.
For more information on congenital nevi visit the Nevus Outreach.
Dr. Bartlett has seen many patients whose self esteem has been affected negatively by breast deformities, including severe underdevelopment of a breast or complete lack of a breast. These patients often stop engaging in activities such as swimming or athletic competition. Buying clothing becomes difficult and social occasions become increasingly awkward.
Other breast deformities that can cause embarrassment and inhibit an active lifestyle include severely misshapen breasts, a deformed chest wall, (crooked ribs), or severe asymmetry, (different size breasts). Problems such as these can cause otherwise healthy women to become at best self conscious and at worst withdrawn. Dr. Bartlett has extensive experience in treating such deformities and has seen how carefully performed reconstructive surgery can restore confidence.
A requirement for reconstructive breast surgery is the completion of development during adolescence. This occurs at different ages depending on the individual. Dr. Bartlett will take a careful history and perform an exam to make this determination and will also assess the emotional maturity of each patient. There is not one type of reconstructive surgery that fixes all problems and each individual may be offered several options for treatment, including breast augmentation with implants, breast reduction, mastopexy (breast lift), and nipple size adjustment. Dr. Bartlett will help you to decide which option or options are best for you during your reconstructive surgery consultation at his Boston area practice.
For more information on the correction of breast asymmetry, visit our breast page.
Every year millions of patients are diagnosed with skin cancers. If caught early, cures are common. The most important actions that each person can take to protect against and monitor for skin cancer are conscientious use of sun block and careful monitoring of your skin by yourself and your primary care physician. Any change in the color or shape of a mole, or a mole which grows or bleeds should be seen immediately by your primary care doctor or a dermatologist.
Dr. Bartlett treats many skin cancer patients each year and is dedicated to effective treatment with the best results possible. He will work with your doctor to develop the best treatment plan. Dr. Bartlett is aware of the anxiety that a diagnosis of skin cancer provokes and will make every effort to see patients and perform treatments in a timely manner.
To learn more about the reconstructive surgery procedures performed by Dr. Bartlett, contact our office in Brookline today. Dr. Bartlett serves the Boston community and also welcomes patients from throughout New England.