New Breast Reconstruction Specialist Joins AHN

PITTSBURGH, PA – Andrea Moreira, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in the use of advanced techniques in breast reconstruction, has joined Allegheny Health Network (AHN) from Cleveland Clinic and will serve as Co-Director of the Microsurgery and Breast Reconstruction Program in the AHN Division of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Moreira, a staff surgeon at Cleveland Clinic since 2011, brings to AHN an extensive background in clinical care and research, much of it focused on microsurgical and other newer surgical techniques and quality-of-life issues for women undergoing breast reconstruction, either post-mastectomy or as part of preventive care for high-risk patients.

She treats patients with tissue-flap and implant-based breast reconstruction, re-sensation in breast reconstruction, liposuction and fat grafting, surgical prevention and treatment of lymphedema including lymphaticovenous bypass and vascularized lymph node transfer, as well as cosmetic surgery.

“For many patients who undergo mastectomies, breast reconstruction is of critical importance, affecting their self-esteem and quality of life,” said Angela Keleher, MD, director of breast surgery at AHN. “Dr. Moreira is a skilled surgeon who shares our philosophy of individualized, holistic care and we are thrilled to welcome her to our team.”

After serving as a craniofacial research fellow at the Institute for Craniofacial and Reconstructive Surgery in Southfield, Michigan, Dr. Moreira joined the Cleveland Clinic as a research fellow in plastic surgery. She also completed a residency in general surgery, and a fellowship in plastic surgery at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Moreira is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Brazilian Board of Plastic Surgery. She is member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, and the American Association of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Moreira has numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations. She is assistant professor of surgery in Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and she serves as an associate editor for Annals of Plastic Surgery. Her research interests include improving surgical and patient reported outcomes in breast reconstruction, innovation in reconstructive microsurgery, and advancing surgical visualization technology.

Dr. Moreira is a native of Brazil who received her medical degree from State of Para Federal University Medical School. She has returned to South America for humanitarian missions, performing breast reconstruction on patients in Chile while working side-by-side with local physicians to teach them state-of-the-art techniques.

“I am pleased to be joining AHN, and to be working alongside the skilled surgical oncologists at AHN Cancer Institute, during a period of growth and expansion for the organization,” Dr. Moreira said. “We share the goal of offering each woman individualized treatment during a very difficult time in her life, and using the most advanced techniques to give her the greatest satisfaction over time."

*Originally published on AHN.org.