Hi @Marni it's a minefield to understand how the system works. Presuming you've had a mastectomy already it means you are looking at a delayed reconstruction which is what the long wait in public is for. For immediate recon it's only a 30-90 days as the mastectomy needs to be done and is usually catagory 1.
To find a plastic that operates in the public system just ask you breastfeeding surgeon or gp to refer you to one.
Even if you like the first surgeon you meet with, it's a good idea to have a few opinions as they can vary the technique and the cost.
Many surgeons operate in both and public doesn't mean poorer service or surgery. It all comes down to the surgeon.
All the best xx