Forum Discussion
Breast reconstruction under the public system
Hi ladies,
I had a lumpectomy about 5 years ago that has left me very disfigured. It's taken me this long to get the courage to think about more surgery. I imagine it would probably be easiest to have my normal breast reduced in size to match the affected one. Is it possible to have this sort of surgery under the public system or would I need to go through a private doctor?
I live in Brisbane and any advice would be welcome.
5 Replies
Thanks everyone for all your responses - it's a great help and I'm feeling more heartened now.
Hi Redcliffe.
I am in sydney but I assume it's a similar situation. I have just had reconstructive surgery through the public system. You have to find a reconstructive surgeon who operates in the public system, I saw three before I found one that did! Then I was on a waiting list for a little over a year. Only out of pocket I've had to pay was for the anaesthetist.
Hope that helps! Good luck xx
Hi Redcliffe, i am sorry to hear you have such disfigurement and appreciate the effort to take the steps to get things back to what you feel comfortable with.
The reality is that sometimes these contralateral mastapexy surgeries are able to be covered in the public system, but it can depend on what the specific hospital will cover. I have recently learned that in my local area it will not be covered, but neighbouring health areas do cover it. Could be different in QLD.
When you see a surgeon be very specific with what you need, and if you need to perhaps ask for a second opinion in another area to find what you need. Unfortunately QLD has long wait lists, but keep persisting for what you need.
cheers Louie XXX
Yes you could have this under the public system. Once referred the options to what can be done, waiting lists etc will then be known. Good luck with this part of your journey. Kath x
