Hi, I had a mastectomy 2 years ago and am looking at reconstruction, my breast specialist referred me to a plastic surgeon. His quote has come in where I will be $16000 out of pocket after medicare and private health rebate. I think this is really quite costly. Should I go back to my specialist and ask for a referral to another plastic surgeon or is this the going rate?
Hieberk
I am late to this discussion but can confirm what others have said, even with private health fund my out of pocket expenses were very high - I had double mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction - had a top breast cancer surgeon and plastic surgeon .
Both surgeons operate in the public system as well but I would have had a long wait for the reconstruction and also there would be no guarantee those surgeons would do the operation .
Its complex surgery and I had the money but it is a tough call.
Hi abbydog thankyou so much for replying I have just read your message on my phone all my BCNA messages are in spam so I have to fix that ! I have a benign mass in my right boob and I told the BS I want the whole boob cut off she asked me about a breast reconstruction and I said no I think I’m to old (63)but since I’ve joined BCNA I see other women my age have a reconstruction she referred me to Dr Lodge I saw her at the end of sept my diep would be from 2 sites my back and stomach and I’ll have to be a B cup which I’m very happy with .I rang her rooms a couple of weeks ago wondering why she hasn’t sent me her quote I was told she wants to see me again in January I don’t know why. I’ve only seen Dr Lodge . I keep changing my mind but I love the idea I’ve having smaller boobs and that’s what making me do this. I don’t know if I can afford this I’m just a kitchen hand and a domestic cleaner in an aged care facility. I think I smell at the end of my kitchen shift my prosthetic boob gets wet .im just worried if I go flat I will regret it but I also have to quit smoking which I am doing . I’m planning to have the surgery in July next year that gives me plenty of time to stop the bloody cigarettes
Ps I found your message on my iPad I’m still having trouble navigating this site
again Thankyou
I too am finding this BCNA site, not always easy. Did Dr Lodge see you as suitable then? Maybe she wants to see you in January when you have made up your mind, and then set a date? I did not have your surgery, but it was still a long one. Yours sounds longer. For her to book your date it would be her whole operating list for that day. I don't think 63 is old for this. But you probably should have general good health. I was 61 on diagnosis and 63 for Recon. I'm not sure if I'm allowed, but did you know that there is an Adelaide facebook group that has some in person get togethers. It's called Adelaide Breast Cancer Friendship Group Chat Room. Did Dr Lodge give you a price for the Recon she was offering you?
I am about to undergo a double DIEP in Brisbane. Quote is approximately $30K surgeon and anaesthetist combined. Surgeon is Dr Tavis Read. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has used this surgeon in the past.
It can be heaps cheaper if your willing to wait to go public. There are a loto f variables with the surgery type and the sugeons eperience for sure. It can be worth investing in seeing a few for intial consults just to gather ideas and learn about your options and different approaches.
Here is a podcast episode from the great series by sydney BC thriver Luan ,all about recon stuff. This is the medicare and privat e health cover episode, but do explore the series for a heap of great tips and advice from patients and doctors on all things booby surgery , breast cancer and stuff. https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/breast-reconstruction-podcast/blog-post-title-four-w9bm9-eke5d
I'm looking at a double DIEP reconstruction and just got some private quotes from a very experienced well respected plastic surgeon in oncology breast reconstruction in Perth. It requires breast surgeon (approx $500 gap) plus two plastic surgeons (approx $9500 and $10700 gap) plus anethetist (at least $6500 gap), the total coming out at about $28000 including $750 health fund excess. This is about what I was told to expect by the surgeons in the public system, so no great surprises.
I don't think I would shop around for prices, from what I've heard most of the more experienced surgeons will be similar and I think its really about going with someone you are comfortable with and who has strong experience and reputation in the type of surgery you are having done.
Revisions would be extra but I've been told that the most complex of those would be about $6500, and nipple reconstruction would also be extra but dont have any prices on that yet.
I’ve just been quoted $12,500 out of pocket for a single mastectomy with diep reconstruction. I’m in vic. I was really shocked but am going ahead, I’ve been really anxious about the whole thing so if I pay at least I know when it will be and who my surgeons are. I feel so bad for those who can’t afford this option, it’s shocking that ps are charging so much!
I had my Recon in 2022. It was a Lat Dorsi and a prophylactic to the other side.My Breast surgeon removed the healthy breast and my Plastic surgeon did all of the Recon to both sides. I had 2 tissue expanders, changed later to implants.
My Breast surgeon charged $500, and my Plastic Surgeon Charged $1000. The PS fee also included all of the visits for Seroma and Filling of expanders. My Anaesthetist charged no gap. When the expanders were changed to implants she charged $500. I have been pleased with the fees and thrilled with her work on me. I have great symmetry. The only other fee was my Hospital Excess, which for me is $250 once a year.
I recommend a second or third opinion. But not choosing based only on fees. I chose after 3 opinions and personal experience from a co worker for the PS I chose. I am in SA
Hi abbydog I replied to your message but I’m still navigating this site I hope you got it I noticed it didn’t say me to you so I have no idea where it went 😂😂
Hello. I’m in SA too. I had bilateral mastectomy in 2018, then tissue expanders, followed by implants. The reconstruction has been “revised” twice by the plastic surgeon who did the original reconstruction but the cosmetic result is still disappointing. I am looking to get another opinion, or two, and wonder if you would share the name of your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon.
Did you get any extra opinions on surgery review?
Hi eberk - thankyou for starting the conversation. While we wait for others to share their own advice and experience, we thought you may also be interested in our resources relating to breast reconstruction.
We acknowledge the out-of-pocket costs vary for women going through the private health system, with around 20 per cent of respondents in our Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 report facing out-of-pocket costs of more than $10,000. Some women in regional and rural areas experience longer wait times and higher costs than those in major cities.
You can also refer to our website page Find a surgeon for breast reconstruction to support you as well. Unfortunately it can be a case of 'shopping around' for those who choose to go privately.
Please feel free to reach out to our Helpline 1800 500 258 if you wish to chat further.
