Newport Beach breast reconstruction surgeon Dr. Brandon Richland

HOW CAN BREAST RECONSTRUCTION TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE?

improved quality of life

Breast reconstruction is an option for women who wish to restore the volume, shape, and contour of their breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. However, breast reconstruction can be a long and emotional process, and therefore, it is not necessarily for everyone. Additionally, if you have significant medical comorbidities or are an active smoker, you may not be a good candidate for breast reconstruction.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE

WHAT TO EXPECT

There are a number of factors that must be taken into consideration when considering which breast reconstructive procedure may be best for you:

The stage of the cancer
Where the cancer is located in the breast
Whether you plan to have a mastectomy or lumpectomy
Will you require radiation and/or chemotherapy
Your body type and BMI
Your preference to have reconstruction immediately at the time of surgery or at a later date

Meet With Dr. Richland to Discuss Your Breast Reconstruction

In Newport Beach or Huntington Beach

Breast reconstruction can be much more meaningful and emotional than most cosmetic procedures. Beyond the skill and experience to produce the best results, you want a provider with the compassion and disposition to get to know you and assure you throughout your treatment.

Dr. Richland’s Newport Beach breast reconstruction patients not only love their results but often speak to his kindness and ability to make them feel at ease. Begin your journey with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brandon Richland to ensure that you receive the highest level of care and optimal outcome.

Newport Beach breast reconstruction model in bikini

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION OPTIONS

achieve optimal results

Implant-based reconstruction

This is the most common method for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction performed in the United States today. Many women choose to have this type of reconstruction performed because there is generally less pain and less recovery time when compared to autologous tissue. Additionally they can avoid having a second surgical donor site as is needed in autologous tissue reconstruction.

Additional Reading

If you are undergoing implant-based reconstruction, either a tissue expander or permanent implant will be placed. If you have a tissue expander placed, you will need to return to the clinic every few weeks to fill the expander with saline. While this may seem time-consuming, it gives you the control to decide exactly what size and volume you would prefer. A second surgery is then required at a later date to remove the tissue expander and place a permanent implant.

Some women are candidates to have the permanent implant placed at the time of surgery. While this may seem preferable, not all women are candidates for this procedure. Dr. Richland will be able to discuss if you are a candidate for this procedure.

Autologous Tissue Reconstruction

This type of reconstruction utilizes your own tissue to reconstruct the breast. The advantage of this option is that by utilizing your own tissue, you may be able to avoid the use of an implant. The tissue is most commonly taken from the back (latissimus flap) or abdomen (TRAM flap, or DIEP flap) but can also be taken from other areas as well.

Oncoplastic Reconstruction

If you are undergoing a lumpectomy, you may wish to have oncoplastic reconstruction performed at the same time. This type of procedure utilizes your own breast tissue to fill in the defect from the lumpectomy, resulting in a more natural breast shape. Additionally, if you have “drooping” or “saggy” breasts, a breast lift may be able to be performed at the same time as well.

Immediate vs. Delayed Breast Reconstruction

With immediate breast reconstruction, the breast reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy.

Some women, either due to preference or medical conditions, choose not to have reconstruction performed at the same time as the mastectomy. If this is the case, after you heal from the mastectomy, your breast reconstruction procedure can be performed at a later date. This allows you to heal both physically and emotionally from the initial procedure before undergoing reconstruction.

Fat Grafting for Breast Reconstruction

After your initial reconstruction, some women who are thin may wish to have fat grafting performed to smooth out their breast contour and fill out the upper breast if it is hollow. This is similar to any fat grafting procedure where liposuction is performed to remove fat from unwanted areas (belly, flanks, thighs) and placed where more volume is needed.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

This is the final stage of breast reconstruction. If your nipple and areola were removed during the initial mastectomy, Dr. Richland can perform a procedure to reconstruct your nipple. Then tattooing will be performed to re-create the surrounding areola.

Breast Reconstruction FAQs

Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?

Yes, all procedures related to your breast cancer and breast reconstruction are covered by insurance according to the federal Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). This includes not only procedures on the affected breast but also the other breast as well for symmetry. This may include an augmentation, lift, or reduction on the non-cancer side.

How many breast reconstruction surgeries will I need?

The number of surgeries will vary depending on the type of method for reconstruction and your individual goals. Most women have more than one surgery, though. A small subset of women will require only one surgery if the permanent implant can be placed at the time of the mastectomy. However, you may still wish to have minor revision procedures at a later time, including fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, and/or contralateral breast symmetry procedures such as a lift, augmentation, or reduction.

Can I have breast reconstruction before/after radiation?

Breast reconstruction can be performed before or after radiation. However, in both cases, radiation increases the risk of major complications. Therefore, if you require or may require radiation, you will need to discuss this in detail with Dr. Richland.

START YOUR JOURNEY

Discover the difference Dr. Richland’s expertise can make in your life.

The journey to your ideal look and life should be one of excitement and assuredness. With Dr. Brandon Richland, you can expect nothing short of excellence from your initial consultation to the moment you realize your final results. Take the first step to realizing your aesthetic goals by scheduling a consultation in Newport Beach, Fountain Valley or Huntington Beach. Please complete this form to request an in-person consultation or click here for a Virtual Consultation.

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FOUNTAIN VALLEY

9900 Talbert Ave, Suite 101,
Fountain Valley CA 92708

714.241.0646

NEWPORT BEACH

455 Old Newport Blvd, Suite 101,
Newport Beach CA 92663

949.945.0025

BREAST RECONSTRUCTIONNEWPORT BEACH, CA

Conscientious Care

Breast Reconstruction Before & Afters