Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Dr. Brandon Richland on the Life-Changing Role of Breast Cancer Reconstruction

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the renowned Orange County surgeon highlights advances, key considerations, and the healing impact of reconstruction - helping survivors restore confidence, recovery, and whole-person well-being.

Pink has become synonymous with breast cancer in recent years, and with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a great time to spark meaningful conversations. Breast cancer is something that leads many women to lose confidence and feel they are missing a part of themselves. Being able to restore that is paramount and life-changing, yet it does not receive the attention it deserves. This month, we shine a light on the powerful impact breast reconstruction can have for survivors.

"I have seen the difference that good breast reconstruction makes in those who have survived breast cancer," explains Dr. Brandon Richland, founder of Richland MD and Richland Aesthetics. "It's amazing and life-changing, and I feel honored to be able to help so many women with this issue."

According to the National Cancer Institute, many women have a mastectomy, which is a surgery to remove an entire breast or to prevent breast cancer. In doing so, they have the option to have breast reconstruction after the mastectomy. The reconstruction surgery rebuilds breasts using implants or tissue that is taken from somewhere else in the body, or sometimes using both. 

There have been advances in the field, including in surgical techniques, fat grafting, nerve repair, advanced tissue flap technique, and more. Surgeons today can use tissue from the buttocks, for example, to help reconstruct a new, natural-looking breast. Additional technology advances include 3D imaging, which provides detailed anatomy for precision, robotic-assisted surgery, and virtual reality, allowing people to see what the results will look like. There are also advancements in implants that help women achieve a natural appearance with their reconstruction surgery.

 According to the National Institutes of Health, breast reconstruction surgery can restore self-confidence in one's appearance, as well as regain self-confidence overall, and eliminate the need for uncomfortable prosthetics. The goal of the plastic surgeon, they report, is to develop a plan to restore body image after successful oncological treatment. 

"The first blow women get is being diagnosed with breast cancer," says Dr. Richland. "The second one doesn't have to be to diminish their self-esteem permanently. With breast reconstruction, we can help women once again feel good about their appearance and restore their self-confidence."

 Dr. Richland’s breast reconstruction services offer comprehensive care, including implant-based procedures, autologous tissue reconstruction, oncoplastic techniques, and nipple reconstruction. There are a variety of important factors that women should consider when they are exploring breast cancer reconstruction, which include: 

• Cancer Stage: Women in earlier stages of cancer may be better candidates for reconstruction.

• Type of Surgery: The size of the tumor and whether a mastectomy or lumpectomy is performed will impact reconstruction options.

• Body Type: Body mass index and the location of the cancer are critical factors in determining the surgical approach.

• Radiation or Chemotherapy: Radiation therapy can sometimes complicate the healing process and increase the risk of infection in reconstructed breasts.

• Timing of Reconstruction: Some women opt for immediate reconstruction, while others choose to delay the procedure for months or even years.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us, the journey doesn’t end with survival…it continues with healing, confidence, and reclaiming a sense of self. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brandon Richland is known for his commitment to natural-looking results and exceptional patient care, offering advanced breast reconstruction alongside a full spectrum of aesthetic treatments at Richland Aesthetics. With practices in Las Vegas, Nevada, Fountain Valley and Woodland Hills, California, and a Newport Beach location opening soon, Dr. Richland helps patients not only restore what cancer has taken, but also rediscover wholeness, strength, and beauty. To explore services or view before-and-after photos visit https://www.richlandmd.com. 

About Dr. Brandon Richland

Dr. Brandon Richland is a board-certified plastic surgeon with practices in Fountain Valley and Woodland Hills in California, Las Vegas, and COMING SOON Newport Beach, CA. He specializes in natural-looking mommy makeovers, breast augmentation, body contouring, and facial rejuvenation. A graduate of UCLA and Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Richland has earned top honors throughout his career, including the prestigious Top Surgery Student award. At Richland MD and Richland Aesthetics, Dr. Richland provides a full range of advanced cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation, lifts, tummy tucks, facelifts, and non-surgical treatments, all tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Committed to excellence and innovation, Dr. Richland combines state-of-the-art techniques with personalized care to help patients achieve beautiful, natural results. View his incredible before and after photos on @Dr.Richland  or @RichlandAesthetics on Instagram and book a consultation at  https://www.richlandmd.com/. Richland MD… A Luxury Medical Spa Experience.  

Sources:

National Cancer Institute. Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/reconstruction-fact-sheet

National Institutes of Health. Breast Reconstruction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470317/